It List mailbag: 'The Acolyte,' 'Interview With the Vampire' among TV shows readers wish more people watched
Plus, a prematurely canceled series with a devoted online fandom and a once-popular show that deserves a resurgence.
Welcome to the It List Fall Guide, where we share our picks for the best in entertainment. Catch the weekly It List here for the latest releases that we can't wait to watch, stream, listen to, read and binge.
Yahoo Entertainment asked what television shows you wish more people watched, and boy, did you deliver.
TV fans know the unbridled joy of finding a community of people who also obsess over your favorites. On the other hand, defending that beloved program against skeptics can be exhausting. When the series you’ve poured so much time and emotion into comes to an end, coping can be as tough as a breakup.
Some of the reader-recommended shows are still airing new episodes, while others went on for several seasons. Some recently saw their runs cut short and their outspoken fandoms have been rallying for a streaming service to bring them back. Some ended years ago, but still deserve our appreciation.
Here are some of your most passionate recommendations. Submissions have been edited for length and clarity.
Our Flag Means Death
How to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Max.
What to know: The romantic comedy series follows a dysfunctional crew of pirates in the 1700s.
Why readers recommend it:
It's a feel-good workplace romantic comedy that takes place on a pirate ship. You can't help but fall in love with all the characters! There's so much rich depth to the story — it'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry, it'll cradle your heart and it’ll make you believe in soulmates. — Isra
It is simply a breath of fresh air. It's funny, creative, cute, sweet and, at times, heartbreaking. You can tell by watching that everyone on set adored working on the show and poured their entire souls into it. It deserves its third and final season. — Jules
Gay pirates in a rom-com that will tear your heart out of your chest and then shove it back in. It has one of the most diverse casts on TV, elaborate costumes and an inspired soundtrack, from Fleetwood Mac to Erik Satie and Kate Bush to Bach. Plus, there are sea witches, revenge, rampant and unabashed historical inaccuracy, jungle cats, scurvy and Pinocchio. — Bren
Interview With the Vampire
How to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on AMC+, and Season 1 is streaming on Netflix.
What to know: Based on Ann Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, the gothic horror show begins as a vampire recounts the story of his life with his bloodsucking “family” in 1900s New Orleans.
Why readers recommend it:
It takes the beloved book with a (I’m sorry to say) middling but fairly famous '90s movie adaptation and creates an entirely new world that feels brand new and incredibly compelling. I can only hope enough people are able to go into the show with an open mind and let the story seduce them, because as someone raised on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight, it’s the best piece of vampire media I’ve ever encountered. — Catherine
Impeccable casting, delicious acting, beautiful design and cinematography, compelling writing, intelligently updated and yet doesn’t take itself too seriously. Super fun and super hot! — Donna
Star Wars: The Acolyte
How to watch: Season 1 is streaming on Disney+.
What to know: A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but as more clues emerge, they travel down a sinister path.
Why readers recommend it:
It's a fresh take on a legendary story, with an interesting premise in an unexplored era of Star Wars. It brings the franchise into the 21st century and it allows people of color, women and queer fans to finally see themselves in this universe they've loved their entire lives. It tackles important themes such as identity, family and morality in a fun and digestible way, all while respecting the audience. — K
If you’ve never seen Star Wars, this is your intro. You don’t need to have seen anything before it to know what’s happening. Manny Jacinto is in it and is so hot he’s making me question if I’m straight. — Sarah
A murder mystery turned corruption arc in a galaxy far, far away, a young woman unravels a terrible truth that's been kept from her. Drama, tension (some steaminess for the romance lovers) and lightsaber fights galore. Better yet, you don't have to know anything about Star Wars to get into it. The time period is brand new. It's perfect for new and returning fans. — KC
Somebody, Somewhere
How to watch: Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Max.
What to know: A woman struggling with loss and acceptance finds community with other outsiders in her Kansas hometown.
Why readers recommend it:
Focusing almost exclusively on platonic love (friendship!) is SO rare, and this show does it masterfully. It's warm, gentle, deeply human and genuinely very funny and inspiring. This show is a gem that makes everyday life feel vibrant and meaningful. — Schyler
Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller are a comedy match made in friendship heaven. Not only is the show hilarious and entertaining, the story is strong and feels so genuine to the adult experience. Depictions of depression often feel short-lived or just fake, every piece of this show is made with so much heart and intention. — Lilah
Superstore
How to watch: All six seasons are streaming on Hulu and Peacock.
What to know: A group of oddball big-box store employees navigate the everyday chaos of the job.
Why readers recommend it:
It's a classic 22-episodes-per-season workplace sitcom that genuinely makes me scream-laugh multiple times in an episode. And it talks about labor organizing, so what's not to love. Also, Ben Feldman is nice to look at. — Christina
Desperate Housewives
How to watch: All eight seasons are streaming on Hulu and Prime Video.
What to know: The dramedy digs into the chaos among a group of suburban women and their families who appear perfect on the surface.
Why readers recommend it:
Sure, Desperate Housewives was the most popular show on television when it was airing, but where is its resurgence arc? Why are kids watching Sex and the City? Where are the 13-year-olds deciding if they’re a Bree or a Susan? Where is my throwback Hot Topic merch? How could we all simply forget the tornado on Wisteria Lane? — Zo?
Honorable mentions:
Enlightened (Two seasons on Max)
Slow Horses (Four seasons on Apple TV+)
Succession (Four seasons on Max)
You’re the Worst (Five seasons on Hulu)
Looking for more fall fun? Check out our guides:
