Fall means changing weather (cooler soon where I am, I hope!) new books AND new shows to watch.  So welcome to:

Jen Streams Fall 2017!

I’ve made my streaming list and programmed the DVR! Here are eight new shows I’m planning to check out.  (I’m also looking forward to Season Two of Stranger Things, but that is for another post.)

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What do I like in a show?

• I have a low attention span when it comes to TV, so I like shows that are either gripping (Breaking Bad) or require no brain cells at all (the entire Bravo line-up).
• Being a book reviewer, I really appreciate good writing in a show.
• I’m all for shows with strong female characters.
• I’m not a huge fan of sitcoms (usually no character development) or really graphic violence.
• I love British/European TV and am always trying to find more (loved Luther, UK Broadchurch, Borgen, Scott & Bailey)

Here’s my list (which may get revised) and my take on the first two shows I tried: The Deuce (HBO) and American Vandals (Netflix)

American Vandals (Netflix) Watch the trailer here.

I really wasn’t sure about this one. I’ve never been a big mockumentary watcher. (I’ve never seen Best in Show or This is Spinal Tap.) But it’s set in a high school and I review YA, so I thought: hey, why not?

Watched episode one and my reaction is “meh.” It does a good job of satirizing true crime shows but for me the joke wore off after about 10 minutes. (I did warn you about my short attention span!) To me, this just seemed like boring guy humor — the entire mystery revolves around giant male genitals spray painted on teachers’ cars. Yawn.  (Then I read spoilers and … no thanks.)

Verdict: I’d rather watch a real documentary

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The Deuce (HBO) Watch the trailer here.

George Pelecanos. David Simon. Maggie Gyllenhaal. James Franco. What’s not to like here? This is a show set in gritty 1970s New York, and I love shows set in New York.

Watched the first episode and was really impressed by the amazing production values. But I soon realized that this was way too depressing for me, focusing heavily on prostitution and pornography. Watching this reminded me of forcing my way through Taxi Driver because of Robert de Niro and Jodie Foster.

Verdict: Try it if you loved Taxi Driver, and I’m sure it will win awards, but not for me.

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Stay tuned for future installments to find out if I can find a show I can love!

Will Dynasty fulfill my love for shallow Bravo-style TV? Can Edie Falco in Law and Order: True Crime or Kyra Sedgwick in Ten Days in the Valley give me strong female characters and gripping suspense? Am I brave enough for Mindhunter? Is Liar the addictive new British show I’ve been looking for?

Tell me in comments what you’re planning to watch this fall!