Last week I wrote a post about how “me” time is so important for moms. One of the suggestions I made (or should have made if I didn’t) was to pick a tv show to watch when the kids aren’t around. So I compiled a list of Netflix shows to binge watch. Some are old, some are new. Some are still going and some are done. I personally hate waiting so it is hard for me to pick up a new show that isn’t quite over yet. But I made this list for you with descriptions (and a printable to keep with you!)
Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events
Genre: American Comedy
Stars: Neil Patrick Harris. Need I say more?
Synopsis: This is the story (now Fresh Prince is stuck in my head) about 3 orphans who lose their parents. (Sad trombone). But their guardian (good old NPH aka Olaf) is evil and is trying to steal their money and inheritances. It is based on the books by Daniel Handler.
The Fall
Genre: British Drama/Crime
Stars: Gillian Anderson
Synopsis: The Police Superintendent (Anderson) is sent to help with an ongoing murder investigation. They realize it is a serial killer who is now on the loose and is targeting professional women. Somehow, this dude is getting away with it and living a “normal” life alongside these murders. They had me at “serial killer.”
Orange Is The New Black
Genre: American Comedy Drama
Stars: Laura Prepon
Synopsis: Lots of ladies. In jail. This 30-something, seemingly law abiding woman gets convicted of moving drug money for her girlfriend 10 years prior. Clearly she has made some changes in her life. But now she has to figure out how to survive 15 months in a minimum security jail for women without her fiancee, family and friends.
Shameless
Genre: American Comedy Drama
Stars: William H Macy, Emmy Rossum
Synopsis: A remake of a UK TV series, Shameless takes place in Chicago. The dad (Macy) has 6 children and is a deadbeat single father. He is often times drunk and/or in search of terrible life decisions. In turn, the kids have to learn to care for themselves.
Californication
Genre: American Comedy Drama
Stars: David Duchovny
Synopsis: Another story about an alcoholic. This one is a writer, father and boyfriend. He relocates to California and just can’t seem to write anymore. The show follows his struggle to hold down a relationship with his long time girlfriend and their daughter. This is a true sex, drugs and rock and roll story.
Grace & Frankie
Genre: American Comedy Drama (I am sensing a theme here)
Stars: Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin
Synopsis: The story centers around 2 men, very late in their lives, who run a law firm together. Their wives are not huge fans of each other, but tolerate each other because their husbands work together all the time. Well, now they’re forced to commiserate together because the 2 men have decided they are in love with each other and want to be together. It follows the lives of all 4 of them and their adult children.
The Office
Genre: American Mockumentary
Stars: You know.
Synopsis: Life at the office. Also a spin off of a British TV series, the office explores all the different personalities that you will find in your office/at work. If you haven’t seen it, climb out from under your rock and fire it up on Netflix. It is hilarious.
30 Rock
Genre: American Satire
Stars: Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin
Synopsis: Another great comedy to watch – after you crawl out from under your rock. It is loosely based on Tina Fey’s experience as a head write on SNL. I honestly don’t know how else to explain it. It is hilarious and filled with one-liners you will never forget.
The Crown
Genre: Biographical Drama
Stars: Someone people I’ve never heard of and John Lithgow
Synopsis: Even though it stars a bunch of people I’ve never heard of, I can’t wait to start it. It depicts Queen Elizabeth’s life from her wedding in 1947 until today. Her married life, family life, everything.
Marvel Series Shows
(Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist)
Genre: American
Synopsis: Each one of the shows follows a different superhero and tells their story. If you’re into superheros and drama, these are the series’ for you!
13 Reasons Why
Genre: American Drama
Stars: Kate Walsh and some unknown teenagers – but not for long.
Synopsis: I am a few episodes in but everyone I’ve talked to that has finished it has said it is so good. Heavy, but good. It’s the story (based on the novel of the same name) about a teenage girl who commits suicide and the reasons why. She goes through the different people who “assisted” in her suicide. Not for the faint of heart, and makes me want to put my children into a bubble. But so good.
Black Mirror
Genre: British Science Fiction
Stars: Different cast each episode.
Synopsis: I had a really hard time getting a good synopsis on this one, so I’ll copy exactly what Netflix says: “This sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.” Sounds deep.
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Genre: American Sitcom
Stars: Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski, JON HAMM (love me some Jon Hamm)
Synopsis: Kimmy Schmidt is 29 years old and just has been rescued from a cult in Indiana where she was one of 4 women prisoners to a Reverend (Jon Hamm) for 15 years. She is trying to adjust to normal life and finds a male roommate and becomes a nanny for a socialite in New York City.
House of Cards
Genre: American Political Drama
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright
Synopsis: House of Cards is an adaptation of the BBC mini series of the same name and is based on the novel. Politics, power-hungry men and drama. Spacey’s character runs for Secretary of State but loses. He becomes determined to be something even bigger. Drama ensues.
Stranger Things
Genre: American Science-Fiction Horror
Stars: Winona Ryder and a whole bunch of other people who are more popular now.
Synopsis: Set in Indiana (a fictional town) in the 80’s, it follows the diappearance of a local boy. His friends seem to care more about it then the rest of the town so they set out to do their own investigation. Strange things happen (obviously) and shit gets weird. Don’t turn your nose up at the words “science fiction,” because that’s exactly what I did and I ended up loving it. Season 2 can’t come soon enough. IT will take place one year after season 1 ended.
Parks & Rec
Genre: American Political Comedy
Stars: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman
Synopsis: Very much executed like The Office – it is sarcastic and full of one liners. It’s another oldie but definitely a goodie. It follows the life of some of the members of the parks department in Pawnee, Indiana.
Friends
Duh.
American Crime
Genre: American Anthology Crime Drama
Stars: Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Timothy Hutton
Synopsis: Heavy shit. Real heavy shit. Season one followed the case of a seemingly normal man who is murdered. His wife was there, but is in a coma so they have to figure the whole thing out without her. It comes out that this guy was involved with drugs, so the mom (Felicity Huffman) has to deal with not only losing her son, but dealing with her recovering gambling addict ex-husband and coming to terms with the person her son really was. They also explore the “crooked” justice system and jails. The other 2 seasons are just as heavy – if not heavier. But it is so, so good.
How To Get Away With Murder
Genre: American Drama
Stars: Viola Davis
Synopsis: I CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT WHEN I TALK ABOUT THIS SHOW. It took over my life. It was sad. I would wake up in the morning before my kids to knock out a few episodes. I actually had to take a break from it because it was feeling so real and I was getting so angry at some of the characters. #sorrynotsorry. Anyway, it follows a law professor (Davis) and her 5 students as they get entwined in a murder. But it is so much more than that. The flashbacks can get confusing so you really have to pay full attention. But I literally would sit on the edge of my seat watching it. Ok, I have to calm down now. Hahaha #momlife
For a printable list of these shows to keep on hand or take a screenshot of, click here.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a 24/7 live in nanny for the next few weeks. I have some shows to watch.
