Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs star side by side in 2 Broke Girls, an American sitcom which I begrudgingly admit to subscribing to. Yes, I would call myself a fan. I find it quite entertaining, hilarious even. Call me shallow, but the show does have some good points and is comedic in its own unique way, if, of course, taken on a lighter note. Many critics agree in saying that the show is unfortunately ridden with stereotypes and predictable sexual innuendos. I myself agree too, but hey, in all honesty, it’s a good show and I have some points to expound on. Here’s why you should watch 2 Broke Girls:

1.  Max and Caroline’s unlikely yet undeniable chemistry

     The show (obviously) revolves around two broke girls slaving under the daily grind of the lower working class life. In hopes to put up their own cupcake business, Max and Caroline create the perfect tandem to keep us entertained as we all curl up with a bag of Cheetos like the lazy pieces of shit we all are. Max’ savage ways, crude sense of humor and self-proclaimed promiscuity go with Caroline’s clumsiness alongside her intelligence, with just the right amount of inclination to all things fancy left in her from her past life. Throughout the seasons, the two really develop as friends, roommates, colleagues, business partners, what have you. The almost sisterly bond between these two really hold the show together.

2. The show’s modern-day sense of humor

     The inappropriate sexual advances made by co-worker Oleg as well as the insulting broken English spoken by Asian businessman Han are shining examples of the show’s cringe-worthy aspects. The show should be able to do without these terrible stabs at such sensitive topics, but I honestly don’t think the show would be the same, sadly. Like I said, take it on a lighter note. On the other hand, references to a lot of things in the roster of pop culture are what really caught my attention upon discovering this show, alongside the two leading ladies’ personalities. Kim Kardashian, hipsters, Call Me Maybe, 50 Shades of Gray, Game of Thrones. Usually it seems as though it’s just Max making fun of them, but I think they add to the charm of the show. As a member of the youth exposed to media on a daily basis, these mere name drops amuse me in a way. Aside from these references, you’ve got Max’ childish tendencies ironically paired with her dark humor, Sophie’s questionable outfit choices as well as life choices, and who could ever forget Caroline rapping with 2 Chainz? Or peeing herself?

3. It’s empowering in a lot of ways

     Is it so bad to see a girl making dirty jokes or being open about her sexuality? HELL NO. And we’ve got Max, as well as Caroline (occasionally), as proof. No princesses waiting for their knights in shining armor here, although we can’t deny the occasional spark of love between the ladies and characters like Candy Andy and Deke. I think the show speaks for all broke young adults trying to make a name for themselves, trying to get by each day with the limited resources they could manage to muster up, running up and down town, juggling two jobs that they don’t even enjoy. We’ve got Max telling us that life isn’t going to serve you what you want on a ruby-encrusted gold-plated tray - like she’s always been doing, you have to work hard for it. On the other hand, we have Caroline, born with a silver spoon in her mouth, reminding her partner in crime that everyone deserves good things and no one can stop you from getting what you want. Even until here, the opposites between the two characters continue to attract.

4. The bond everyone shares

     Foul jokes, stereotypes, and jabs at Han's sexuality and height aside, the show's got heart, and it's not difficult to see that. Throughout the episodes you can see how everyone really relates to each other, and it doesn't just stop with Max and Caroline. All the main characters have something to bring to the table. Behind all the insults being thrown around, everyone truly cares about each other and this is probably why I'm going to keep watching this show. Crude humor can only go so far but in this show it's paired with all kinds of relationships, and that's what makes it great.

- Nikki Alarilla
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     It's been a good few years for television in the racial representation department. We're so glad that the shows people anticipate and love nowadays are showing more cultures and therefore, different perspectives. Of course TV shows like Friends, How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory, featuring a roster of main characters that are white, were still widely adored, but this rise in the participation of more cultures in popular shows is really something to be proud of. Here are some shows that we gladly applaud for their recognition of the different beautiful races in our world.

FRESH OFF THE BOAT 

     This is a new comedy series from ABC focusing on the day to day adventures of a Taiwanese family trying to get comfortable in their new home in Orlando, Florida. It's based on a true story - the memoirs of renowned chef Eddie Huang as a young Asian-American boy in the 90's. The show offers an entertaining yet important play on how Asian culture is taking place in America. It's not just about the culture itself, but it's also how it interacts and clashes with others. It's very bold of the writers to address many misconceptions and stereotypes about the Asian culture and incorporate them into the screenplay in a light-hearted, comedic setting.

     These royals simply cannot be missed. I mean, who doesn’t know Ellen, right? Note that by simply saying “Ellen”, majority could pinpoint exactly which one I’m talking about; no surname needed. (Correct, she’s that blonde one who likes to give things away!) It’s one thing to be successful and another to reach the top of the show business ladder, because let’s face it, it’s getting difficult to grab the attention of this present generation with each passing day. Bow down to the TV personalities who effortlessly entertain with their charisma and wit:

1. Ellen DeGeneres

     Did you know that Ellen is 56 years old? I only found this out as I was doing a bit of research for this article. Amazing. Ellen has been receiving much adoration for her recent appearance as this year’s Academy Awards host, dressing up as Glinda from Wicked, ordering pizza for everyone, and initiating the now world-renowned ultimate selfie. You may also know her as the voice actor for everyone’s favorite forgetful fish, Dory from Finding Nemo. She is the host of her own talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and kicks ass at it; it’s been airing since 2003. She is the queen of wit and dancing over coffee tables. Sometimes I can’t decide who’s luckier; Ellen, who gets to interview all these amazing celebrities, or the audience members who get freebies all the time.

2. Oprah Winfrey

     Aside from getting run over by Josh Peck of Drake & Josh, Oprah is widely known for a number of achievements. She has been dubbed the “Queen of Media”, and has been ranked as the richest African-American of the 20th Century. During the 2004 season premiere of her award-winning talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, every single member of the audience received a new car. Oprah’s story is a rags-to-riches kind of story. She uses her wealth and success as a philanthropist and advocate of generosity. From 2004-2010, she remained on the list of Top 50 Most Generous Americans. Now that’s a queen.

3. Simon Cowell

     He used to be everyone’s favorite American Idol judge. (Well....he was my favorite) He is the man responsible for the birth of everyone’s favorite English boyband, One Direction. Now a proud father of his firstborn son, Eric Cowell, Simon is doing pretty well for himself. I would personally like to dub this man as "King of Sass". If you’re having a hard time comprehending exactly what I’m talking about, check out his 17 Best Insults according to Digital Spy here, featuring banters such as “You have the personality of a handle.” and “If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.” 

4. Ryan Seacrest

     Ryan Seacrest is the King of Eloquence. He is known as a successful radio/television personality and works on various projects such as American Top 40, American Idol, and On Air With Ryan Seacrest. Widely known for his clean-cut look; complete with pearly white teeth, a crisp suit, and perfect hair. Definitely an icon in the world of entertainment.

5. Gordon Ramsay

     Everyone's favorite celebrity chef and restaurateur. I actually think this guy could compete in a sass contest with Simon Cowell. Known for hosting various culinary reality shows and butchering the contestants with insults, Ramsay is difficult to impress, but rest assured, this man has an eye for real talent, and if you've got it, he'll let you know. Just make sure your stove isn't stone-cold, your meat isn't raw, and well....don't burn anything. 

- Nikki Alarilla
click photos for sources