Can We Make TV Show Clubs the New Book Club?

Before I get into this, I must point out that Mazzy made the graphic up top. She saw me searching a stock photo site for pics of old TV sets, asked what I was doing and then said she would make me a logo. I was like, “Okay… but don’t be mad if I don’t use it.” And she said, “I won’t be mad. I’ll just know that you don’t love me.” True story. Anyway, I used it. Not just because of the potential therapy bills, but because I LOVE IT and I shouldn’t have doubted her. Moving on…

If you know me, you know my love of television runs deep. The first thing I usually do when I walk into my office in the morning (or get on my standing 9am team zoom call since it’s pandemic times) is say, “Before we start, who’s watching X?” Then, “You’re not watching X? Oh, you HAVE to watch X. Then we can DISCUSS.”

Every day that follows, I will say things like…

“Did you start watching X yet? NO?? Come on. You’re missing out.”

“Oh, you’re only on the first episode? It gets sooo good. You need to CATCH UP.”

“It’s only two seasons. So easy to binge! You’ll finish it in two days. Trust me.”

I never want to risk spoilers while I’m watching, but once a series or season is finished, I WANT DISCOURSE. I search google for reviews, read the message boards, check the hashtag on twitter and bring the show up with everyone I know. I’d always rather discuss with real life friends rather than lurk in strange corners of the internet.

Until recently, when it occurred to me— THAT STRANGE CORNER OF THE INTERNET COULD BE MINE!!! I’ve always loved the idea of starting a book club (good stories, good friends, and good wine sounds lovely), but whenever I’ve tried to join one, I just can’t find the time to read the books. Probably because I am too busy watching television. So, for my club, I’m going to replace “books” with “TV shows” and then I know I can complete the assignment. In fact, I’ve already done considerable extra credit! If we all decide what to watch together, then, instead of searching for opinions from random strangers on Reddit, I could be discussing with you guys! My people!

So, here’s what I’m thinking. I’m going to make the TV show club part of the paid subscriber plan. We’ll pick our shows ahead of time and have a set date for each discussion thread where I’ll put a few of my own opinions and questions for the group— always after the season or series finale has aired, so… DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS. (FYI, there will be a longer post next week that will go into more detail about the official launch of the paid subscriber benefits, but if you know the TV Club is something you’ll be interested in, now’s the time to upgrade to a paid subscription!)

Here’s the first assignment.

The last episode of Nine Perfect Strangers (which I’m currently watching) is on September 22nd, so the first discussion we’ll be having is about that show on September 23rd. (Update: Nine Perfect Strangers discussion is now live!) If you haven’t started yet, it’s on Hulu. There are six episodes so far with two left, and honestly, it will be much better as a binge than it was waiting week to week. I was not crazy about the series initially, but the last episode advanced the plot in a significant way and was really good. There was a reveal that involves parenting and decision making and marital responsibilities that I would really love to discuss. You’ll know it when you get to it.

As far as what to discuss in this thread, I would love to know…

1) Are you interested in a TV Show club?

2) Are you currently watching Nine Perfect Strangers? Or willing to watch it?

3) How long does it typically take you to watch a season of a series? Like, should this be a weekly thing? Or a bi weekly thing? Or just whenever a show of interest ends?

4) What series have you recently watched that you would love to discuss here?

5) Should I put the Season 3 finale of Manifest on the docket?

6) Do you have any tips from book clubs you’ve been in that might be helpful in running this TV Show Club correctly? Please share!

I hope at least a handful of you guys are TV fanatics and as excited about this as I am. That’s all we need. I am prepared to discuss with myself if necessary!

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