It’s summer so you know my normal primetime tv shows are off and my summer favorites have returned along with some new favorites. As we get into mid July, I’d like to spotlight some shows I have been hooked on that I think you all should check out.

1. On My Block

Season 1 of On My Block premiered earlier this year on Netflix and I watched all 10 episodes in 2 days. Set in California, 4 teens embark on their first year of high school. The teens who had been friends since elementary school deal with hook ups, parental expectations, gangs, and crushes in this 10 episode masterpiece. The show has already been renewed for a second season to premiere sometime next year. I love the Black and Latino representation in this show too.

2. Pose

This TV series by Ryan Murphy is set in 1980s New York and centers on the ballroom culture. It features an African-American and Latino LGBTQ+ cast and is executive produced by trans activist Janet Mock. Oh my goodness do I love this show! Every week it tugs at my heartstrings as I see characters live the best they can in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. The 1980s was a scary time for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially Black and Brown individuals. Ryan and Janet present the characters in a way that is not cliché or misrepresented. This is the first season of the show and I hope it gets renewed. Fans of the documentary Paris is Burning will also enjoy this show. New episodes can be seen on FX on Sundays at 9pm EST and previous episodes can be seen on the FX Now app. Oh also, I’m team Evangelista.

3. Steven Universe

This past week we had 5 new episodes of Steven Universe. I’m not going to spoil it, but lets just say some big events happened and a shocking revelation almost caused the complete collapse of the Crystal Gems. If you are not familiar with the show, catch up on Cartoon Network.

4. Five Points

This show is executive produced by Scandal’s Kerry Washington and stars Madison Pettis and pop star Hayley Kiyoko. Set at a Chicago high school, 5 teens grapple with the effects of a major event and the story unfolds in each of their points of view. All ten episodes can be viewed on Facebook now. I hope this show gets renewed.

5. Queen Sugar

I love this show!! We are in Season 3 and things are as twisty as ever. The show details the trials and tribulations of the Bordelon family: Charlie, Ralph Angel, and Nova. After the death of their father in season 1, the Bordelon siblings rally together to save his farm as they are fighting a myriad of their own issues. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10 pm EST on OWN.

Honorable Mentions

Orange is the New Black. Season 6 premieres on Netflix on July 27. They released the trailer this past Monday, which can be seen on the official OITNB Facebook and Twitter page. Despite its flaws, I still watch the show and I am eager to see how my girls deal with their new surroundings. Also, even though I am not that much of a fan of hers, I’d like to know where Alex is too (Laura Prepon was pregnant in real life at the end of season 5 so that is why she may not be in the first couple episodes of season 6). I also did not see Laverne Cox (Sophia) or Maritza(Dianna Guerrero) in the trailer either.

Dear White People. Season 2 premiered in May on Netflix and it was just as good as the first season. Sam and her classmates are reeling from the events of the town hall and now face a whole new set of challenges. This season tackles PTSD, abortion, colorism, sexual identity, and racism. The show has already been renewed for a season 3, which is set to be released next year. Catch up on seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.