In a time where being different from the expected norm — whether it’s your race, religion or sexual orientation — can invite violence and oppression, representation in mainstream media is more important than ever. Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black took up from where it left us at the end of season 4, and plunged us right into an increasingly dangerous prison riot that further highlights xenophobia and racial issues inside the prison industrial complex.
The recently cancelled Sense8 had a cast that represented a host of ethnicities, gender and sexualities and made sure that the characters defied stereotypes.
These television shows have not only sparked important conversations, they’ve also served as effective tools to raise awareness about key issues that are usually ignored or avoided by mainstream media. From English crime drama Broadchurch to Netflix’s controversial 13 Reasons Why, here are some of the most important TV shows you need to watch right now.
TV shows you need to start watching in 2017
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