As the mom of two small children, I don’t get out much—and I mean that literally. The only movie I saw during 2015 was Turtle Vision 4D at the aquarium. That’s why I’m grateful to be living in a time when there is so much good TV. I mean, think of our poor mothers. When we took naps, they had only “General Hospital” and “The Price is Right” to amuse themselves. Date night was “The Love Boat.” And when their favorite shows went on hiatus, they were stuck with re-runs.
But this is 2016, and not only is television way better than it used to be—it might even be better than the movies. Plus, you don’t need a babysitter and the popcorn is free. Here’s a spring TV preview of the shows you need in your life.
More Fun Stuff to Watch:
- What to Watch on Netflix When Amy Schumer Isn’t On
- Not-So-Scary Monster Movies for Kids (That You’ll Like, Too)
- The Best Girl Power Movies to Watch with Your Daughter
Spring TV Preview: Shows You Absolutely Can't Miss
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Heartbeat
Based on a true story, this medical drama centers on a fearless female cardiac surgeon (Melissa George, who did time on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Good Wife”) with a racy personal life. And by racy, I mean she says things like, “Do you have any idea how hot you are covered in blood?” I can’t decide if this show will be good or so bad it’s good, but either way, it’s bound to be entertaining.
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Catastrophe
While on a business trip to London, Rob becomes smitten with wise-cracking local Sharon and shags her silly. When she gets accidentally pregnant, they decide to pursue a relationship, despite barely knowing each other. The premise is simple but the writing is top notch and will have you cracking up—especially if you had a “geriatric pregnancy” like Sharon does. If you missed season one of this hilariously raunchy romantic comedy series, I highly recommend an Amazon binge before the season two premiere.
Premieres: Friday, April 8, on Amazon Prime
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Photo: Amazon Prime -
The Catch
From Shonda Rhimes, the genius who gave us “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away With Murder,” comes this show about a forensic accountant (that’s sexier than it sounds) who goes undercover to bust con artists. So what’s the catch? Her own fiancé may have pulled the con of a lifetime on her, pretending to love her while siphoning her fortune to his secret wife. I'd be conning you if I said I wasn't totally jazzed for this worthy addition to the TGIT line-up.
Premieres: Thursday, March 24, on ABC
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Photo: ABC -
The Detour
Created by Samantha Bee and her husband Jason Jones (“The Daily Show”), “The Detour” is an edgy comedy about a family road trip from Syracuse to Ft. Lauderdale gone awry. It may sound like the movie Vacation, but Jones implied a darker tone when he joked that it’s like a comedic “Breaking Bad.”
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The Girlfriend Experience
Adapted from the Steven Soderbergh movie, this R-rated drama stars Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road) as a law student who becomes a high-class escort to pay the bills. Moody and sensual, “The Girlfriend Experience” could become your new at-home date night rendezvous with the hubs.
Premieres: Sunday, April 10, on Starz
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The Night Manager
Super spy Tom Hiddleston (Loki from “Thor”) goes head to head with arms dealer Hugh Laurie (“House) in this much-anticipated adaptation of the best-selling John LeCarre novel. Smart, suspenseful, and sexy (Hiddleston drops trou, apparently), this six-night miniseries is bound to get a lot of attention, so you might as well watch it.
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The Ranch
I’m lukewarm on the laugh track (why, Netflix, why?) but I’m totally sold on the cast of this new comedy about a retired football star (Ashton Kutcher) who returns home to Colorado to work on his family’s ranch alongside brother Danny Masterson (reunited from “That 70s Show”) and parents Sam Elliot (Tombstone) and Debra Winger (Terms of Endearment). I’d saddle up for Debra Winger any day.
Premieres: Friday, April 1, on Netflix
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Photo: Netflix -
Time Traveling Bong
Here’s a show to watch long, long after the kids go to bed (and then immediately erase the evidence from the DVR). The hilarious Ilana Glazer and her “Broad City” co-star Paul Downs play cousins who discover a magical bong that allows them to explore history, Bill & Ted style. It’s only three episodes, but I have a feeling I’ll be laughing the whole time.
Premieres: Wednesday, April 20, on Comedy Central
More info
Photo: Comedy Central
