The summer television season ends, and the fall television season begins this Monday. So many shows aired over the summer that I wanted to list what I had watched this summer.
Stranger Things Season 4:
I had to first talk about the biggest summer event with the fourth season of Stranger Things. The hype for the season is real regarding the excitement, emotions, and thrills on the edge of your seat. And it just edges past season three.
And while the cast gives excellent performances, Sadie Sink gives the MVP of the season with such a powerful storyline in her character, Max. Jamie Campbell Bower, as Vecna, was one of the series' most memorable villains.
While the ending may have some people split, it was an excellent season wrap-up that left some questions unanswered (like whether or not Max is dead), but it does leave a very cool cliffhanger that will carry on to the final season. Overall, I give this season a 9/10.
The Bear Season 1:
What an exciting and captivating start to one of TV's most talked-about new shows! It's an intense, emotional, and beautifully chaotic introduction that draws you in right from the beginning.
Before the world knew the chaos of The Best's kitchen, Hulu introduced us to Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a fine-dining chef who returns to Chicago after his brother's death to take over the family's struggling Italian beef shop. Played with raw and precision by Jeremy Allen White, Carmy's journey is messy, emotional, and incredibly compelling.
Season 1 throws us into the stress and dysfunction of running a fast-paced sandwich shop, but what keeps you hooked isn't just the cleaning of pots and knives; it's the characters. Over just eight episodes, we witness truly impressive character development: Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), the ambitious sous-chef; Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), the loudmouth cousin with layers; and Marcus (Lionel Boyce), whose quiet growth adds depth and heart to the kitchen dynamic.
What makes this first season so gripping is how grounded it feels. The chaos never feels exaggerated; it feels lived in. From breakdowns to breakthroughs, you come to understand the pressure, pride, and purpose that come with cooking and survival. And Jeremy Allen White? Outstanding. His portrayal of Carmy is vulnerable, explosive, and unforgettable. No surprise that award buzz has followed.
Overall, I give this first season 9/10: it's a brilliant debut that balances family drama, grief, and kitchen madness in a way that feels unlike anything else on TV, and it's also one of the best dramas.
Ms. Marvel/SheHulk:
I'll be honest; I haven't been a fan of the MCU series on Disney+. Wandavision wasn't for me, The Flacon and Winter Solider missed the mark, Loki was a surprise hit, What If...? was fine, Hawkeye was a disappointment, Moon Knight was excellent so that leaves with Ms. Marvel and She/Hulk.
Ms. Marvel was a joyful viewing experience. Iman Vellani, as Kamala/ Ms. Marvel, is brilliant, fun, and an inspiration. While the "villain" might not have been the best, the show's strength comes from character development, storytelling, and historical culture.
Meanwhile, She/Hulk: Attorney at Law has been fun and enjoyable for the first five episodes. Tatiana Maslany is one of the best casting choices for the MCU so far. Maslany gives such a brilliant, breaking-the-fourth-wall performance as Jennifer Walters, who gives such inspiration from the Ally McBeal TV series.
I give Ms. Marvel an 8/10, and She/Hulk an 8.5/10.
The Umbrella Academy Season 3:
Probably one of my top two anticipated return series this summer, The Umbrella Academy's return did not disappoint. It just upped the level of entertainment and helped fill the void left by having to wait for part two of Stranger Things Season 4.
Elliot Page performs as outstanding as Viktor Hargreeves, who tries to balance being a leader and fixing a problem that hits home. While the episodes were sometimes filled with stuff, they kept me on the edge of my seat until the final episode, which was so good. I'm glad Netflix has given the series the last season to wrap up because it wasn't satisfying.
Overall, I give this season a 9/10.
The Old Man Season 1:
What do you get when you assemble Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, and Amy Brenneman? You get one of the most character-driven TV series in The Old Man on Hulu.
Bridges plays Dan Chase, a former CIA operative who's been hiding for thirty years til he kills an intruder who forces him to run and hide. Lithgow plays FBI Assistant Director Harold Harper, who called to bring in Chase but also worked with him thirty years ago during an assessment that didn't go well. While it might be a game of cat and mouse between old friends, it goes way deeper. Brenneman plays Zoe McDonald, who meets Chase as he is renting her place. The two seem to fall in love until things get dicey for Chase.
Man, I love the writing and the performances in this series. Bridges and Lithgow give outstanding performances, and I wouldn't be surprised if they get nominations for Emmys next year. Overall, I give this season a 9/10.
This summer has kept me busy with such good television shows. There are more than what I have listed. What have you watched this summer? Was there a show that I missed out on? Leave a comment below!
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