TOP 5 FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM 2022’S QUEER AS FOLK

TOP 10 TV SHOWS I WATCHED IN 2020

1. Dear White People

This show goes on the top tier of my favorite shows ever. It’s been around since 2017 (after the eponymous movie of 2014) but only this year I finally got the chance to watch it. Truly one of the best written shows I’ve ever seen, with such compelling characters and story. While I love to watch series with hard hitting social topics, it’s usually very emotionally exhausting for me. However, DWP manages to balance the gravity of its plot with a bright outlook. Besides, I always love to see different characters’ perspectives so the format of DWP is extremely engaging.

2. Grand Army

Grand Army is not your typical teen drama. It’s very raw and real. Five protagonists pull you into the story, and whether you hate them or love them, they don’t let you go. All characters feel like actual people you could know in real life. The show talks about racism, terrorism, sexual assault, white feminism, poverty, homophobia, bullying and more. I also love the way the show uses phones and social media, which you rarely get to see in teen shows. It doesn’t feel glossy or over dramatic. It does get graphic and dark, but it makes you care about the fate of its characters. Here, we also get to see five different perspectives. That and the rawness reminded me of SKAM, although GA is way less cheerful. It could also be compared to Euphoria with it’s portrayal of real issues, but I feel like GA hits the spot much better (and has more diversity).

Finding out that the creator is racist, upon finishing the binge, left me shocked and quite conflicted. I hope they will change the showrunner for season 2 (if it gets renewed). 

3. The Great 

I’m not much of a period drama fan but this one’s no typical historical shows. It plays around historical figures, but you shouldn’t take that too seriously, just like the show itself. It’s a great (haha get it) fun to watch. The combination of comedy with the actual life or death peril creates a unique experience. Each episode the tables turn, you feel both, betrayed and enticed. Not to mention, Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult’s chemistry and performances are phenomenal. Overall, it feels like a strawberry blew up in your mouth (take it however you want).

4. Dickinson

Dickinson is similar to The Great in a sense of historical accuracy. And I’m grateful for it, because seeing the 19th century nobility twerking at a party was something that brought me an immense amount of joy. Of course, you get to see Emily Dickinson’s poetic and original inner world, which is handled quite creatively.

5. The Queen’s Gambit

This is just a very well written, portrayed and produced story. Even if you feel like it wouldn’t be your cup of tea (I mean a period piece about chess? Come on), chances are once you put the show, you won’t be able to stop. It’s a limited series with a star struck cast which pretty much reads like a prolonged film. It’s also pretty suitable to watch with your family, if usually you struggle to find a common interest.

6. Julie and the Phantoms

This show certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations. It may seem like a typical kids show, but it’s smart, deep and entertaining. The music is incredible and it’s impossible not to fall in love with characters. Also, here’s the proof that your show doesn’t need to have graphic scenes and oversexualized underaged characters to be good. 

7. Saved By the Bell: the reboot

So I didn’t watch the original show, but the reboot caught my attention mostly because of Josie Totah, and because the vibe of the show just felt like something I would like. And I was absolutely right. Perhaps it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and what is?) but to me it’s hilarious. A sort of heart-warming witty little show with gen z humor and interesting diverse characters. Definitely my new comfort show. And Lexi’s my queen.  

8. Outer Banks

Released during self-isolation it became a way for the viewers to live vicariously through the risky outdoor adventures. Perhaps, that’s why it’s such a hit and a bit overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked (why do you think it’s on this list). It’s not an outstanding show, might be cheesy and raise some questions (like how can they all be teenagers looking like that?) but it’s entertaining and engaging, and sometimes that’s all you need.

9. I am not okay with this

Let’s take a moment of silence for this amazing show being cancelled. Do you like Teotfw or Stranger Things, or better yet both? This show’s for you! It’s unique, dynamic, feels like you’re reading a comic book. Has a certain mystery to it and its own distinct voice. It also feels retro and nostalgic, even though it’s set in modern day.

