Spoiler-Free Review of “The Hunting Wives” on Netflix: Your Next Guilty Pleasure Binge-Watch is Here!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I’m not good with Texas people…”

The Hunting Wives premiered on Netflix on July 21st 2025 with all eight episodes available to stream now. The drama crime thriller series (based on the novel of the same name) stars Brittany Snow, Malin Akerman, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, Evan Jonigkeit, and Dermot Mulroney Each episode is approximately 45-50 minutes.

Sophie moves from Massachusetts to Texas, where she is introduced to a group of housewives with deadly secrets.

Here is the trailer:

The Hunting Wives is a soapy and insane thriller that channels Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies, but does it do enough to be worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Stacked cast!

As soon as I saw the cast for this one, I knew I was in. There were so many familiar faces and I loved the dynamic between all of the characters. The chemistry between Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman was off the charts!

I haven’t been this excited about about a cast in a long time! I’d love to see a crossover between these ladies and the women of Desperate Housewives. Now that would be something!

Images courtesy of Netflix

So addicting!

OK, so it started out really cheesy and soapy, but by the time I got to episode 3, I was completely hooked. There were some insane reveals in this one that kept me guessing. This show definitely gave off some Desperate Housewives vibes with a darker mystery. I loved it!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Sluggish start.

The first two episodes dragged a little for me and there were a few times when I asked myself what I was really watching. Luckily, things turned around in the best way possible by the time I got to episode 3 and it was a crazy ride after that.

Be prepared for some excess fluff and over-the-top sex scenes that seemed to happen almost every other scene at one point. However, I think it added to the guilty pleasure factor, but if that’s not your thing, be warned.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

The Hunting Wives is an addicting and crazy watch that will keep you guessing until the end!

If you’re looking for a guilty pleasure watch, I’d recommend moving this to the top of your list.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Hunting Wives in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Sirens” on Netflix: A Guilty Pleasure Beach Thriller

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“It REALLY seems like a cult…”

Sirens premiered on Netflix on May 22nd 2025 with all five episodes available to stream now. The limited dark comedy thriller series stars Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Kevin Bacon, Glenn Howerton, and Felix Solis. Each episode is approximately 55-58 minutes.

Devon is concerned about her sister’s odd relationship with her boss, tracking her down at a lavish mansion on an island to get some answers.

Here is the trailer:

Sirens is a soapy and odd thriller with nods at Desperate Housewives, Revenge, and Big Little Lies, but does it do enough to be worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Meghann Fahy is one to watch!

I have been becoming a big fan of her lately. I’ve seen her pop up on a few shows before and I recently just watched her in DROP, which I absolutely loved.

This was an all-star cast and Meghann Fahy really stole the show with her convincing performance. Her character was fantastic and I loved her dry, dark humor. It really helped elevate this show for me in a lot of ways.

Julianne Moore was terrific as well.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Gorgeous setting.

If you’re looking for a soapy show with beach vibes for the summer, you’re in luck. This one definitely checked off all of those boxes for me. The mansion was beautiful. I loved the use of color and light here. Everything was just breathtakingly beautiful, offsetting some disturbing things going on within the property.

I love soapy guilty pleasure thrillers and this one reminded me of a few other shows that I have really enjoyed with some unexpected twists along the way.

I also loved that this was only five episodes. It made it a breeze to binge-watch over the weekend.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Weird and bonkers plot…

Don’t get me wrong…I was hooked all the same, but this show went off into several different directions. It was really strange at times, but somehow I was still there for it. Everything just felt very jam-packed and chaotic during certain key moments.

The ending threw me for a loop. It was certainly unexpected, but it also left me with some mixed feelings at the end.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!!!

SIRENS is an addicting and unique watch. There were some strange things going on here, but I was here for it!

If you’re looking for a quick, guilty pleasure watch, I’d recommend adding this one to your list.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on SIRENS in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Couple Next Door” on Starz: A Guilty Pleasure Thriller with Potential!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“What do you think of the new neighbors?”

