ICYMI: 3 Overlooked TV Shows with At Least 3 Seasons
So many TV shows, so little time: why the following 3 are worth your time and where to stream them.
I build emotional connections to TV shows.
Sometimes these connections aren't super serious, we see each other when we can and if we don't, it's no big deal. I'll maybe watch their Christmas special every year and wish them the best.
More times than I care to admit, however, the opposite occurs and I fall hard. I become enamored with its characters, inebriated on its concept until sooner or later, its first season concludes and I impatiently await the renewal announcement.
... The show is then canceled and I wonder whether another series will ever bring me as much joy as Freaks and Geeks or Everything Sucks! brought me.
If you're like me and grow freakishly attached to certain TV shows, you may be looking for overlooked works that meet at least a three season threshold. You've probably already watched the typical recommendations like an Ozark or a seminal HBO drama and instead, you may prefer a lesser talked about series with that cutoff in mind.
I previously wrote about 3 underrated TV shows made perfect for an afternoon binge and thought why not make a few more suggestions for TV shows you may have heard of that allows you to fearlessly grow attached to their characters.
1. The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (IFC) - 3 Seasons
Speaking of TV shows you become absurdly enamored with, David Cross and Will Arnett starred in three perfect seasons of Arrested Development prior to its cancellation in 2006. The duo reunited for the IFC black comedy series The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret in 2010.
The subtly of the show's title may throw some viewers off so to briefly explain the plot: Cross stars as the aforementioned Todd Margaret, an American office temp worker who is thrusted into the newfangled world of the United Kingdom when he's hired to sell a new energy drink called Thunder Muscle for Brent Wilts' (Arnett) company. Todd is initially a (relatively) mild-mannered, semi well-meaning chief marketer while Brent is an abrasive, profanity-swaddled man-baby. It is a deliciously inappropriate ride that provides wildly uncomfortable humor we all enjoy every now and then. In my case, as a die-hard Peep Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm aficionado, I frankly crave the cringe whenever I can get it.
Watching Cross and Arnett work off one another is always a delight while Todd's sole employee Dave (Blake Harrison) constantly brings him into a world of hysterical misunderstandings based on Todd's ignorance of British customs despite him "growing up in Leeds"... Because he did grow up in Leeds, if anyone asks.
There are six episodes for each season of Todd Margaret and if witty, inappropriate humor is your cuppa tea, make sure to purchase all the lemon and honey your local shop carries.
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 18.
PERFECT IF YOU LIKE: Peep Show, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
WHERE TO WATCH: The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret is available for purchase on Amazon or the Google Play store.
2. Atypical (Netflix) - 3 Seasons, Renewed for 4th and Final Season
Atypical is beloved by those who watch the series, however due to the sheer amount of content streaming on Netflix this original series may have slipped under your radar.
The series focuses on the life of Sam Gardner, an 18 year old who is on the autism spectrum. Keir Gilchrist stars as Sam while his parents, Elsa and Doug, are portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Michael Rapaport respectively with Brigette Lundy-Paine rounding out the Gardner clan as younger sister Casey. The show follows Sam as he decides he's ready for a girlfriend and gradually wants to become more independent separate from his overprotective mother who harbors her own resentments and secrets from her family and husband. Although it may fall into certain stereotypes, particularly in the first season, the series has grown to receive praise in its handling the depiction of life as an autistic person. As someone who has autism in my family, it's incredibly refreshing to see how it's depicted on this show - While it highlights the frustration felt by Sam and his family, it doesn't restrict itself by focusing solely on the disorder itself. With a strong supporting cast consisting of Nik Dodani, Fivel Stewart, Graham Rogers, Amy Okuda and Jenna Boyd, Atypical explores the struggles those in Sam's life are going through as well as Sam's own obstacles. Certain characters make horrible decisions I would never agree with which I then appreciate more and more because they feel uniquely human.
Casey also has an incredible arc toward the latter of the series involving her coming to terms with her sexuality and the relationships she has with certain characters have become one of the key storylines in the show. Tons of fans have grown invested in the success of the Gardner siblings partly because they possess certain personality traits a viewer might identify strongly with (whether it be striving for perfection in school/athletics or struggling with experiencing feelings for a friend) but mostly it's because we just want to see them happy!
Atypical has been renewed for its fourth and final season with new episodes set to stream on Netflix in 2021. Although I personally would've preferred at least a Season 5 (or 8), I'm glad the showrunners are able to have an ending in mind and I look forward to seeing what they bring for the final few episodes.
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 28.
PERFECT IF YOU LIKE: The End of the F****ing World, Everything Sucks!, The Good Doctor.
WHERE TO WATCH: Atypical is streaming on Netflix.
3. Kim's Convenience (CBC) - 4 Seasons, Renewed until at least Season 6
As a second generation Canadian, watching Kim's Convenience brings me a level of joy and pride I've not really experienced with many other TV shows.
Based on the stage play of the same name by Ins Choi, the series follows the Korean-Canadian Kim family consisting of "Appa" (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), "Umma" (Jean Yoon), their daughter Janet (Andrea Bang) and estranged son Jung (Simi Liu) along with a gloriously rich cast of diverse characters set in Toronto, Ontario. The main Kim core's interactions with these secondary characters provide many lighthearted moments such as seeing the antics Jung and his coworkers get up to at their car rental workplace while also presenting an occasional emotional exchange between Umma and Janet without it feeling disingenuous.
Kim's Convenience depicts a reality tons of fellow second generationers have experienced in that their immigrated family started life in a completely new country from the very ground up. An incredibly daunting and noble feat that your parents will remind you of on a minute-to-minute basis throughout your entire life... And I wouldn't have it any other way!
