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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The Walking Dead Reaction: "Go Getters" (7x05)

Five episodes into The Walking Dead and the pressure is on. In the latest episode, we return to see how the Alexandrians are coping with their recent losses and the presence of Negan in their lives. How did it all go down? Let's find out!

This article contains spoilers. The Walking Dead is rated TV-MA and contains graphic content.

Jameson C. Smith

Slowly, we’re seeing the group react to the loss of Abraham and Glenn and see the fallout for those closest to them. Let’s dive into the newest episode!

Maggie and Sasha
Out of the season premiere, Maggie was a character who surprised me the most, just by how quickly she made up her mind about what was going to be done and how they don’t have the option of doing nothing anymore. In this week’s episode, she stepped up once again and made it clear what she thinks should happen next. I was so relieved that she and Baby Rhee are, for the most part, going to be fine (I hope).

I loved the moment where Maggie and Sasha were sitting by the graves and just letting the new reality soak in. It was a quiet, sweet moment, and I love how the friendship between these two is developing more. In some ways, they are facing the same kind of loss, and I love how they are determined to help each other get through it.

Sasha, like Maggie, has made up her mind that something must be done about Negan and the Saviors, and I love her tenacity. Unlike after the deaths of Bob and Tyrese, Sasha is very in control of her emotions after the death of Abraham. She’s focused rather than reckless; she’s planning and waiting for the right moment to strike. I think it’s an interesting contrast that goes back to the moments in season six when she acknowledged how she was in control now.

The Hilltop
There’s so much internal conflict at Hilltop, so I’m eager to see how that split will continue. I don’t trust Gregory, and I think he’s only going to be more of a problem as things intensify. I like how Jesus calls him out on that lack of trustworthiness and how he see Maggie as the best potential leader. (I’m really excited to see that element in the show!) Ultimately, it seems like the colony has a lot of disruption among its people, so I’m curious to see if, and how, they band together.

I’m really curious to see how the alliance between the Hilltop and Alexandria will be affected with the events of this episode. With three Alexandrians now residing at Hilltop, I want to think we’ll see that alliance strengthen, but I don’t think it will be an easy road by any means.

Other stuff and things:
- One thing I loved was the little things in this episode—Abraham’s necklace and cigar, Hershel’s watch, the green balloons. A great way to honor lost characters and show how they still affect the survivors.
- Enid going to Hilltop to be with Maggie. I think that’s a huge step for her character, since she is more accustomed to running away when she loses people.
- And Carl still isn’t staying in the house, as usual. But I think we all know the real reason he got in that truck: there must be giant can of chocolate pudding in there.

Have you seen "Go Getters"? What did you think?

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The Walking Dead Reactions: "The Cell" (7x03) and "Service" (7x04)

Though many of us are still reeling from the season premiere, The Walking Dead continues to roll out episodes that carry on the story of our favorite survivors. Today we're reacting to the two most recent episodes. What did we think? How awful are things in this post-apocalyptic world we've come to love? Let's find out!

"The Cell"

Sky Destrian

And the award for most confusing opening goes to...

If there was one The Walking Dead episode that tested my patience, it would be this one--yet it was in all the best ways. I felt like I actually was Daryl because by the fifteenth time of hearing "Easy Street," I was ready to snap.

This episode was intriguing in that it offered a more nuanced look at Dwight. I've really disliked Dwight over the past season, but in this episode, I understood that he's really just one more walking casualty of Negan's. I really liked the way the show flipped that around (though I'm still bitter that Dwight killed Denise).

I also thought the Sherry plot line was interesting (though I confess that I don't remember her at all).

I'm still very bitter over Glenn's death and Daryl's actions, but it was hard not to feel bad for Daryl, especially when Negan the sadist sent a polaroid of Glenn's brains smashed out into Daryl's cell. What a nice thing to do (not).

Overall, this was a solid yet confusing episode. I still don't understand what those walkers behind the fence were for. Anyone? Anyone?

