Summer can be brutal folks. It’s hot, humid, and terrifying (props to the crazy people living in Arizona!). One of the best things to beat this summer heat, besides hitting the pool, is watching quality media in the nice comforting embrace of your abode. However, there is so much summer media that it can get overwhelming. Have no fear though! I’ve pulled together an excellent list of quality media programs for you to watch and enjoy, all the while staying cool from the summer heat!

1. Twin Peaks

After 27 years, Mark Strong and David Lynch’s cult classic show is finally back. For those unaware, the original show was a hybrid of drama, mystery, and horror. The synopsis of the show is that it follows an investigation headed by FBI Agent Dale Cooper into the murder of a young teen named Laura Palmer in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington. The series contains various excellent side stories and characters that play homage to, and sometimes parody, classic mystery and horror tropes. The original series is heavily considered one of the most influential television series of all time and the reboot that just came out now is living up to its two-decade hype. This is a series that will keep you enthralled and entertained as you’ve never been before!

2. American Gods

Based off the novel from the incredible Neil Gaiman, this series details the conflict between old world mythological gods and the new, modern gods of humanity. The show is staked with an incredible cast with amazing talent like Ian McShane, Gillian Anderson, Cloris Leachman, Kristin Chenoweth, and Richard Whittle. This is a very visually stunning show that is remarkably close to the source material. Its a fantastic viewing for all media lovers, especially those who have an immense appreciation for the genius that is Neil Gaiman.

3. Boku no Hero Academia (My Hero Academia)

This massively popular anime is currently in its second season and is more popular than ever! The story follows a young Izuku Midoriya, an average middle school student who lives in a world where almost everyone has superpowers known as “Quirks”. He dreams of becoming a hero; unfortunately he is born without a quirk, and therefore cannot become one. That is until he meets the worlds greatest hero All Might. All Might gives him his own quirk and decides to mentor and train the boy to become the world’s greatest hero. However, that’ll have to wait because first he has to learn how to control his massive power, fight villains, and finish his education at the hero training school: U.A. High School! 

My Hero Academia is taking the world by storm in no part thanks to it’s beautiful animation, emotionally charged story, and its incredibly enthralling characters. This is a summer show that you definitely don’t want to miss out on!

4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!

The hilarious show written and created by Tina Fey is back! For those who live under a rock, the show is about a former kidnapped cultist named Kimmy Schmidt and her attempts to acclimate to live outside of her bunker. The show contains a hilarious cast of characters that’ll keep you hooked and laughing till you cry!

5. Gravity Falls

This is the only show on this list to be completely finished, as the series concluded last year. However, that doesn’t mean that this show shouldn’t be a hot topic summer show! This groundbreaking show follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they acclimate to living with their Great-uncle Stan in Gravity Falls, Oregon during their summer vacation. The show is a mix of Twin Peaks, X-Files, and Simpsons that only creates a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only is the story and atmosphere of the show amazing, but the characters and writing are some of the best in it’s medium. This is a show that I strongly recommend everyone watch! It’s also an easy binge thanks in part to only having two seasons!

These shows are excellent heat-beaters that’ll keep you glued to you screen. They’re tremendous shows that’ll make you appreciate the wide diverse landscape that we call media! So make a nice glass of lemonade, turn on the AC, and get watching!