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The best TV shows that are inspired by real life
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These shows are based on real people or events. While their accuracy may waver, they’re certainly entertaining. - photo by Shutterstock

TV LAND — Sure, the over-produced competition and dating shows on TV now claim to be rooted in “reality,” but have you ever wanted to just watch some great scripted content with the same tenuous roots in actual, historical real life?

These shows are based on real people or events. While their accuracy may waver, they’re certainly entertaining.

“Victoria”

The PBS show follows the life of the young Queen Victoria and her reign as it kicked off a new age in England and the world. Between her many male advisors and suitors, she must find a way to rule the way she sees fit, despite what anyone else may think.

The series is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

“Fresh Off The Boat”

The family comedy is a re-telling of Eddie Huang’s memoir about his family’s experiences in 1990’s Orlando. It’s sharp, sweet and especially good for anyone with a little 90s nostalgia. Young Eddie loves hip-hop and isn’t sure why he doesn’t fit into his all-white neighborhood.

The show is available to stream on Hulu.

“The Bold Type”

Inspired by the life of a former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief, this bouncy show is a great representation of what it’s like to be a woman working in media in 2018. They grapple with big issues like racism and sexuality, while also managing their love lives and close friendships.

The show is available to stream on Hulu.

“Call the Midwife”

The show, set in post-WWII London, centers around a midwife and is based on the autobiography of midwife and musician Jennifer Worth. Interwoven with historical medical advances and political strife after the war, there are plenty more than newborns to keep things interesting.

The show is available to stream on Netflix.

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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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