"Service"

Jameson C. Smith

So this week’s installment of The Walking Dead was an extended episode, giving us a look at just how the Alexandrians react to being under the control of Negan and the Saviors. Let’s dive in!

The Saviors’ Visit
This episode picks up three days after the brutal events of the season premiere. Negan has arrived earlier than he said he would, which adds more tension to an already uncertain situation. Really, everyone except Rick was ready to stand up to the Saviors—like Rick taught them—so it was kind of weird to see Rick telling them to scale back and just accept the circumstances.

I don’t really like it.

I think mostly because, despite the brutality inflicted on the group already, Negan doesn’t really strike me as a terrifying antagonist? He should probably be more frightening, but honestly... he just annoys me (which isn’t saying anything bad against Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s acting, necessarily, but against the character himself). What he’s done is terrible, but I think the group has faced off with people who were really better antagonists. I like how they clarify that Rick’s concern is the numbers, though.

That being said, I am eagerly awaiting the moment when Rick finally stands up to Negan. And I hope it is soon. Considering everything Rick has done to protect his family and to survive, I’m having a difficult time watching him... not fight.

Judith
When people talk about her, it’s always about how she looks like Lori or reminds them of Lori; of the people who know about Lori and Shane, no one acknowledges the issue of paternity. Out of all the questions the show contains, the matter of who Judith’s father really is was one I thought they would never really address again because it’s really not the focus anymore. Personally, I’ve always thought she really was Shane’s daughter. To see Rick acknowledge that was interesting and unexpected, but it also makes me concerned for Judith’s safety (because we all know how the writers are).

It’s an interesting thing to see what Rick thinks about the situation now, and how he’s come to terms with it being something that happened and something he can’t change.

Rosita

Out of the storylines in this episode, hers intrigued me most. It had a dynamic to it that the main story lacked, so I was really intrigued to see how she’s fighting and how determined she is. Even if she can’t openly fight back against Negan yet, she’s still rebelling and standing up to him in her own way. And I’m so excited to see them finally get to the bullet-making thing that was introduced last season!

Other stuff and thangs:
- The dramatic zoom-out camera angle... what even. It’s so weird to see stuff like that on this show.
- Gabriel was a delight in this episode. For a character I used to dislike, he’s become another favorite. I like that he’s using his sneakiness to help the group now.
- Carl standing up to Negan. Carl has come such a long way from season one, and I’m eager to see where they take his character this season.
- Michonne’s sniper training was a super interesting look into how she wants to fight back too. It feels like all of Alexandria is finally ready to defend what they have, and I can’t wait until they finally can.

Have you seen either of these episodes? What did you think?

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The Walking Dead Reaction: "The Well" (7x02)

The Walking Dead returns to TV after one of its most brutal episodes. How did the episode hold up? Was it even more heartbreaking than the last? And what's up with that tiger? Let's find out.

This article contains spoilers. The Walking Dead is rated TV-MA and contains graphic content.

Jameson C. Smith

This episode was so... strange. After the brutal beginning to the season, it was actually refreshing to be able to laugh through nearly an entire episode. Shall we dive in?

Ezekiel
I loved this character the moment he appeared on screen. He seems so over-the-top and lost in this fantasy world that you wonder how he became the leader. And to make it even weirder, he has a pet tiger. There are so many strange things about him, but it was interesting to see how much of it was the illusion he felt he needed to create for his people.

Ezekiel’s leadership fascinates me. He wasn’t really a leader before the apocalypse—he was a zookeeper and an actor—but he is able to use rumors and appearance to his advantage. He knows people need hope, routine, and the feeling of safety, even when the world is anything but safe. But he also knows the value of secrecy and subtlety (as we see in the pig situation with the Saviors). Another thing I found interesting is how Ezekiel wants his people to be properly trained and prepared for the world beyond the wall and only have one really inexperienced person in the group at one time, as opposed to several (as we’ve seen in Alexandria). I also like how he is teaching them to be prepared and not to live in total fear. Despite all the illusion and weirdness, I think Ezekiel really does want to see the people in the Kingdom live.

