The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The quick version

Arthur Dent is at home, in his dressing gown, doing nothing of consequence, when planet Earth is destroyed to make way for a new interstellar highway.  Well it's no use complaining now, the aliens inform them before blasting Earth to smithereens, because the planning application has been in their local galactic council chambers for several months now!  Suddenly homeless and with only a few friends, a copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and a towel to his name, Arthur begins his journey across the universe...

The Guide, with it's first piece of advice printed on the cover

Firefly

The quick version

I have two words for you:  Space Cowboys.

via LadyRedDarkness on deviantart

NO.  Not like that.

Closer, but still no.  Oh, Cowboy Bebop, you glorious thing.  We'll get to you eventually.

Ah.  Here we are...

In 2002, Joss Whedon (who brought us 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and, more recently the blockbuster movie 'Avengers Assemble') created a show called 'Firefly'.  Only 13 episodes were made and only 11 shown before it was cancelled by FOX television.  Yet this short run of less than 3 months produced a fanbase that's as die-hard now as it was 10 years ago.

So what was this 'Firefly' thing about anyway?

Harry Potter

The quick version

There is this kid called Harry Potter.  Turns out he's a wizard!  Who knew?!  And he's not just any wizard, but the wizard that some other evil wizard with no nose accidentally magicked into his own arch nemesis.  Oops!  Harry may be the only person on the planet with a chance of beating this evil noseless dude.  And he's 11 years old when he learns this.  Sucks to be you, Harry.