Whenever I am out with friends, a big conversation topic is what everyone is watching on television. Many of these popular series are on one of the many (increasing by the day) premium streaming channels, available only for subscribers willing to pay their fees.
While there are a lot of great choices on premium channels, what about good old-fashioned network television? Is there anything to watch on regular TV anymore?
The answer is yes! There are tons of quality shows to watch, from scripted comedies to juicy dramas and, of course, reality TV too.
Here are seven you should consider the next time you think there is nothing on network TV anymore.
Survivor (CBS)
This is Where the Legends Are Made
The tribe (and the fans) have spoken as this granddaddy of reality TV is currently in its 46th season and has already been renewed for next year. I have been watching since season one and cannot believe how this show has evolved while staying true to the initial premise. Stranded on a desert island with minimal supplies, contestants must work together, completing physical and mental challenges while voting each other off in hopes of being the sole survivor. In the new extended 90-minute format, there is more time to learn about each contestant's story, increasing the intensity as a torch gets snuffed each week.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
BOKHEE AN, CATERINA SCORSONE, CHANDRA WILSON, KEVIN MCKIDD
If, like me, you tuned out of this series years ago thinking it had jumped the shark (and then jumped again), it might be time to return to Grey Sloan. The show has refreshed itself with a new cast of interns reminiscent of season one when viewers first got to know George, Izzie, Meredith, Cristina and Karev. The newbies offer a fresh perspective, and it's especially nice to see them interact and learn from long-time cast members Dr. Webber and Dr. Bailey. (Plus, fan favorite, roller-skating pediatric and fetal surgeon Dr. Robbins, returns for season 20.)
The Bachelor (ABC)
KEY ART
Even if you have dismissed The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise as silly in the past, you will want to tune in this summer when one of the ladies from The Golden Bachelor hands out the roses in hopes of finding a love match. I wasn't sure how I would feel watching Golden Bachelor, but I was glued to the screen. I wasn't so much invested in Gerry's dating life as I was in the women and the connections they made with one another while living together in the house. I loved watching them cook in the kitchen, do each other's hair, dance in the pool, and share heartfelt conversations and laughs. Hopefully, this installment will have the exact authenticity and continue to illustrate that the joys of friendship have no age limit.
Finding Your Roots (PBS)