10. Love, Victor [SPOILERS]

There’s a lot of things I wish I could change about the show to make it better: For starters, more representation. I mean you’re making a show, not exclusively, but primarily for the lgbtq+ community and you only have two main gay characters? What’s that about? There are so many possibilities to make other characters not straight. E.g. Mia and Lake could be couple goals, Pilar being bi, Andrew – definite bi energy. Secondly, the cheating trope is so exhausting and overdone in gay storylines. It doesn’t add drama, it just makes the couple and the characters hard to root for. Also, making the love interest so obvious was so underwhelming after everything we went through in Love, Simon. I was kind of hoping for a surprise love interest until the end.

Regardless of all that, no matter how far from teenage reality this show is, it was cute. And even though I rooted for the secondary characters way more than the main one, I’m still excited to see what they come up with for S2.

thoughts on sex education season 3

two episodes in

im so here for otis & ruby, the relationship makes both characters more interesting and less unbearable, plus they are so much better than maeve & otis, i can actually ship them.

i love cal. i want to see more of them. it was heartbreaking to see the bathrooms aka their safe space being demolished.

since season one adam has been my favorite character (after maeve), and i’m so happy to see his development. he makes me go 🥺 every time he’s on screen.

eric and adam are so cute. i really hope they work out.

i’m glad isaac told maeve the truth, and while i like isaac i don’t think maeve will be with him. i don’t think maeve needs a love interest this season tbh.

i hope we get an aimee centered episode.

episode 3

sorry viv and jackson, i used to really ship you last season but now i’m cal and jackson all the way

viv is kinda annoying this season so far. it’s in character but like she used to be one of my favorites

i want to fight hope

why do i love ruby now

episode 4

okay i do like otis and ruby but why did this turn into their show? i want to see other characters more!!!

i can’t wait to see hope’s downfall. istg if she’s not gone by the end of the season i will riot.

i’m really liking maeve with isaac. their scene was so sensual and beautiful.

i just really hope otis and maeve both move on separately like they’re doing rn, and never get together. i don’t think they’re right for each other, and they’re just boring together.

ready for paris adventures yessss

episode 5

jean is a queen

jackson on a trip is hilarious

flying feces whyyy

i love adam sm

oh no the girls are fighting

not ola and lilly having a fight over aliens

oh no don’t tell me maeve and otis are gonna find some motel and there will only be one bed

i’m living for adam and rahim becoming buddies

jackson and cal 💔

maeve’s not here? kevin’s not here. KEVIN!

you tell him, maeve. otis sucked last season.

nononono. NOOO. disgusting. don’t kiss. stupid paris.

poor ruby 😭

episode 6

lilly backstory yesssss

vagina cupcakes I WANT

why is aimee the sweetest human being

i wonder if the season will end with maeve going away to the us

i’m so glad we’re seeing more of eric’s family

hope can die in a ditch. she would be a terrible parent considering how she treats her students. *me imagining violently smashing hope’s car to cope* who made this bitch an educator? is this allowed? IS THAT ALLOWED?! poor kids, they’re legit traumatized now

i’m sorry but with this crisis going on, i can’t care about some silly maeve and otis drama

otis DOES make everything worse. fuck otis. i don’t want to see him anymore either.

hell yeah viv. fuck that millennial bitch up.

no, eric, don’t just go away with some stranger. i’m scared.

why is everyone fucking cheating?! is it so hard to keep your tongue in your mouth?

episode 7

ahhh i love everyone working together

omg this bitch is absolutely unhinged

“sex free campus? people fuck in the bushes” is my favorite quote, thank you eric

ruby matthews is officially THAT bitch, she did what i wanted to do the whole season

sucking on my titties is the best anthem. i love this show.

cal and jackson are definitely my favorite ship this season, i really hope they work everything out

the way connor swindells portrays adam is incredible

i need jean to be okay

they’re each other’s mums stop i’m crying

i wish mr groff cared more about his son than about getting back with his wife, like he hasn’t even talked to adam this whole time or made any sort of effort

lmao not A RAIN KISS i can’t believe a ship i don’t care about actually get a rain kiss

the finale episode 8 let’s gooooo

lmao what is this mean girls moment

adam and rahim being besties is hilarious

i’m sad cal and jackson didn’t work out but i get it, i’m glad they’ll still be friends

the maureen and aimee goat adventures

my baby adam i’m- i can’t, why is he getting hurt

why did adam and eric have to break up

not otis building up this absolute bitch that should be in jail

SHUT UP he’s not the father?!

seeing adam happy is everything

proud of maureen for ditching michael

eric third wheeling in the tree house lmao

i feel like this season left everything disheveled, and i’m left feeling empty. it felt more like a mid season finale than a season finale. i enjoyed season 3 but i think i prefer season 2.

