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Livin' la Vida Lacy = A few TV shows are engaging
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I don’t watch a lot of TV. Not because I’m an intellectual who is too good for mindless entertainment, but because I currently live in my own little renovation bubble. As soon as I clock out, I’m typically researching lights, granite, tile, grout and paint colors or making a Lowe’s or Supreme run.


However, as with most things in life, there are exceptions. For me and Ross, “American Housewife” and “The Alienist” are two must-see shows that we race home to watch or record on DVR. Yes, he watches “American Housewife” too even if he denies it.


These two shows are polar opposites, which is why I like them. “American Housewife” is a highly relatable comedy while “The Alienist” is a turn-of-the-century murder mystery. Never heard or watched these two shows? Well, allow me catch you up to speed.

“American Housewife” stars Katy Mixon as Katie Otto a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, who raises her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Conn. Basically, Katie is my favorite TV mom. She’s real, hilarious and says what we are all thinking. After “The Middle” wrapped up, I thought I’d never find another family-based show I would connect with.


With “American Housewife,” you’re guaranteed a chuckle, if not a good laugh. It’s a show you’ll even catch yourself quoting. Season three premiered last week with new episodes showing on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Central on ABC.


If you’re looking for a show for you and your spouse, Ross and I were surprised to find we both thoroughly enjoy “The Alienist.” Granted, there were times I covered my eyes until Ross said I could look again because I’m not a fan of blood, but season one was great.


Don’t let the title deceive you. It’s not about aliens. It’s about Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist known back in the 19th century as an “Alienist” who's investigating a ritualistic killer murdering children in New York.


Laszlo is assisted by newspaper illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans) and police secretary and aspiring detective Sarah Howard (Dakota Fanning).


Sadly, the second season of “The Alienist” probably won’t be released until January, but you have time to binge the entire series. Be on the lookout for the sequel entitled “The Angel of Darkness” on TNT.

If you don’t follow a TV show, here are some new ones that may strike your fancy:


• “New Amsterdam” on NBC starring Ryan Eggold
• “Single Parents” on ABC starring Leighton Meester
• “Charmed” on The CW, which is a reboot of the original series
• “Maniac” on Netflix starring Emma Stone, Jonah Hill and Justin Theroux

And hey, if you don’t see a new one that sounds worth your time, you can always go back and watch reruns of your favorite shows like “The Office.” At least, that’s what my brother-in-law Reed does.


Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.