The Kingdom
The Kingdom is obviously a thriving community—even more so than Alexandria. They have food, gardens, horses, school, and even hobbies. They have a lot of kids in their community, which is amazing. The people within the Kingdom are actually living, and they are living almost like they did before the world fell apart. Stepping into the Kingdom is almost like stepping out of the apocalypse, and it is one of the strangest things I’ve seen on the show (much like the first party Rick’s group attended in Alexandria back in season five). It’s a surreal place in a dark world, but it seems to have been around for a while. I’d like to see more of how the community was founded and structured.

The people in the Kingdom, for the most part, have hope. And I really love that. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this place, to see just how strong they are. They’ve already encountered the Saviors and pay tribute, but they don’t seem to be in total submission to them. When Ezekiel insists Gavin tell his guy to stop fighting, Gavin obliges. Usually, there’s more antagonism from the Saviors as a whole, so I’m curious why Gavin didn’t refuse Ezekiel’s request. Are some of the Saviors less inclined to brutality when Negan isn’t around to see? Are they afraid of Ezekiel? What else is going on there?

Carol and Morgan
The dynamic between Carol and Morgan is so interesting, and I like how they can disagree, but also still see the other person’s point-of-view (though their differing reactions to the Kingdom are so fun—I love their interaction over the strangeness of it all). They haven’t known each other long but they have been through a ton of stuff together, often on opposing sides. To see them still look out for each other in spite of this is really cool. I’m eager to see how Morgan continues to integrate with the Kingdom and what his role will become. I’m also hoping to see Carol eventually become part of a group again, rather than distancing herself so much.

Also, out of all the great lines of the episode, Morgan wins with this one:

Other stuff and things:
- The Kingdom has its own version of the Rohirrim and that is pretty awesome.
- SHIVA. She looks amazing.
- Jerry and his puns are my new favorite.
- Overall, I enjoyed this week’s episode despite the strangeness (or maybe because of it?). There were hints of darker things to come, but it was refreshing to watch an episode without dreading which character would die by the end credits.

Sky Destrian

Um... who are you, and what have you done with The Walking Dead?

In all seriousness, this episode gave me tentative hope for this season. It was actually funny--especially Carol's possibly fake yet totally perfect reaction to the Kingdom.

"I have no idea what's going on... in the most wonderful way."

And, most of all, this episode was filled with... hope! What is this? Am I even watching the same show?

My favorite part of this was Ezekiel (and his vibe with Carol--I kind of ship it).

At first, I was annoyed by Ezekiel's overly dramatic vibe, but when he opened up, I liked him so much. (Let's just hope he's not faking it.) Shiva was super cool too--it was nice to see a bit more of how the world changed when the virus hit. (I also appreciate that they explained how a tiger got to the post-apocalyptic south.)

There were some really good moments in this episode, especially when King Ezekiel talked about hope. My main complaint with TWD is that it seems to have lost its humanity, but this episode definitely showed me that somehow humanity, life, and hope still exist in this world. I liked seeing the Kingdom, which is established and functioning a bit like pre-apocalypse society (though dude... major Woodbury flashbacks).

I know the Kingdom will probably all go downhill (yet again) and the happiness probably won't last, but it was a really nice reprieve. Overall, I don't have much to complain about. TWD regained a bit of my trust with this episode. It was nice to be laughing every two minutes instead of crying or cringing. Well done, TWD.

Have you seen "The Well"? What did you think of it?

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The Walking Dead Reaction: "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be" (7x01)

The long-awaited season 7 premiere of The Walking Dead is finally here, and simply put, it was rough. So what exactly went down? How do we feel about it? And most importantly, how do we cope? Read on to find out.

This article contains spoilers. The Walking Dead is rated TV-MA and contains graphic content.

Jameson C. Smith

What an episode. Honestly, I expected it to be a brutal beginning to the season, but I wasn’t expecting that much. (I was shaking the whole time!) So many big things happened to set up the rest of the season, which is undoubtedly going to be some intense television over the next sixteen episodes.

Negan’s Victims
There are few questions in recent TV that have prompted the level of speculation as “Who did Negan kill?”