The Couple Next Door is a British drama-thriller series that premiered in the US on January 17th 2025. There will be six episodes in total that will release weekly on Starz. The series (based on the book of the same name) stars Eleanor Tomlinson, Alfred Enoch, Jessica De Gouw, and Sam Heughan. Each episode is approximately 50-52 minutes.

A young couple becomes friends with their neighbors after trying to cope with a tragic event, but their friendship takes an unexpected and sinister turn.

Here is the trailer:

The Couple Next Door is a soapy thriller with nods at Desperate Housewives and The Affair, but does it have enough dangerous and juicy secrets to keep us coming back for more? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Starz

Gorgeous cast.

Everything about this show is aesthetically pleasing so far. The suburban setting is picturesque and every member of the cast is breathtakingly beautiful. I think this works well because they are all clearly hiding something beneath the seemingly perfect surface. I’m curious to see it all unfold. I did read the book, but it’s been some time so I feel like I’m going into this one with fresh eyes.

Images courtesy of Starz

Enough secretive and seductive moments to keep you coming back for more.

The premiere episode had enough of a hook for me. Personally, I wish they would release all of the episodes at once because I think this would be fun to binge-watch, but I’m intrigued enough to stick around. There’s already some dangerous secrets lurking between our characters and that opening suggests it’s going to continue to get even more chaotic and destructive. I can’t wait!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Starz

Needs to dig a little deeper.

Television series based on books always seem to struggle with this. I thought the premiere episode jam-packed in a lot, but it also glossed over certain moments that needed to be fleshed out more so that the audience could truly understand what’s at stake here.

There were also some ridiculously silly moments of intense staring going on. Honestly, I laughed out loud at the end of the first episode, but this is a guilty pleasure soapy series and I understand that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Starz

I’m in!!!

The Couple Next Door is my latest addiction!

It has everything I could possibly want in a guilty pleasure thriller and more. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Couple Next Door in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Who Is Erin Carter?” on Netflix: A Soapy Spy Thriller with a Bad-Ass Female Lead!

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else…”

Who Is Erin Carter? premiered on August 24th 2023 on Netflix with all seven episodes available to stream now. The action-thriller limited series stars Evin Ahmad, Sean Teale, Indica Watson, Douglas Henshall, and Charlotte Vega. Each episode runs for approximately 45-55 minutes.

A school teacher named Erin gets caught in the middle of an armed robbery at a supermarket, but when one of the robbers recognizes her, her past comes back to haunt her, threatening her new suburban life.

Here is the trailer:

Who Is Erin Carter? is a satisfying mix of Desperate Housewives and Nikita, featuring a strong female lead to root for. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Addicting and guilty pleasure worthy!

I watched all seven episodes in one day. I was completely hooked on this series from start to finish. The first episode did an excellent job of setting the tone for the entire series. Usually it takes me a few episodes to adjust to a new show, but this one started off with a bang and never slowed down.

The fight scenes were INCREDIBLE and really inventive. I also thought the balance of guilty pleasure drama and action worked in this particular show. The reveals were well placed and each episode did enough to hook you at the end for more.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Our lead character elevates every scene to the max!

I was not too familiar with Evin Ahmad before this, but it’s safe to say that I am now a huge fan. She was bad-ass, funny, and so entertaining. I absolutely loved her character!

In a way, she reminded me a lot of Sameen Shaw’s character on Person of Interest portrayed by Sarah Shahi. The actresses look similar and those edgy and naturally bad-ass qualities of Sameen were also found in Erin, which I truly enjoyed. It was so easy to root for her. She was far from perfect, but she felt real and relatable.

Even when some of the dialogue felt slightly cliché or silly, she helped me move past that immediately with the intention behind her performance. She made this series what it was and I hope to see her in more series soon.

