Spring has sent a rainstorm of incredible television our way. I for one am out in the pouring rain, jumping in the puddles and trying to catch every moment. So many great shows have been renewed while others are saying their final goodbyes. If you aren’t privy to some of the television shows on this list hopefully my excitement will help you get on the bandwagon. Watching television isn’t for couch potatoes, it’s for anyone who just wants to be swept up in a story with characters you can’t help but feel for or even love to watch squirm. Showrunners have hit hard and these are the best shows that are guaranteed to have you invested in their plot.

1. Game of Thrones

Sometimes the hype around a show isn’t overrated, rather it’s highly deserved. The gut-wrenching series that fans have loved for the last ten years will be one to remember. Game of Thrones is one of the greatest televisions shows on the air, if not the greatest. It’s truly mind-boggling to realize that it has been 10 years since the first episode premiered. We’ve seen dragons fly, White Walkers rise, Jon Snow become the King in The North, and Daenerys Targaryen finally cross the sea to face her enemies. It’s been a wild ride and although the eighth and final season is just six episodes, the creators have packed in so much action and twists. We see character’s die and make choices that change things forever, and if you haven’t witnessed the buzz on Twitter or heard your friends talk about it– binge-watch to catch up!

2. Barry

Talk about a complex character. Barry is one of those shows that is totally hilarious, dark, and utterly gripping. The first season came as a total surprise to me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but at my friend’s request, I watched the show and couldn’t pause an episode. The show is an amazing character study of a man who is an unwilling assassin. He’s a great shot from his time in the marines, and when he gets back to his life he’s pulled into the crime world. You’d expect a gangster-esque tale, but the satire is so spot on. Season 2 really delves into more of the characters and pushes Barry’s buttons in a really interesting way.

3. Killing Eve

This show from the BBC America returns with its second season and plenty of promises of the cat-and-mouse chase we grew to love. Killing Eve a tale between two strong female leads, ones a spy while the other is an unflinching killer, who just so happens to be obsessed with the spy investigating her. The first season dove into the reasoning that would make a woman kill or even be an assassin. This season promises more complexity and sharp moments with just the right amount of humor. So far Killing Eve volume 2 is delivering with moments of vulnerability in Villanelle’s character, and turning the tables on who is obsessed with the other. For a dry, smart, and dangerously fun escape, Killing Eve is for you.

4. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Let the dramatics takeover! The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Netflix’s hit witchy show is back with a thrilling season two. For binge watchers, this show is perfect. You can spend two days, like me, or even one day if you’re determined, watching the series. There are so many high hitting plot points, moments of backstabbing, and horror elements to enjoy. It’s a teen show but the witch lore and discussion of patriarchy make it more than a worth watch for a variety of users– if you can get past the devil worship. they are trying to take down the devil, at least. The show is a take on witches that’s different than the Harry Potter or light-hearted fantasy, but it sticks to its paradigms and spins an interesting story. I’m happy Sabrina’s cliche was able to grow and go through moments in their friendship that any other teen show would exploit for cheap drama. No, the go friends go through things, changing romances and gender identities, but they’re still tight-knit. 

5. Most Beautiful Thing

Another gift from Netflix, Most Beautiful Thing is a Brazilian show set in the 1950s. It’s about the rise of Bossa Nova and dynamic self-made women. If you know of the political strife happening right now in Brazil, you’ll appreciate this show even more. As oppression is taking places there and even here in the U.S., this show is a reminder of how women persevered even in times of hardship. It’s also a lot of fun with the bright music and feverishly determined main characters who seek to create a nightclub in a male-dominated world. The cinematography is beautiful as are the sets and clothing. Check out this empowering show for all the well thought out drama. 

6. Jane The Virgin 

Despite my reservations with Gina Rodriguez, I am still excited to catch the fifth and final season of Jane The Virgin if only to see where my fave characters end up. I can’t believe the show is almost over, but I know it will go out with a bang. I started watching this show in college and basically put my friends on to the telenovela style drama. It’s a fun whirlwind and this season is rife with so much drama if you saw last season. Well, you should have seen it because Michael is back! If that means nothing to you yet, that’s reason enough to catch up on what you’ve missed. 

7. Warrior 

Warrior is the incredible show based on Bruce Lee’s own writings and produced by his daughter, Shannon Lee.  It’s a gritty, action-packed slice of history. San Fransico never felt tougher than with Chinese gangsters battling in the streets of Chinatown. It has all the elements of a cable TV favorites: action, sex, and carnage. It’s definitely worth a watch as every episode just gets better and better, taking you into the main character, Ah Sahm’s, new world and his well-earned confidence. I love that he isn’t simply the “straight-guy” main character who’s boring but the plot is tied to him. Ah Sahm is cocky, sincere, intelligent, and pretty sexy. I’m curious to see how his story continues to unfold and to know what goes down in Chinatown with all the socio-political and racial strife. You’ll be hooked too!

8. Tuca & Bertie 

Tuca & Bertie is the last but definitely not least of the best TV shows streaming right now. It’s the perfect bright closer to this list actually. The anthropomorphic cartoon is another Netflix hit from the bold comedic champs, Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong. If their names don’t have you rushing Netflix and cuddle with your bowl of popcorn, maybe the supporting character of Steven Yeun, Laverne Cox and Tessa Tompson will. The show is hilarious, outlandish, and totally feminist. Get comfortable with seeing animated flapping boobs, spot-on best friend banter, shenanigans, and well-balanced awareness of sexual misconduct. It’s as smart as it is in-your-face wild. I for one love seeing these two women of color combine their talents to create something fantastic for everyone to enjoy. 

If you feel there’s something amiss about this list of great television, please let me know in the comments! Also if you love any of these shows, share your thoughts or favorite moments in the comments too. 

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Best,

Kai