Sara and Melissa Talk About...Favorite TV Shows of the 21st Century

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are now into our sixth year!

This month, we are talking about our top 10 favorite TV series of the 21st century. We'd love to know what yours are, so please don't hesitate to share in the comments!

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them. 

Melissa Amster:

Putting together this list was like choosing a favorite child. I've enjoyed so many shows over the past 25 years. I'm going to share some runners-up (and that list was hard to narrow down too), but explain why they didn't make the list. I'm also commenting on some of Sara's picks, and I noticed that neither of us chose Six Feet Under, even though we talk about it a lot. Sara is commenting on mine, as well.

Sara: I actually had Six Feet Under on my list at first and considered keeping it, but I felt the other shows on my list were more impactful to me. Of course, the last episode of the series will forever remain one of the most heartbreaking and memorable. Sia's "Breathe Me" took on a whole new meaning.

Here's my top 10, in no particular order (except for the first two). 

1. Ghosts: If it's possible to love a show more than Schitt's Creek, then Ghosts won that honor. (I'm talking about the US version.) It's so funny and heartwarming and it's definitely saving my sanity these days. I got my husband into it, so now I'm re-bingeing it while also caught up on the fourth season (and I can't wait for him to experience that soon). I highly, highly recommend it for some high quality entertainment.

Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

2. Schitt's Creek: So great, I watched it thrice! Iconic characters, funny dialogue, and lots of sweet (and sometimes bittersweet) moments. 

Sara: I really love this show, too. I'm glad you recommended it to me. Whenever you use the word "bebe" when we chat online, I can hear Moira saying it. 

3. Orphan Black: Sara got me into this show and I'm sooo glad! It was brilliant and really well done throughout. Tatiana Maslany is incredible at playing multiple characters. She was especially awesome as Helena. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Felix. My husband watched OB too and after each episode, we'd say "such a great show!" There was one time we were watching and someone raised a gun to shoot someone. At that very moment, there was a huge thunderclap outside and the power went out. Wild timing!

Sara: I forgot that I recommended Orphan Black to you! You usually suggest such great shows to me, that I forget which ones I've suggested to you.Tatiana was excellent in all of her roles on the show. 

Courtesy of Adventures in Vertigo

4. Desperate Housewives: This was my version of a soap opera. I was totally there for it and loved the characters and storylines. I can relate to all the women in some way or another. Sara watched it years later and I got to relive it vicariously through her. 

Sara: "Yes..." (Said in my very best Mary Alice inflection.) You know a show is great when your kids like it, too. My eldest watched the episodes with me, after getting hooked on Orson (Kyle MacLachlan) and Dave (Neal McDonough). It's a soap opera with a mystery punch to it, and I couldn't wait to see what might happen next on Wisteria Lane.

5. Somebody Somewhere: Such a wonderful series in so many ways. I just love how everyone is so flawed and genuine. I can't get enough of Sam and Joel's friendship. And Fred Rococo is one of the best supporting characters. I wish there were going to be more seasons because I'd definitely watch! 

Sara: It's not often I get overly emotional when I watch a show, but when Brad sang a special song to Joel with Sam's help, I think I may have actually cried a little. I felt like we got to see a side to Bridget Everett we've never seen before. 

6. A Million Little Things: This show came out around the same time as This is Us, but I ended up liking it more. It's about a group of adult male friends who bond after being stuck in an elevator and become even closer after one of them commits suicide. The extension of friendship includes the wives and girlfriends in their lives, and even some kids. The storylines cover a variety of topics. I love the friendships between all the characters. And it was definitely emotional at times. 

7. Cobra Kai: Great series from beginning to end. I loved all the Karate Kid nostalgia. It was an adrenaline rush to watch the competitions. And I loved seeing them try to take down the villains (especially Silver). The bromance/frenemy relationship between Daniel and Johnny was definitely interesting. I also loved that Chozen became a part of the series. Another favorite supporting character for me!

Sara: My whole family loves Cobra Kai. After watching all three movies in the 80s franchise when I was a kid, I never thought I'd like Johnny, but he was my favorite character on the show. I love his wit and gruff demeanor.

8. The Bold Type: If you want a fabulous "girl power" show, this is the one to watch! Not only are the three main characters amazing, their boss Jacqueline (played by Melora Hardin) is the boss that anyone would want at their own job. The series handles some current issues with tact and sensitivity, but also doesn't hold back. 

Sara: Melissa recommended The Bold Type, and I liked it, too! I loved the various storylines and felt I could live vicariously through all of the characters, even when I didn't always agree with their choices--Sutton made a decision that I felt wasn't the right one, but it's what helped to make her and the others feel more well-rounded and fleshed out as characters. No one was perfect and I appreciated that.

9. Ugly Betty: While my husband thought it was basically The Devil Wears Prada, America Ferrera won my heart in her role as Betty. I loved the campiness of it and how it played out as a telenovela in some ways. I also loved the supporting characters and it was a great introduction to Michael Urie (whom I now love on Shrinking). Betty's nephew was also adorable. (The actor is on Hacks now.) I was sad when it finished for good. 

