The Curious Viewer: A Miscellany of Bingeable Streaming TV Shows from the Past Twenty Years
August 23, 2021
Editor Wood and the team at Mental Floss share a handy reference companion, chock-full of entertaining trivia and behind-the-scenes facts, to some of the biggest shows in television. “There’s no arguing that we’re currently in a Golden Age of Television,” writes Wood. Names from the past 20 years—from the eternally quotable Friends to Netflix’s sci-fi hit Stranger Things and HBO’s overlooked gem Deadwood—are highlighted in a list of more than 50 shows spanning every genre. There aren’t any explosive revelations, but the background information included is fascinating, nonetheless: fans of Battlestar Galactica will delight in knowing that the show’s writers also weren’t sure what happened to Starbuck in the series finale, while followers of Fleabag’s “Hot Priest” may (or may not) be surprised to learn that “a second season might never have even happened” had actor Andrew Scott turned down the role. While “it would be impossible to mention all the TV shows we love in a single volume,” the editors ensure no terrific series (even the more obscure, like AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire) goes unmentioned, in succinct roundups covering everything from “Amazing One-Season Shows” to best series finales and staff favorites. This is the ultimate bingeing guide.
December 1, 2021
In this diverting collection examining TV series from the past two decades, "compulsive binge-watcher" and Mental Floss managing editor Wood carries on the blog's tradition of "smart, quirky content presented in a witty, upbeat voice." Wood has compiled summaries, cast lists, notable episodes, infographics, and photos galore. Contributors revisit shows like Friends, Battlestar Galactica, and Black-ish, make the case for the programs' cultural impact and why it matters, hit the high points (occasionally with spoilers), and share behind-the-scenes tidbits. Snappy writing and insider details abound. VERDICT Streaming services, reboots, and syndication make all of these shows accessible. Likely to see heavy use in most libraries.
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