CommRadio’s Top TV Shows of the Summer
“Stranger Things” Season 4
After patiently waiting, fans of the franchise received “Stranger Things” Season 4. It was one heck of a season with many plot twists and a soundtrack that revived the careers of former superstars.
In this season, viewers see where all of the kids have been after last summer’s chaos. Eleven, Will, Joyce, and Jonathan are starting a new life in California while the rest of the gang are trying to live in Hawkins, knowing the Upside Down still exists.
Eleven confronts the origin of her powers while the "Beach Boys" try to help her along the way. Many tragedies take place this season, which angered audiences, and rightfully so. Viewers have grown to love these characters for three seasons, however the writers have begun to change these characters' lives for the worst.
Without spoiling anything, the season ended on a cliffhanger and with several devastating outcomes. The other seasons did lead up to this point, however, it is hard to come to terms with this. Overall, this is a great season that everyone should see, but make sure to have tissues on hand.
- Emily McGlynn
“The Rehearsal”- Season 1
Being socially awkward or embarrassing has been a source of comedy for a long time but very few comics can capitalize on these fault as well as Nathan Fielder.
His hit comedy central show, “Nathan For You,” is some of the funniest reality-comedy of all time. He has followed up that series with its spiritual successor, “The Rehearsal,” which airs on HBO Max.
The docu-comedy follows Fielder helping regular people rehearse potentially awkward or difficult situations to prepare themselves.
The extravagance of sets and details, along with more and more complex scenarios, help make this reality show one of a kind.
Mixing the absurd premise with Fielder's exceptional deadpan and ability to push everything to the limit makes this show beyond unique.
“The Rehearsal” borders on being an actual social experiment. Its philosophical nature has inspired think pieces and debates across social media.
Fielder already illuminated his absurdly brilliant creativity in “Nathan For You,” but “The Rehearsal” further cements his place as a comedic legend.
- Sophia D’Ovidio
“The Bear” - Season 1
When people utter the phrase “peak fiction,” they are undoubtedly talking about the hit summer release “The Bear.” The Hulu exclusive stars Jeremy Allen White, who plays a young cook finding peace with his brother’s death and his newfound work family.
The show truly combines amazing writing with spectacular actors and wraps it up in a cinematographer’s ideal world.
Throughout the show, character development is explored in such a realistic and relatable manner that it’s hard to believe that these are fictional characters. Relationship dynamics are as complex as the people portrayed and it positively adds to the watching experience.
The directing, especially in some of the last episodes, adds on to the quality of an already outstanding show and really brings a vision that provides a sense of onscreen vulnerability. At every second, viewers are able to feel a real progression in the storyline and take in scenes with clarity.
In terms of what TV entertainment should provide to viewers, “The Bear” takes everything up one notch. A project like this is more than deserving of any and all accolades and certainly takes the cake for being one of the best shows of the summer.
-Erell Williams
Emily McGlynn is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.
Sophia D’Ovidio is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.
Erell Williams is a second-year majoring in broadcasting journalism. To contact her, email exw5303@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Emily McGlynn
Third-year / Broadcast Journalism
Emily McGlynn is a third-year from Birmingham, Michigan majoring in broadcast journalism at Penn State. She is the Co-General Manager alongside Alex Rocco and Dylan Price. She is involved in the news, arts and entertainment, sports and production department. In the news department, she is one of the news producers. She frequently writes reviews for the Arts Department as well. Listening to music, watching movies, and staying updated with news and pop culture are some of her favorite things to do. To contact her, email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Erell Williams
First Year /
Erell Williams is a first-year student, and her intended majors are Broadcasting Journalism and Chinese. She grew up in Douglassville, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the CommRadio News and Arts department. To contact her, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sophia D'Ovidio
First-Year /
Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year from Allentown, New Jersey. She is now a communications (undecided) major at Penn State University. Sophia intends on pursuing a career in journalism. Sophia writes for the CommRadio Arts department.