Courtesy of Ugly Betty Wiki

10. Stranger Things: I'm not much for horror, but this series does it so well. I love that it's set in the 1980s and all the nostalgia. There's also a lot of heart to the characters and I genuinely care about what they are going through from one season to the next. A lot has happened in the past few seasons, and while some of it is scary for sure, it also keeps my attention and leaves me wanting more. There's a lot of humor too. I can't wait for it to come back! 

Sara: Talk about a title sequence that will never leave your psyche. Within the first few seconds, I know what show is playing, even if I can't visually see what's on my TV screen. Stranger Things is so cleverly written, combining everything we love about the 80s with suspense and thrill. When the seasons are on, I can't help but binge-watch them all. 

Top Five Runners-up:

Four Weddings and a Funeral: It only got one season, which was disappointing, since it was really well done. A love letter to rom-coms. 

Sara: I agree, it was a really cute show. I wish it had more screen time than just one season. 

Ted Lasso: Lots to love about the show and I'm glad it's coming back for a fourth season, but season three felt weak to me.

Riverdale: I was obsessed with this show for a while, but it also got really dark and made me anxious. Still, it had musical theater episodes!

Sara: On a somewhat related note: I think the Coral character from this season's The Masked Singer is Camila Mendes, who played Veronica on Riverdale. But that's just my guess. 

Virgin River: It's a comfort show for me, even though there's some intense stuff happening from time to time. It just gets really sappy sometimes.

Sara: It's a comfort for me, too. I joke about how it's this simplistic, calming presence, but at times interrupted by storylines that involve things like murder, destructive relationship experiences, bad guys, and drug plots. It gives the appearance of sweetness but there is a nice dramatic side to the show, too.

Only Murders in the Building: Funny, witty, great actors and cameos, and an immersive NYC feel. I wanted to include this in the top 10, but there were times when it could get slow for me. 

Sara: Yes, so much fun! I love the cameos and it's never easy for me to figure out "whodunnit."

With my older son in front of the Murders building

Sara Steven:

I love television. I think the majority of us who were children in the 80s can probably express that same sentiment. It started with Saturday morning cartoons. Then the teen dramas of the late 90s, like Dawson’s Creek. That parlayed into fun late 90s dramedies like Ally McBeal, or the then scandalous Sex and the City. There are great shows everywhere it seems, and although the list I’m sharing consists of shows from the 21st century, quite a few of them I never watched when they originally aired. Usually, I’d get a recommendation from someone, which would spur me on to look into the show. 

It’s great that we have the option to watch whatever we want, given all of the various apps and viewing platforms available. It was really hard to narrow this list down to just 10, but I did it! Here is my top 10 list of what I feel are the best shows from 2001-The Present:

Breaking Bad (2008)

My eldest recommended we watch “Breaking Bad,” which turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long while. If one of us has an epiphany of sorts, we’ll usually break out Jesse Pinkman’s line of, “Ahhh….wire….” (you most likely have to see the show to get that reference.) But it’s pretty hilarious. 

House (2004)

My eldest was really into this show, too, when they were just entering teenhood. I found that fascinating; that they’d take interest in a show that seemed like it might go over a young teen’s head, but the plan now is to re-watch the show after we’re done rewatching “The Office” and its extended uncut episodes. Something we learned from this show: It’s never lupus. Until it is.

The Office (2005)

Some of my favorite moments from the show: When Dwight breaks out into classic Hannibal Lector and says, “Hello, Clarice,” while wearing a first aid CPR dummy’s plastic skin. Or when Michael performs The Lazy Scranton Rap, but the best is from the last season, when Michael shows up to be there for Angela’s wedding. 

Melissa: I enjoyed The Office until Michael left. Then I lost interest. My favorite episode is "Diversity Day" in season one. "Wanna go to the beach?" 

Arrested Development (2003)

Marry me. Please! What a fun show. This is a show that I never watched when it first aired, not until it was available on Netflix. Just the other day, something had happened and one of my family members screeched, “He did it again!” Just like Lucille (Jessica Walter) would do whenever Gene Parmesan (Martin Mull) surprised her. And who doesn’t love the chicken dance?

Melissa: I always say "pass the GENE Parmesan" whenever we're having pasta for dinner. I loved AD too, but felt it jumped the shark in season three (which is ironic because they had an episode about jumping the shark at one point). Also, "has anyone ever SEEN a chicken?" 

Battlestar Galactica (2004)

At first, I didn’t think I’d like this show. My husband is a sci fi kind of guy and recommended it to me, so I decided I’d put in the effort and watch a few episodes. Seasons later, back when Blockbuster was still a thing, I’d go to my local video store and desperately search for the latest seasons and episodes, because back in those days, other than Netflix on DVD, that’s all we could do. I became obsessed!

Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001)

Back in the 80s, I watched the original “Degrassi”, and I liked the show. But I had no idea it had continued on or was a thing, not until Melissa shared it with me. It was a frequent show in my household. So much so, there is a video of my youngest singing the theme song! Who isn’t still reeling from what happened to J.T.?

Melissa: I was highly considering adding this to my list, but the characters got annoying in later seasons and the storylines kept repeating themselves. Still, it was a great distraction during the pandemic. 

Courtesy of SheKnows

Handmaid’s Tale (2017)

I read this book years ago, which is what encouraged me to watch the show. The show has really become a focal point and at times a reference given the climate of our society over the last several years, a dystopian viewpoint that some fear is a cautionary tale. No matter the background or what has happened, June never gives up, which encourages us to feel that we can’t give up, too. 

90 Day Fiancé (2014)

As I’m working on this post, I’ve got the latest episode of 90 Day Fiancé on in the background! I can get as in depth into an episode as I want, or days like day, it’s background noise for me. But either way, I enjoy the show and the sometimes wild individuals who are doing their best to find love in unexpected ways and places. This is another show that Melissa recommended to me, and while she doesn’t watch it anymore, I can carry the torch for the both of us. 

Melissa: I'm cracking up at this since I didn't know Sara was going to keep at it. We still have our inside jokes from when we both watched. We even wrote a post about it!

Westworld (2016)

This is another show my husband recommended to me, and once again he knew it was something I’d appreciate! The first two seasons were the ultimate, with the last couple of seasons dragging on, but I still stuck it out and watched it through to the very end. Nothing excited me more when I discovered who Bernard really was. “It doesn’t look like anything to me.” 

Severance (2022)

I recently finished watching this show, and I can’t wait until we get to see more of it! It’s mind bending and unconventional, leaving viewers on several cliffhangers. Is it a good idea to sever yourself from yourself? That’s the ultimate question. My favorite character is Milchick. How Tramell Tillman does it, I’ll never know. 

Courtesy of Decider

Tell us your favorite TV shows from the 21st century!

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Spotlight and Giveaway: Prime Time Romance

Introduction by Melissa Amster

I've been hearing a lot of great buzz about Prime Time Romance, Kate Robb's sophomore novel, which is now available. Everyone has been saying that it is perfect for fans of Dawson's Creek. That sold me on this novel as I loved that show and even wrote a short story related to it. Looking at the synopsis, I also get a Pleasantville vibe. I look forward to adding it to my Kindle queue in the near future. Thanks to Random House, we have FIVE copies up for grabs!

Newly divorced on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Brynn is sick of heartbreak. She thought she had found her happy ending, but now she’s living with a roommate, Josh, to afford her mortgage, and she’s trying to adjust to her new single life. At least she’s got Carson’s Cove to binge, her beloved 2000s teenage soap. The show ended unexpectantly on a cliffhanger after five seasons, and the two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, never got to declare their love for each other. The show is still perfect in Brynn’s eyes; despite all the drama that goes down, things always have a way of working out in Carson’s Cove . . . unlike her own life.

So when a birthday cake surprisingly shows up on her and Josh’s doorstep, Brynn makes a wish for the one thing she’s always wanted (but has failed to achieve herself): a happily-ever-after.

The next morning, she doesn’t wake up in her apartment. She’s in Carson’s Cove . . . and Josh is there too. Everyone seems to know them, except they’re not Brynn and Josh; they’re Sloan, the sweetheart of Carson’s Cove, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. And to get home, they have to make Brynn’s wish come true by ensuring Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, end up together at last. But as they spend more time together, Brynn and Josh realize that Carson’s Cove might not be as perfect as seen on  television . . . especially when they start developing feelings for each other in a plot twist no one has expected. Will they stick to the script, or will real love change the story forever? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“Prime Time Romance is an absolute delight from start to finish. Robb delivers all the atmosphere and charm of a small-town Hallmark romance but with a sexy, magical twist. Any reader who has ever rooted for the bad boy to get the girl, or for the girl to get her long-deserved happily-ever-after will fall for this completely original and binge-worthy book.”
—Melissa Wiesner, author of The Second Chance Year

“Sparkling with charm, Prime Time Romance cleverly scratches a nostalgic itch. Romance readers will swoon! And anyone who grew up on small-screen tropes will love the dose of reality used to subvert them. This is a magical delight from start to finish!”
—Holly James, author of The Déjà Glitch  

Kate Robb is the author of This Spells Love. She dated a lot of duds in her twenties (amongst a few gems) all providing excellent fodder to write weird and wild romantic comedies. She lives just outside of Toronto, Canada, where she spends her free time pretending she’s not a hockey mom while whispering “hustle” under her breath from the bleachers, a Pinot Grigio concealed in her YETI mug. She hates owls, the word “whilst”, and wearing shorts and aspires to one day be able to wear four-inch heels again.

Visit Kate online:

Website * Twitter * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends September 9th at midnight EST.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Listen to this book on Speechify!

