Life by Jen

I watch movies and TV shows while I work and while I write. I am one of those people who need background noise to keep my focus. That means that I have worked my way through the depths of the streaming platforms and watched a lot. I do admit to watching the ongoing, popular shows that the internet says I will like. Like junk food for my brain, it’s consumable, but in no way does anything but turn my brain a little mushier.

However, along the way, I’ve found some gems. I am usually surprised by what I like, whether it’s way more violent or darker than I’d normally gravitate to. I’m currently on the lookout for something new, so in the meantime I thought I’d share what I have really enjoyed.

These are in no particular order.

Peaky Blinders

As mentioned, I’m often surprised by what I like. Netflix told me I’d like Peaky Blinders, and I eventually trusted their recommendation – skeptically. But, WOW. That show is definitely one of the best shows of all time. Thomas Shelby and his family are about as cool as it gets for some reason. The hair, the hats, the jackets, The accent. Plus, the history and, best of all, the love story to kick it off.

I have no idea how they make it so easy to cheer for the obvious bad guy, but they sure do. I will be patiently waiting for the recently-announced Peaky Blinders movie. In the meantime, if you haven’t watched it, this is a must-see. A little gory, but there aren’t many better than this. BBC has knack for producing some really great TV, at least that’s what I’m drawn to.

Mad Med

Definitely on the dark side, but another period show, which I am drawn to. This one had a good run and gave me 7 seasons to binge. I watched this one some time ago, but it really stuck with me.

The show follows Don Draper throughout his advertising career and spiraling personal life. The characters in this show were fantastic. The history and fashion were amazing. It was really easy to get drawn into this one. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I wish I could watch this one again for the first time.

Game of Thrones

I got caught up in this one, but not until it was 6 seasons in. I watched them all at an embarrassing pace. I tend to work late at night sometimes, and mid-winter, we were house-training our new puppy. Let’s just say that the white-walkers in our snowy pitch-black back yard were probably hiding and waiting for me. Fantastic show, but sadly nothing this epic to replace it.

I tried to watch the prequel, House of Dragons, but I just couldn’t get into it. Big shoes to fill. I think it would be great on its own, but stacked next to Game of Thrones, I just didn’t make it through.

Law & Order

All varieties but the original version is classic. Anything streaming. Tried and true and hundreds of hours of TV. This show got me through late nights, workouts, and lazy Sunday mornings. Many, many moons ago, I remember watching this show with my Dad as a kid, so it’s a combination of nostalgia and easy watching.

Not all seasons or series are viewable on the steaming services we have, but it’s been some great watching.

Girls

An HBO classic, following a group of friends after college. I really enjoyed this one – I just wish there was more. That’s usually the case with any great show. I loved all the drama and bad decision-making in this show and the awkward, real-life humor.

I love they way they have the most relatable and non-relatable problems and the characters are so fantastic. There are definitely some very sad moments, but it’s a great show to watch through all the season. I enjoyed that there didn’t seem to be any seasons that waned along the way.

Chernobyl

This was an HBO miniseries, not an ongoing show, but WOW. I didn’t know too much about Chernobyl, except the general idea of what happened. This one was graphic, sad, intense, and moving. The parallel storylines were so well intertwined.

I would heartily recommend this one and may even do a re-watch in the future. Jared Harris, also from The Crown and Mad Men, was stellar.

Outlander

For YEARS, Netflix recommended this show to me and I ignored it. Time travelling? Uh. No. I’ll hate that. Well, dammit Netflix, you were right all along. LOVE this one. Loved it so much I have read about half the books so far too. What a fantastically interesting and compelling story.

There is nothing like a good love story and this is one, literally, for the ages. I devour each new season as it comes out and will continue to.

I’m sure that there are more shows that I have loved and will love. I would love some suggestions for my next watch!