Almost everyone in the working world is forced to endure a prolonged, uncomfortable commute. Crowded subway cars, late-running trains, that one person you small talk with everyday yet can't remember their name and now you're in too deep to ask. You know what I'm talking about. The only silver lining of a daily commute is that you can pass the time with easily digestible entertainment.
No, an hour-plus long train ride at six in the morning is not the right setting for the subtly of a "Mad Men" or the complexity of a "Game of Thrones." However, it is perfect for these three shows.
"Silicon Valley" - HBO
"Silicon Valley," now airing its third season, is like "Entourage" for nerds. It follows a group of software engineers trying to get their start-up company off the ground; obstacles arise and hilarity ensues. From the brilliant mind of Mike Judge ("Office Space," "Beavis and Butt-Head"), this HBO comedy has the deepest bench of comedic talent in recent memory. The LOL-worthy punch lines are spread throughout the cast rather than the top heavy nature of a "Big Bang Theory."
Sure, "Silicon Valley" is a bit too formulaic at times; each episode involves one step forward and two steps back. But there is something hilariously entertaining about those that are most deserving and qualified to move up in the world being completely unable to handle success. "Silicon Valley" inverts our expectations at every turn - like Action Jack's hysterical "trip to the vet" on Sunday - and builds a rapport with its central cast of characters. It's fun, easy and occasionally disgusting in the best way possible. That's all you really need to pass the time.
"Master of None" - Netflix
Aziz Ansari's first attempt at being a small screen leading man has been available for months now. If you haven't at least checked it out, than I only have one thing to say to you:
via GIPHY
"Master of None" masks its deeper meaning in lighter humor, yet both shine through when its firing on all cylinders. Based on the best of Ansari's stand-up material, the show manages to make you laugh - Ansari's lesbian best friend Denise is one standout among many - while also hitting you right in the feels with familial and relationship familiarities. This show will particularly appeal to those of you that aren't completely in love with your jobs and dread your morning commutes because "Master of None's" central message is that it's okay to not know exactly where you're headed.
"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" - Netflix
At some point in time, "I'm not a morning person" began to cover roughly 99 percent of the population. Waking up early sucks, and anything good that happens in the A.M. is usually illegal. However, that's why "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" is a great pick-me-up. Star Ellie Kemper's unrelenting positivity is the driving force behind this quirky Tina Fey comedy. As Kimmy, she radiates joy, and her innocence following 15 years as a hostage in a bunker (yes, that really is the plot set up) is so charming that you can't help but like her.
"Kimmy" isn't quite the balancing act of zany and zealous that "30 Rock" was, and the show can drag whenever supporting players fall out of our star's orbit. But there are enough goofy moments to crack a smile at, and I dare your mood not to change for the better while watching.