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Drama!

We've been running a column series (for three years now!) to get more personal with our readers. This month, we're talking about drama, which you can find in most novels these days. Just saying....

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them. 

Sara Steven:

Melissa and I often take turns when it comes to picking out a topic for our monthly blog post. I’m fairly certain I was the one who suggested we talk about drama for this month, and to be honest, I can’t remember why I’d come up with that topic, or where it had stemmed from. I must have been dealing with some drama of my own at the time–I know back then, I was either nearly estranged or just starting a new job after saying sayonara to the former one, a situation I still suffer a bit of PTSD from. It was a few short months before I couldn’t take it anymore and said “when,” for physical and mental reasons, but it felt like it was three long years within a very toxic environment. Even now, when I bring up that bitter past, my husband tells me, “They can’t hurt you anymore,” and pats my back in solidarity. 

So, maybe that’s the mood I’d been in when I suggested we talk about drama. I know ordinarily, I hate drama. I’m not the kind to want to sip the tea, gulp the tea, or spill the tea, respectively. I do well in low-stress situations, and that’s the vibe I try to hold onto in my life. I know we can’t always prevent the drama from seeping into our lives, but I do my best. 

It wasn’t always like that. In my youth, a large part of me thrived on it. Particularly during my teen years, when it seemed I’d been presented with situations that would thrust me right into the thick of some crazy and bizarre scenarios. A moment from prom just popped into my memory banks, or more so, the after prom–holding one of my close friends upright in the shower, while screaming at her to “say your A-B-C’s,” shoving copious amounts of Wonder bread into her mouth in an attempt to soak up the alcohol she’d consumed in mass quantities. But I guess that could be the dramatic story for a lot of people who’d gone to a party after prom. It seemed back then, particularly in the nineties, there weren't a lot of limits, and somehow despite our underage status, we had access to hardcore liquor. 

The drama continued through my early to mid-twenties, mostly due to the types of friendships I had. Dramatic people sought me out, maybe because I was often a pushover who just went along with what everyone else wanted me to do. It often meant putting myself into some really precarious situations, or at times, at the center of someone else’s relationship, making it easier to point a finger at me versus other people, or themselves. 

For several years, I was a self-professed “people collector". I had a tough time letting go of anyone I’d had a relationship with, even extending out to exes. But at some point, something snapped for me. Or, clicked. I realized I didn’t have to put up with other people’s drama. The self-professed people collector who could never let go of anyone, decided she’d had enough and wanted to put up some boundaries. It meant at times, having to let go of relationships that were not healthy for me. I thought it would be a really hard transition for me to make, but it felt good to walk away from the drama and chaos. Things felt so much simpler. I could focus more on what is important to me, like my family, or my hobbies, without feeling the guilt of shifting focus away from supporting someone else’s dramatic needs and wants. 

Drama can’t always be avoided, I get that. Scenarios like the one I’d experienced when I had the toxic job will pop up from time to time, because life can’t always remain stress-free and drama-free. Life would probably get a little stagnant if that were the case. But, knowing my limits, not to mention knowing where I stand when it comes to allowing drama a place at the table, means not leaving myself in bad situations for far too long. 

Melissa Amster:

When Sara chose this topic, I didn't really know what to write about. I thought maybe I'd talk about how having a pre-teen daughter is a whole new level of drama. My friend and I compare our daughters to Katie Ka-Boom from Animaniacs all the time. It's pretty much accurate. One moment, she'll be my best friend and the next moment she is screaming at me because she didn't have time to get her homework done and that's somehow my fault. Then I figured that what I just said summed it all up. If you have a  daughter who is approaching her pre-teen years, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to commiserate with you. 

The other thing that I thought of from this topic was Degrassi. I spent half a year binge-watching Degrassi: The Next Generation during the pandemic. I was a fan of Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High when I was growing up. Somehow, I missed The Next Generation (TNG) since it started in the early 2000s and I was in my mid-twenties by then. Anyway, there is a LOT of drama on every episode of TNG. I joke that the school is cursed because bad things happen to everyone all the time. No one is immune. I know the series is set up as a cautionary tale for teens, but watching it as an adult makes me thankful that my teens aren't getting themselves into all kinds of trouble. Here's just a "short" list of all the things that happen to the characters:

• Teen pregnancy
• Rape
• Eating disorders
• Cancer
• School shooting
• Death of classmates due to some horrible situations
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Child abuse
• Parents getting divorced
• Bullying (in person and online)
• Getting catfished
• Pervy teachers (I remember the first time that happened was with a teacher coming on to Lucy on DJH.)
• Coming out as the only gay teen in the school
• Self-harm
• Being stalked
• Being the parent to their parents 
• Abortion
• Suicide
• Poverty
• Gang violence
• Running away from home
• Getting robbed or mugged

I'm sure there were plenty of other things, but this list speaks volumes. Anytime someone got confronted, they would yell at the person confronting them to reveal what their difficult situation was. I still remember when Marco first told one of his friends (Spinner) that he was gay, but it was because Spinner kept harping on him for leaving a double date. Marco ended up yelling the truth about himself. I also remember Ellie yelling at Paige for confronting her about self-harming. 

