The Television and Drank – Bean’s Self-Care Routine

My single mom blog, Blissfully Single Bean, mainly talks about self-care as a single parent.

Self-care means taking care of oneself to ensure that you are healthy so that in turn, you can be your best for the important people in your life. A good self-care routine and a healthy mental state go hand-in-hand.

Now that being said, one of the self-care routines I spoil myself with is a nasty ole television show and drink session. In the summer, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than entertaining, original programming with an ice cold cocktail with tequila in it.

Pairing a nice drink with a funny television show is one of those seemingly little, but actually huge blessings in life; it’s my self-care routine.

Why I Love Original Programming: Free Thought

Listen…..

Your girl, Blissfully Single Bean is trying to move away from Reality TV land to embrace more original programming. At 44, I’m officially a woman of a certain age and such, I’m tired of the foolishness and ratchetness of seeing women older than me fight and throw drinks. Like really what’s the point? It’s the same old thing.

The REAL craft of acting involves studying a character, learning script and bringing to life a new person to love or hate. Consequently….I salute the “real” possessors of the talent of acting. In the end, actors and actresses are the conduits of original programming; they encourage free thought.

What’s better than original programming? Pairing your tv watching with a perfect drink!

Now, from Netflix, to Amazon Prime and every other streaming platform in between, there are a few shows that are a must see. These long summer days call for compelling entertainment that leave us questioning and exploring the human experience.

Excellent programming makes us think. In like manner, these are the shows this summer I’ve absolutely loved and have graced me with a space to experience and question through representation.

Unlike a Real Housewives episode, watching these shows, I didn’t leave with a polarizing choice to make between Team Kenya or Team Marlo. In contrast, I think of the socio-political and economical dynamics at play and it’s delightful that this type of entertainment ultimately takes me there.

Original programming not only takes me to an alternate reality, but it also spurs thought.

Shining Vale

The Shining Vale is a STARZ original with Courtney Cox playing the lead role as Patricia, a middle aged woman suffering from depression. After having an affair, Patricia and her husband move to Connecticut in an attempt to start over and save their marriage. What ensues is a psychological thriller that takes the viewer through an intense ride of mental health, horror and yes, comedy.

I laughed every episode – the writing has so much wit. The Shining Vale is a smart thriller that somehow manages to spook the viewer, but at the same time, explores the complexities of mental health layered with marital issues and substance abuse.

The Shining Vale pays homage to one of the best thrillers of all time – Stephen King’s The Shining. With demonic possession as a lead story and the angst of a writer, there are so many parallels to the critically acclaimed horror film.

Shining Vale has been renewed for a second season. YES!! Also, with thirty minute episodes, it’s a quick binge. Put your feet up and enjoy a blood red glass of Yellowtail Cabernet Sauvignon with Shining Vale.

The Boys

When I tell you that The Boys is my top in summer Amazon Prime entertainment, I kid you not.

This show is one of those that allows the viewer to re-think the way Corporate America takes the honorable and uses it as a means to feed National greed and bolster the structure that leaves those without struggling and those with means- well, thriving.

The Boys is an American Dark Super Hero series that makes the viewer question what exactly defines the Super Hero? What exactly does is mean to be super? Is being “super” special, beyond human abilities? Or is it being a champion of the destitute and using special abilities and a pure heart to help others ?

The Boys says hold up and hold my drink. This show takes the super hero trope and gives it a reversal I’ve never seen in my life on television.

There is a dark undertone where the viewer is unable to distinguish protagonist from antagonist. I mean, I’m trying to find a team to be down with -but from hero to enemy, a viewer doesn’t have a clear view of who is what – that’s where the true beauty lies… there’s no distinct bad or good. The lines of hero and villain are wonderfully blurred.

The Boys is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Enjoy this all American, but dark show with an ice cold, and just as dark Corona Familiar Lager beer.

Harlem

Absolutely love the way Harlem speaks to the BS of the Patriarchy. OK – let me be a little more gentle in my approach.

Harlem takes a hard look at the sacrifices women are often called to make – as opposed to men, who have the freedom to do whatever the hell they want to and still be regarded in the highest standards of society. Whether it’s for the kids, the husband, family or friends, women are expected to renounce our passions for the betterment of others, whereas, men can exist in a space where they aren’t called to do anything of the sort.

Moreover, as women, society dictates that value rests in being chosen. We essentially give up our identities for the honor of being called “a wife” or “picked one” for a future husband who may or may not give us the sacrifice of loyalty that we’re reared to provide to men.

I simply adore how Harlem speaks to this narrative.

Harlem centers on a group of girlfriends living in New York in their 30’s as they navigate life together. A good girlfriend show? We love it!

The lead role, played by the lovely Meghan Good, is Camille, a super intelligent, young and popular university professor. Camille has no problem finding love. Keeping it, a different story.

By the end of the hilarious 10-episode run, the viewer is compelled to ask: what would I do if I were in her shoes? Follow my heart or my dreams? Plus, the cliff hanger, will leave that jaw on the floor, honey!

Harlem is one of those sexy girlfriend shows that we can’t get enough of.

If anything you do this summer – treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail like my easy Lemon Drop Martini and Harlem on Amazon Prime.

Thank me later!

Abbott Elementary

Honestly, Abbott Elementary is one of the funniest sitcoms I’ve run across in a while.

Every episode released laughter, straight from the pit of my stomach. It’s a subtle type comedy though; brings me back to the Seinfeld days where the characters were very funny with very little effort.

