Some might call it an addiction. I call it an endless source of joy. I am in an undying love affair with TV. I love binge-watching old series on Netflix, re-watching my favorite episodes of Scandal (Season 1, episode 6, “The Trail”). I love watching live and catching up over the weekend. I do read a lot too, so my brain doesn’t melt. Sometimes I even do stuff outside, like traveling and spending time with real people. That being said, next week is one of the best weeks of the year, only supplanted by my birthday and Christmas. Next week, several of my favorite shows re-start and several shows that may make it into my favorites air their pilots. Oh TV, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. (by giving you my weekly TV break down).

MONDAYS

Sleepy Hollow. I LOVE this show. At first it just seemed kind of silly and scary, but revealed itself to be one of the most compelling shows on TV. It is funny, frightening, consistently surprising, self-aware, AND features not one, not two, but FIVE main characters who are people of color. Orlando Jones shows his acting chops and serious side as the sherrif. Nicole Beharie is brilliant as the whip-smart, badass Abbie. And Tom Mison (who plays Ichabod) is pretty easy on the eyes and a great actor to boot. Season 2 premieres 9/22 at 9pm on ABC.

The Blacklist. Everyone is obsessed with this. Netfilx just paid $2 million PER EPISODE for Season 1 streaming rights. I don’t love it as much as other people, but I get a kick out the procedural-turned-thriller and of course James Spader’s brilliant Reddington. The new season premieres 9/22 at 10pm on NBC.

TUESDAY

Idk. I’ll use the time to, like, read a book or something.

WEDNESDAY

black-ish. I’m excited for this because I think we need more sitcoms about minority families, and the premise is so, so relatable for me. I’m apprehensive because if its not good it could make it more difficult for networks to greenlight comedies with predominately black casts. That isn’t fair, but its our reality. I hope its funny, and I hope people watch. It premieres 9/24 at 9:30pm.

THURSDAY

Oh lordt. #TGIT. Jesus be a glass of red wine. Shonda is taking over Thursdays and snatching all of our edges.

Scandal. I’m literally planning to be Olivia Pope for Halloween. I love this show. I hold on to fond Olitz memories of yore. I want Kerry Washington’s wardrobe and relentless hbic nature. 9/25 on ABC at 9pm.

How To Get Away With Murder. Viola Davis. As a law professor. Entangled in a murder plot. This is (probably) going to be literally everything. 9/25 right after Scandal at 10pm.

FRIDAY

Does anything come on Fridays? Should I go out and be social? I’ll probably check out Constantine, which doesn’t premiere until 10/24.

SATURDAY

Even though the time slot is tragic, Outlander is one of my favorites. I just started watching the Starz series last week, and I love it. Based on the time-traveling fantasy book of the same name by Diana Gabaldon, it is suspenseful and romantic and feminist all at once. Caitriona Balfe is superb as protaganist Claire Randall. And there’s a hot guy in a kilt, so that’s cool too. Saturdays at 8pm on Starz.

SUNDAY

Once Upon A Time. The most fun you’ll have on a Sunday. The visual effects are horrendous, the acting can sometimes be a struggle, but the show is consistently exciting, funny, and heart-breaking. You’ll learn to love the Evil Queen, her majesty Regina with all your heart. Premiering 9/28 at 8pm on ABC.

The Newsroom. Its Sorkin. Its optimistic, idealistic, and great. Its in its third and final season. Returning to HBO at 8pm on 11/9.

OTHER

Shows I love that have ended or come back later in the spring include:

Orange is the New Black (because everyone on it is an incredibly talented and amazing actress)

House of Cards (because of Frank Underwood is the leader we love to hate and are SO GLAD isn’t real)

Parks and Rec (because of Amy Poehler–and one of the funniest shows on TV)

Game of Thrones (which I believe to be the greatest show on TV right now)

Orphan Black (which is so good and so slept on and everyone should be watching it)

LOST (My all time favorite. Period. Final seasons be damned)

X-Files (In progress. Already obsessed)

Fringe (If you loved LOST and the X-Files, you’ll love Fringe too. Walter Bishop <3)

House (because Hugh Laurie)

Twin Peaks (which is ridiculous and amazing and sadly ended after 2 seasons)

Gossip Girl (the clothes. The drama. Love)

There are many more, but they are mostly irrelevant. One day, I hope to write for TV, or at least write about TV, if only to have an excuse for my many hours spent reveling in the fictional lives of the people on screen. Expect a post gushing or moaning about next week’s premieres, and to keep up with my minute-to-minute, follow me on Twitter @kristanicki.

Happy Sunday, and thanks for reading!

Love and Theatre

-K