TV Tuesday: You Love Me, You Love Me Not

[yourlibrarian]

What is a show you thought you wouldn't like, but ended up loving? What is a show you thought you'd love, but ended up disappointing you?

Comments

[jo]

Outlander immediately comes to mind for a show that I didn't think I would love, but do indeed love. I'd been aware of the books ever since the first one was published 30+ (?) years ago, but avoided them because the blurb on the back made them sound like glorified Harlequins. And totally ludicrous. So when I saw mentions of the show in my Twitter stream, I was somewhat dubious -- but these were people I quite respected (journalists and profs, etc.) who were raving about it, so I thought I'd give it a go since I was in-between shows at the time. And the rest is history. Also Friday Night Lights. I never watched it when it originally aired, and later, because I'm not fan of American football, it didn't really scream "Watch me!!!" to me, you know? But I eventually did watch it and adored it and have recommended it to so many people since.

As for shows that I thought I'd like, but in the end found them rather disappointing, there have been a few. Poldark is one. I started watching it because a lot of people who love Outlander also love Poldark. The first series was OK -- didn't love it but it was OK enough to carry on with the second series. That one, however put me off. The main character was an ass, each episode was quite samey (very formulaic). Might not really be the show's fault -- maybe the books are like that too and it was just being faithful to the books. However, I didn't continue with the series. Another one was The Following, which was a show starring Kevin Bacon about a serial killer with the Edgar Allen Poe fixation. It started off not too badly, but then just became really incredibly stupid. I mean, every single character was just incredibly stupid and did incredibly stupid things. I actually watched through to the bitter end of the first season hoping it would redeem itself, but nope, it really didn't. I heard that the 2nd season was actually better, but I just didn't care anymore.

[yourlibrarian]

Oh I remember The Following! The premise sounded interesting and it had a decent cast but I became disenchanted with it that season as well. I'm not sure if I ever watched S2 or not. I don't think so.

FNL has had such great reviews but I've always resisted it as well. The subject just seems too close to home (I'm totally not into football) so I've avoided it.

[rogueslayer452]

Oh yes, I also had that same reaction with Friday Night Lights as well! I remember hearing a lot about it at the time it was airing but didn't think it was for me due to the football angle, but then curiosity got the better of me (mainly became interested due to Adrianne Palicki) and decided to check it out only to discover just how good it is. Football was merely a backdrop for the character drama that was happening, which was addicting to watch. "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" and "Texas forever" are phrases I still use today. :D