As usual when TWD leaves an episode on a cliffhanger, I had theories. My sister, mom, and I even made a map of the lineup (based on the season six finale) that eliminated all of the people to Rick’s left as potential victims. But that left so many others who could be the one to meet Lucille. (Top guesses: Glenn, Abraham, with Maggie being the really far-out guess.)

Oh, Abe. That flicker of fear when Negan chose him broke my heart. But then it was gone as Abraham squared his shoulders and met his end in the most appropriate manner possible for the character. (Did it make his death easier? No. No, it did not.) I’m really going to miss him.

Since Glenn has been a favorite of mine since I started watching the show, I already knew I’d be crying if the episode took the comic book turn. (BUT THEY ACTUALLY MADE IT SO MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT I EXPECTED.) The first hit brought even more tears to my eyes. When Glenn was struggling to stay alive and to speak, I was trying not to sob. It was rough. I really hate seeing another favorite go, especially one of the Atlanta Five.

Though with those two characters being the victims, there are so many ways the show can change in response. No character was left unaffected (and neither was the audience). It’s going to take me while to recover from this one.

Rick
After everything Rick has done, it seems nearly impossible for him to back down from any threat. This entire episode not only had me worried for his physical well-being but his mental and emotional states as well. During the hatchet rampage, the added shots of each character meeting Lucille was such an interesting look inside Rick’s head to show how much this showdown affected him. It’s painful to see Rick broken at this level because it’s so unlike anything we’ve ever seen on the show.

Maggie
That Maggie is the first of the group to rally from what just happened really impressed me. She’s spent the night not only possibly on the verge of death herself from health complications, but also facing down Lucille and watching two people die in such a brutal way. Of the group, she has probably lost the most since the apocalypse started, but she’s the first to get back on her feet and say “This is what we have to do.” Honestly, I can’t wait to see what kind of leader she’s going to be.

Other stuff and thangs:
- Everything about this episode was eerie and intense, from the use of flashbacks to the heavy smoke and fog to the blurred shot of the Saviors snapping pictures of Abraham and Glenn. And the actors were phenomenal on every level.
- We’ve only had two episodes with Negan, and I am ready to see him go.
- GLENN HOLDING BABY RHEE. (I wasn’t expecting that, and it was a jarring contrast to everything else.)
- I hate how the characters are at a point of no hope now. I want to see them, somehow, rally from this. They’ve all fought so hard to survive and they were just now able to start living.

Sky Destrian

I'm... exhausted. I've put this reaction off for as long as I can, and let me just say... I don't know how to process this. I still don't know how to process it. But I will say I'm not thrilled--and it's even not because of who died. It's because of how they died. It's because of how the writers handled it (starting with the stupid cliffhanger back in April). And it's because I'm tired of watching a group of humans go through hell each week.

They've always gone through hell; this is true. This is the apocalypse. But in the early seasons, we had Hershel or Dale or baby Judith reminding us that even surrounded by so much death, life goes on. We had little glimpses of humanity in the form of kindness from strangers and flowers on the side of the road. Even though TWD got dark and awful, there was still some sort of light in the episode. And last night... I couldn't find any light.

Hey, wow, remember this before the world and the show went downhill?--(source)

I'm not necessarily harping on the violence or gore, even though I do think that this episode was a little too much (we've never seen this kind of human-on-human violence before). TWD has always pushed the limits as to what is acceptable to show on television, and I understand that. I actually even appreciate it sometimes. However, there has to be a balance. There needs to be emotional investment, and there needs to be at least some kind of happiness. Otherwise it just gets depressing and pointless. I know that it's a tough position because TWD's whole thing is that their situation is depressing and pointless. So maybe the problem is me--maybe, after seven seasons, I've just hit my limit on how much I can take. (I actually considered quitting the show, but I'm going to give it a few more episodes.)