Anyway, despite all these dramatic situations, TNG is an addictive binge-watch. I even got Sara into it and we have some inside jokes as a result. (Is that...Peter?!?)

Tell us about some drama going on in your life. We won't judge!

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Riverdale

We've been running a column series (for over two years now!) to get more personal with our readers. This month, we're talking about Riverdale. Remember our New Years Resolutions post? Melissa made it a goal to watch Riverdale this year and Sara decided to watch it too. Now that we've finished all six seasons (and are eagerly anticipating the seventh), we have a lot to say about this wild twist on the Archie comics of our youth. It's so fitting with Halloween, as there is a horror element, and some witchcraft too! 

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Melissa Amster:                                                                                                                          I may have just become slightly obsessed with Riverdale this past year. I even wrote two blog posts at my personal blog about it:                                                              Seasons one - three                                            Seasons four - six                                                                                                                      One of my favorite elements of Riverdale is their nod to musical theater. I originally got hooked into watching because of the Heathers episode (I still can't get enough of their rendition of "Seventeen"), but then saw there was so much more to this series when it comes to musicals. I was so excited when they sang "Out Tonight" from Rent in one of the earlier episodes. I also got really into listening to the original cast recording of Carrie because of this show. In later seasons, they have done episodes featuring songs from Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Next to Normal. In the latest season, they did songs from American Psycho, which I didn't even know was turned into a musical. With one more season to go, I'm hoping they will do another musical episode, but it will be interesting to see which one, given where things left off in season six... 

I had high hopes that they would do certain musicals, but aside from a single song from one of them, that has not yet come to pass. They could do a lot more with the music from Rent, especially with the many, many songs they have to work with. I was even casting who the characters would be if they were in Rent.

Mark: Jughead

Mimi: Veronica

Roger: Archie

Maureen: Cheryl 

Joanne: Toni

Angel: Kevin

Collins: Moose or Fangs

Benny: Reggie

I didn't see a main role for Betty in this one, but perhaps she could be some of the supporting parts, like Alexi Darling or the person leading the group meetings? (They had a woman do that in Rent Live a few years ago.)

I also thought Spring Awakening would be such a great musical for this show. It's so dark and intense and the songs fit the vibe of Riverdale really well. The closest they got to it was featuring American Psycho, since Duncan Sheik also wrote the music for that one. However, the music from American Psycho hasn't grabbed me enough to listen frequently. However, the person who created this musical also works on Riverdale, so I can see why they chose it. 

Just for fun, I wouldn't mind seeing them do songs from Rocky Horror, even though Glee did that at one point... If they want to be even more obscure, they could do songs from Shock Treatment too. 

Anyway, as bizarre as Riverdale can get sometimes (especially in season six), I totally love it and am going through withdrawal while waiting for the next season. I don't know what I'll do when it's completely done though. 

Sara Steven:                                                                                                                              When I was a kid, there was a brief period of time when I delved into the Archie comics. I’m not sure if my obsession with Mad Magazine had been the catalyst for that, or maybe I’d been influenced by my older relatives who’d grown up with Archie and Jughead themselves. I think at the time, a lot of the funny went over my head, which is probably why I stopped reading them. But I could still recall a lot of the various characters I’d grown up with, which is why Riverdale initially caught my eye. 

I mean, how clever would it be to base a somewhat dark, somewhat supernatural drama on a beloved comic book series?  

I can’t remember who made the initial suggestion to watch the show. Was it me, or was it Melissa? We often share one another’s watch list, so it could go either way. What I can remember is how I’d instantly become hooked from the very first viewing.

A potentially dead teenager. A young woman dealing with a father recently arrested for embezzlement. Bullying. An illegal affair. Estranged friendships. And that’s just in the first episode! While the backdrop centers around high schoolers, the theme is anything but sophomoric, and it’s that juxtaposition that really creates an enticing, engrossing experience.   

It’s hard not to feel like I’m in the thick of the episode I’m watching. Especially when there are so many beautifully flawed characters. Some of my favorites are Cheryl Blossom, Toni Topaz, Hermione Lodge, Nana Rose Blossom, and F.P. Jones. (But that might be due to the tiny little crush I used to have on Skeet Ulrich back in the 90s.) And even though I often despise the bad guys, I can’t help but to appreciate them, too, like Hiram Lodge–who is portrayed by Mark Consuelos. The messed up father/daughter dynamics between Hiram and Veronica, not to mention the pretty terrible things that he chooses to do to his family and to the town, continually play at the forefront of the show. Although, I’m not sure if Hiram can hold a candle to the latest addition to the bad guy roster, Percival Pickens. He really is the absolute worst. 

