In this world that determines what one watches through Netflix suggestions and Rotten Tomatoes ratings, it's difficult to find the true diamonds in the silver screen rough. Add on broadcast news and its persistent attempts for your attention to the mix and it's close to impossible to find the truly innovative and socially conscious shows out there. Luckily, here are four shows that have cut through the filth of bad t.v. and genuinely deserve your attention by providing quality entertainment but also leave you with food for thought.
1. "The Fosters."
ABC Family, renamed Free Form, released this bombshell of a show back in the heat of summer 2013. "The Fosters" has touched upon every socially relevant issue appropriately at this current moment and doesn't seem to be running out of topics to address. The premise of the show is the family -- The Fosters, which consists of same-sex couple, Stef and Lena; biological son, Brandon; plus adopted twins, Jesus and Mariana. The family is known for fostering children, but trip up when Callie -- fresh out of juvie, and rough around the edges because of the unforgiving foster system -- comes to live with them.
The show has the underlying theme of family, but also mostly depicts situations in order to present the issues face forward without holding back. The list varies from sex, race, domestic violence, drug addiction, gender identity to systematic injustice within the foster system and group homes. That's barely touching the surface. There's something for everyone in here but the show doesn't leave you any room to do anything except to soak up as much as possible.
2. "Master of None."
Let's face it: Netflix has absolutely dominated in original shows this past year. "Daredevil," "Narcos," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "Jessica Jones" are a handful of originals that were added to the binge-watching worthy repertory of its predecessors ("House of Cards," "Orange is the New Black"). Oh, and everyone in our life can never let us forget about "Making a Murderer" too. Even my mom.
"Master of None" is the full embodiment of millennials in today's society. It is set in New York City and focuses on Dev Shah (Aziz Ansari), who is an actor and is miraculously making enough from the profession to live in the City. Each episode has a singular focus or theme. From trying to find someone worthy of a relationship in the Tinder swiping, hook up culture of today to attempting to relate to your immigrant parents as a first generation adult, to the film industry's systematic racism, each episode sets the bar higher and higher in terms of self-awareness. However if you don't like Aziz Ansari or don't have the time to watch the entire season, do me a favor -- at least watch the second episode, "Parents." It'll be worth the short and sweet occupation of your time.
3. "Gaycation."
VICE, an alternative media company, has just released a new channel called VICELAND. The company has a knack for uncovering the unorthodox, or unseen, in normal society and does an extensive amount of investigating reporting then presents it beautifully in whatever medium they choose.
One of the gems of VICELAND is "Gaycation." The show follows openly gay actress, Ellen Page and her best friend, and openly gay co-host, Ian Daniel, on their trip around the world, exploring LGBTQ culture in other countries. Each episode is a 45-minute postcard into the beauty, struggles, cultural differences and anomalies in a specified country in concern to this particular part of society. There are comparisons to the United States' norm, stance and obstacles as a member of the LGBTQ, however the show lays out the information and invites the audience to react, regardless of their country of origin. It's also an extremely intimate look into Page's journey to find herself. In true VICE form, they bring to light every aspect possible no matter what it takes and progressively builds ones emotions for the heart stopping moments that are only conceived as real because it was caught on film.
4. "Modern Family."
Switching over to primetime (ABC), "Modern Family" is a relatively oldie, but a goodie that is still very much so relevant. It follows three connected families that don't have it all figured out, just yet, and who each carry their own issues that follow them throughout the series. Jay and his younger wife, Gloria, consistently deal with society's judgement of their age difference along with raising Gloria's son, Manny, who is beyond his years in personality, has issues with the ladies and assimilating as a kid. Claire and Phil try to find the balance between struggling half the time to keep their marriage happy and exciting while raising three kids who have issues of their own that stem mostly from the complexities of growing up.
Mitchell and his partner, Cameron, deal with the intricacies of not only their roles as parents to their adopted daughter, Lily, but also their role in the LGBTQ community and how society views them in positive and negative situations. The show presents realistic situations in hilarious ways that align with each families set characteristics. For example: safe sex in college is covered, how to deal with parents being walked in on, when your child begins to curse and every other awkward situation in between. It keeps in mind millennial culture and what kids are growing up exposed to currently. It's hands down funny and keeps the family theme as top priority without being a sitcom.
