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Need the perfect show to binge this summer? Here's what critics recommend
There are so many television series to choose from right now. It can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we have esteemed TV critics join us each week on AirTalk, LAist 89.3’s daily news program, to help you decide what to watch.
This week, Danette Chavez of The A.V. Club and Roxana Hadadi, TV critic for Vulture, are recommending some shows that could be perfect for summer binging.
New shows
- Supacell
The series uses superpowers to capture how Black millennials feel navigating life in London.
"A great ensemble, not just because the performers are great, Tosin Cole in particular, but because they each really have a role to sink their teeth into." —Danette Chavez, The A.V. Club
When & where: episodes are streaming on Netflix.
- The Boyfriend
Japan’s first gay dating series and an ode to reality throwbacks like The Real World.
"The producers decided not to remove the contestants entirely from their regular lives. I think it's something unusual for dating shows because it also allows everyone to see each other for who they actually are." —Danette Chavez, The A.V. Club
When & where: episodes premiere Tuesday, July 9 on Netflix.
- No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan
The latest installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary series tells the story of the FaZe Clan, an influential e-sports team.
"I thought it was really fascinating, just in terms of how it looked at the new ways that sports and the online world overlap." —Roxana Hadadi, TV critic for Vulture
When & where: There’s a whole summer slate of episodes. Two others are already available — one that examines a massive Vancouver riot following the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals when the Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins. Another tells the story of track and field star Butch Reynolds. Two more episodes will be released within the next month on ESPN + and Hulu.
Throwback series worth binging
- The Wire
"One of the best written and most novelistic and strongest portraits of a city in change and an America in change.” —Roxana Hadadi, TV critic for Vulture
Where to watch: The show ran for five seasons from 2002-2008 and is available on Max.
- Girls
“A great example of character development. You won’t like any of these characters, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t evolve.” —Danette Chavez, The A.V. Club
Where to watch: The show ran for six seasons from 2012-2017 and is available on Max.