Diversify your queue

1. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Not the cartoon from the 80’s, the reboot created by Noelle Stevenson. Gone are the clunky predictable He-Man spin-off cookie cutter stories. Instead, we get a full ensemble of women. Not since Orange is the New Black have I seen this many female characters that all feel and look DIFFERENT from each other. The show does not rely on stereotypes, in fact shattering so many. For a show that has a lot of fun transforming Adora into She-ra, it has equal parts depth of story and character arc. Add to that, a precisely planned 5 seasons that fit together like puzzle pieces and build off each other. If only Noelle Stevenson could build a time machine and sit down with the writers of Lost.

Genre: Animated Kid-friendly fun. This show is made for your 7 year old niece that thinks “Warrior Princess” is something she can be when she grows up. It is also made for adults. If you watch with your niece you’ll both be laughing - but at different parts. This series has more layers than an Ogre.

When to watch: before bed, chill and positive vibes before you go nigh nigh

Pairs nicely with: Root Beer floats, stuffed animals & onesie pajamas

If you like this, you should also try: “Kyoshi” by FC Lee (based in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender this novel is a fast fun read and a great addition to the universe) or get your niece to try the graphic novel series “Princeless: Save yourself” by Jeremy Whitley .

2. Dear White People

You do not need to have watched the feature film of the same name to jump into this show. (Although it is fun to see Writer/Director Justin Simien bring back Tessa Thompson for a crackling cameo opposite the TV Samantha White.) Each episode shows us a different perspective from a powerhouse ensemble of life as a student of color at “Winchester University” (*cough* Princeton *cough* Yale *insert rich white Ivy here *cough*). The cast and the writers deftly weave the hilarious with the poignant, telling a wide variety of stories that are simultaneously relatable and ground breaking.

Genre: A quick google search lists their genre as “Satire,” which it is, but “dramedy” & “coming of age” are accurate too. You’ll love watching these students grow into their own voices.

When to watch: Dinner with your roommates

Pairs nicely with: Your own version of nostalgic dorm food - for me that’s golden grahams cereal topped with heavy whip cream

If you like this, you should also try: Sorry to Bother You written & directed by Boots Riley, “White Fragility” a book by Robin DiAngelo (especially if you find yourself defensive or uncomfortable while reading the name of the show & had the thought “you need to be black to enjoy this”) and NPR’s podcast, “Code Switch” with Gene Demby & Shereen Marisol Meraji.

3. Trinkets

A high school show with actors that actually look like they are in high school, not an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog (well except for Tabitha & Brady). Enjoy this breezy ride following three teens who become unlikely friends after meeting at Shoplifters Anonymous. The soundtrack is great, the lead trio have amazing chemistry and it’s really filmed in Portland, Oregon, which just adds to it not feeling like a glossy “Riverdale” clone. In between homework and romance they have each other’s backs while they deal with the big question - why do they compulsively steal?

Genre: Teen Dramedy - takes on big feels without wandering into “after school special” territory.

When to watch: Binge it on a weekend with your best friend from high school (the 2nd Season is due at the end of the summer)

Pairs nicely with: sweet & salty things like french fries in milkshakes, maple bacon donuts or Dr. Pepper with peanuts

If you like this, you should also try: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (because Trauma! Trauma is why they steal!) and the podcast “By the Book” where comedian Jolenta Greenberg and culture critic Kristen Meinzer literally live by a new self help book every 2 weeks and then report back their findings. Friendship, character growth and hilarity ensue.

*a note from the list-maker* When I was putting together this list of recommendations I took into account what was also happening BEHIND the scenes of these shows. Each one of these television series put in the efforts to diversify their writer’s rooms and their directing pool while making thoughtful casting decisions. Remember we vote with what we consume as viewers. We cannot simply put a heart next to the idea of a show with a non-cis or non-white or non-male or non-straight creator. We have to watch, share & engage! If these are things you care about check out: www.thecherrypicks.com it’s like “Rotten Tomatoes” except with reviews from female-identifying and non-binary voices or try www.movielens.org for some great recommendations!