If You Like This, Try That: Popular TV Show Edition

Most TV shows wrapped up their regular season over a month ago, which I'm sure has given you plenty of time to catch up with everything you've missed. But now what? There are still quite a few weeks of summer left, and now you might be wondering what to binge-watch next. If you enjoy any of the popular TV shows right now, here are a few suggestions of what to try next!

If you like The Walking Dead, try Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

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The Walking Dead is known for its depiction of humanity on the brink of extinction, of monsters attacking and eating humans, and of the deep truths about humans. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is also known for many of these same aspects. Both shows follow a ragtag group that is determined to survive and find a way to save their people. Just replace creepy zombies with giant man-eating titans, trap the entire population of the known world behind a wall, and add extra-awesome fighting gear and swords, and ta-da! you've transformed The Walking Dead into Attack on Titan (sort of). If you like The Walking Dead and you're looking for something new and different, try Attack on Titan.

If you like Supernatural, try Grimm

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What could be better than hunting demons and monsters with two brothers? Hunting fairytale monsters with your best friend. Grimm is about Detective Nick Burkhardt who has the ability to "see" monsters that influenced fairytales in the real world. Thus he uses this gift to help him solve crimes. Grimm features a lot of stories about kidnappings and murders, strange circumstances, and lots and lots of bloody violence. In many ways, it reminds me of Supernatural because of the kick-ass characters, the plethora of monsters and lore, and gritty depictions. If you love Supernatural and you want something similar with a different twist (fairytales), Grimm is the show for you.

If you like Stranger Things, try Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

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I'll confess that I haven't actually watched Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency yet, but I was informed that the show has similarities to Stranger Things. You know, the weird circumstances, lights flickering, trying to figure out what in the world is happening. Dirk Gently's has that supernatural, science-fiction flair that keeps you guessing and provides a little terror to your experience, much like Stranger Things. It, however, is more comedic than serious, unlike Stranger Things, but it's definitely possible you'll like both!

If you like The Office, try Parks and Recreation

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This one is a no-brainer. If you're a fan of The Office, you should watch Parks and Recreation (and vice versa). Both shows are comedy, both shows feature a fantastic cast of characters, and both shows take place in a typical working class environment. One focuses more heavily on business while the other focuses on government, but both provide a lot of laughs, quotable moments, and the sense of finding a TV family. Seriously though, why haven't they done a cross-over movie yet?

If you like Game of Thrones, try Vikings

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I haven't actually watched Game of Thrones or Vikings, so take this recommendation with that in mind. But everything I've seen on the Internet has stated that if you like Game of Thrones, you'll enjoy Vikings. Both feature bloody battles, kick-ass female characters, and a plethora of drama and tension to keep you intrigued. If you're a fan of any of these aspects, watch Vikings (and then come back and let me know if this suggestion is accurate).

What other recommendations would you give for these popular TV shows?

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6 "Cinnamon Rolls" That Must Be Protected At All Costs

As fangirls, we all know of those characters that are so precious that we want to grab them, stuff them in a bag or van, and make sure they are protected at all costs. In most fangirl circles, characters like that are affectionately dubbed as precious "cinnamon rolls" who are most likely "too good for the world." I've collected many such characters, picking them up and tucking them under my arms and crying like a baby when they get hurt--whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Ned the Piemaker (Pushing Daisies)

The first moment I saw Lee Pace as Ned the Piemaker, I knew he was an adorable cinnamon roll that needed to be protected from the world. Since he has the power to bring people back from the dead (and also send someone else to their death after one minute), he's very careful with his actions and how he holds himself. He's quite the perfect pie. Despite being extremely tall (6'5", to be exact), his mannerisms make him look like a giant, wounded puppy. It pains my fangirl heart to watch him struggle to hold himself together. He can't pet his dog; he can't give Chuck a kiss. He blames himself for several people's untimely deaths. Although I've only seen season one of Pushing Daisies, I just want to give him a big hug and tell him everything is going to be okay.

2. Data (The Goonies)

My absolute favorite character from The Goonies is Data. He's small and adorable, especially with that giant trench coat trailing behind him.He invents a lot of interesting (sometimes useless) gadgets. He even talks about himself in third person. He's a darling donut. On more than one occasion, Data happens to get himself into a few treacherous situations, but his gadgets always lend a hand in saving the day, whether it's his pinchers of peril or slick shoes. He's smart and dramatic and definitely hilarious. Although at times he can probably take care of himself, I still want to wrap him in a blanket and make sure he's always smiling.

3. Nico di Angelo (Percy Jackson and the Olympians/Heroes of Olympus)

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Nico di Angelo is the epitome of "poor sad emo baby." His life hasn't been that great. His mother died when he was still pretty young, and he ends up losing many other people he cares for. In addition, he learns his father is Hades, who isn't the most likable god or father in Greek mythology. Thus, most people give Nico a wide berth and expect him to cause trouble or do something "evil." (Poor pudding.) But Nico is just a kid that wants to be a hero. He likes to play Mythomagic (a card game based on Greek mythology) and summon the dead with McDonald's and Coke. In addition, he's the first demigod in years to talk to Hestia. Deep down, Nico isn't only the angry, little boy that's lived a sad life; he has a heart. And that heart--as buried as it may be--should be protected. I want to give him a big hug and wrap him up in a blanket burrito.

4. Chekov (Star Trek)

Chekov is not only a precious cinnamon roll, but he is an adorable cupcake as well. At seventeen (or twenty-two), he's already joined the ranks of Starfleet as an important officer on The Enterprise. He's young, but he's a genius. He usually has a smile on his face or an optimistic outlook. His bromance with Sulu is just darling. As a baby Starfleet officer with a bright personality, someone needs to keep an eye or two on Chekov to make sure nothing they encounter on the "strange new worlds" hurts him.

5. Armin Arlert (Attack on Titan)

Every time I read another volume of Attack on Titan or watch an episode, I silently whisper for Armin Arlert's safety in the midst of a dangerous battle. Armin is too precious for the tragic world he's been born into. Despite the horrors of towns being overrun by titans or countless friends, family, and fellow soldiers being consumed by the monsters, Armin holds on to hope that they will win and they will have a chance to explore the world outside the walls. You see, Armin has a dream to see places he's only ever read about, so he and Eren do whatever they can to make that dream happen. Their friendship and hopes and dreams make me want to lie on the floor and sob. In addition, Armin is super intelligent and is often times the one that comes up with good plans and strategies to engage the titans. Armin is a precious pancake too good for the world.

6. Chuck Bartowski (Chuck)

Here's the thing about Chuck Bartowski: he's just a regular guy who happens to download the entire CIA database into his brain. Thus he receives not one, but two handlers to protect him. Yet he always manages to get himself into trouble. Chuck happens to also get himself out of trouble as well, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have struggles that overwhelm him. He's a sensitive guy that has a big heart; he has a lot of decisions and feelings to untangle while trying to save the world. It's a big responsibility for one person to handle, which is why I want to sit him down and maybe play some video games or eat pizza with the big nerd and let him relax and have a fun night away from the stress of spy life. Chuck is a charming cookie that should not be crumbled or crushed.

What characters do you want to protect at all costs?

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