The rest of the cast did a great job too. The actress playing her daughter made her character really likable and Charlotte Vega went all out with her suburban housewife portrayal.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

A show I’ve seen before…

I’m not going to pretend that this series did anything that new in the female spy category. A lot of the reveals were pretty predictable and the premise was one I’ve seen before.

That being said, this series was still entertaining and Evin Ahmad helped this one stand out against similar shows.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Edgy, entertaining, and exactly what I want from a Netflix series!

If you enjoy female spy thrillers with a touch of juicy drama, you’ll find plenty to enjoy with this series. It was very easy to binge-watch and a lot of fun!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Who Is Erin Carter? in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now! I hope you enjoy!

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Pivoting” on Fox: Dream Cast gives us plenty of laughs

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“We have to live our best lives now…”

Pivoting premiered on January 9th 2022 on Fox and Hulu. The comedy series stars Maggie Q, Ginnifer Goodwin and Eliza Coupe. Episodes air weekly and run for approximately 22-24 minutes.

Set in Long Island, New York, three best friends deal with the death of the fourth member of their group, as they come to the realization that they need to make some drastic changes in their lives while they still have time.

Here is the trailer:

Pivoting immediately gives off vibes of Bad Moms, Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives, as these three fantastic ladies bring a lot of laughs to the table. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

I can’t get enough of this trio!

I tuned into this show because I absolutely love Maggie Q and I will pretty much watch her in anything. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this show right from the start and the major reason why is because of the talent of these three ladies.

This show is witty and smart and it was a breath of fresh air.  More please!

A familiar premise but great delivery.

I’ve seen this type of show before but that doesn’t matter because I think this show is a true gem. The interaction between the three main characters just works effortlessly and the comedy didn’t feel forced, which often happens when I watch network sitcoms. So far it’s off to a great start!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

The separate plots need some work…

I personally preferred the banter and the moments when the three main characters were together to their individual plots. There was nothing really wrong with them, but they felt a little generic and the true magic seemed to happen when they were all together. That might just be because the show is still trying to find its identity and what really works, but I’m confident that we will get there.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in!

If you’re looking for a lighter comedy to indulge in, you’ve come to the right place. These three ladies deserve to be in the spotlight and so far I am loving this comedy gold. 

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Pivoting in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now! I hope you enjoy!

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Little Fires Everywhere” on Hulu: Deliciously Deadly Suburbia

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“If they’re saying something untrue, then you should change the story…”

Little Fires Everywhere premiered on Hulu on March 17th 2020 with 3 new episodes (Approximately 50 minutes in length). The remaining 5 episodes of the limited series will air weekly on Wednesdays. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Lexi Underwood, and Gavin Lewis.

The show is based on the best-selling novel written by Celeste Ng. It follows a 90’s family living in the picture perfect suburban town of Shaker Heights. They cross paths with a mother and daughter who have just arrived in town, as secrets, dark pasts, and mysteries are revealed. Each character’s story is intertwined with another, creating a vortex of drama along the way.

This plot and setting may seem familiar, as it definitely channels some aspects of Big Little Lies, The Affair, and Desperate Housewives.

However, the connections and story lure you in right away, making this binge-watch friendly option entertaining. But does it do enough to stand out from its predecessors? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Little Fires Hulu 3
Images courtesy of Hulu

Witherspoon and Washington are electric on screen.

Their characters certainly have an interesting dynamic and we can absolutely feel the awkward tension between them, as each mother comes from a different socioeconomic background. However, the performances of these two incredible actresses transform these intriguing characters into something far greater. I can’t get enough of them!

The rest of the supporting characters are actually terrific as well and I would like to spotlight Lexi Underwood, who plays Mia’s (Washington) daughter, Pearl.

A mystery that leaves you wanting more.

The opening scene of the series immediately draws you in, as we discover that Elena Richardson’s (Witherspoon) beautiful home is on fire. We know that this is not an accident and it certainly makes you suspect everyone we meet, as we try to get to the bottom of this mystery, while other secrets are exposed along the way.

