By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I’m always looking for a solid TV show, one that entertains while I’m learning from the writers. This blog is totally from my perspective as a writer.
Solid entertainment in a TV show must have the following:
- Three dimensional characters.
- Inner and outer landscape problems – even if it takes several weeks or the whole series to figure out.
- Clearly the writers have chosen the only character who could be the hero, heroine, or villain.
- A plot that is unpredictable.
- A setting that works against the character’s goal or problem solving, forcing the character to adapt.
That equals 5 points. My time is valuable, so I want to ensure my viewing is worth my energy. Honestly I often work while husband views TV but not these current must-watch shows – and here’s why.
Designated Survivor – starring Keifer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman.
In my opinion, this is a 5+. Each episode shows the character as honest, sincere, and highly intelligent. He wrestles with inner and outer conflicts while struggling with the US in turmoil. This unlikely President is the only man who could walk through each episode in a plot that twists and turns.
ABC Network
Madam Secretary – starring Téa Leoni as Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.
Another 5+ TV show. While the character is a highly skilled and extremely intelligent woman, she’s also a wife and mom. The show balances the critical issues on the home front as well as those around the world.
CBS Network
Scorpion – starring Elyes Gabel as Walter O’Brien
This series fits all the criteria. The context is four geniuses who strive to save the world but are social misfits. Emotion issues send them into a tailspin. Wish I had their brains!
CBS Network
NCIS: Los Angeles – Chris O’Donnell (Callen) and LL Cool J (Sam) star as super-skilled agents for the Office of Special Projects (OSP) in Los Angeles. Technology, personal relationships, and superhero skills.
CBS Network
Secrets and Lies – starring Michael Ealy (Eric) and Juliette Lewis (Detective Cornell).
I never know where the plot is headed. Strong characters with unique backstories and hidden motive. Boy does Detective Cornell have her character down pat – did last season as well.
ABC Network
What about you? What are your favorite TV show?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
With fall in full swing, host an apple cider and doughnut day in honor of your patrons.
Comments 47
I love a variety of shows when I have time to watch them lol I did enjoy CSI I haven’t seen any of the shows that have been talked about on this blog I have heard lots about NCIS so looks like that might be my new show to watch
Our tastes are quite similar to other respondents. We enjoy NCIS and NCIA LA, tried LA New Orleans, but didn’t like some of the so-called southern accents. The actors work way too hard to achieve this and in consequence make the show sound rather foolish. Like PBS station a lot, especially British Comedy. We are fortunate to have Netflix Streaming, so are currently watching, Longmire ( a western set in Wyoming ), Bomb Girls( set in WW II – about women working in a munitions factory) and Murdock Mysteries, (set in Victorian times with a Toronto setting, each time is a complete story with few continuous episodes which we like) Sometimes when there are several episodes, forget to watch some, which can be a problem, when there are only l or 2 parts. Like Major Crimes and Madam Secretary, also Chicago Fire.. They are only on for a few episodes, but this makes the wait all the more exciting. We also watch the Discovery and History channels, especially Alaska Frontier and any films related to Alaska. Thank you for taking the time to read this and also for your great books.
Hi Gracia, thanks for posting. You mentioned several shows that I haven’t seen!
I concur with Designated Survivor! Also, I join the ranks with those who faithfully watch NCIS (original) & NCIS New Orleans, Blue Bloods & Hawaii 5-0. Yes there is definitely something about a tall, dark and handsome hero!! I do enjoy Elementary as well. I used to watch NCIS LA but just didn’t like it as well as the others. Tried Madam Secretary when it first came out but y’all are making me wonder if I should go back & watch it on Netflix! Also will have to watch Secrets & Lies after all these recommendations. Thanks everyone! Thanks Diann for sharing your GODgift with the world!!
Hi Lisa, thanks for posting. We all simply don’t have time to watch every TV show out there, but we can pick out the good ones.
Hi Lisa, I think you’ll be pleased with Madam Secretary. With Secrets and Lies, I like the way the writers create the unpredictable.
It appears that you view the same “must watch” television that my family does. We like intelligent writing, snappy dialogue and sometimes, just plain fantasy. These shows fit the bill perfectly. Great minds view alike!
Hi Deborah, Great TV watching. I learn so much from each show.
Love Designated Survivor, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, all the NCIS and their spin offs, Scorpion. My son and I watch the NCIS’s on Tuesday’s, ( we do Taco Tuesday’s) Bull is squeezed in between on Tuesday’s. That is a good show too. Love your books. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with all of us.
Thank you, Julie. I’m always looking for new story ideas.
