Looking for a TV show to keep you entertained and indoors this summer? Whether it’s an electric science fiction story, a laugh-out-loud comedy or a historical fantasy epic, the library has the inside scoop on what’s worth watching. This blog was written by one of the Arapahoe Libraries teen interns teens to share their top picks for shows that’ll keep your interest from start to finish. Enjoy!
Supernatural (15 Seasons – 327 episodes)
Horror, Drama, Fantasy, Fiction
Description: Two brothers find out their father is missing while on a hunting trip, but to the Winchester family, hunting means chasing after the supernatural: demons, spirits and other creatures. Behind it all is one mystery: who (or what) was behind the death of their mother?
Why you should watch it: The Winchester brothers are a blast to watch: they have the sibling relationship down pat, complete with snarky banter and an undying loyalty to each other (though they'd never say it out loud). The plot is great and advances with each episode, even though there is an overarching story in the background. Plus, it's horror! Just watch it. It's great.
IMBD Rating: 8.4/10
Teen rating: 12/10
Psych (8 Seasons – 120 episodes)
Detective Comedy Drama
Description: Following Shawn Spencer, Santa Barbara’s resident police “psychic” as he solves crimes with his sidekick Gus.
Why you should watch it: Psych is lighthearted, full of jokes and references and has the best representation of childhood best friends. You'll absolutely adore the show if you want something that'll make you laugh-out-loud. Each episode is a new mystery that'll keep you guessing, full of twists, turns and blueberries (you'll see what I mean).
IMBD Rating: 8.4/10
Teen rating: 12/10
House M.D (8 Seasons – 177 episodes)
Medical Drama
Description: Gregory House is a medical genius who heads a team of young diagnosticians, solving unorthodox cases. His irascible personality, but brilliant deduction skills, creates an interesting story to go along with each patient.
Why you should watch it: While sometimes medically inaccurate, House is a great show, full of wit and genius. House himself is an enigma whose personal life and beliefs become clearer with every episode. You'll leave the show knowing three things:
- It's never lupus.
- Everybody lies.
- House is always right. Why does nobody ever listen to him?
IMBD Rating: 8.4/10
Teen rating: 9/10
The Middle (9 Seasons – 215 episodes)
Comedy, Sitcom
Description: The Heck Family’s daily life in Orson Indiana, featuring Frankie, Mike, Axl, Sue and Brick. A series that is both relatable, amusing and sometimes absurd, every person can see a bit of themselves within the characters.
Why you should watch it: This sitcom is the ultimate comfort show. You'll see yourself in the characters and relate to the way that things go wrong in day-to-day life, yet family persists. The show is full of fun and is a great watch with family!
IMBD Rating: 7.7/10
Teen rating: 10.5/10
Around the World in 80 Days (1 Season – 8 episodes)
Historical Drama, Adventure
Description: Phileas Fogg attempts to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, a previously unheard-of feat, because of an impromptu bet. Accompanied by Passepartout and Abigail Fix, he grows as both a person and as an adventurer, facing off against great adversity and sabotage.
Why you should watch it: Outside of the fact that it stars David Tennant, this series is fast paced with only one season. It's filled with character growth that'll have you rooting for the underdogs. Phileas, Passepartout and Abigail may sometimes clash, but they make a formidable team, even as others try to prevent them from completing their mission.
IMBD Rating: 7.2/10
Teen rating: 10,000/10 (It's less well known than others on this list, so this is my plea to you: WATCH IT!)
The Man in the High Castle (4 Seasons – 40 episodes*)
Dystopian, Science Fiction, Alternate History
*Available for streaming on Prime, based on the book by Philip K. Dick
Description: An exploration of the world if the Axis Powers had won World War 2, following the lives of people living in Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The show weaves together one, magnificent story from all points of view.
Why you should watch it: It's a really interesting show. It explores an alternate world that could have very easily been our own and exposes the rougher parts of human nature. The characters are well thought-out and each storyline intersects beautifully. It's a spectacular watch that'll keep you at the edge of your seat! It's also a book if you want to check that out!
IMBD Rating: 7.9/10
Teen rating: 10/10
Suits (9 Seasons – 134 episodes)
Legal Drama
Description: A legal show following Harvey Spector and Mike Ross as they pull off a great con: passing off a college dropout as a Harvard lawyer.
Why you should watch it: This show is a fun legal drama about a man who didn't intend to join a prestigious law firm and now has to conceal his past and background. The relationships in the show are complex and leave you craving for more. Mike and Harvey are one of the best duos on TV (though I think Psych's Shawn and Gus have them beat).
IMBD Rating: 8.4/10
Teen rating: 9/10
Loki (2 Seasons – 12 episodes)
Superhero, Science Fiction, Adventure
Description: A Marvel series following the god of mischief after the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. Loki ends up at the behest of the TVA (Temporal Variance Authority), recruited to help fight against another version of himself. But as time passes, the definition of who is friend and who is foe begins to change.
Why you should watch it: If you're a Marvel or science fiction fan, this is a must watch. It's extraordinarily directed, and the second season is a masterpiece. Loki himself is multi-faceted, and the final scene leaves you both heartbroken and proud. In my opinion, it is one of the best shows Marvel has ever made.
IMBD Rating: 8.2/10
Teen rating: 10/10
Broadchurch (3 Seasons – 24 episodes)
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Description: Alex Hardy is a detective with a history. When put on a case (snatching it from rising detective Ellie Miller), his history and the case he has to solve begin to intersect. Will he be able to find 11-year-old Danny Latimer's killer?
Why you should watch it: Another David Tennant feature starring Olivia Coleman. As a murder mystery, this show keeps you guessing. As somebody who usually clocks the killer in the first couple episodes, I was shocked by this one. The actors are brilliant, the plot is brilliant, every season is brilliant, even the setting is brilliant. Everything is brilliant! You should watch it as soon as possible.
IMBD Rating: 8.4/10
Teen rating: 10,000/10 (Again, lesser known but highly recommended)
Star Trek, Strange New Worlds (2 Seasons – 20 episodes – Ongoing)
Science Fiction
Description: The most recent Star Trek show, Strange New Worlds is a prequel to the original series. It follows the emergence of the original cast (Kirk, Spock, Scotty, etc.) and gives new depth to the characters who came before them.
Why you should watch it: As a Trekkie, this had to go on the list. It's the most recent Star Trek show and has a great cast and plot. It's pretty light hearted. Whether you're a Star Trek die-hard or a newbie to science fiction, this is a good way to dive into Star Trek and gain context for the rest of the saga since it happens before the original series takes place.
IMBD Rating: 8.3/10
Teen rating: 10/10
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