Little Fires Hulu 2
Images courtesy of Hulu

90’s nostalgia.

I don’t know about you, but I love a show that can transport me back to a time that I know very well. The show is set during the late 90’s and we get several mentions of this, but the pop culture references seamlessly mentioned really make you feel like you are turning back time.

The kids are seen watching Ricki Lake and The Real World. Elena’s daughter throws in some comments about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even compares her own high school relationship to Brenda and Dylan’s on Beverly Hills, 90210.

Once you get to the high school dance, the songs will absolutely make you smile. Seriously, one song after the next had me singing along from Chumbawamba’s Tubthumping to The Cardigans’s Lovefool to Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply.

I was in 90’s music heaven and I still know all the words! Enjoy!

The Cons:

Little Fires Hulu 4
Images courtesy of Hulu

Same Reese. Different show.

I wouldn’t say that this is really a con, but I have seen Reese Witherspoon play this character before. Elena Richardson is very much a mix between Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives and Madeline Martha Mackenzie on Big Little Lies, played by Witherspoon. I’ve seen Reese play this character obsessed with perfection many times and I was hoping for a different role for her.

That being said, she plays the role brilliantly, but I guess I was looking for some more layers from her.

So am I in or out?

Little Fires Hulu 5
Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in! This series is exactly what I need right now. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat and there are so many moments in-between the big ones that will take your breath away. Every character and plot point is important and Kerry Washington is out of this world. She’s truly incredible and she lights up the screen with Reese Witherspoon, as we unfold this mystery together.

While some of the suburban drama is predictable, the show has not let me down yet, surprising me with its reveals and twists. I can’t wait to watch the remaining episodes and I absolutely recommend this show.

It is the series to watch right now!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Little Fires Everywhere in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?  Do you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery?  Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I really hope you enjoy!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

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Ranking the top 5 Most Fashionable Female Characters on TV: “Fashion is art and culture and history and everything I love combined!”

Happy Friday TV fans!  The weekend is almost here and these drastic changes in weather here in New York have brought out all sorts of clothing changes.  Heavy coats were swapped out for chic leather jackets, giving each one of us the chance to shine on our own runway.  Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl got it right when she said “fashion is art and culture and history and everything I love combined.” 

Whether you are channeling a certain era in time or embracing a new trend you spotted in a magazine, fashion is all about expression and creation.  You can change up your style with each new outfit, depending on your mood or destination, which makes it so truly wonderful.  For today, I am going to be looking at female TV characters with some serious style.  Whether they are trying to rule the world…or their high school or looking for an escape from the mundane world of suburbia, these ladies are beyond well-dressed.  They’ve become my inspiration when plotting my own next ensemble.

My top 5 most fashionable female characters on TV are:

5

Veronica Lodge from Riverdale.

Veronica 2 23

I’ve been quite impressed with the fashion on Riverdale.  Every character really embraces it and is not afraid to try out new trends, but I have to give the top spot from the show to Miss Veronica Lodge.  When she arrives from the big city, she brings her expensive wardrobe with her and is not afraid to show it off.  Veronica truly has an Audrey Hepburn inspired look, carefully completing each ensemble with simple but classic accessories, such as her pearl necklace.  Veronica always looks flawless and ready for anything.  It’s no wonder she is able to stand up to her parents and the other adults in this town.  She’s dressing the part and means business.

4

Emily Thorne from Revenge.

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You can’t help not rooting for Emily on her quest for revenge against the Grayson family who she believes is responsible for the downfall of her father.  Emily takes on her new identity and plans to step into the elite world of the Hamptons, Long Island.  You would never doubt for a second that she doesn’t belong, as she makes an entrance with poise and confidence.  Emily’s wardrobe is beyond beautiful.  She tends to favor reds and floral patterns, typically leaving her long blonde hair down in soft waves, giving her a certain Veronica Lake vibe.  Emily even challenges the notorious Victoria Grayson without batting an eyelash.  Even her casual wardrobe screams The Hamptons, embracing simple cardigans and nautical sweaters with fitted jeans.  No matter where the social event is, Emily Thorne is there to make a statement and her wardrobe absolutely helps her accomplish this.

