Sometimes people assume that because I love books, I must hate tv. Let me assure you this is not the case. I love good storytelling in any format, and there’s wonderful storytelling to be had on the small screen.

When our kids were younger, Will and I enjoyed making our way through a show one or two episodes at a time after they went to bed. Now that they’re older—our youngest just turned twelve—there is no such thing as “after bedtime.” That means we’re more often on the lookout for shows that will please two parents, two high school girls, and one sixth grade boy. (My oldest is a college freshman, so he’s not often home for family tv nights.)

It’s not easy to find shows we all love—so when we do, I want to shout them from the rooftops! Your mileage may vary, but these two shows are making us happy these days.

Abbott Elementary

I mentioned this in my recent list of 8 (mostly) little things I’m loving for winter, and it bears repeating here. If you love Parks and Rec, give Abbott a try. In the same mockumentary style, it takes us inside a Philadelphia public school, focusing primarily on the staff and their relationships, though the kids are always present in a meaningful way. We all love it because it’s fun and funny and smart—we laugh SO HARD when we watch together—and, at the same time, it’s warm-hearted and kind. I adore the earnest and idealistic Janine (played by Quinta Brunson), but my very favorite scenes feature Gregory (played by Tyler James Williams). And I didn’t even tell you about my other six favorite characters!

Based on this description, if you’re inclined to try it—do it! I think you’ll like it. My only complaint is that we’re all caught up and need to wait for new episodes. (We’re watching on Hulu, which is a free perk that comes with our cell phone plan.)

Central Park

I would never have considered this show had my brother not recommended it, but he did, we gave it a try, and it stuck. (My youngest is just old enough for this show, but we probably wouldn’t have watched it together a year ago.) This animated adult sit-com about the manager of New York’s Central Park and his family—and their inadvertent war with the crabby billionaire who wants to buy the park and fill it with condos and retail. The delightfully silly show airs on AppleTV+ and features an impressive cast full of names you likely recognize. The scenes with billionaire Bitsy and her much-maligned help Helen, as played by Stanley Tucci and Daveed Diggs, have us in stitches.

The show just came back from a long hiatus with several new episodes; we were a little worried after yawning through the first two, but the newest episode called “The PAIGE-riarchy!” had us in stitches.

Have you seen either of these shows? What would you recommend we watch next? What other shows have you been enjoying lately? Tell us all about it in comments!

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