More importantly though, Abbott Elementary often brings to mind the phenomenal teachers I’ve come across as a child. These characters capture the very essence of educators who care enough about us, despite our economic backgrounds, to really teach.

Leading the cast of Abbott Elementary is the incomparably talented creator of the show, Quinta Brunson.

Quinta plays Janine, a teacher whose big heart to teach, one can’t help to love, but it does often get her into trouble. The beauty of Janine’s character is that her flaws lie in her always wanting to help. So much so that she oftentimes forgets that while she comes from a place of love, that still doesn’t invalidate her fellow teachers’ experiences and opinions.

I have to say though, while I overall love the cast, Principal Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James) brings the comedy every single time.

From her utter and complete lack of knowledge running a school to the mid-day TikToks in her office, the combination of the show’s clever writing and James’ amazing comedic timing makes her definitely a stand out and a solid reason to watch. The Emmy’s agree too – Janelle is up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a comedy series for her role.

Enjoy Abbott Elementary with a refreshing summer drink like my watermelon martini recipe. It’s refreshing and sweet, just like the show.

Catch Abbott Elementary on Hulu.

Umbrella Academy

Netflix original programming is King and Queen and we just LOVE a good super hero show in my house!

Super heroes, defined as speculative fiction, is a genre of television that take us into another world of fancy and forces the question, if you were an experiment and a super human ability was a by-product, what would you want yours to be? Would you use the powers for good or evil?

The Umbrella Academy, based on the comic book series of the same name, follows a dysfunctional family of misfit superheroes who occasionally find a way to combine their talents to do extraordinary things.

During its premiere season, an astounding 45 million households streamed. Now, Umbrella Academy, riding a third season, Netflix’s superhero streaming sensation constantly keeps you at the edge of your seat because the viewer has to constantly grapple with being on the edge of the apocalypse.

What makes this show so endearing is that it speaks to the fallibility of us all, super human or not. This bunch tries to get it right and play the savior role that heroes are called to do. However, self-serving interests and pride often detract these siblings from stepping into super hero greatness.

You’ll love each character, because there’s a vulnerability in each, but I must say, One, who embodies super strength and durability is my favorite and definitely a standout. Played by Aidan Gallagher, the brilliance in his performance of the character One is playing a 50 year-old man trapped in a 12 year-old body.

Catch Umbrella on Netflix and pair with a glass of One’s favorite drink, a whiskey sour.

Bel-Air

“Heavy is the head that wears the crown…”

If you were a Fresh Prince fan like I was (and if you were born in the later 70’s / early 80’s, then most likely you are) were, then Bel-Air is a must watch!

Actually, I need to double back a bit, some time ago, when I heard there was going to be a dark, reimagined Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I scoffed at the idea. Fresh Prince, Will Smith, was always a light-hearted, family friendly comedy. So, trust me when I say, I was in absolutely NO hurry to watch.

It’s not until a couple of friends (Thanks SIN!!) told me about how great Bel-Air is that I decide to spend a week watching. From the very first episode, I was hooked.

So many things were done right. Would you like to know what? Well, here we go.

Bel-Air Casting

Even as a child, I never understood how Hillary Banks, portrayed by Karyn Parsons, was the daughter of Vivian (Janet Hubert). The actresses don’t resemble – I mean, like at all.

However, for the Bel-Air remake, the casting directors infuse us with a family of melanin-rich characters and, speaking from the aesthetic of family, that brings a sense of equilibrium for the viewer.

OK. Let me stop acting brand new – the Banks family is now as a beautifully rich and dark skinned family.

Now, when you see the new Hillary (Coco Jones) arguing with the new Vivian Banks (Cassandra Freeman) it makes sense. This is a mother and daughter speaking to one another. There isn’t a disconnect and it bolsters the narrative.

Since we’re still on casting, there isn’t anyone who could’ve done the Will Smith role justice other than Jabari Banks. Not only does Jabari look like and stands as impressively tall as Will Smith, but my goodness, his incredible acting talent takes the viewer through his every emotion. Banks takes Will Smith character and elevates it through the rawness of his acting.

Dimensional Characters

Another element done right is writing a narrative that brings dimension to formally one dimensional characters.

On the sitcom, Hillary was a pampered, ditzy princess. On Bel-Air, Hillary, while still coming from wealth and privilege, in this re-made version, she is now driven and determined.

Vivian Banks was an art teacher; that’s it.

On Bel-Air, Vivian is a gifted artist who left her passion behind to be a good wife and mother. Now, she unapologetically pursues the love she once has and she does so on canvas.

Carlton, while corny and a touch bit annoying, still had a lovable side to him.

The Bel-Air version of Carlton is not only plagued with demons, but he’s actually hard to stomach initially. Geoffrey, formerly a wise-cracking butler is now transformed into an enforcer of sorts, acting as Uncle Phil’s confidant and trusted partner.

This is only to name a few; however all-in-all, the writers of Bel-Air brilliantly re-create layered and complex characters.

You’ll need a stiff drink for this one and there’s only one that will do. Sip on something brown and rich like Hennessy Priviledge when watching.

Bel-Air can be streamed on Peacock.

Pairing Drinks and TV Shows

Again, as a busy, blissfully single mom, quality time to myself is a premium in my life. Taking the time to sit down, drink and watch the tele is a self-care luxury that I’ll never grow tired of. But the programming I’ve listed in this article, do yourself a favor and binge at least one of these shows; you wont regret it!

What are you watching this summer? Please comment and let me know below!

Blissfully Single and Yours,