Star Simu Liu has grown to become the pride of Canada, particularly when he was cast as Marvel's first ever Chinese superhero in the upcoming MCU film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Despite his remarkably busy schedule (that is only growing more crazy as COVID-19 has completely shut down production), Liu has previously mentioned he has every intention in coming back to Kim's if it were to be renewed (which it has!) So here is for holding out hope. There is a real Kim's Convenience located in downtown Toronto I've checked out a few times that never fails to bewilder my friends when I become overly ecstatic with the idea of visiting a convenience store.
The show has a great mix of relatable humor, characters and unbelievable heart that truly creeps up on you before realizing you've experienced a certified Umma Sneak Attack.
Following its Season 4 finale, Kim's Convenience was renewed for two more seasons... Ok see you!
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 52.
PERFECT IF YOU LIKE: Schitt's Creek, Fresh Off The Boat, Corner Gas.
WHERE TO WATCH: Kim's Convenience is streaming on Netflix.
About the Creator
Ghezal Amiri
Afghan-Canadian writer who enjoys witty quips and BTS, proper grammar and Jodie Comer.
I tweet with @MrsBananaPhone because it's the best and beats the rest.
I also have designs: https://www.teepublic.com/user/designingsimple
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American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
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Hunger Strikes
Hunger strikes are among the most powerful yet painful forms of protest known to human history. They rely not on loud slogans, weapons, or mass demonstrations, but on the quiet determination of individuals willing to put their own bodies at risk to demand change. Across different cultures, political systems, and eras, hunger strikes have been used to expose injustice, highlight ignored voices, and force conversations that authorities often try to avoid. At their core, hunger strikes are acts of moral resistance. When traditional channels—petitions, courts, negotiations, or media attention—fail to bring results, some individuals choose self-denial as a last resort. The decision is rarely impulsive. It often follows long periods of frustration, marginalization, or perceived betrayal by systems meant to protect human rights. The Historical Roots of Hunger Strikes Hunger strikes are not a modern invention. Ancient Irish tradition, known as troscadh, involved fasting at the doorstep of someone who had committed a wrong, placing moral pressure on them to resolve the issue. In India, fasting became a prominent political tool during the independence movement, most notably through Mahatma Gandhi, who used hunger strikes to promote nonviolence, unity, and social reform. In the 20th century, hunger strikes gained global visibility through labor movements, suffragettes, political prisoners, and civil rights activists. From British suffragettes demanding voting rights to prisoners protesting inhumane conditions, hunger strikes have consistently emerged in moments where people felt unheard and powerless. Why People Choose Hunger Strikes The decision to refuse food is deeply personal and often agonizing. Hunger strikers are usually aware of the physical consequences: weakness, organ damage, long-term health complications, and even death. Yet they proceed because they believe their suffering may force attention to a cause that would otherwise remain invisible. Hunger strikes are often chosen when protesters lack access to platforms of power. Prisoners, detainees, refugees, and marginalized activists frequently use this method because it does not require resources, numbers, or external approval. The body itself becomes the message. In many cases, hunger strikes are also meant to appeal to the conscience of the public. They ask observers to confront uncomfortable questions: Why would someone risk their life for this issue? What has failed so badly that this feels like the only option left? The Physical and Psychological Toll The effects of a hunger strike can appear quickly. Within days, the body begins to conserve energy, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. As time passes, muscle loss, weakened immunity, and organ strain become serious concerns. Long-term hunger strikes can cause irreversible damage, even if the person later resumes eating. Beyond the physical pain, hunger strikes carry an immense psychological burden. Isolation, fear, and uncertainty are common, especially when authorities refuse to engage or respond with force-feeding, a practice widely criticized by medical and human rights organizations. Hunger strikers often face the added stress of knowing their actions may deeply worry family members and supporters. Hunger Strikes and Media Attention Media coverage plays a critical role in the effectiveness of hunger strikes. When widely reported, they can generate public sympathy and pressure institutions to negotiate or reform. However, many hunger strikes go unnoticed, especially when they occur in prisons, detention centers, or regions with limited press freedom. This uneven visibility raises ethical concerns. Whose suffering is deemed newsworthy? Which causes receive empathy, and which are ignored? In the digital age, social media has helped amplify some hunger strikes, allowing supporters to share updates and mobilize international attention. Still, visibility does not guarantee results. Ethical Debates and Controversies Hunger strikes spark complex ethical debates. Supporters argue that individuals have the right to protest using their own bodies and that force-feeding violates bodily autonomy and human dignity. Critics worry that hunger strikes can manipulate public emotion or place unfair pressure on governments and institutions. Medical professionals are often caught in the middle, balancing their duty to preserve life with respect for patient autonomy. International guidelines generally emphasize informed consent and oppose force-feeding when individuals are mentally competent and fully aware of the risks. Do Hunger Strikes Work? The effectiveness of hunger strikes varies widely. Some have led to policy changes, prisoner releases, or renewed negotiations. Others have ended in tragedy without achieving their goals. Success often depends on public support, media attention, political context, and the willingness of authorities to compromise. Even when hunger strikes fail to produce immediate change, they can leave lasting impacts. They document resistance, inspire future movements, and serve as moral records of dissent. In many cases, they become symbols of courage that continue to influence public discourse long after they end. A Quiet Cry for Justice Hunger strikes remind us that protest does not always look the same. Sometimes it is loud and collective; other times it is silent and solitary. What unites all hunger strikes is a deep sense of urgency—a belief that something is so wrong it must be challenged, even at great personal cost. While hunger strikes should never be romanticized, they deserve serious attention and reflection. They reveal the cracks in systems of power and communication, showing us where dialogue has broken down. Ultimately, hunger strikes are not just about refusing food; they are about demanding dignity, recognition, and change in a world that too often looks away.
By Saboor Brohi 7 days ago in Geeks
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