The Library carries several series from USA Network's Blue Skies or Characters Welcome period, which ran from 2005-2016. This was a period of time when the network carried series that were fun, optimistic, and humorous. If you enjoy lighter, more escapist fare, you will enjoy these series.
Last year, I mentioned one of these series in my "Brooklyn 99 Watch-alikes" blog, Psych. Like many of the other series during this period, Psych took place in Santa Barbara, California, under blue skies. The main characters, Shawn and Gus, were both humorous and followed many exciting adventures.
Following are additional titles for you to check out from USA Network's Blue Skies or Characters Welcome period. The last show following this theme, is one of my favorites!
USA Network's Blue Skies or Characters Welcome Series:
Royal Pains Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Hank, a former ER doctor, makes a decision that changes his life forever. Finding himself jobless and blacklisted in New York City, Hank chooses to completely change his life by moving to the Hamptons to be a concierge doctor.
There, he meets people who help with his transition: a physician's assistant called Divya, who is very professional but who has a difficult family; Hank's irresponsible brother Evan, who creates drama and problems for his doctor brother, and billionaire Boris, who adds mystery and danger to Hank's new life.
Each episode revolves around a medical mystery, much like the Hugh Laurie show, House. As Hank solves each medical mystery, he makes a new friend, unlike the irascible, House character, though!
In later seasons, the drama starts to get a little more grittier, as this show is considered the last show in USA Network's Blue Skies or Characters Welcome era.
White Collar 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Elegant conman Neal Caffrey and FBI agent Peter Burke are evenly-matched opponents in this breezy examination of a lawman and his one elusive foe.
Neal, who has a soft heart despite his crimes, agrees to aid Peter by helping Peter to collar other white collar criminals using his skills in art theft, counterfeiting, and running cons.
Peter's calm home-life with wife Elizabeth is contrasted with Neal's criminal life and his questionable ally Mozzie. Mozzie is the perfect ally for Neal, as he questions Neal's alliance with Peter.
Episodes are humorous and rife with the wordplay between the two men. This series reminds me of the movie, Catch Me If You Can.
Burn Notice Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Burn Notice was one of the first series in the Blue Skies and Characters Welcome brand. Taking place in sunny Miami, this series examines the life of spy who has been fired by United States government. Unfortunately, he doesn't know why!
As explained in each episode's introduction, Michael Westen is trying to get back into his life as a CIA agent. While he tries to find the truth for his "burning," he becomes a fixer.
Aiding him in his fixer adventures are his ex-Irish girlfriend, Fiona, who is a weapons expert and his ex-FBI buddy, Sam, who aids him with governmental connections and back-up.
The Library has some seasons, but you can request the rest through Link+. Following are 2 series you can find on Link+.
In Plain Sight Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Mary Shannon is a federal marshal in sunny New Mexico who assists in the witness protection program or Witsec. Witsec is designed to protect witnesses from dangerous criminals who want to silence witnesses who will testify against them. Often, witnesses are provided new identities in new places and new careers.
Mary has her own problems in her private life with an alcoholic mother and demanding sister. These two family members create much drama in her otherwise stable professional career.
Mary's partner, Marshall, provides much needed stability in her life, with many hints of a possible romance.
Protecting witnesses is not an easy occupation, as many of the witnesses don't want to be protected. You will enjoy Mary's witty banter with all of those in her life, as she tries to navigate her tumultuous life!
Covert Affairs Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Annie Walker is a new CIA agent trying to navigate a trying sister and home-life, in addition to being a resourceful government spy.
Covert Affairs is one of the shows that attempted to develop a tonal shift from the light-hearted family dramedy in its early seasons to the grittier drama in its later seasons due to the shift from USA Network's Blue Skies Characters Welcome to the edgier fare of the late 2010's.
I enjoyed the series in its early incarnation, more than its later grittier edge. However, the development of Annie Walker's character from wide-eyed new spy to seasoned pro is understandable.
If you enjoyed Burn Notice, you will enjoy this series.
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