Hi DiAnn, We tape all our shows this way I can speed through the commercials. Of the new shows I love Designated Survivor, Frequency(based on the movie of the same name except in the movie it was a guy who got to talk to his father through a ham radio in the show it’s a female), Pitch, Timeless, will check out Great Indoors again this week it was pretty decent, MacGyver, Lethal Weapon & after the 1st episode Pure Genius looks pretty decent as well. Other older shows I like Elementary, Scorpion, Big Bang Theory, Code Black, Chicago Med, Rosewood, Grey’s Anatomy, Hawaii Five-O, Blue Bloods, Mom, Lucifer, Blindspot. My brother likes Once Upon A Time, All of the NCIS’s, 2 Broke Girls, The Flash, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D, , Van Helsing on SYFY. He likes some of the new shows that I’ve already listed. I also like Pit Bulls & Parolees on Animal Planet.
Hi Joann
You have a great list. Thanks for posting!
I so agree with Madam Secretary and NCIS (both LA and regular one). I did watch Scorpion the first year, but felt it became more of a comedy drama and that isn’t my preference. I do need to watch Designated Survivor though as I do enjoy watching Kiefer (by the way, my brother met and played beach volleyball with Kiefer and his current girlfriend at the time while he was on his honeymoon in Hawaii back in 1989-90) and I liked your summary of it. Thanks for your list of favorite shows and the reasons!
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, Scorpion sometimes gets a bit comedic.
Our favs are NCIS, Blue Bloods, Elementary and Sherlock, Endeavor. New: Designated Survivor, Bull. Done but not forgotten: inspectors Morse and Lewis, Poirot, Jesse Stone , Wallender, MI5. Lots of PBS and CBS! We like Mysteries.
Hi Paula,
I’ll have to try a few of those you mentioned. Thanks!
I love Designated Survivor. I think the writers are doing a great job of creating a complex character in Tom Kirkland, a man who was not expected to do much in politics and a man who has morals and values. I would love to see how his character evolves as episodes go on.
I love Breaking Bad. I was bummed that it ended, but I understand why it did. My friends and I have had debates over Walter White’s character and whether he changed through the seasons or if he was always that person and finally acted upon it.
I also love Psych. I know the episodes are illogical, but the writing is so witty, and I love that. And sometimes you just need to watch something for enjoyment and laughs and not tear it apart for how unreal the situations are.
Hi Kimberly, It is about great writing. My husband hears me loud and clear when I comment about bad dialogue or I wouldn’t have written the show that way.
I watch Madam Secretary, just started it recently and began at the beginning with season 1.
I also watch Scorpion and have from the first. I really enjoy it and wish I was nearly as smart just not the social misfit problems.
I watch the original NCIS with Mark Harmon and also NCIS New Orleans. I have been thinking of checking out NCIS Los Angeles though, I watched part of one show and the dynamics were great.
I haven’t seen the other two of your picks but will try to remember to look for them.
I do enjoy watching Arrow, Once Upon a Time, and recently started Code Black, and gotta have me some Tom Selleck, Blue Bloods.
Hi Paula, I did watch Arrow for a while – and I need to check out Code Black. Thanks!
Of the new shows, I like Frequency. Time travel is always fascinating and this is a new twist. Designated survivor is good. Queen Sugar is very good, perhaps a 4 but worth the watch.
Of the older shows, it would be hard to beat Blacklist or Scandal.
Hi Barbara, I haven’t heard of Frequency – will need to see it. Thanks!
Poldark on Masterpiece. Based off Winston Graham novels written in the 1940’s. Strong protagonist and antagonist epic novel, the norm for that era and genre – beautifully written for T.V.
Gorgeous looking characters and scenery:0)
Hi Christine, I do like gorgeous characters and great scenery! Will need to see it. Thanks.
This Is Us
Oh, Eva Marie, you know it. Our creative juices just keep rolling.
I’m a huge fan of Agents of Shield. Love the characters and think they’ve done a great job of developing them since season 1
Hi Kimberly, I’ll need to take some time and watch it. Thanks.
I watch all of the NCIS shows, as well as Hawaii 5-0 and Jeopardy. I tried MacGyver, but in my opinion there is only one MacGyver and that is Richard Dean Anderson. I gave up on the new one after only 10 minutes. It just felt wrong. I started watching Doctor Who when the new series began with the 9th Doctor and will continue with that when it returns in the new year. I also loved Star Trek in its time, as well as Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis. I read Trek and Stargate as well.
I will be picking up your new book, Deadly Encounter, from the library tomorrow.
