Mounds of content splattered across streaming platforms, cable television, and the Internet can cause the ones desiring entertainment to be overwhelmed considering all the options. Not in spite of, but because of this, we’ve developed a brief list of the swaggy shows that are worth following long-term. Yes, yes, we know the value of those diehard, day one series that have entertained for seasons. This list, however, is for the viewers that like programming with a little diversity and drama. First on the list is a deadly high school drama that plays on our worst fears…
All Of Us Are Dead
Premiering Jan. 28, 2022, this original Korean series follows students at a high school that becomes ground zero for a virus outbreak that morphs unsuspecting victims into blood-thirsty zombies on the attack. Although a mostly predictable storyline, it’s still fun to watch another apocalyptic thriller from a different perspective. Stars Lee Yoo-mi, Byeong-cheol Kim, Jeon Bae-soo, and Kyoo-hyung Lee. Watch new episodes on Netflix.
Power Book II: Ghost
Tariq St. Patrick spells drama in his own unique way in this crime thriller full of mind-bending twists and turns. In it’s second season, Tariq sets it off as he steps into his father’s (Ghost) big shoes, running a drug operation at his prestigious college, running a muck with the Tejada drug familia, and establishing a network of co-conspirators and accessories to his many crimes. Stars Michael Rainey Jr., Gianni Paolo, Woody McClain, Mary J. Blige, Paige Hurd, Method Man, Melanie Liburd, and Shane Johnson. Binge watch on Starz or Amazon Prime.
All American
Weaving together a complicated past with the blossoming expectations of the present is star football player Spencer James’ day-to-day. In its fourth season, which returns Feb. 21, 2022, the South Central LA native is still reeling from his decision to leave his beloved neighborhood for greater prospects in Beverly Hills. Stars Daniel Ezra, Samantha Logan, Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Taye Diggs, and Bre-Z. Watch on The CW, Amazon Prime, or Hulu.
Growing Up Hip Hop LA
Don’t count reality television out. This docuseries on the lives of celebrity offspring follows the children of rap legend Rev Run, mainly Angela, Vanessa, and JoJo Simmons, along with Naughty By Nature’s Treach’s daughter, Egypt Criss, who he shares with Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa fame. The reality series is a carousel of six degrees of separation in the land of the alleged rich and famous, including relatives of producer Stevie J and rapper Uncle Luke. Watch new episodes on WEtv or Urban Movie Channel.
Love & Marriage: Huntsville
For all the ruckus that the Real Housewives franchise has continuously caused, there’s a new show in town that’s causing a stir. LAMH has been entertaining viewers since 2019, yet many fans are just now discovering the notoriety of the infamous Martell Holt and his off-screen shenanigans in its third season. The synopsis, three Black power couples invested in the real estate business in Huntsville, Alabama strive to work together to make a difference while their personal lives fall apart. Stars Melody Holt, LaTisha and Marsau Scott, and Maurice and Kimmi Scott. Binge watch previous seasons on OWN or Amazon Prime.
Raising Dion
In this comic book inspired series, a grieving single mother is tasked with the duty of protecting her superhuman son, Dion, as he navigates the new world of superpowers and villains, while balancing a somewhat normal life. The series is currently in its second season. Stars Alisha Wainwright, Ja’Siah Young, Gavin Munn, Ali Ahn, Sammi Haney, and Jazmyn Simon. Watch on Netflix.
Ready To Love / The Bachelor
These reality television shows are two of a kind. They’re both about filtering through the fluff and finding real love. Sure, it’s annoying to see stereotypical, patriarchal standards of women vying for a man’s love at the demise of a fellow competitor, but it makes for mindless entertainment. Equipped with the same formulaic draw that includes catty moments and unbelievable dramatics, we can’t stop binge watching these guilty pleasures on a rainy day or moment of relaxation. Check out Will Packer’s Ready To Love on OWN, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Mike Fleiss’ The Bachelor can be found on ABC or Hulu.
Some other notable and entertaining shows to watch include Fox’s 9-1-1, CNBC’s American Greed, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Reunion, and Amazon Prime’s Harlem.