My Favorite TV Shows
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Does anyone else binge watch shows like I do? When I find a show I like, I watch it religiously until I finish the season. My husband teases me about this because he watches a handful of shows simultaneously whereas I concentrate (obsess) on one show at a time. Don’t get me wrong…I watch my Housewives and Southern Charm while I’m working out (it eases the guilt that way) but I can pretty much take them or leave them. It’s always the same thing…a bunch of catty women who wear way too much make-up, have overdone houses, and talk crap about each other while they’re fueling themselves with alcohol. You know the only reason why they hang out together is because they’re contractually obligated because real people don’t speak that way to one another…or at least I hope they don’t! Moving on, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite tv shows (sorry Scandal…you didn’t make the cut…the plot line just got too ridiculous for me) most of which are on Netflix or Amazon Prime so microwave some popcorn, pour yourself a glass of wine and get ready to do some serious binge watching this weekend.
- Velvet: I just finished season 3 and I’m totally hooked! This series is about a department store in Madrid during the late 1950’s (it’s in English subtitles although I must say I’m picking up some Spanish after watching 45 episodes) and the main plot line revolves around a love story between the director of the store and a seamstress. There are a plethora of heartwarming and humorous side stories but it’s the romance between the two lead characters that reeled me in. The first two seasons are available on Netflix and the third season is available on Daily Motion. (PS…they’re currently filming season four and I can’t wait.)
- Bloodline: This show is a Netflix original and the cast is sooo good! Sissy Spacek, Kyle Chandler, and William Hurt to name a few. It takes place in the Florida Keys (where we honeymooned and I’m dying to go back to) and revolves around a family that owns a local hotel and the complicated dynamics that occur between the siblings and the parents. There are so many twists and turns that you’ll want to watch several episodes a night. Season two is debuting May 27th but season one is currently available.
- House of Cards: The most recent season did not disappoint. If you’re not familiar, it revolves around a scheming southern politician and his cold, ruthless wife. I think it just keeps getting better and better. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are phenomenal ( I love her style…whoever the wardrobe stylist is deserves a standing ovation). You never know how things will turn out and just when you think these two main characters cannot stoop any lower, they throw you for a complete loop. Available on Netflix.
- Bosch: I got my husband into this show and now he’s hooked! It’s about an LA homicide detective who is a bit of a loner. He has a complicated private life (the ex-wife and daughter live in Vegas) and each season it revolves around him solving one particular case. There are a lot of layers and side stories which are all woven together and then seamlessly lead into the next season. You can watch seasons one and two on Amazon Prime.
- Downton Abbey: For the longest time, I resisted watching this show. I’m not really sure why. I guess I thought I’d be bored to tears. But, it’s just so good! My husband and I have not watched the final season yet. We’re waiting for it to come out on Amazon Prime so we can do a total binge watch. It’s essentially about a wealthy family in England during the turn of the century and the relationships between them while they try to maintain the estate that is part of their legacy. The scenery and the costumes are exquisite and what I love is that it completely transports you to another time and place.
- The Americans: This show is currently on FX but the first few seasons are available on Amazon Prime. It revolves around a married couple with two kids who are really Russian spies but posing as the all American family. It takes place during the Reagan era so it’s fun to look back at the early eighties fashion and decor. I was really excited when I realized one of the scenes was filmed at Jones Beach which is where I take many of my outfit photos! You’ll definitely get sucked it. It’s another show with lots of twists and turns so hang onto your seat!
- The Good Wife: We haven’t watched the final season yet. I think this is another show I’ll wait for the latest season to come out on Netflix. It revolves around a woman who returns to practicing law after a long hiatus following her husband’s very public downfall and imprisonment. In my opinion, the first few seasons are the best and then it kind of gets annoying. But, I feel compelled to watch it until the very end to see how they wrap it all up. There’s a lot of good actors and guest actors on the show so it’s definitely worth watching.
- Damages: Another show based on the law, this one revolves around a young, ambitious female attorney (Rose Byrne) who works for a cunning and manipulative plaintiffs lawyer played by Glenn Close. They always shoot it in a series of flashbacks which naturally pulls you in. I think the first season was the best but isn’t that usually the case? This show is no longer on the air but all five seasons are available on Netflix.
- City Ballet: This is a docu-series produced by Sarah Jessica Parker on AOL which follows the lives of the ballet dancers who belong to the New York City Ballet. I found this series fascinating because it offers a glimpse inside the dancers’ day to day lives both professionally and personally. There are two seasons and each episode is about twenty minutes long.
- Mad Men: Yes, I realize this series is over but if you never tuned in, it’s such a great binge watch. Again, I think the first season is the best. But, I do like the way the characters were developed over the years, my favorites being Don Draper and his detached but beautiful wife, Betty. It takes place during the 1960’s in New York City and revolves around an ad agency and its’ employees.
Some shows that are up next on my must see list are Grand Hotel, Mr. Selfridge, and most definitely the second season of Bloodline. What are your favorite shows? Am I missing out on a good one? Please let me know if you have any suggestions! I hope you have a great weekend!
Binge Watching Essentials:
Dani H
May 24, 2016 @ 07:17:35
What a fantastic post! I do most of my binge watching during the summer and in December when regular series aren’t airing. Of course, Netflix and Amazon are both made for binging.
I waited and just watched the series finale of The Good Wife last night. It was one of my favorite shows and I felt the ending did it justice.
A Netflix original show which just aired it’s second season is “Grace and Frankie” with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston — great writing and you can’t beat the acting.
Then there’s “Sherlock” from England that airs in the states on Masterpiece which also ran Downton Abbey. You can binge watch the first three seasons on Amazon. Only three 90-minute episodes per season. I personally know people who are not Sherlock Holmes fans but love this show because it is so cleverly set in the modern day though each episode is based on an original Sherlock Holmes story. The actors are wonderful.
One of my favorite shows has ended now but it was “Dexter” starring Michael C. Hall as a serial killer. All eight seasons are available on Amazon, free if you have a Showtime subscription.
“The Closer” with Kyra Sedgewick ran for seven seasons in which she played a Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief in charge of the major crimes division. I believe (but have not watched) that most of the other characters continued on in “Major Crimes” at TNT which is in its fifth season beginning June 2016. The first four seasons are available on Amazon starring Mary McDonnell.
And, finally, if you were a “Gilmore Girls” fan, Netflix is bringing it back in four 90-minute episodes (one for each season of the year) and will start airing toward the end of 2016. The original series is available on Amazon.
I look forward to checking out some of the shows on your list that I haven’t seen yet!
Ivana @ The Charming Avenue
May 18, 2016 @ 08:30:01
I’m just the same! I get so sucked into a series that I can’t watch anything else at the same time! I was literally obsessed with White collar, it’s still pretty much my favorite series ever, and now I’m into Arrow – love me some action and pretty six pack 🙂 House of Cards is next on my list!
RT
May 15, 2016 @ 23:21:39
I binge watched Downton Abbey on Amazon. I didn’t get on the bandwagon until it was the end. I loved every minute of it! That was my first binge, as I am not much into TV.
Shannon
May 15, 2016 @ 22:49:34
I need some new shows to watch! Definitely want to check out City Ballet! I was a ballet dancer my whole life until college so I know I would love it! Definitely looking it up!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
katie
May 15, 2016 @ 21:16:03
This is such a good idea for a post, Kate! I have heard great things about The Americans. I definitely am going to watch it – didn’t realize it was on Amazon Prime, what a great tip! I love Downton and Mad Men, too!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Chelsea
May 15, 2016 @ 17:45:20
I’m with you, I’ll commit to a show and watch it all the way through, so I’m really immersed in it! Obsessed with Downton Abby!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
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Sara Theissen
May 14, 2016 @ 21:24:18
I will have to write these down! I have access to all of them, but I usually end up rewatching stuff I love lol. I binge watch Law and Order: SWU, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story. One of my favorite shows ever is Parenthood, I need to rewatch that.
Kate F.
May 14, 2016 @ 03:47:34
I love Downton Abbey and Mad Men. Desperate Housewives is a great show – I’m currently re-watching it on Hulu.
Kelsey Bang
May 13, 2016 @ 23:44:23
I need to try these shows out! i have not watched any of them, but by the descriptions they sound fantastic!
kelseybang.com
krystel
May 13, 2016 @ 22:51:11
I haven’t watched TV in awhile i mostly watch Netflix now i watch TV once in a awhile
Ivete
May 13, 2016 @ 22:09:00
I am so out of the loop when it comes to TV/Netflix/Amazon shows. I have heard of Downton, House of Cards, and The Good Wife, but have not sat down to watch any of them. I will tell you that the Real Housewives of Orange County is one of my guilty pleasures! Lame, I know. And I’m recording the Housewives of Dallas now. Only smart, quality TV for me! Lol… Have a great weekend, Kate!
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
molly
May 13, 2016 @ 22:00:11
I am obsessed with House of Cards! Love it 🙂
XO
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
Lauryn R
May 13, 2016 @ 19:53:46
I am the exact same way when it comes to shows! 🙂 We don’t even pay for cable, we are big Netflix and Hulu enthusiasts! I will definitely have to check some of your favorite shows out.
Linda Manns Linneman
May 13, 2016 @ 17:58:22
Nothing like a great glass of wine, some popcorn and a great movie. I have not seen some of these. I will have to check them out
Laura
May 13, 2016 @ 12:27:14
I just finished Mad Med and have been looking for a new show to watch so this list is just what I need! Adding these to my Netflix queue now, thanks for the recommendations!
xx
Laura
http://www.sequinsatbreakfast.com
Amy Arnold
May 13, 2016 @ 11:58:15
I’m not a huge tv person. Out of your list, the only one I have watched is Downton. Shows how uncool I am! 😉
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Vanessa @ Living in Steil
May 13, 2016 @ 10:47:43
I thought I was the only one who thought Scandal jumped the shark! The finale last night was like much of the season — missable (sorry, gladiators!). I love Damages, The Good Wife, and The Americans. I really need to catch up with those shows again. Great round up!
http://www.livinginsteil.com
B @ Sequin Notebook
May 13, 2016 @ 08:28:07
I’m so obsessed with Bloodline and can’t wait for it to come back, though I’m very curious about what the new central plot line will be!
Biana @ Blovedboston
May 13, 2016 @ 06:17:07
I’m so excited Bloodline is coming back later this month! I really liked that show! We flew through the first 3 seasons of the Americans, but haven’t seen the newest one – I know what I need to do!! Happy Weekend! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston