TV We’re Thankful For in 2018: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Good Place, Arrow, and More

TV We’re Thankful For in 2018: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Good Place, Arrow, and More (continued)

9. Netflix Sitcoms

I’m thankful for Netflix sitcoms. Sitcoms were never really my thing, but this year I went in search of TV shows that take themselves exactly seriously enough for what they are.

One Day at a Time and Grace & Frankie strike a really great balance between comedy and conflict that feels real. As a 90s kid, I was hard on Fuller House but when I relaxed about it, I realized it’s another great feel-good escape.

– Esme Mazzeo

10. Discussions of Mental Health

I’m thankful for how often television shows are exploring mental health and talking about it candidly. From shows like Suits to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and You’re the Worst, we’re seeing characters go to therapy, which helps to take away those stigmas and it makes it feel like a normal experience.

And on This is Us and One Day at a Time, we’ve watched characters cope with changes in medication for depression. These are all such important conversations, and I’m glad to see them presented across the board and in so many different ways.

– Ashley Bissette Sumerel

11. Teen Wolf

I am and will always be thankful for Teen Wolf. It’s funny that the shows with the silliest names and premises can capture your heart but that’s just what this show did. Each episode was hilarious and relatable for any teen struggling to get through high school.

People say television is an escape, and I never really understood that until this show came into my life with its cheesy one-liners and loveable characters. I owe so much to this show about awkward teenage werewolves and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t forget the impact it has had on me and so many others!

– Alicia Gilstorf

12. Legends of Tomorrow

I’m thankful for Legends of Tomorrow. It’s wild that the show has come so far from season one, which was off to a very rocky start, to coming off one of the Arrowverse’s strongest seasons this year. They found a balance between the fun and silly, and sweet and heartfelt, and all around bad-ass.

Not to mention, they gave us Beebo. For that, I am grateful (and also want to know when the public can get their hands on one).

– Brianna Martinez

I’m thankful for the Legends of Tomorrow writers’ room. They are unafraid to be silly and irreverent and it’s an absolute joy.

No matter how ridiculous the plots may be, the stories are grounded in characters and relationships that feel real and relatable and that’s what makes everything work. This season has been such a treat and it’s always a highlight of my week.

– Sarah Fields

13. Strong Female Characters

I am thankful for creators like Emily Andras and Gloria Calderón Kellett who write strong female characters who are complex, inspiring, and most of all — badass!

Both Wynonna Earp Season 3 and One Day at a Time Season 2 featured some pretty powerful moments and amazing performances that have left a lasting impression on its audiences. Though they may not be mainstream, these shows will leave a positive impact on all kinds of representation for generations to come.

– Hillary Esquina

14. Murphy Brown

I’m thankful for the revival of Murphy Brown. Murphy herself is unapologetically opinionated, but her fictional news show that strives for truth sure does sound like a nice ideal right now.

The original cast is wonderful, as are the additions of grown-up Avery, and Pat, the social media guru. While the show is in a tough timeslot, I hope Murphy gets more that one extra season to remind us why we need her.

– Caitlin Wyneken

15. The Great British Baking Show

There’s a cornucopia of TV programs to be thankful for, so I’m going with my latest obsession — The Great British Baking Show. I just discovered this cooking competition show from across the pond, and it is a delicious distraction from the current indigestion-inducing political and social climate. Bread, puddings, pies, cakes, and biscuits — yes, please!

Unlike American reality competition shows, the biggest drama to be found on this sweet confection is whether or not the baker’s creations will rise to the occasion. In typical British fashion, even the judges’ critiques are incredibly polite.

The competitors are quick to lend each other a hand. Cuddle up with a cardamom latte, a snuggly blanket, and stream all six seasons on Netflix. Just beware of “soggy bottoms.”

– Jennifer Lind-Westbrook

16. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

I’m thankful that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. got an early Season 7 renewal–S.H.I.E.L.D. was the first show that viscerally convinced me to really believe in the legitimacy of superhero TV show as a genre that exemplifies what an excellent TV show can be.

No matter how rocky the landscape of TV is at any given moment, I can count on the world of S.H.I.E.L.D to provide endlessly entertaining VFX, fantastically engaging narratives, and a most wholesome cast. No matter how long I stay away from the show, when I come back, I’m always excited by every episode –which is rare for me!

– Olivia Popp

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