Hi Beth, my husband is a big sci-fi fan. He loves the old and new Star Trek and Stargate. Thanks! I appreciate your reading my books.
Thanks so much for this blog post, DiAnn. My wife and I don’t watch TV as such–we not only don’t have cable, we don’t even have rabbit ears! Nonetheless, we use the Apple TV my daughter gave us a few years ago to watch an older show–or something current if we know something is worth watching–while we eat supper. That’s the extent of our viewing. We love Madame Secretary, but are currently in need of something more substantial than the first season of The Twilight Zone. Now you’ve given us some good possibilities. *big smile*
Hi Roger, Thanks so much for commenting. Take care and keep writing!
Designated Survivor is killing me. I think I’m going to have a heart attack during every episode and then suddenly the hour is over. I like characters who appear to be average and not powerful, but stop up to the plate in amazing ways when the chips are down. I was really impressed in the first show, when no one else thought he was capable of anything, he over heard his older teenage son, who is a very flawed character, temp his sister, Dad can do anything. What a great hint of what the future would hold.
I like Madam Secretary, too. Her professional struggles and her struggles as a wife and mother. I wouldn’t mind being married to her husband.
I also like Major Crimes. I loved The Closer. Seldom does a sequel come into its own like the cast has in Major Crimes. I realize how much they grew as people and professional under Brenda, but Sharon has taken the unit Benda develop and made them into cohesive working group who has such great respect and caring who each other. These development have made the characters who they were suppose to be, but you would have never thought Sharon would have been able to pull this off.
I like Castle, too I can’t help it. He entertains me.
And I must like these shows too, because they are my screens most any time they are on: Law & Order (the original, criminal intent), Blue Bloods, and Perry Mason
( I guess a theme is showing up of tall, dark and handsome. If you know anyone, you might send them my way.)
Hi Lyndie, LOL We all love tall, dark, and handsome. I need to watch Major Crimes. Thanks!
“Timeless”……vert pleasantly surprised with how good it is…….Blindspot is still a favorite too
Hi Sheila, thanks for posting! I keep adding to my list of TV shows. Never saw Timeless.
I love all the NCIS shows. I find a show and I am loyal to it and most of its incarnations like Star Trek. My guilty pleasure is Once Upon A Time, gotta love scrambled fairy tales. I also like the Sherlock Holmes series Elementary. I also like the series Code Black. The doctors and nurses are very good and the writers are not above killing off a character or two. They aren’t the main characters but they are a major part of the show. I like that in a book too. Sometimes you have to be merciless and do away with a character, even if it is a beloved one. Since I am a geek/nerd I also like to watch Dr. Who and Star Trek reruns. I’m liking the BBCA channel as it brings the funny side of Britain’s sci-fi and some others. It some of your requirements but not all. My main requirements are that they are intelligent. I mean that they are logical and hold my attention and are sometimes funny so I can get some of the best medicine, laughter. For old times sake I have started watching the newest McGyver and I’ve watched some episodes of Hawaii Five-o, I just don’t watch five-o regularly. I too ,don’t want to waste my time. I’m afraid I don’t watch many fictional shows. I’ve gone to reality type shows on food, animals, vets, and until they quit, Mythbusters. Loved those guys. No, I don’t stay in real life, I just like to sometimes read more than watch TV. My imagination is better than most of the shows.
I was skeptical when I found out about MacGyver, but every episode has been really good in my opinion. Hawaii Five-O has kept my attention, as well as, Blue Bloods and Elementary. So sad Castle has ended, but I believe it was time.
Hi Connie, you have a huge variety of interests. And I can say that because I know you! A writer always sees a way to improve on TV writing. 🙂 Thanks
I haven’t seen Madam Secretary or Secrets and Lies. I’ll have to check out Designated Survivor. Keifer Sutherland is a terrific actor. I’m a fan of Scorpion and NCIS: Los Angeles (Chris O’Donnell – ahmm… just sayin’)
Hi Debbie Gail, it’s those gorgeous hunks who keep us glued to the TV! Thanks.
This is such a helpful post. I don’t spend much time watching TV, and it’s hard to find the really good shows. I did find Designated Survivor and agree with your assessment! So now I’d like to watch one or two of your other picks. Thanks again!
Hi Dana, Oh, I hope you’re not disappointed with my suggestions. Designated Survivor is my fav for the season.
I love NCIS and Arrow
Oh, Arrow is a good one…
Hi Debbie Gail, He is mysterious!
Hi Sheila, Thanks for posting. I keep wondering where NCIS is going this weekend.