Control Z: shows you should watch instead

Control Z was an entertaining watch /at times/. However, I wouldn’t go around recommending it to people. The characters and the storyline lacked depth, and too many questions were left unanswered. While watching it I couldn’t stop thinking how much the plot, the characters and some directorial choices reminded me of other better shows. So here’s the list of those that I would rather watch instead. However, it can also be considered as a list of shows that you might like if you enjoyed Control Z.

GOSSIP GIRL [2007-2012]

Gossip Girl revolves around the lives of privileged white teenagers and their “problems”. Lots of sex, love triangles, mind games and secrets. Oh, and of course there’s a mystery blog that publishes all the secrets of Manhattan’s elite (that being basically four people). The secret identity of gossip girl isn’t that big of a plot point, at least early on. The main characters are probably too busy partying, hooking up and dealing with their terrible parents to care about somebody documenting their lives.

Gossip Girl has a lot of similar elements to Control Z, but it’s way more messier, dramatic, over the top and fast paced. Although its problematic moments and lack of representation definitely make it a guilty pleasure, it’s still one of the most iconic teen dramas to this day.

ELITE [2018-...]

If you want to watch another show in Spanish, this one’s for you.

Rich teenagers in a private school. Check. Mystery drama. Check. A LOT of secrets. Check. And on top of that, sex, drugs, parties and MURDER.

The most appealing thing about the show must be the striking set of characters with different backgrounds, struggles, fears and desires. Although, just like in Control Z you can’t really trust anybody as you set forth on this murderous journey.

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS [2010-2017]

A story about four estranged friends, whose lives are turned upside down by an anonymous threatening their lives and unraveling their secrets.

This is honestly a mess of a show. Too convoluted, with many plot holes, and questionable storylines. What kept the attention of the audience throughout the years were the characters and the romantic pairings. Nonetheless, the show’s entertaining and suspenseful. With higher stakes if we compare it to Control Z.

T@GGED [2016-2018]

T@gged is a psychological thriller. We follow three girls who try to find out who’s tagging them in violent videos.

The production is low-budget, yet there’s beautiful scenery and camera work. It isn’t a typical glossy teen show. The characters and their struggles are realistic and relatable. It tackles such topics as drug abuse, suicide, depression, self harm, cyber bullying. It is darker and scarier that Control Z, and it is the only underrated show on this list.

SPOILERS FOR CONTROL Z BELOW

YOU [2018-...]

If you enjoyed Raul’s villain origin story in episode 7 and/or would like a more realistic and in depth glimpse into the psyche of an obsessive stalker, YOU is for you. It takes the stalker plot to another level, actually exposing it for what it is in real life, creepy and unhealthy. Watching a girl through her windows, following her at the park and kidnapping everyone who stands in your way is not cute. Joe is no Raul, but he is what Raul failed to be, a well-written villain.

SHERLOCK [2010-2017]

So, Sofia being able to read everyone’s secrets just because she’s introverted and observant was far-fetched. Moreover, it wasn’t original. The idea of cutting frames, flashing clues and close-ups was taken straight from Sherlock. It was the first show Control Z reminded me of. And if you want a detective show of higher quality, here you go.

Thanks for reading❤️ Hope you found something new to watch!

i don’t think ppl talk about these shows enough! (or at all)

On my block S3 SPOILERS

I’ve seen people complain about the finale but I loved it. It felt so suitable to flash forward, I was so hoping for it to happen, otherwise the ending wouldn’t have been satisfying. After all friends promising not to lose touch, it was only fitting to see how that worked out.

It’s not a new concept to skip a few years in the story to show how a friend group fell apart. However, OMB did it well. The “future” felt realistic and we didn’t see too much of it, so that the interest for the next season would be high. That is good storytelling.

I hope they start off the next season two years later, and maybe show a few flashbacks. I assume something will bring the ex-friends together, and it’d be cool to see their new dynamic especially since they’re older.

