Foreign Political Dramas

Borgen – In this excellent Danish political drama, moderate Birgitte Nyborg becomes the prime minister of Denmark after a contentious election between two other front runners. This is a fascinating look at Danish politics with all the coalitions and deals that go into winning a vote with a multiple-party system. It makes me wish the US had more than two parties.   (All 3 seasons are available on Netflix DVD. Also check out  Link TV to see if they are streaming any episodes online. )

Comedies

Parks and Recreation–  Unlike the Office, which was funny but cynical, Parks and Rec is equally funny but sweetly optimistic.  Each of the characters is an amusing stereotype, that actually grows and changes as the series progresses. The abbreviated first season is pretty rocky, but the show found its center in season two and has been a fun look at the crazy details of local government ever since. (Seasons 1-6 available on Nexflix Instant and Netflix DVD, seasons 1-5 available on Amazon Prime, and season 1-7 available on iTunes.)

Jane the Virgin –  When I heard this show’s concept—a 23-year-old virgin who becomes pregnant after she’s accidentally artificially inseminated— I immediately wrote it off as being to stupid to even try.  Then I started reading Internet comments about how fresh and funny it was.  Finally a friend recommended it on Facebook and I decided to check it out.  Turns out it’s surprisingly good.

The show plays up the Telenovela concept to wink at the audience about how over the top the plots are, but at it’s core the story works because it’s about likable, fully developed characters who actually care about each other. It’s also hilarious. (Some episodes available on Hulu Plus, also all previous and current episodes are available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon Online).

The Crazy Ones – This is one of the last projects Robin Williams acted in before his death.  Williams plays the president of an ad agency that he runs with his daughter, Sarah Michelle Gellar.  I was sad this show didn’t get picked up beyond its first season. Williams and Gellar had a real father-daughter like chemistry on the show, and by the end of the season the cast really gelled together.  The outtakes at the end of each episode showing Williams improv-ing lines are as much fun as watching the episode. (Highlight clips available on CBS website, whole season available on Netflix DVD, and available for purchase on Amazon online and iTunes.)

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Orphan Black – a fun, cliffhanger-y sci-fi action-adventure show about a young British woman, Sarah Manning, who sees a woman who looks just like her, right before the woman throws herself in front of a train. Tatiana Maslany is so good at playing multiple characters that I often forget they’re not played by different actors. Beware though, each episode ends with a cliffhanger making it dangerous binge watching material. Season 3 starts on April 18th on BBC America. (Seasons 1-2 available on Netflix DVD, season 1 also available on Amazon Prime, season 2 is available for purchase on Amazon online, and seasons 1-2 are available for purchase on iTunes. The show website also includes a thorough list of where to watch previous seasons.)

Legend of Korra– This Nickelodeon cartoon went from a being a good kids cartoon that adults could also enjoy to a good all-ages cartoon that kids can also enjoy. Seasons three and four are especially good and downright feminist. By the series finale there are numerous female heroes, with a wide range of ages.  (If you have a cable subscription to Nickelodeon’s channel, you can watch all the episodes online at their website, seasons 1-2 are also available on Amazon Prime and seasons 3-4 are available for purchase on Amazon online, seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix DVD, and seasons 1-4 are also available for purchase on iTunes.)