What I'm Watching Right Now

Well, technically not right now since I'm blogging ... and working ... but you get the point. Over the years, I've definitely lowered my television-watching as I've raised my standards. What has developed is a love for good stories (usually history) done right. Not to mention my penchant for witty comedies. Insert: The Tudors, Downton Abbey, and The Office. But in the absence — or approaching end in The Office's case — of these fine shows, I have had to turn elsewhere. Here is what I am watching now ... and what you need to be. It's never too late.

Vikings:
Who doesn't love a show about blood and sex — while also learning something. This, one of History's newest series, is written and produced (among other things) by the same crew that worked on The Tudors. So, you know it's going to be good ... and trust me, just three episodes in I am dying for more.

It follows the life of Ragnar Lothbrok, a daring raider that decides that he is tired of sailing east every year — at the Earl's command — and instead urges a mission west to the yet-unpillaged lands of England. I won't ruin anything for you yet, because you still have plenty of time to catch up on the show and should immediately. The first few episodes are already on demand, with the newest one airing Sunday at 10 pm ET before my next series-of-interest.

The Bible:
I have no idea how History Channel pulled this one off, but in the midst of Vikings dominating households across America they have struck gold twice. You don't have to be a regular church-goer to appreciate the stories told in The Bible ... and the acting and storytelling is absolutely top-notch.

So far, the portrayals of Abraham and David — among others — have been truly superb. With the critics raving about this, History's other gem, there is no reason in the world that you shouldn't be sitting yourself down in front of your TV every Sunday night at eight and enjoying all that History's three-hour time slot has to offer.

Parks and Recreation (past episodes):

Now, this isn't a new show ... heck, I'm not even watching current episodes, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the outstanding comedy of Parks and Recreation. Unfortunately, I refused to watch the show its first few seasons because of a dislike of Amy Poehler. (One that I am seriously regretting now.) But a stellar cast of Aziz Ansari, Adam Scott, and Nick Offerman — among countless others — drew me in. And thank God for that. Amy Poehler is actually quite amazing in her role as Leslie Knope. I'm still only on season four, but watching a 'new' episode of Parks has become a daily habit of mine. The show is still on NBC and airing new episodes every Thursday, so it's never too late to jump on the worthwhile bandwagon!