Monse leaving Freeridge and moving on with new girlfriends was expected and isn’t necessarily bad as she’s also away from the streets now and sh*t that no teenager should go through. Although Monse was certainly the glue of the group which could be seen even in 1x01 (with Monse away Cesar left the group), so it’s natural for everyone to stop being friends without her.

I think Jamal was looking for a place where he could release all his energy that he used to spent on conspiracies, and maybe after looking death in the eye in S3, playing football didn’t seem so scary anymore. Apparently, he even turned out to be actually good at it just like his dad.

I was surprised, yet very pleased, to see Ruby and Jasmine going strong after two years. Thank you! That’s exactly what we need: healthy long-lasting relationships!

Oscar fulfilling his dream to have a family and leave the gang was probably the most wholesome ending. It was so satisfying to see him happy. And I hope he stays that way from now on. Please don’t hurt him.

At last, Cesar also had an expected conclusion to his journey. To put aside the sad reality of his life now (like it was easy before), if we solely judge from the entertainment value this choice is great, as we’ll get to see Cesar as a leader and hopefully more mature.

TOP 10 TV SHOWS I watched in 2021

I’m like two months late with this wrap-up but here we go!

1.     Genera+ion (2021) on HBO MAX

it’s about a group of gen z kids exploring their identity and finding family amongst friends.

my favorite show ever! “genera+ion” is the kind of story i dreamed of for years but never expected to actually get. 

“genera+ion” went there and did that. multiple poc and queer characters! the different povs storytelling! the found family trope! teenagers talking and looking like teenagers! it’s not overdramatized, there’s no unnecessary trauma dumping, and no sexualizing teenagers. it is refreshing, relatable, and authentic. this is the best show recipe for me.

it was unfairly canceled by hbo max, but I believe it still works as a stand alone story and is worth checking out.  

2.     Daybreak (2019) on NETFLIX

it’s a post-apocalyptic reality where all adults had turned into zombies and the teenagers are left to fend for themselves. the main character sets on a quest to find his girlfriend with the help of his sidekicks, while trying to avoid getting eaten.

it’s a shame I overlooked this show when it first came out because it turned out to be a perfect fit for me. I’m usually not a fan of dystopian stories BUT this show has my favorite type of humor and way of storytelling. I’m talking breaking the fourth wall, insertion of animated scenes, absurdity and chaos all around.

I must admit, the main character wasn’t that compelling to me (perhaps that’s the reason why I didn’t pick up the show when it was premiering). same goes for his love interest. although I did like the unmasking of the manic pixie dream girl archetype. [slight spoilers] for most of the show the audience sees Sam and their relationship only from Josh’s perspective. but Josh turns out to be an unreliable narrator, when Sam becomes an actual person instead of the idiolized version created in josh’s head. I don’t think we get to see shows exposing their main male characters as “the nice guy” very often, so that’s the part of their story arc that I liked. [spoilers over]

for the most part I was much more invested in the secondary characters (wesley, turbo, kj, eli & mona lisa are my favorite). and I think the cast really is an ensemble, even though there’s a designated main character. other characters also get to exist on their own and even take over the narration.  

i also much preferred the love story ivolving secondary characters. it came as a huge plot-twist surprise, and embodied some of my favorite tropes.

I watched this show twice and it goes on my all time favorites list for sure, along with genera+ion.

3.     I know what you did last summer (2021) on AMAZON PRIME

if you’ve seen the 1997 cult classic you already know the premise. a group of friends cover up a murder, and a year later start getting threats from an anonymous who claims to “know what they did last summer”. however, apart from the familiar concept, the show is quite different from the movie, with a new setting and new characters.

most reviews i’ve seen of this show were negative, but I LOVED IT. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say that the plot twists, and all the clues, and foreshadowings worked for me, and the finale gave me everything I wanted. it was so twisted and toxic and didn’t shy away from it, but it was also funny and entertaining. plus, I’m obsessed with the sapphic love storyline and the characters involved in it (almost as obsessed as they’re with each other but I’m not that unhealthy).

I feel like I can’t rationally explain why I love this show so much, maybe the writers and I are just on the same wavelength. I think if you’re gen z and you like messy characters (and thrillers, duh) you have a higher chance of enjoying this series.

