New Year's Resolutions: TV Shows I Vow to Start Watching in 2014

2013 is rapidly coming to a close, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the year to come. And what better way to do that than by making some TV-related New Year’s resolutions! (I’m assuming you only want to hear about the TV ones and not my umpteenth yearly pledge to run a mile every day. But I’m just guessing here.)

As we all know, the world is full of wonderful television shows, but given the fact that there’s only so many hours in a day, it’s pretty much impossible to watch them all — unless you plan on giving up that whole “sleeping” concept, which I’ve heard is kind of important. And while my taste in TV is already pretty extensive, I know there are still some great shows out there that I’m completely missing out on. I know it…my friends know it…my DVR knows it (and judges me very harshly, might I add). Which is why I want to make a pledge right here and now to rectify these wrongs and watch the shows I’ve always wanted to see, but just never found the time for.

New Year’s is all about making resolutions, right? Well, here are mine. Look out 2014!

'Community'

Honestly, I’ve never watched even one episode of this show (*insert gasps and violent headshakes here*). I have no good excuse for this. Just the plain fact that I simply haven’t had the time, but all that is about to change in 2014. There’s nothing quite a like a good sitcom and this one has a major cult following that I’m very eager to be a part of. And from what I hear, the series uses a variety of pop culture references and parodies, which I am ALL for. And having a stellar cast doesn’t hurt things either. (Joel McHale and Chevy Chase being in a show together already sounds like comedic gold!) Bottom line — I hate missing out on a good laugh, so consider this one to be a top priority. Bring on the humor!

'Doctor Who'

This series has become a major phenomenon with a highly dedicated fan base that I’ve longed to be a part of. The idea of time travel has always been appealing to me (‘Back to the Future’ anyone?), and given that the entire premise of the show is based on this concept, I’d say it wouldn’t take me long to become a full-blown Whovian. From what I’ve heard, the plotlines are exciting and the acting is superb. Really, I’m ashamed it’s taken me this long to see it. If I could, I’d jump in my own personal time machine and start watching this show right from the get-go. But alas, I’m fresh out of teleportation devices. (I know, I’m so behind the times.) Binge-watching it is then!

'The Walking Dead'

Okay, I admit, I’m not a huge zombie fan, which is probably why I’ve kept this series at arm’s length up until now. From an outsider’s perspective, it just always seemed like a lot of hiding and/or running. Plus, I’ve never understood how the zombies keep catching up to the remaining humans. Don’t they walk super slow? (But again, this is just me being naïve and completely in the dark about the show.) However, the series has such a huge following, it makes me want to give it a try and see what all of the fuss is about. I’m usually all about hopping on a popular bandwagon, so I’m sure once I get into it, I’ll become just as dedicated as any other fan. Plus, I’m a big supernatural buff and watch pretty much every vampire/werewolf/witch show currently on television, so ‘TWD’ should be right up my alley…though I seriously doubt there are any zombie love triangles (or at least, I seriously hope not).

'Homeland'

People go absolutely crazy over this show. Between all of the suspense, complex characters, and incredible plot twists, it sounds like a rollercoaster ride of TV goodness. Plus, it stars the extremely talented Claire Danes, so right there we’re already off to a great start. Right now, I tend to think of it as the political equivalent to ‘Breaking Bad,’ just by the fact that every episode seems to raise the stakes higher and higher, leaving you begging for more. There’s nothing I enjoy more in a TV show than being surprised and it sounds like this series is chock-full of them.

'The Americans'

A story about secret undercover spies is always going to grab my attention no matter the scenario. (I’m thinking a more high-stakes version of ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?) I mean, from what I hear, handling a real marriage is hard enough, which should make managing a pretend one all the more difficult (and, therefore, interesting). Not to mention, the reviews for the series have been insanely positive, which makes me want to check it out all the more, especially now that Season 2 is right around the corner.

'Suits'

Suave, attractive lawyers dressed in suits? Say no more! I’ve always found court cases interesting (I happen to have a Ph.D. in ‘Law & Order’ episodes), so I think I’d find that aspect of the series fascinating. Now throw in a few inter-office romances along with some workplace politics and you’ve got yourself a hit in my book. And sure, I’m not going to lie…Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams are pretty easy on the eyes. Though ‘Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods would not approve with the whole “lying-about-going-to-Harvard-Law-School” thing. (What, like it’s hard?) Regardless, this sounds like it would be a great addition to my growing TV collection. What can I say — it seems to "suit" me. (Sorry, I had to, guys.)

'Sons of Anarchy'

I’m a little on the fence with this one since the concept of an outlaw motorcycle club doesn’t really hold that much appeal to me. HOWEVER, I initially thought the same thing about ‘Breaking Bad’ before I saw it. (A series about chemistry and meth? No thanks!) But I gave it a chance and it became one of my favorite shows of all-time, which makes me hesitant to just write ‘SOA’ off completely. So if I have the time, I’d really like to give this one a solid try.

Happy 2014, everyone!