“You’ve got to watch this show.” It’s something we’re hearing from friends and family more and more these days.
It can be tough to keep up with the programs others recommend, but it’s worth paying attention: Much of today’s television programming is fresh and original. Midbudget original content is less common in Hollywood — in favor of big-budget remakes and CGI (computer-generated imagery) — so a lot of good filmmaking is bleeding onto the small screen.
Here’s a look at four television series currently airing that are worth watching this summer.
1.) “Yellowstone.” One of the most talented writers working today is Taylor Sheridan. The former actor tackles subjects head-on that other Hollywood writers fear to tackle even as subplots.
Sheridan wrote about the drug war and the border crisis with “Sicario,” and its sequel, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” is currently in release.
He tackled middle America and President Donald Trump’s voting crowd with the engaging and innovative modern western “Hell or High Water.”
He then jumped into the director’s chair to show the rugged nature required to survive in parts of the country still not dominated by modern technology, with “Wind River.”
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Sheridan is again in the director’s chair for what is one of the best modern westerns in a long time, “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner.
The “Dances with Wolves” actor plays John Dutton, owner of Montana’s biggest ranch. Though he has a powerful position in his state, new threats arrive every day as land developers look to industrialize Dutton’s large plot of land.
Add to this a nearby Indian reservation and Dutton’s own family drama — and you have one of the most sharply written series on television. Sheridan is writing as well as directing, so “Yellowstone” has a consistency of drama and tension that many other programs do not. Costner leads the excellent cast of a modern-day western that reveals the clash of new and old cultures.
“Yellowstone” airs on Paramount Network (formerly Spike) on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern.
Related: Why We Still Love Westerns
2.) “Shooter.” Now in its third season, “Shooter” has proven itself to be a clever and original action-drama. Based on a series of novels by Stephen Hunter, the program follows ex-Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger as he tackles family life and adventure in the name of honor and country.
“Shooter” has been a consistent ratings winner for the USA Network — and for good reason.
The program respects veterans, focuses on character, and offers great action and high stakes. Hunter’s novels may only be loosely adapted here, but the show captures the heart of his Marine sniper.
“Shooter” airs on USA Network on Thursdays at 10 p.m. Eastern.
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3.) “Fixer Upper: Behind the Design.” If you ever watched husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines of Texas on HGTV, you know their appeal.
The down-to-earth couple — and the parents of five children, the youngest born about a week ago — were the beating heart of “Fixer Upper,” and their hard work together brought a smile to many viewers’ faces as the two complemented each other’s work. Chip is a carpenter, while Joanna handles the interior design of the homes they flip.
Related: The ‘Fixer Upper’ Stars and Their New Show: Inside Details
“Fixer Upper: Behind the Design” is a perfect extension of the series as it dives more deeply into Joanna Gaines’ interior design process. All those who appreciated “Fixer Upper” will find a lot to love here.
“Fixer Upper: Behind the Design” airs on Saturdays on HGTV at 7 p.m. Eastern.
4.) “Six.” Few shows are as knowledgeable and as respectful to this country’s military as History’s “Six.”
Now in its second season, the show is as exciting as ever. Olivia Munn (“X-Men: Apocalypse”) has joined the cast, and many of last season’s favorites are back.
“Six” follows a Navy SEAL unit that carries out covert operations in the name of protecting America and its citizens.
It’s a highly accurate show — both showrunners are veterans — and it often tips its hat to the military.
Unfortunately, History recently axed the series , but it still has four episodes yet to air, and there’s always a chance it could find new life elsewhere.
“Six” airs on History, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern.
Related: Exclusive: Kyle Schmid on ‘Six’: ‘We Try to Provoke the Audience Emotionally’
PopZette editor Zachary Leeman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter.
(photo credit, homepage and article: USA Network, Paramount Network, YouTube)
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