4.     Young royals (2021) on NETFLIX

it’s a series about a swedish prince struggling to balance the matters of the heart with the responsibility of the crown, after his parents sent him off to a boarding school.

this show manages to stay relatable and grounded even though we’re following a literal royal in a prestigious school. it’s real, vulnerable, and cleverly written. and it’s a beautiful heartbreaking love story. it’s been compared to “skam” so if you’re a fan of it (and good television), this one’s for you.

5.     Betty (2020) on HBO MAX

a remake of the 2018 movie skate kitchen. it follows a diverse group of young women navigating the predominantly male oriented world of skateboarding.

it’s always great to see stories about strong female friendships, and this one also feels like a “found family” trope (which I love! and I mean, who doesn’t?). it feels very real as well, like we’re just watching people’s lives without them being overdramatized. it’s beautifully styled, and it makes you want to learn how to skate.

6.     Cruel summer (2021) on FREEFORM, HULU & AMAZON PRIME

the action simultaneously takes place over 3 summers during the 90s. after it-girl kate mysteriously goes missing, another girl takes her place as the popular one, along with her friends and boyfriend. the narrative switches between two girls, while we try to uncover who’s telling the truth about what happened.

i’ve seen people compare it to “pretty little liars”. it doesn’t give me the same feeling, but I guess it does have similar themes. like, a popular girl disappears, only this one isn’t the embodiment of evil, there’s a teacher-student relationship but here it’s not treated like something romantic or desirable, and the lying - which is a big part of both shows - but here the build-up actually pays off.

some of the acting and dialogue can be a bit awkward, but olivia holt’s performance makes up for all of it. she carried this show. this is by far her best acting performance (with “cloak&dagger” being second).

7.     The lying game (2011) on AMAZON PRIME 

Emma finds out she has an identical twin sister Sutton, from whom she was separated at birth. Sutton asks Emma to take her place for a couple days to go look for their birth mother. However, things get messy when Emma discovers that Sutton has more secrets than she led on.

this might seem like an outlier on this list, being made over a decade ago and all. however, this is the third show with an “identity theft” theme here, so it’s very on brand for me.

as gen z, the only nostalgia I get is for the 2010s and back then I used to watch a ton of teen dramas that nobody cared about: “the secret circle”, “twisted”, “switched at birth”, “make it or break it”, “10 things I hate about you”, etc. the only show that escaped my attention was “the lying game”. I decided to fix that.

I missed the vibe of those shows that I used to watch as a kid. if you’re like me, you will enjoy this. just don’t come in expecting great writing, thought-out storylines, or high-level production. it’s full of missed opportunities, unanswered questions, cartoonish villains, and characters that come, disappear, and are never brought up again. (if anything, this show is like “pretty little liars”!) but it also has entertaining love storyline(s), and a likeable cast of characters. not counting Sutton of course, she’s a disaster. I know this is based on a book, but I feel like the success of “the vampire diaries” inspired the show’s twin sisters. the actress looks like Nina Dobrev, and they went with the nice sister vs evil sister. only here the mean one is underdeveloped to the point of her being completely unsympathetic. she just becomes an annoying villain with no real motive.

beware! the show leaves off on a cliffhanger so don’t look forward to getting the mystery solved, just enjoy the ride of a 2011 teen messy drama.

8.     Shadow & bone (2021) on NETFLIX

based on the worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels, “shadow and bone” follows an orphan Alina Starkov in a fantasy world full of magic, darkness and danger.

not being a fantasy fan, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. I don’t have anything negative to say. it seems like a great book adaptation. the level of production that went into this is incredible, the world-building and the characters are captivating. i’m looking forward to season 2.

9.     Chucky (2021) on SYFY

the continuation of the “child’s play” movie franchise. a Chucky doll turns up at a suburban yard sale, and thus begins a series of horrifying murders in the town of Hackensack.

this show turned a bit too cheesy and far-fetched for my taste by the end. but i’ve been told that it kept the same tone from the movies (i’ve never seen one, this was my first introduction to chucky), so that must be good for the original fans. overall, I still enjoyed it. it’s gay, campy, and very disturbing. it’s also always great to see teenagers playing teenagers. safe to say, i’m never buying a vintage doll.

10.     The girl in the woods (2021) on PEACOCK

Tasha and Nolan meet a mysterious girl who escaped from a colony that guards a secret door in the woods.

so, i’m not into watching scary stuff, which you probably wouldn’t think looking at this list. but somehow, despite being very creepy, this show manages to feel warm and safe. most of it comes from the relationships between the three main characters. this series also has the best portrayal of a non-binary character that i’ve ever seen. they get to explore their identity and face the issues that come with it, without it coming off as a trauma story. also, they’re the best effing character. 

it’s a cute short thriller. bonus point, it has Sofia Bryant from “I am not okay with it”.

 phew! this was fun! and here’s top 4 worst shows I watched last year: 1. bridgerton 2. ginny and georgia 3. one of us is lying 4. gossip girl (2021)

the list of all of my favorite tv shows that got canceled after the first season

(i probably missed a couple, that i watched, feel free to add to the list)

10 things i hate about you (2009)

black cake

city on fire

crashing (2016)

dare me

daybreak

deadly class

everything now

everything sucks

freaks & geeks

freeridge

genera+ion

get even

grand army

grease: rise of the pink ladies

harlan coben’s shelter

heathers (2018)

hellcats

high fidelity (2020)

high school

i am not okay with this

i know what you did last summer

julie & the phantoms

my lady jane

now apocalypse

panic

queer as folk (2022)

red band society

selfie

the bastard son & the devil himself

the girl in the woods

the secret circle

the society

twisted

up here

vampire academy

wayne

wolf pack

my favorite “controlled chaos” tv shows

ranking hsmtmts characters bc i’ve got nothing more important to do

14. lily

she’s just plain annoying and i want her to get off my screen every time she’s on it.

hope she’s not in season three and if she is she’s not redeemed (make her even more evil, then maybe she’ll be interesting).

[this is just about the character of course, nothing against the actress]

13. miss jen

i was finally starting to like her in the beginning of season 2 but the last few episodes reminded me how infuriating she is. i don’t like how she treats her students and the fact that she doesn’t have teaching credentials doesn’t help.

12. ricky

it’s not that i hate him i actually like him sometimes, but he’s so oblivious and gullible. give this boy some therapy then maybe we’ll talk.

11. nini

she’s alright. but we see so much of her and yet so little of the important stuff that would actually make her interesting. i support and respect her and all, i just don’t really care about her.

10. natalie

hello where’s her screen time? episodes 10&11 proved she deserves it.

9. big red

he’s just kinda there. i like the actor but i’m not that invested in the character’s storyline.

8. carlos

respect him a lot. but the show doesn’t give him enough plot line for me to care.

7. seb

love him bc he’s a sweetheart but him and carlos are in the same boat (or should i say ship) when it comes to screen time. the show remembers they exist once every 5 episodes, so they’re just kinda there in the background.

6. howie

he’s so high up bc he intrigues me. i’m certain that he’s a good guy but i guess the finale will settle it for me.

5. kourtney

i’m glad that this season she’s not just a supportive black friend and gets her own storyline. although i wish we’d seen more of her at work & pursuing her dreams instead of only witnessing the howie drama (and even that mostly in the background).

4. ashlyn

ash was consistently great from the beginning. love her bond with gina and need more of it.

in some ways she reminds me of phoebe from friends because she’s a multitasking queen and apparently likes to stir up drama (bc wth was that deal with the chocolates).

3. mr mazzara

even though he was sort of an antagonist in season one (for like 4 episodes) and he said a few nasty things, since his first scene, i liked his presence and comedic timing. in season two he completely won me over. he’s just someone who can do no wrong at this point. and his relationship with ej is amazing. so yes he’s in the top 3.

2. ej

ej could’ve be an unlikable character but matt cornett is portraying him so well it’s impossible not to like him. he was definitely one of the most surprising character development wise. although he was my second favorite since day one, regardless. his story arc was one of the best. he is the best male character. now, i’m kinda scared to lose him next season. and also, portwell for life <3

1. gina

do i even have to say it? she’s a queen and everyone should bow down to her. should’ve been the main character idc.

sofia wylie was the reason i started the show and gina became my number one the second i saw her in the background. finally this season has been giving her all the screen time she deserves and i couldn’t be happier. gina is one of my all time favorite comfort characters.

tv shows i watched this march