TV you should watch this summer

Some fluff and some disturbing stuff: There's something for everyone!

One way to cool down during this ridiculously steamy summer is by melting into your couch and glaring into the hypnotic glow of your boob tube.

Here are some television shows I highly recommend you check out this month. The stakes are low, so you might as well see for yourself if they’re any good. I’d love your feedback on my terrible opinions or your solidarity.

House of the Dragon (HBO)

I’ve got two words for you: motherfuckin’ dragons. “The Dragon Show,” as it is known to me, is slower than Game of Thrones, its sequel that came before it. But damn does it pack a punch and a lot of growling and sharp, hot teeth.

It is a celebration of Rhaenyra Targaryen, the leader I want to rule my world and my theoretical dragons. No spoilers, but you have just enough time this week to binge the season — which is a butt ton better than the first — before Sunday’s finale.

I’m excited about the dragon war now that there are new riders and looking forward to all the new Targaryen incest memes.

My Lady Jane (Amazon)

This fantasy show is sexy, funny, silly, and British, all my favorite things. I’m not done with it yet, but I’m loving this reimagining of the historical Lady Jane Grey who was named Queen of England then executed nine days later.

It also features the hilarious Rob Brydon — and if you haven’t seen The Trip movies, you must ASAP.

Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (Max)

Oversharing comedian Carmichael is just getting to really know himself.

He’s 37 but acts younger, like most of us out here in the modern world. But he’s not like you and me. His first stand-up HBO special was directed by Spike Lee and the second by Bo Burnham. He’s a rising star with a very particularly internet-y performance style. His transparency is deeply uncomfortable but magnetic. He puts everyone on the spot: his mother who doesn’t accept his homosexuality; his father who had a second family; his rejection by his awful bestie Tyler The Creator; and his poor lovely boyfriend as he works through his own sex addiction with a therapist in real time.

But Carmichael has real friends with dynamic personalities and chunks of wisdom. This show is messy and loving and performative, but also kinda real.

Jim Gaffigan: Dark Pale (Amazon)

I’ve been an unapologetic Jim Gaffigan fan since his Hot Pocket days. His “clean” humor isn’t for everyone, but with his Dark Pale special, you will be rewarded with a more sinister sort of comedy. Maybe sinister is overstating it, but Gaffigan does delve deftly into dark humor and death jokes in a way that is just as belly-laugh-funny as his dumber food bits.

Gaffigan is also just a good person. During Covid, he showed his gravitas on CBS Sunday Morning segments (I’m a huge fan). It became clear that he is a politically sound white man we can love. On stupid ass J*e R*gan’s show, he ripped apart the host’s conspiracy theories around January 6, and did not back down.

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

And now for something way darker. Baby Reindeer is a miniseries about a stalker with rape scenes, so it’s not for everyone. But if you want to really understand how trauma works its way through a thoughtful person’s system, this is a five star examination of the human condition at its most desperate and wounded.

The actor, comedian, writer and star of Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd is retelling and acting in his personal true story of being stalked for six years by a middle aged woman, Martha (played convincingly and oddly charmingly by Jessica Gunning). It’s hard to wrap your head around his masochism in reliving these experiences as an actor, but once you find out he started out as a performance artist, it makes sense. It’s kind of a masterpiece.

Find Me Falling (Netflix)

Harry Connick, Jr can make anything watchable. The first Broadway production I saw was this big jazzy fella starring in The Pajama Game. He was fantastic. I didn’t fall asleep once, and I get sleepy in theaters.

I recently watched Nicole Kidman make out with Zac Efron in A Family Affair and Brooke Shields and Benjamin Bratt smooch in Mother of the Bride, but I would not necessarily recommend either of those Netflix movies. However, Harry Connick, Jr, in his new flick Find Me Falling is, well corny as shit, but a good watch. Idk what made it so much better than those other two, maybe his singing and handsomeness? Or because it takes place in Cyprus? But truly, it is really cute.

Other TV I loved but watched awhile ago:

Heartstopper (Netflix) is a really lovely show about gay and bi British teens. It’s innocent and perfect for your teens to watch or grown ups like me who love a teen romance.

Never Have I Ever (Netflix) is one of the best TV shows of all time. Devi is an angry, smart, funny, boy crazy relatable teenager who is living the high school life we all wish we had, but also are glad we didn’t. I’m probably going to rewatch this.

Pete Holmes: I Am Not for Everyone (Netflix) showcases the hilarity of one of the naturally funniest guys out there. Follow him on Instagram and get ready to laugh until you can’t breathe watching this special.