In addition, Sunday's episode lacked the emotional resonance it needed. It felt cheap and contrived. My sadness for Abraham and Glenn--and the people who loved them: Sasha, Rosita, Maggie, Baby Rhee--was completely eclipsed by my abject horror of Glenn's eye popping out. I was so shocked that I felt numb to it. I wish it had been a little less bloody and a little emotional--like could we have had one last conversation between Glenn and Maggie, please? ("Maggie, I'll find you," though absolutely HEARTRENDING AND NOT OKAY, doesn't count.) They had so much going for them. Glenn had so much to do still, including be a dad. So seeing his life--and his character arc, with so much wasted potential--come to an end is really frustrating. When I think about it, yes, I am sad. But most of my sadness is just frustration.

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In this case, I think putting the iconic deaths in the season premiere, after seven months of waiting, worked against them because it wasn't emotional. I barely even remembered Abraham's or Glenn's last moments. Instead, this episode was literally only about the hype of finding out who died. In that case, it was successful--but all it felt like was one big blood fest with little to no redeeming qualities. (I loved Sasha, Rosita, and Maggie in this episode, and Abraham's last words were iconic, but that's about it.) In my opinion, you could easily read a plot summary and skip this episode entirely.

The Walking Dead is one of my favorite shows of all time, so to feel negatively about it is disheartening. It was really hard for me to write this at all. I don't want to bash TWD because what they've done, especially in the early seasons, has been iconic and poignant. But the premiere of season 7? What is the point? I'm getting tired and exhausted of watching my favorite characters get brutally tortured with no reprieve. And from the looks of it, things are going to be much worse in this season--as Negan says, "We're just getting started."

And, much like TWD's characters, I'm not looking forward to it.

Actually me to Negan.

Did you see "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be"? What did you think?

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6 TV Premieres I’m Looking Forward to This Fall

Fall is the time for pumpkin spice lattes, scarves, and chilly weather. It's also the time for fall season premieres! From old favorites to new contenders, here's what I'm looking forward to seeing this upcoming television season.

1. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Season Four Premiere - September 20th, 2016

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This is probably a no-brainer since I post about AOS a lot on TFI, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the newest adventures of our favorite S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Things are pretty messy with Daisy Johnson on the run and a new director in play. We also get Ghost Rider this season! Whatever happens, I'm sure we're in for one wild ride!

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2. The Walking Dead

Season Seven Premiere - October 23rd, 2016

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As you've probably heard, TWD ended last season with a massive and absolutely gut-wrenching cliffhanger, and we're all pretty anxious to find out what happened. It's been an agonizing wait, and I honestly cannot tell you what will happen when TWD returns to our television screens this fall.

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3. Jane the Virgin

Season Three Premiere - October 17th, 2016

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Speaking of cliffhangers... um, Jane the Virgin, anyone? Last season was one of the craziest yet with more plot twists than you can imagine, and the season finale was no different. There's the fate of one character that has me particularly worried. Dear [spoiler redacted], please be okay... please?

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4. Luke Cage

The entirety of Season One premieres on Netflix on September 30th, 2016

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While technically not airing on primetime television, Luke Cage still deserves my excitement, and I'm more than happy to give it! Ever since the Comic Con trailers, I've been pumped to get to know our favorite unbreakable man even better. Simply put, Luke Cage is kickass, and I expect nothing less from his Netflix show. I'm pumped!

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5. Timeless

Series Premiere - October 3rd, 2016

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This show is one I've been looking forward to since I saw the previews. It revolves around a team sent to stop a time-traveling criminal. Sounds amazing, right? Anything involving time travel is fine by me, and it's also got a very Captain-America-esque vibe in my opinion. I can't wait to see where this show will take us!

Looks intense!--(source)

6. Designated Survivor

Series Premiere - September 21st, 2016

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Designated Survivor revolves around a crisis with the President of the United States and his staff. I heard about it through Italia Ricci's social media. She plays a member of the President's staff. The rest of the cast is star-studded too, with Kal Penn, Maggie Q, and Keifer Sutherland all holding major roles. Political shows are appealing to me, especially when the stakes are high like they are here. Designated Survivor is one show I can't wait to see.

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What are your most anticipated television premieres this fall?

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