3

Gabrielle Solis from Desperate Housewives.

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When ex-model, Gabrielle moves to Wisteria Lane with her rich husband, Carlos, she has traded in her runway days for the quiet life of suburbia.  However, that doesn’t mean Gabrielle is about to sacrifice her wardrobe in the process.  Even though most of the other women on the block dress casual and simple, Gabrielle looks fabulous in brightly colored ensembles.  Even when she does her Yoga, she has on brightly colored matching velour sweats.  Gabrielle’s dresses are her trademark, however.  She absolutely adores anything that is couture.  In a hilarious moment on the show, Gabrielle’s entire walk-in closet is destroyed by a horrible leak in the ceiling and her screams of distress are absolutely sympathetic.  When Gabrielle begins dating her second husband, Victor, she seems to have more fun going through his ex-wife’s closet, even borrowing a few outfits.  Unfortunately for Gabrielle, the ex spots her in the outfit and Gabrielle is forced to strip in the bathroom and hand over the goods.  Luckily, Gabrielle can pull off any outfit…or lack of one in this case, so she was in the clear.

2

Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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I was a teenager myself when watching Buffy and I have to say that she was my inspiration for my own style.  I remember trying to find the perfect prom dress that looked like hers because I adored it that much.  Whether Buffy was rocking a pair of cute leather boots with a short dress or skirt or wearing one of her beautiful statement coats, she always looked fierce while defeating the many threats in Sunnydale.  While she was great at accessorizing, perhaps her best accessory was her cross-bow which really went with every outfit.  Later in the series, Buffy traded out many of her short dresses for cute leather pants and soft sweaters, embracing hoop earrings and cute hairstyles.  No matter what outfit she wore, she always looked comfortable and cute, which is sometimes really hard to do!  Either way, Buffy still remains an absolute influence on my own fashion and style.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Hanna Marin from “Pretty Little Liars”
  • Cheryl Blossom from “Riverdale”
  • Serena van der Woodsen from “Gossip Girl”
  • Olivia Pope from “Scandal”
  • Victoria Grayson from “Revenge”
  • Aria Montgomery from “Pretty Little Liars”
  • Felicity Smoak from “Arrow”
  • Joan Watson from “Elementary”

1

Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl.

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So if the quote at the beginning didn’t give me away, my number one pick for most fashionable female TV character has to be awarded to Blair Waldorf.  The Queen B herself, Blair embodies fashion and style.  Her number one accessory is always her headband, which basically represents a crown, but she wears it so well.  Blair, like Veronica Lodge, has an Audrey Hepburn vibe going on, but takes it to an entirely new level.  Whether she is rocking a preppy outfit with knee-socks or a breathtaking gown, Blair plans every single detail of her outfit.  Her endless amounts of coats are to die for and her handbags are elegant and the perfect pop of color.  I’m sure fans around the world (including me) would love to go through her closet just to be that close to a work of art that will never go out of style.  Blair’s love for fashion is absolutely apparent and even when she is scolding her minions; it’s hard not to root for her because she looks absolutely fabulous in every scene.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your picks for the most fashionable female TV characters.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking my top 5 Guilty Pleasures on Television

When you think about a guilty pleasure, what comes to mind?  Is it a type of candy you can’t live without or a fantastic collection of designer shoes?  For me, it all comes down to television.  While it’s no secret that I am beyond obsessed with movies and TV, there is something about the over-the-top shows filled with sexy melodrama and unbelievable plot twists that I can’t deny.

Whether the female leads are getting into scandalous dilemmas or weaving a dangerous web of deception, there is something about these particular shows that make me want to grab the popcorn and binge-watch all through the weekend in my pajamas.

