After a strong start to the week with a quartet of tune-in worthy dramas on Monday, it looks like the TV Gods have declared Tuesday their day of rest. There’s a boat load of unscripted crap to sift through, including two hours of Duggar hell on TLC (home of some of the worst programming this side of WE and MTV). While some people think FARGO is the bee’s knees, I think it’s as insufferable and overrated as the movie that inspired it. That means my “best bets” list for tonight is a bit skinny, with one new drama making the cut.
CHASING LIFE (ABC FAMILY)
WHY IT'S A BEST BET: Because when you think “summer TV” and “ABC Family” I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is “cancer show.” OK, that’s a gross oversimplification of this surprisingly well done and engaging series. Credit some above-par writing and an appealing cast, including a nice turn by lead Italia Ricci. Extra points for the presence of one of my favorite character actors, Vondie Curtis Hall. CHASING LIFE is life affirming, often gut wrenching and has more than a few surprises up it’s sleeve.
WHO SHOULD WATCH: “Too cool for the room” haters can take a powder. This isn’t a show for the tragically hip. Should your appetite for serious, medical issue dramas lean more towards THE BIG C-lite, sidle up to the DVR. If you’re looking to add a little serious stuff to your plate of fluffy summer TV fun, you could do a lot worse than this promising ABC Family original.
CHASING LIFE airs Tuesdays at 9PM E/P on ABC Family.