Favorite Shows to Binge Watch During a Pandemic

During these unprecedented times of self quarantine and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, we find ourselves stuck in the house not knowing when life will return to normal.

Will life ever be “normal” again? Normal as we knew it before the pandemic veered its ugly head or do we need to adjust to a “new normal”? Experts can give predictions, but in reality only time will tell what life will look like a year from now.

In the meantime..we need to stay positive knowing everything is being done to keep us safe and we will get through this folks!!! Without a doubt, we will come out better and stronger and more prepared if this ever happens again! I am very very confident of that!

What did the tragic incidents of 9/11 teach us? That we were not prepared for a terrorist attack of that magnitude. Look at the progress we have made since then…we have thwarted numerous attacks and we are much safer now than we were pre 9/11.

A somewhat similar situation is happening now, we are at war with a horrific pandemic that is killing many people but we are learning from this experience and we will prevail. Next time we could be looking at biological warfare, but we will be better prepared because of what we learned during the coronavirus outbreak.  There is a silver lining here, please remember

“what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”

We will get through this pandemic stronger than ever and ready to fight whatever comes around next…..

But while we are hunkered down inside our homes with our families, I prepared a list of some of the shows I have really enjoyed watching on a variety of paid services and networks. This is the second list I am recommending, also check out The Most Addictive “Thriller” Shows to Binge Watch on Netflix.

This list contains dramas, trillers and frankly…dark shows. I really need to start watching comedies so I can recommend some lighter uplifting shows to you! As a family, we watch age appropriate shows with the kids that have a good message..but I haven’t included any of those here. This is my darker list…

#11 “Rectify” on Netflix – Convicted of rape and murder at age 18, Daniel Holden spends nearly 20 years on death row until DNA evidence brings the verdict into question.

This series is 4 seasons and goes through the process of adjusting to life after prison. This show is very slow moving, so just a word of caution to those who want more action and adventure in your binge watching. I liked Rectify a lot…but didn’t absolutely LOVE it.

#10 “Making a Murderer” – Filmed over 13 years, this real-life thriller follows the unprecedented story of two men accused of a grisly crime they may not have committed.

This 2 season Netflix docuseries will keep you on the edge of your seat…wondering “who done it”.

#9 “This is Us” – This NBC network series follows the lives of siblings Kevin, Kate, and Randall, and their parents Jack and Rebecca Pearson. It takes place mainly in the present and uses flashbacks to show the family’s past. Kevin and Kate are the two surviving members of a triplet pregnancy, born six weeks premature on Jack’s 36th birthday in 1980; their brother is stillborn. Believing they were meant to have three children, Jack and Rebecca, who are white, decide to adopt Randall, an African American child born the same day and brought to the same hospital after his biological father abandoned him at a fire station.

This show is so so good, it’s hard to believe it’s on NBC – not knocking NBC. The caliber of acting from the cast makes it prime for a paid service. The show is a real heart tugging family drama – 4 seasons already and multiple awards…this show is one “not to miss”. As a side benefit, it will also have you thinking about your own parenting skills…

#8 “Masters of Sex” – This powerful Showtime drama is about the pioneers of the science of human sexuality whose research touched off the sexual revolution.

The drama lasted 4 seasons, before being canceled by Showtime, but is definitely worth watching. The relationship between the two main characters is riveting and should not be missed. The main actors have received numerous awards and nominations for their portrayal of William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Definitely one of my favorite shows to date.

#7 “13 Reasons Why”– This Netflix 3 season teen thriller is very compelling and should be watched by all parents of teenagers. Season one starts out by showing the effects of bullying when the late Hannah Baker explains why she committed suicide to her high school peers through a collection of cassette tapes she left behind.

I started watching this series as I have a teenage daughter myself. The early season’s portrayal of school bullying is extremely disturbing and some of the scenes are quite graphic. I recommend all parents watch this show and if teens watch, they should watch with their parents and discuss what is happening as well as the effects of their actions.

#6 “The Crown” – This Netflix drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.

If you have interest in the english monarchy, you will love this series. It is very detailed and the show spares no expense in portraying the highs and lows of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. I also love seeing inside the castle and the design decor but personally, I liked seasons 1 and 2 much more than season 3. The show changed actors for season 3 and I haven’t been able to get into the characters as much. I have found season 3 to be a bit boring, and have not finished watching it, but loved the first two seasons.

#5 “Empire” – Hip-hop artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment, Lucious Lyon, has always ruled unchallenged, but a medical diagnosis predicts he will be incapacitated in three years, which prompts the sharks to circle. Without further damaging his family, he must decide which of his three sons will take over.

The FOX series is in the sixth and final season. If you are interested in the world of hip hop, Empire is a fun show to watch. The series is musically entertaining and heavy on melodrama. The show has it’s own real life drama too as it was revealed that one of the actors, Jessie Smollett, was behind staging an attack. Smollett was indicted for filing a false police report and faces a maximum of three years in prison. He was written out of the final season.

#4 “Better Call Saul” – This Emmy-nominated AMC prequel to “Breaking Bad” follows small-time attorney Jimmy McGill as he transforms into morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman.

All Breaking Bad fans probably already know about this series. Saul Goodman is a loved character of Breaking Bad and to see a prequel on how be became “Saul” and his sleazy ways of interpreting the law is great fun. We also get to see several characters from Breaking Bad like Mike and Gus revive their roles. This is a slow moving series, as most Breaking Bad fans are already familiar with…as characters are slowly being developed. A must see for Breaking Bad fans.

#3 “Ozark”  – A financial adviser drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder $500 million in five years to appease a drug boss.

For those of us who love a good drug cartel movie, and to my Breaking Bad fans…you will really enjoy Ozark. The lead actor Jason Bateman and his wife Laura Linney have already won emmys for their roles in Ozark. Season 3 is coming out the end of this month and I can’t wait!

#2 “You” – A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by.

Originally a Lifetime show, this Netflix stalker show will have you hooked. Narrated by “Joe” the stalker, the series is an addictive drama with disturbing scenes showing Joe using social media to stalk his prey. The horror of the scenes will get you thinking twice about your own social media. As creepy as the stalker is, Season 2 will bring compassion  and understanding of Joe, as all his actions are done in the name of love.

#1 “Euphoria”– Zendaya stars in this HBO series that follows a group of high school students as they navigate love and friendships in a world of drugs, sex, trauma, and social media.

Another teen drama that I feel all parents should watch. This show, produced by Drake, is graphic at times and will make you think “wow…does this kind of stuff really happen in our high schools?” I should warn you that the show is dark, very dark but is a definite must watch for parents of teens.

Do you have any binge worthy favorites you would like to recommend? Please drop a comment below.

Stay safe out there friends…and remember the events of today will pass.

Denise

XO

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