Here are our picks for what you should watch this week.
BoJack Horseman
The first season of BoJack Horseman was a pleasant surprise. A slow burn of a comedy, it plays with the sitcom format, while injecting a surprising amount of character depth and development along the way. And it doesn’t hurt that the animated show is filled with familiar voices like Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Allison Brie, Aaron Paul, and Paul F. Tompkins. The first season ended with BoJack, the self-centered, washed up star of an ’90s sitcom finally having a moment of introspection.
Season two promises to build off the hilarious and emotionally resonant base built in season one. BoJack sets forth to change his life, feeling beaten down after a series of embarrassing defeats. The show still isn’t afraid to wade into the darker side of things, sometimes outright dipping into depression and self-loathing, while still maintaining an incredibly incisive sense of humor. It’s surprising just how affecting the story of a horse with a human’s body can be.
Tig
If you aren’t familiar with Tig Notaro yet, it’s time to catch up. One of the funniest comedians working, Notaro also has an amazing story to tell. Tig is a documentary that details one of the toughest times of Notaro’s life, as she deals with being diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching the comedian find humor in some of the toughest times shows just how skilled she is, but it also puts her in a vulnerable state. She’s forced to deal with a part of life that no one wants to face.
Creep
Mark Duplass has made a name in the indie film industry with his quirky, honest films. Credited as the writer on Creep, Duplass dips into a trope that he’s used before on Safety Not Guaranteed: A strange online ad leads to a spiraling plot. When a down-on-his-luck Aaron spots an ad looking for help filming that promises $1,000 for the day, he jumps at the chance. After a normal first day, things take a turn, and not everything is as it appears.
Boardwalk Empire Season 3
HBO’s crime drama Boardwalk Empire has built a sizable following, thanks to the period piece’s gripping story and powerful performances. Set in Prohibition era New Jersey, the show follows Steve Buscemi — who plays a corrupt politician in Atlantic City — as he deals with the citizenry, other politicians, and the huge mob presence that is digging in its claws. Season three of the drama is up now on Amazon Prime. The show picks up on New Year’s Eve 1922, as a new mob presence pops up from New York City.
True Blood Season 5
If Boardwalk Empire isn’t enough HBO drama for you, then you can dig your teeth into True Blood. The southern tale involves tons of characters with otherworldly abilities, including the main character, who is a telepathic waitress. The show has vampires who are more than 150 years old, werewolves, shape shifters, and other creatures, too. True Blood creates a unique universe that you’ll want to stay in as long as possible. Luckily, with season five available now, you’ll have plenty to watch. Start from the beginning to watch the whole story unfold.
