I don’t exaggerate when I say that this year has been one massive hurdle after another. Being forever the optimist, I’ve spent the first half of this year fruitlessly banging my head against a wall, hoping to finally get that sweet interview for the 99th job application I’ve desperately sent off, while chanting ‘This is fine’ over and over in my head.
Yeah-a lot of stress. A lot of it was pointless.
Sometimes you just have to let yourself enjoy the little things, whether that means getting started on that one book that you’ve always been wanting to read, trying out a new project or even getting comfortable under your favourite blanket and watching some good old binge-worthy shows. We all deserve a break.
I know there are probably a lot of these lists going around right now, but I’ve been meaning to try writing one of my own. Of course this list has some of my favorites, both from Netflix and Amazon Prime, and might not be everyone’s cup of tea; but I hope there will be some that you might add to your own lists. So without further ado, let’s get to it!
7 ~ Criminal Minds
Probably a strange one to start off with, but I’ll include it anyway.
Criminal Minds is a brilliantly made crime drama series about a team of profilers working to analyse dangerous criminals. I personally love all things crime and investigation – the CSI series being a big hit for me back when I could get my hands on any copy I could find- so getting to watch a show with a similar structure is a win. My favourite thing about this show is the way each member of the team shows their analysing process – think Sherlock Holmes’ ‘Mind Palace’ – I’ve only reached halfway through season two and I am loving it!
6 ~ Brooklyn 99
Somehow, I never finished watching Brooklyn 99, though I did enjoy watching the first few seasons before moving onto other things. What struck me the most about this show was the clever way of using humour to address real world topics: stereotyping, racism in the police force, sexuality, I could go on. Lighthearted (mostly) and fun (always!), you’ll never get bored of the lovable, diverse cast on this show. Cheddar, I’m looking at you! Now that I’ve finally found myself with plenty of free time ( Hah! Thanks COVID) I can happily rewatch this show, laugh, and forget about the outside world for a while.
5 ~ Once Upon A Time
Ahh the magic and fairytale themes of Once Upon A Time is what really makes this show special. With badass female lead, Emma Swan, leading the charge, we are gradually introduced to well known figures like Snow White, Prince Charming and Red Riding Hood in the mysterious town of Storybrooke. With a great cast of villains – Robert Carlyle’s performance as the manipulative Rumpelstiltskin was the highlight for me – I just couldn’t stop watching. The first time I saw this show, I was bed bound with the flu and binged the entire first two seasons. And I regret nothing! 100% would recommend it.
4 ~ Friends
If you’re really wanting to have a full binge-watching session, then Friends is the one for you. Full of laughs, tears and the well known ‘will they, won’t they’ plot that is prevalent throughout, Friends will always be one of my favourite shows from childhood. The iconic opening song is one of the many great things I’ve taken away from this show, along with all of Joey and Chandler’s misadventures. If you do end up picking this show, you’re in luck since you’ll have 10 whole seasons to enjoy. Will you take on the challenge?
3 ~ The Witcher
Okay so I’ll admit that I’ve never played the game this show is based on (does watching gameplays count?) But this is a show to be enjoyed nonetheless. The lore in the Witcher’s universe was well thought out, I especially loved the history of the witches ‘school’ and Yennefer’s backstory. Despite me getting lost in some parts of the plot’s progression, it was well compensated with epic monster fight scenes- oh, and of course how could I forget the catchy tune, ‘Toss a coin to your Witcher’? Each episode left me on a riveting cliffhanger, and I couldn’t help but keep watching.
2 ~ Legend of Korra
An animated series, yes, but no less binge-worthy. This show helped me get through the agony that was my third year at University, so it’s made it this far up the list. The reason I’m listing Legend of Korra, rather than The Last Airbender, is mostly because I liked how the creators showed the aftermath of the 100 year war, and the new issues that came from the original character’s decisions for the world. Besides, I’m all for continuation stories showing the next generation of Team Avatar – Aang’s grandkids are so adorable! With each episode being 23 minutes long, it’s easy to get through a season in one sitting. And really, who doesn’t want to watch a series about people with cool powers?
1 ~ The Good Place
My all time favourite, The Good Place is the perfect show to watch during 2020. Full of humour, and all around ‘Good Vibes’, this show has an interesting take of the idea of the afterlife. One that’s lead me to many many a discussion with friends and family. It’s just such a fascinating concept and is portrayed really well. My love for the characters grew more and more as the series progressed and I saw more of their storyline. As the main protagonist, Eleanor is a great example of character development. Her morally grey attitude to life, though somewhat excessive, leads to some hilarious scenarios. This is definitely one that I’ll always have on my to watch list.
Here are some honourable mentions that I’ve either seen parts of or which have been recommended to me:
- The Office
- Bones
- The Last Kingdom
- Riverdale
And there you have it!
Of course this list isn’t set in stone- I’m sure there are other shows that you may have seen or prefer. If so, please message me with some of your recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
Natasha xoxo
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