Apple TV comedy-drama series “High Desert” stars Patricia Arquette as Peggy, a former addict who decides to make a fresh start after the death of her beloved mother. She moves to the small desert town of Yucca Valley, California, and becomes a private investigator.
I really enjoyed this show. Patricia Arquette is great, and the supporting cast is also good. The show is funny, heartwarming, and suspenseful. If you love this show, here are a few shows like “High Desert” you might want to check out.
1. Nurse Jackie (2009-2015)
“Nurse Jackie” is a popular American television drama series that premiered on June 8, 2009, and aired on Showtime for a total of seven seasons. The show follows the life of Jackie Peyton, a nurse who works in the emergency department of a busy New York City hospital, as she struggles with addiction, infidelity, and the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life.
The show received critical acclaim during its run, with many praising Edie Falco’s performance as Jackie and the series’ complex portrayal of addiction. “Nurse Jackie” also tackled a variety of issues relevant to the healthcare industry and society, including drug abuse, healthcare reform, and the struggles faced by nurses.
2. Weeds (2005-2015)
“Weeds” follows the life of a suburban mother named Nancy Botwin (played by Mary-Louise Parker) who turns to selling marijuana after her husband dies, in order to provide for her family. The show is known for its dark humor and satirical take on suburban life.
“Weeds” ran for a total of eight seasons, with a total of 102 episodes. The first three seasons are widely regarded as some of the best television of the early 2000s, with strong performances from the entire cast and sharp writing that examines issues such as drug addiction, crime, and family dynamics.
In later seasons, the show’s quality began to decline as it struggled to maintain its focus and tone. However, “Weeds” remains an important part of television history and a favorite of many fans.
3. Mom (2013-2021)
“Mom,” which premiered in 2013, is a television series that follows the life of Christy Plunkett, a single mother who is trying to get her life back on track after struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. The show was created by Chuck Lorre and Gemma Baker, and directed by James Widdoes.
Throughout its eight seasons, “Mom” tackled a range of topical issues such as domestic violence, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights. However, at its core, the show was about the relationships between the characters and their journeys towards healing, forgiveness, and redemption.
4. Californication (2007-2014)
“Californication” was created by Tom Kapinos and premiered on Showtime in 2007. The show focuses on the life of Hank Moody, a writer who struggles with personal and professional problems while living in Los Angeles.
The show aired for a total of seven seasons, with the final episode airing on June 29, 2014. Each season consisted of twelve episodes, with a total of eighty-four episodes in the entire series. Some viewers appreciate the show’s dark and raunchy humor, while others find it to be too crude and lewd. The show has been praised, however, for its strong performances, particularly from lead actor David Duchovny, who plays Hank Moody.
5. Claws (2017-2022)
The story of “Claws” follows the lives of five women who work at a nail salon in South Florida. However, they are not your average salon employees. They also run a money-laundering operation for a local drug lord, and things quickly spiral out of control as they try to balance their illegal activities with their personal lives.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Claws” is its portrayal of strong, complex female characters. The show explores themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and empowerment, and the women are not just defined by their relationships with men. They are fully-realized individuals with their own ambitions, flaws, and desires.
6. Good Girls (2018-2021)
“Good Girls,” which revolves around three suburban mothers turned criminals, has garnered praise for its unique storyline and impressive performances. The plot of “Good Girls” follows the lives of Beth, Ruby, and Annie, who are struggling with financial problems and turn to robbing a local grocery store as a last resort. However, things quickly spiral out of control as they become embroiled in a criminal enterprise involving money laundering and organized crime.
The pacing of the episodes is excellent, with each installment leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what happens next. The use of dark humor throughout the show also adds an extra layer of entertainment value.
7. Shameless (2011-2021)
“Shameless” was adapted from a British series of the same name by John Wells and directed by a number of different directors, including Mark Mylod and Anthony Hemingway. The series received critical acclaim for its honest and unapologetic portrayal of poverty, addiction, and family dynamics. William H. Macy stars as Frank Gallagher, the alcoholic patriarch of the family, alongside Emmy Rossum as Fiona, the responsible and resilient eldest daughter.
Over the course of eleven seasons, “Shameless” tackled a wide range of social issues including gentrification, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. Unlike other dramas that shy away from confronting sensitive topics, “Shameless” tackles them with honesty and empathy, making the show more than just a drama – it’s a commentary on American society and the struggle of everyday people.