#fandom 5

Summer technically ended after Labor Day weekend, but since summer never really ends here in southern California and because fall TV isn’t back just yet, it’s time to count down the best shows I watched this summer!

(Note: these are shows that are new to me so old favorites like Game of Thrones and Wynonna Earp don’t count.)

5.  The Bold Type

The Bold Type is just the kind of show I like to watch in the summer. It’s fun and breezy with good pop music, characters you root for, and lots of romance and drama. I love the supportive friendship between the 3 women and how they balance their lives and careers. The show isn’t perfect (I would like to see them actually doing their jobs a lot more), but it had surprising substance especially in the final episode.

Where to watch: Hulu

4. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries 

A show about a sassy lady detective in the 1920′s who solves mysteries while wearing great outfits (and hats)- where do I sign up? I haven’t finished Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries yet, but I am loving it all the same. It’s a lavish period piece with a great cast of characters and a wonderful Essie Davis as the lead. It’s worth watching for her chemistry with Nathan Page who plays Detective Jack Robinson alone. 

Where to watch: Netflix

3. The Defenders

When Jessica Jones first appears in The Defenders I cried because it was like seeing an old friend again. The Netflix shows have built such a complex world with characters you care about and root for and seeing them all on screen together for the first time was so. much. fun. Sure, I had some overall problems with the story (especially the villains), but I mostly just enjoyed seeing these comicbook relationships come alive. Danny and Luke fighting side by side and Jessica and Matt exchanging quips made for some of my favorite TV moments of the summer.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Brooklyn Nine Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has instantly become one of my favorite comedies of all time alongside The Office and Parks and Rec. It is consistently laugh out loud funny while also managing to cover serious topics. I still cannot believe a show like this exists: one with two Latina leads and a black gay police chief whose sexuality and race isn’t played as a punchline. Also, my love for Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) knows no bounds. 

Where to watch: Hulu, Fox 

1. Killjoys

I don’t usually binge watch shows, but I watched 3 seasons of Killjoys in 10 days. I haven’t connected with a show this quickly in a long time. Killjoys sneaks up on you. At first it appears to be just a fun show about bounty hunters in space and then suddenly it’s a story about creating your own family and choosing your own path and finding yourself and kicking ass along the way. Hannah John-Kamen is phenomenal, the music is awesome, and the writing is wonderful. It’s a must watch.

Where to watch: SYFY

Sunday is Father’s Day which means it’s time to talk about my favorite Dads in pop culture!

5. Joe West, The Flash- Jesse L. Martin

Joe West is the dad you never want to disappoint. Do you want to see that face sad? I’ll answer for you, no you don’t. 

Joe has raised three children, all on his own, while also leading the community as a police detective. He’s the number one cheerleader for his superhero kids and also their fiercest protector. He’s the kind of dad who will help you solve all of your problems, but also he’s not afraid to let you know when you are wrong. 

Jesse L. Martin is consistently the best part of The Flash, especially when he is given big emotional scenes. Or when they let him sing.

4. Ned Stark, Game of Thrones- Sean Bean

We are only given nine episodes of Ned Stark, but his lasting impact on Game of Thrones has carried through the show’s six seasons. Sean Bean makes Ned *the* guy you want to root for. He’s honorable, he’s brave, he’s strong, and most important, he cares deeply for his family. He’s just a guy trying to do his best and keep his kids alive. Despite all his faults, at the end of the day you really can’t blame him for that. 

The Stark children are who they are because of how they were raised and because of their father’s love. #TheNorthRemembers

3. Commander William Adama- Edward James Olmos

William Adama is not just the commander of the Battlestar Galactica and the father of Lee (Jamie Bamber), he’s the leader of the remaining members of the human race. It’s a huge task which means he is constantly tasked with making the tough decisions. He’s a fair leader who really cares about his people and doing right by them,

But the reason Adama is on this list is not because he is the best space dad (which he is), it’s because of his relationship with Viper pilot and all around badass Kara Thrace (Katee Sackhoff). Kara is the daughter Adama never had. He believes in her and trusts her like no one else (even his own son at times). The two are very similar: good leaders, with strong opinions, but stubborn and unwilling to admit when they are wrong. They make quite a pair.

2. Coach Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights- Kyle Chandler

Eric Taylor is basically my dad. Both are (often underappreciated) coaches with daughters who do not have the same passion for the sport as they do. Both are mentors to their players on and off the field. And both are dragged into the politics of the game against their will. I honestly couldn’t believe the similarities when I first watched Friday Night Lights.

Coach Taylor is just a Good Guy. He tries hard. He is there for his wife and children when it matters the most. All he wants is to win a few football games and for his players to have good futures. He and Tami (Connie Britton) make a great team and are all around couple and parenting #goals and the reason the Taylors are one of my favorite TV families. 

1. George Banks, Father of the Bride- Steve Martin 

My dad has made me promise not to leave my wedding without saying goodbye because of Father of the Bride. I love this movie, it’s one of my favorites because of the absurdity and Steve Martin, but I also for the relationship between George and Annie (Kimberly Williams). It is such a wonderful depiction of a father and daughter and one I hold close to my heart because of how many times I’ve seen it with my dad. 

George would move heaven and earth to give his daughter her dream wedding (or for one last game of basketball). He’s goofy, he tries too hard, he makes a lot of mistakes. He’s not a perfect father, but he’s one of the dads who feel so real to me because of how present he is and how much he cares.

5 Black Friday Purchases We Would Sacrifice Some Sleep For

Some see the day as a monster, consuming everything in its path. Others see it as a gift from the marketing Gods to get the goods that they want for a wonderful price. I am talking about Black Friday of course. While I am not a fan of Black Friday turning into Black Thanksgiving, there are definitely nerdy deals to grab. Here are the 5 Black Friday purchases we would sacrifice some sleep for.

Pri…