Need something to watch this weekend? Any of these choices are worth the watch! Grab some popcorn and a cozy blanket and enjoy.
Dumplin’
IMBD Description: Willowdean (‘Dumplin’), the plus-size teenage daughter of a former beauty queen, signs up for her mom’s Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant as a protest that escalates when other contestants follow her footsteps, revolutionizing the pageant and their small Texas town.
Why I Love It: I felt so. many. emotions. during this movie. I laughed and cried, I felt angry but overwhelming empathy and just about every other feeling under the sun, and although that’s a lot to take in, nothing felt forced or contrived. If you grew up on the plus-size, you’re going to relate to the main character. There’s also a story of friendship between someone who is fat and someone who is thin, wanting to date someone who you feel is “out of your league,” losing a loved one, and the strain of a mother-daughter relationship. There’s also Dolly Parton music and drag queens, so really, what’s not to love?
Fresh Off the Boat
Wikipedia Description: The story follows the course of Eddie Huang’s Taiwanese family as they make their way from Chinatown of Washington, DC to Orlando, Florida, to open a cowboy-themed steak restaurant in 1995 (with the first five seasons being set between 1995 and 1999). His mother struggles with the culture clash between her upbringing and a Florida community that does not have a large Asian population, his father embraces the “American Dream”, and Eddie struggles with assimilating into school.
Why I Love It: I’m not Taiwanese, I’ve never moved to a new state or country, and I’ve never experienced cultural clash for more than a week. That’s why I love this show. I’m watching a story that I don’t know anything about, and I’m learning a ton in the process. It’s hilarious, you’ll root for the characters, and it tells a story that isn’t being told anywhere else. According to Wikepedia, “It is the first American television sitcom starring an Asian-American family to air on American network primetime since Margaret Cho’s All-American Girl, which aired for one season in 1994.” That’s freaking awesome! From themes of immigration to surviving high school, I feel like Fresh Off the Boat has something for everybody.
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Wikipedia Description: Set in the fictional 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows a team of detectives headed by the overly serious, newly-appointed Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). The detectives include Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), who frequently tops the squad in collars despite his relaxed, carefree attitude, much to the annoyance of his more stern and by-the-book partner, Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero). The hard-working but timid Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) is partnered with the stoic and sometimes aggressive Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz). Detectives Michael Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Norm Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) seem incompetent but have solved more cases than the others due to numerous years on the job.
The detectives report to Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), a gentle giant and devoted family man who is initially afraid to go back to active police work for fear of dying in the line of duty and leaving his children fatherless. Rounding out the precinct is sarcastic civilian administrator Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti), who dislikes her job, prefers to enjoy her social life, and believes that dancing is her life goal.
Why I Love It: Did you just read that cast list?! It is fuuuuuuuull of diverse characters and themes: Latina cops, black leaders, a gay commander, a bi-sexual detective, children of divorce, adoption, and more. I also think this show has the BEST sitcom writing in existence. The humor is exquisite, and you can’t change my mind on that.
Master of None
Wikipedia Description: The series was created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, and stars Ansari in the lead role of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor, mostly following his romantic, professional, and cultural experiences.
Why I Love It: It’s hilarious! The writing is pure gold, the issues covered are relatable for any young adult, and if you’re an immigrant or your parents are, I’m sure you can make even more of a connection. I can’t think of many shows that focus on Indian families, and Aziz Ansari makes really insightful comments on immigration, religion and culture in the show.
Shrill
Wikipedia Description: Shrill follows Annie, described as a fat young woman who wants to change her life — but not her body. Annie is trying to make it as a journalist while juggling bad boyfriends, sick parents and a perfectionist boss, while the world around her deems her not good enough because of her weight. She starts to realize that she’s as good as anyone else, and acts on it.
Why I Love It: I watched the entire first season in one day, and I was devastated when it was over because it was so good. I laughed. I cried. I felt all the feels. I’m plus-size, and I saw myself so many times in this show. There’s a fat pool party scene that I would have given anything to have been a part of. If you’ve struggled with being plus size, please watch this show. If you haven’t, also please watch this show so your empathy can grow.
title image credit : freestocks.org on Unsplash