It looks like there will be one more season of Riverdale before the curtains fall on one of the most unique shows I’ve ever seen. It will be really interesting to see where it goes and how it will end, considering how much of the Archie comics has been incorporated within the show, and how it appears there are no limits as to where the episodes will take its viewers. Will we go back to Rivervale? Will the Trash Bag Killer return? Or maybe Percival? How about Hiram? You never really know with this show. And that’s why it’s so good, and why I’ll keep watching.   

Do you watch Riverdale? If so, what do you love about it? If not, does this post make you want to check it out?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...New Year's Resolutions

We've been running a column series (for two years now!) to get more personal with our readers. Since we're at the start of a new year, we realized that we've never done a post about resolutions. We've decided to remedy that today!

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:                                                                                                                                      I used to be a real stickler for resolutions. It was the highlight of the end of any particular year and the start of the following year. I’d put a lot of thought and effort into it, too. From fitness to parenting, to getting out more and socializing–I always had the biggest and best of intentions, working hard to stick with my resolutions as much as I could, at all cost. 

I don’t remember when I stopped participating in the resolutions game. It might have been after the move to Arizona, or when I’d enrolled in college. Suddenly, I didn’t feel as though I had enough time or effort to devote to resolutions. When I’d get an idea on how I could improve or do better in a certain area of my life, it was something I’d focus on in the here and now–not months later, to coincide with January 1st. I didn’t wait for a particular date. I just did it. 

A friend recently asked me what my resolutions for 2022 are, and I replied: “I want to take more time for myself, and I want to be better about keeping in touch with my friends. I feel like Covid has really turned me into more of an introvert.” 

Boy, that is so relevant to what’s going on in our world right now. It’s hard to crawl out from the hole I’ve placed myself in. Right now, we’re encouraged to steer clear of everyone else, at least a six foot distance, and for good reason. I don’t think anyone wants a case of Omicron on their hands. And with another five course semester–my final one with Arizona State University–I can already feel it slipping away. The time. The ability to reach out and stay connected with others. Already, I feel as though the supposed resolutions I’d mentioned to my friend might not happen. 

Resolutions can be hard to stick with. Life circumstances can often get in the way. That’s when the will to get things done kicks in, and I know that I need to put more effort towards sticking with the important goals I’ve set for myself this year. When I say I want to make more time for myself, it means allowing myself some “me” time without feeling guilty. Like, allowing myself the time to write, or to focus on my education, and knowing it’s okay. And when I talk about keeping in better touch with my friends, I can do that even with a text, or an email. Doing what I can, when I can. Even little gestures can go a long way. 

I think resolutions are intentions set by all of us; an intention to go into this year and every year with a better outlook, or maybe a better outcome. Whether you set that intention at the first of the year, or at varying times throughout the year, it’s all the same. We’re all trying to navigate this “new normal” as best we can, and do the best we’re able to, for right now. 

Melissa Amster:                                                                                                          I'm not much for making resolutions and have a hard time sticking to ones I've made in the past. However, for the sake of this post, I am going to talk about my book, TV, and movie resolutions because...why not?                                                                                      Books: 

There are two books I have every intention of reading at some point this year. They are 11/22/63 by Stephen King and House Rules by Jodi Picoult. Both Sara and my blogger friend Lloyd (The Booksage) have raved about 11/22/63 for a long time and I finally purchased a copy for myself. It is huge!!! I think the last book I read of this size was by Wally Lamb. As for House Rules, it's the only book of Jodi's that I haven't read yet (I don't count Plain Truth since I saw it as a movie on Lifetime). It's been sitting on my shelf and I want to finally get around to it!

TV Shows:

I made a promise to Sara last year that I would start watching Riverdale. That hasn't happened yet because other shows got in the way. This year, I want to at least start the first season. I only watched one episode out of context a few years ago because it was about Heathers, the musical, and had a bunch of the songs in it. It was enough to intrigue me to watch more, but I just never got around to it. I also need to catch up on The Goldbergs. I've fallen so behind this season!

Photo courtesy of Geek Girl Pen Pals

Movies:

I would like to go back to a movie theater as I miss that experience, but I am not ready to yet. Maybe later in the year I can make that happen. In the meantime, my other movie goal is to show My Big Fat Greek Wedding to my kids. I'm always telling them how they need to see it. Some other movies I want to share with my oldest are Empire Records and Grease 2. A while back, I told my youngest we'd watch It Takes Two and that still hasn't happened. I'd love to get my middle child to finally see The Princess Bride, but he's so resistant to it. (Perhaps he heard that there was kissing...)

So there you have it. I could promise myself that I will write stories again, but I don't want to disappoint myself if that doesn't happen, so it's just a very light idea in the works that may or may not happen in 2022, depending on my mood. 

What are your resolutions for 2022?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Holiday Entertainment

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. While we're in the midst of the holiday season, we've decided to keep it light and talk about our favorite holiday themed books, movies, and TV show episodes.