My top 5 guilty pleasures on television are:

5

The Client List

Although this show only lasted for two seasons on the Lifetime network, this show screams guilty pleasure.  Jennifer Love Hewitt was cast perfectly, playing Riley Parks, a mother of two living in Texas who is just left by her husband.  Riley is left with a mortgage to pay and bills that seem never-ending, which causes her to find employment at “The Rub of Sugarland.”

While Riley starts out seeking a legitimate masseuse job, she realizes that this is not going to cut it if she wants to make ends meet for her family.  Riley quickly discovers that there is a client list which involves special customers who comes in looking more than a traditional massage.  Riley fully understands that this is illegal, but the opportunity is just too tempting for her to turn down.  Riley begins to compromise her moral compass and lies to her family, but she is ultimately trying to be the best mother she can under the circumstances.

The clients are intriguing enough with their “special” requests and fans wonder if Riley’s world will be shattered with each new plot twist, leaving viewers with an action-packed series finale that still have us asking lots of questions.

4

Secret Diary of a Call Girl

This popular series aired for 4 seasons on Showtime and is a British comedy starring the fantastic and beautiful Billie Piper as Hannah Baxter aka Belle (her escort alias).  While the show initially seemed like it may be a little bit too gratuitous, it’s easy to quickly fall in love with with Hannah or Belle and root for her with each episode.

The episodes are short (about 24 minutes each) so it makes this series extremely easy to binge-watch.  Belle allows the viewers the opportunity to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be a call girl.  While it may seem glamorous and have its perks on the outside,  Belle reveals a lot of the complicated aspects as well, including how extremely difficult it is to actually maintain a normal relationship when you are a prostitute.

3

Mistresses

This series aired for 4 seasons and used to be part of the summer lineup on ABC.  When one was in desperate need of some serious binge-watching when all of our other favorite shows were on break, Mistresses did an excellent job of capturing viewers with its fun and fancy-free attitude.

The ladies on this show were not shy of diving head first into drama, including extravagant affairs, secret relationships, and husbands faking their own deaths.  While many of the plot twists were clearly over-the-top, the fantastic women on this show did a great job of being believable and their close-knit friendships brought us back to the days of Sex and the City.

This series also ended on a huge cliff-hanger, but was the perfect summer fling to have during the off-season of television.

2

Devious Maids

Lasting for 4 seasons, this show was jam-packed with the perfect blend of spiciness, comedy, and mystery.  It’s no wonder that it came from the creators who brought us Desperate Housewives.  However, this show took the sexiness a step further than Desperate Housewives, which made the mysteries going on that much more exciting to solve and be a part of.

Like Mistresses, the women on this show have an undeniable bond and support each other through all of the chaos and drama surrounding them, but they don’t forget to have some fun along the way.  Like some of my favorite guilty pleasures, this show also ended on a huge cliff-hanger.  While I didn’t want to turn the page on this show just yet, it still provided me with just the right amount of laughs and gasps to go with a lazy weekend.

1

The Affair

So my number one pick has to go to Showtime’s The Affair.  While you may think you know what the show is about just from the title, you are seriously missing out if you don’t get caught up.  As I am anxiously waiting for season 4 to premiere, I am getting ready to re-watch the entire series.  It’s that good.

While the first season still remains my favorite and the most entertaining, each season allows us into the private thoughts of each character.  The show focuses primarily on Noah and Allison, giving us a glimpse into their souls as their worlds start to unravel right before their eyes, drowning them further and further into a darkness that has a more powerful calling than the ocean right outside their doors.

There is something hypnotic about this show.  It pulls you in right from the start and the decision to present the story from the different perspectives of each character makes you question everything, pulling the viewer in even deeper.  Just when you think you know what’s about to happen or unravel, there is another unexpected twist that will haunt you and resonate with you even long after watching the series.  The acting and writing is fantastic on this series, providing us with the perfect escape from the mundane.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite guilty pleasures on television.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl