There’s been a recent Twitter trend: Top 10 TV shows to know me
I like the prompt because it’s not quite as simple as “favorite TV shows.” Media that defines you doesn’t have to be your favorite. It could have been formative during your teenage years. It could reflect an experience or identity you have. And best of all, it doesn’t even have to be good. Without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top TV, movie, and book picks if you want to get to know me.
10 TV shows to know me
Steven Universe (animated) - The first show that came to mind and my favorite show of all time. Whacky, imaginative, with a ton of heart and characters that are just trying their very Best to make the world a better place and love one another. I watch the entire series front to back at least once a year.
Gravity Falls (animated) - The mystery element of this kids show is incredible. It’s also endlessly creative with a world, set of characters, and plot that feels intentional and inspired at every turn.
She-Ra (animated) - Gays saving the world by being gay.
Bobs Burgers (animated) - This is an odd pick because I wouldn’t classify it as one of my favorite shows or even a particularly masterful show. It’s just very consistent and something I turn to time and time again (I have watched every single episode of all 13 seasons and the movie). The brand of the jokes and comedic timing is probably the closest approximation of the relationship I have with my closest friends (aka you’re so annoying but I would die for you).
Avatar the Last Airbender (animated) - The show that made me fall in love with animation. I think it’s a touch overhyped now, but of course it’s a classic.
The Legend of Korra (animated) - At first I lumped this in with ATLA, but had to let Korra standalone given it’s the very first show that made me question my sexuality (yes because of Asami).
Parks and Rec - It’s aged a bit, but a good comfort show.
The Good Place - Finished this fairly recently for the first time and I love it so much. What does it mean to be a Good person? Do people change? What is heaven? What is hell? Made me cry.
Squid Game - Exquisitely showcases issues in class, gender, age, etc. in a dark, dark package. Literally gave me nightmares but that’s the point.
Dead to Me - I debated putting this one in here, but ultimately I love the way it celebrates strong female friendships. Ride or dies. I cried just explaining the plot of the last season to my friend…
10 Movies to know me
Mulan (animated) - My favorite Disney movie growing up for obvious reasons.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie - “This is what dreeeams are made of,” ‘nuff said.
She’s the Man - A classic early 2000’s movie. How could you not love Amanda Bynes being just one o’ the boys with Channing Tatum?
Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 - If you know me, you know I will never shut up about this. Yes the franchise is kind of awful. Yes the first movies are trash. BUT THIS ONE is a cinematic masterpiece with a final twist that had 14-year-old me in a chokehold.
Her - Another odd addition. I would not classify this as a favorite movie but it has stuck with me. I think about it quite often. What does it mean to be human? Sentient? In love?
Saving Face - How did they make a movie in 2004 with two queer Asian women as leads? We don’t know and that’s why it’s a cult classic.
Into the Spiderverse - Changed animation to it’s very core. The art style is breathtaking and I am endlessly inspired by the color palettes and design. I have the art book and the concept art makes me feel something.
Parasite - Watching Youtube videos analyzing this movie made me feel like I had taken a masterclass in film. The kind of art I can only dream of fully understanding, much less creating.
Plan B - I love media that depicts strong female friendships and this one is no different. I describe it as the POC version of Booksmart.
Everything everywhere all at once - I’ve seen this twice in theaters and once more at home. A movie about a queer, depressed Asian woman desperately trying to have a better relationship with her mother but not knowing how, so blowing up an infinite number universes instead? I wasn’t ready.
10 Books to know me
The Golden Compass Series (Fantasy) - I didn’t like it as a kid, but as an adult it’s one of my favorite series of all time. It inspired me to push the boundaries of world building and imagination in my own YA novel.
Why Fish Don’t Exist (Non-fiction) - This is a complicated one. On one hand, it helped articulate the value system I rewrote for myself at the end of graduate school. On the other hand, it’s also the backbone to a lot of bad memories I’m still processing. Intriguing, right? What more could you ask for in a book?
Essentialism (Non-fiction) - I gave a copy of this to everyone in my company last year. It’s my favorite “productivity” book in the sense that it helps clarify what is most important and how to prioritize your work and life around it.
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet (Sci-Fi) - Ultimate feel good sci-fi that was originally gifted to me by one of my favorite humans on earth.
A Closed and Common Orbit (Sci-Fi) - The sequel to the book above and my favorite book of all time. Ultimately it asks what it means to be human - both from the standpoint of basic survival and existential identity.
Pachinko (Contemporary) - Another piece that talks about class and race in a beautifully tragic story. Showed me we love characters not because they can save the world, but because they flawed and nuanced and human and most importantly, care about each other.
Spinning (Graphic novel, memoir) - Using all-consuming childhood activities as the lens to understand the elaborate ways we understand and hide ourselves. The author’s experiences with ice skating paralleled a lot of how I felt about dedicating ten years of my childhood to Chinese dance.
Eat a Peach (Memoir) - David Chang articulates depression, workaholism, and addiction to growth better than anyone I’ve ever read.
Disorientation (Contemporary, satire) - A satire about being an Asian American woman in graduate school. I mean, of course I’m going to love it.
American Born Chinese (Graphic novel, Fantasy) - This was the first graphic novel I ever read. I think it resonated a lot with me because it was the first piece of media I saw depicting what it’s like to be the only Asian kid in a predominately white area. Really nostalgic read.
Some things I noticed:
My TV show and book choices tended to be more recent, while movie picks had more from my “coming-of-age” years. Possibly because I currently consume movies a lot less frequently compared to TV shows or books.
I really like animation. TV is clearly escapist for me.
Common themes are finding light in the dark times, interrogating issues surrounding race and class, and defining what it means to be human
Writing this was fun! Send me your own lists if you decide to make them :)