As we settle into the golden age of TV, we are surrounded by a plethora of choices that will satisfy any need we find…reality TV, procedural cop shows, historical fiction, superhero/action dramas, hour-long dramas and half-hour comedies. And within each of those categories are a number of highly rated and marketed shows that get nominated year after year. But, unbeknownst to many are some hidden gems that are worth checking out too.
The CW gets a bad reputation as a young adult network, but over the years it’s really proven to be a station with quality programming. With two Golden Globe best actress winners under their belt, it’s a surprise people don’t tune in to see what they have to offer. Gina Rodriguez, 2015 Golden Globe best actress winner, shows off her comedic and dramatic skills in Jane the Virgin. Accidentally artificially inseminated, Jane finds herself pregnant while still remaining a virgin. But, don’t be deterred…the show is about much more than a pregnant virgin. The musical comedy, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, brings us 2016 Golden Globe winner Rachel Bloom as a quirky, slightly neurotic woman who upheaves her life in NY and moves to California to be with her ex-boyfriend, Josh. The only catch is Josh doesn’t know she moved for him and he has a girlfriend. It’s stalking at it's funniest.
Cable networks are full of ‘little gems’ that don’t get the attention they deserve, but are worth checking out. FX’s You’re the Worst follows couple, Gretchen and Jimmy, who are, as the title says, the worst. Selfish and narcissistic, these two are perfect for each other, as it would just be cruel to bestow them on anyone else. But, on the opposite spectrum is USA network’s Playing House. Pregnant and alone, after finding her husband cheating on her, Maggie (Lennon Parham) is scared about starting this new chapter in her life. But, when her best friend, Emma (Jessica St. Clair), decides to move in and help her raise her daughter, Maggie starts to realize she can make it as a single mom. A simple theme, Playing House really shows the unconventional relationship between these friends and really knows how to showcase the comedy gold that is Parham and St. Clair.
A network and show not known to many is Schitt’s Creek on Pop network. A Canadian show, Schitt’s Creek was created by and stars Eugene Levy (America Pie) and his son Dan Levy. A wealthy family robbed of all their money by their financial advisor, the Rose’s end up having to move to a small town they own called Schitt’s Creek. Bought as a joke gift for his son, the town is the only thing left in the Rose’s name and is their one, although begrudgingly, saving grace. But, as a small rustic town, it’s not exactly the lifestyle the family is used to living. There isn’t one actor on this show that doesn’t make the show enjoyable, especially Catherine O’Hara and Dan Levy.
Hidden Manhattan Bars
New York City is known for its nightlife and, with so numerous bars and lounges to choose from, it is easy to miss a few of the city’s best. It is even easier to miss out on some of Manhattan’s finest when they are tucked away behind a cloak of invisibility.
Check out the following hidden gems for crazy cool cocktails and cozy lounge areas...
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| Attaboy |
134 Eldridge Street in Lower East Side
This speakeasy is a rare find. In fact, it is virtually impossible to find unless you are told to look for it. It’s literally masked by a door that looks like any other in the Lower East Side. After knocking on the door like entering a secret frat party, patrons are greeted by friendly mixologists serving up super unique drinks. And not feeling the best? Don’t pass up on a night out. Check out Attaboy’s honey-infused penicillin cocktail complete with candied sugar.
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| Beauty & Essex |
146 Essex Street in Lower East Side
This tapas bar looks like a pawn shop from the outside but then becomes a cute bi-level space. Highly recommended for a girls night out, be sure to check out both the drinks and small plates of grilled cheese, lobster tacos, fig and goat cheese toast, chicken fried oysters, and tomato soup dumplings.
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| Back Room |
102 Norfolk Street in Lower East Side
This speakeasy lounge can be found in a back room in a back alley. It oozes a cool vibe with its dark wood paneling, chairs and couches. Its friendly service and old school ambiance is topped off with the fact that all drinks are served in large adorable tea cups.
324 W 46th Street on Restaurant Row in Midtown West
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| Bar Centrale |
Bar Centrale is unlike most of the lounges on this list. Instead of being tucked away among other Lower East Side bars, this hidden gem serves as a great escape from the other numerous tourist traps in the Theater District. This swanky but casual cocktail bar hidden in an old townhouse building plays music from the 40’s and old black-and-white Spencer Tracy flicks on a flat screen. Bar Centrale also serves up an extensive wine list, old school cocktails, and a wide variety of apps including lobster sliders and curried deviled eggs.
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| Angel's Share Hidden Entrance |
8 Stuyvesant Street in East Village
This quaint Japanese speakeasy is tucked away behind an unmarked door on the left of Village Yokocho. Despite being harder to find, New Yorkers flock to this cozy cocktail bar serving up drinks in rustic metal mugs.
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