So I‘ve been a bit bummed lately with some of my favorite shows coming to an end, such as Parenthood and Cougar Town and very disappointed in the way Revenge is heading.  Luckily, I’ve picked up a few new ones. I have now added The Slap, Secrets & Lies and The Affair to my weekly rotation of programming. First let me say, it’s very odd for me to watch any of these three shows, because I would normally be very turned off with topics such as, child abuse, child murders and infidelity. But these shows are like a bad train wreck that everyone stops to look at.

After watching the trailer for The Slap, I thought it looked ridiculous, (especially since it was replacing my beloved Parenthood). But I was intrigued, after all, who in today’s world would dare touch someone else’s child, much less, slap them?!  So, I watched the first three episodes, and I must say, I find it very interesting, and I can’t wait to see how this story develops. It also feels as if you’re watching an HBO or Showtime series, instead of a primetime NBC program. This is about more than just a child being slapped…this show deals with the intricacies of a large Greek-American complicated family, and their close friends. But primarily it examines how ordinary lives can be derailed in an instant with a quick, unplanned act. There’s also a great cast here, starring Peter Sarsgaard, Thandie Newton and Uma Thurman.

The Slap, Thursdays at 8PM on NBC

Secrets & Lies is relatively new, I have only watched the first two episodes. The story follows Ben Crawford, a family man who discovers the body of a young boy and quickly becomes the prime suspect in his death. Ben then goes in search of the real killer in order to clear his name. I am very curious, because I do believe Ben, played by Ryan Phillippe is innocent (but I could be wrong). There are many other secrets involved in this story, aside from just finding who the killer of the young boy is. Great casting here too with Ryan Phillippe and Juliette Lewis as the stars of the show.  Stay tuned…

Secrets & Lies, Sundays at 9PM on ABC

And last but not least, The Affair. To be honest, I hated this show the first time I watched it. The Affair explores the emotional effects of an extramarital relationship between Noah Solloway, played by Dominic West and Alison Bailey, played by Ruth Wilson, after the two meet in the resort town of Montauk on Long Island.  Although, after having watched the entire first season, I have to say, the storyline grows on you and you start to understand all of the characters’ point of view. Perhaps what I enjoy most, is that the story of the affair is told separately, complete with distinct memory biases, from Noah’s and Alison’s perspectives. It’s very well written and the season left us wanting more, with a fantastic season ending cliff hanger. I also love the roles played by Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. The series recently won the Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Drama Series and Ruth Wilson won for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama.  Looking forward to Season 2.

The Affair, Sundays at 10PM on Showtime

Have you been watching any new shows lately?  Any that you would recommend?