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Melissa Amster:                                                                                                        I don't really watch holiday movies all that often. Just a handful of them here and there. My all-time favorites are Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, While You Were Sleeping, and Love, Actually. I saw Last Christmas a while ago and while some parts were cute, I felt like it dragged a bit until it got to the climax, and then I needed a lot of tissues. There are some holiday movies I'd like to see this year, like Single All the Way, A Castle for Christmas, and 8-Bit Christmas. There aren't really any Hanukkah movies except for the occasional one tossed onto the Hallmark Channel, which I do not have anyway. I found this list of Christmas movies and saw Mixed Nuts on there. I still remember seeing that in college and laughing so hard the whole time. I think it was the first time I saw Adam Sandler in anything and he was so funny with his songs.

Two of my favorite TV shows have great Christmas episodes: Schitt's Creek and Ted Lasso. I've seen both more than once and they're really cute and funny. Last winter, I watched Dash & Lily on Netflix and that whole show is Christmas themed. I'm sad to hear that it's not getting a second season. Back in the day, I enjoyed the South Park Christmas episodes, especially the first one they ever did with Mr. Hanky. Full House and Friends had some fun Christmas episodes too.

I've only read a few holiday books this year and enjoyed them all: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox (review), The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer (review), and The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman. The latter wasn't really about the winter holidays, but it had that feel with the constant snowy weather and overall cozy feeling. I also don't read a lot of holiday books in general. Just a few every now and then. I'm trying to remember books of holidays past and keep landing on Wrapped Up in You by Carole Matthews (review), which I think of because of 90 Day Fiancé. Another great holiday book of hers is The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas (review). I love that whole series though. I also enjoyed Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (review). Sara will be sharing her review of Mistle Text by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers tomorrow, but I read it a while ago and really enjoyed it. Everything she says is exactly what I would have said. Finally, I want to give a shout-out to The Holiday Detour by Jane Kolven (review), which was also a sweet read and even had some Jewish aspects. 

Sara Steven:                                                                                                                                         I can still remember when television station TBS would have their 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story. Having Ralphie on in the background during Christmas day festivities became part of our holiday routine, as much as anything else we’d do on December 25th. It certainly contributed to our yearly traditions. When asked what my favorite holiday-themed movies, tv shows, and books might be, it was the first thing I’d thought of. When I think of Christmas, I think of: "I want an Official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle."

For me, this time of year wouldn’t be complete without A Christmas Story, and:

Love Actually

Watching Hugh Grant dance to The Pointer Sisters’ “Jump (For My Love)” will forever live in infamy. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas

I imagine many of us will still refer to scant, wispy trees as “Charlie Brown trees.” I know I have at times. And I still hold out hope that with a lot of love, commitment, and faith, we can turn the downtrodden tree into something beautiful. 

The Santa Clause

When my kids were little, they were convinced The Santa Clause was truly about Santa himself. They believed in the spirit of the holidays back then, and I feel like there’s so little magic left in the world nowadays. It encouraged me to leave presents under the tree wrapped up in special Kris Kringle wrapping paper, and they were convinced it really had come from Santa.  

Home Alone

I added this one primarily for my boys. I think we’ve seen it twice this month, so far. It’s not a favorite of mine, but I know it means a lot to them, and I don’t mind hanging out and watching it too.

Books:

Mistle Text, by Whitney Dineen

I recently finished this holiday masterpiece, and it was well worth the read! It was a little bit Scrooged, mixed in with Pretty in Pink–two characters who come from opposite sides of the track, finding their way despite their own viewpoints and the viewpoints from others. (Stay tuned for my review and a giveaway!)

All the Lonely People, by Jess Riley

I read All the Lonely People many years back, but it has still stuck with me, even now. I loved the unique premise–if you don’t like who you’re related to, find people you actually want to spend the holidays with!

Murder at Mistletoe Manor, by Holly Tierney-Bedord

There’s nothing like a good murder mystery. Throw in some holiday accents, and you’ve got a murdery mystery that keeps you guessing, every step of the way.

Miracle on 5th Avenue, by Sarah Morgan

A woman who loves everything about Christmas. A man who is a bestselling crime writer. It seems their personalities would be too conflicting, yet in this story, opposites attract.

Fool Me Twice at Christmas, by Camilla Isley

I had so much fun with this one. A once loving couple go home and put on an act for their families around the holidays. Could life begin to imitate art? 

White Wedding, by Carla Luna

It took me all of one day to read White Wedding. There were remnants of love from the wrong side of the tracks in this one, too, with an extension of family members who get in on the debate. 

What are your favorite holiday movies, TV shows, and books?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Moms in Media

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. This month, in honor of Mother's Day, we're talking about our favorite stories about moms, whether they're in books, movies, or TV shows. We'd love to hear what your favorites are in any of these categories.

