Rain has taken over England right now and summer seems markedly dampened so I thought I would share some good TV shows that I am currently viewing. My interest in telly changes all of the time and I go through phases of trash TV and reality shows, but one thing I consistently like is a good drama. Lately, as I have researched the YA genre more, being a writer of that type of book, I have also discovered some fun YA series as well.

Do you need something fresh to watch? Here are my suggestions.

1) Physical

I haven’t been taking advantage of my Apple TV Plus membership and recently decided to check it out, only to discover some great new series emerging. One of them stars Rose Byrne, the incredibly funny and soulful actress who made everyone split their sides laughing in Bridesmaids. The picture looked a bit like the ‘Physical’ music video which Olivia Newton John got to number one with in the eighties. Rose was wearing a leotard whilst doing a frantic aerobic workout, similar to those I sometimes do, but without the colourful sweatbands.

Well, this series starts with a warning about it covering the sensitive issues of eating disorders and soon we discover why. With a cool eighties soundtrack and some references that take me right back to my childhood, Rose’s character takes us on her journey from bored housewife to assumed celebrity, whilst taking time to share her internal monologue which constantly judges both herself and her friends based on appearance. She indulges her food desires and then throws up, each time suggesting it will be her last ever binge.

The eating disorder is dealt with honestly and with no holes barred. Everything else about the programme is funky, humorous and intriguing. Although I am only half way through I am totally hooked. This series is enlightening, nostalgic and indeed sad. It is refreshing, however, to see such a difficult subject covered openly and with some balanced representation.

Never Have I Ever

Currently streaming series two on Netflix, I find this YA comedy very entertaining, not least because it is written and co-created by Mindy Kaling (whose autobiographies I am reading). It covers the life of a teenager whose family live in California but still stay close to their Indian roots.

Devi is growing up, conflicted by culture, social media, body image and ‘guys’. She has such funny encounters with her peers, enjoys competitions of the geeky kind and sees a therapist regarding the death of her father, who is seen often in flashback. What’s best of all is that her life is narrated by her dad’s favourite tennis player, John McEnroe. He actually has a way of making it even funnier and was originally approached by Mindy at an award ceremony, which he thought was itself a joke.

In season two she has to decide between two guys, one bright and rich, the other handsome and sporty. What a dilemma! I love that each episode is under half an hour and Mindy has a way of bringing up so many references to today’s society, in a comical, thought-provoking way.

Thanks for checking out my suggestions and I will add a few more next week, so perhaps consider following my blog for similar content, book reviews and more…

If you missed my previous TV recommendations click here