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:

A large chunk of my life has been defined by the designation of “Mother,” or more appropriately, “Mommy,” then “Mom,” and lately, “Bruh.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that my emotional attachments to the wonderfully emotional stories that are written or portrayed about motherhood have taken slight (or heavy) turns into the insanely funny, the comically painful, and the downright truthful and honest representation of what it’s like--not just the pretty, but the ill-favored, too. Media has been an important outlet for me, getting me through the various milestones or passages of time, depending on where my children are at in any given moment, and I’d like to share a few of the movies, television shows, and books that remind me that I’m more than just a “Bruh.” I’m actually somebody’s mother!

Movies:

Stepmom: It’s a tear-jerker. I wasn’t a mother yet when I saw Stepmom for the first time, but it really touched me. Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts were at the heart of the film, and I dare anyone to see them in action and it not bring a tear to your eye!

Bad Moms franchise: Mothers behaving badly--it’s not acceptable. But, Bad Moms made it acceptable to alter conventional responsibilities, to bring store-bought cookies to the bake sale, and to say, “Hey, you know what? You’ll eat those cookies, and you’ll like it.”

Life of the Party: Melissa McCarthy is a stay-at-home mom who ends up going back to college, and while I haven’t personally done most of the shenanigans she finds herself in, I can relate to her need for higher learning, and going back to school after a decades-long hiatus.

Books:

Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby: While thinking of books on motherhood, this was the first book that had come to mind for me. I’d read and reviewed the book for CLC, inspired and pained by the minutiae of motherhood. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: It’s been turned into an award-winning television show, but I first learned about the three mothers from this story after reading Moriarty’s masterpiece. 

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan: I recently finished The Summer Seekers, and I loved the dynamics between three women who are mothers, grandmothers, and/or feel ruled by motherhood.

TV Shows:

Workin’ Moms: I’m so glad Melissa and I are both interested in Workin’ Moms, and have yet another show we can talk about! Nothing is held back, even when it induces seriously cringeworthy moments.

Mrs. Fletcher:  The miniseries takes a look at one woman’s life after her son goes off to college, finding that many facets awaken in intriguing and unusual ways.

Fuller House: I was a huge fan of Full House, back in the day, and loved how the premise felt like it had come full circle (or, fuller circle) when D.J. became the family matriarch, fitting nicely into her father Danny’s shoes.  

In prior years, the mothers in my life would gather together at an olive mill in Queen Creek, Arizona, celebrating motherhood with family. We’re unable to do that this year for various reasons, but I know we’re all together, in spirit. For those who are celebrating, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

Melissa Amster:

I'm just sharing five books, movies, and TV shows about motherhood that I love. There are so many out there I enjoy. that it was hard to choose!

Books about moms:

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms: It publishes in July and you will definitely want it on your TBR right away. It's a Freaky Friday tale about two very different moms. I'll be reviewing this with Jenny at Book Coffee Happy this summer.

Links are to reviews for the following:

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain: One of my favorite novels of 2018. It's a time travel story about the love of a mother for her daughter. 

Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin: It's a comedic novel about the stresses moms go through. It reminds me of Workin' Moms in some ways.

Versions of Her by Andrea Lochen: Two sisters get to know their mom through a portal into the past. Really well told and heartfelt. If you like this one, you'll also like Faye, Faraway.

No Time to Blink by Dina Silver: This book is perfect for fans of Not Without My Daughter. And although I never read that book or saw the movie, I really liked this story.

Movies about moms:

Where the Heart Is: I've mentioned this movie a few times as one of my all-time favorites. It's about a girl who becomes a mother at a young age and has her baby inside a Walmart. Then it's about how a small town embraces her and her child. So, so, so good!

Troop Beverly Hills: Such a fun, classic eighties movie. I enjoy watching it even more as an adult and seeing it through Phyllis's perspective. And the cookie song is so much fun. 

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead: Technically, Sue Ellen has to take over the role of mom for a summer, but she's right on top of that. 

Freaky Friday (the 2003 version with Jamie Lee Curtis): I always manage to cry from this one. 

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again: I liked it way more than the first movie and enjoyed getting to know Donna when she was younger, as well as seeing Sophie on the brink of motherhood. 

TV shows about moms:

This is Us: I don't think I need to explain this one. I love how they go back and forth in time though. 

Parenthood: I don't need to explain this one either. ;)

Modern Family: I am basically Claire Dunphy, in terms of my parenting style.

Workin' Moms: I just got into this show a few months ago, thanks to a recommendation from Sara, and I can't wait for season five to land on Netflix! More thoughts on it can be found here. 

One Day at a Time: I loved seeing Penelope navigate single motherhood while living with her mom, played by the fabulous Rita Moreno. More thoughts on it can be found here.  

Since Sara shared a picture with the mothers in her life, I would be remiss not to share one that was taken with the mothers in my life. This was taken back in 2005, as everyone lives in separate parts of the country and we don't normally take photos together when we're all in the same place at the same time. I was a new mom in this photo. My mother-in-law is in the middle and my mom is on the right. 

Tell us your favorite books, TV shows, and movies about motherhood. Do we have any in common with you?