As spring break approaches (aka, some time to majorly chill out), I’ve found myself reflecting on the number of quality television shows I’ve watched throughout the last year, many of which were quite memorable. As someone who’s constantly trying to figure out what new great series to watch, I figured I would help the rest of you out by compiling a list of my top television series watched this past year. As someone who enjoys a wide range of television genres, there is sure to be something for everyone on this list. So tuck in, grab some popcorn, and enjoy one or more of these series as a way to unwind during the upcoming break.
Mare of Easttown
Set in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA, Mare of Easttown encompasses the life of police detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) as she investigates the murder of teenage mother Erin McMenamin while also trying to maintain a sense of stability in her own life. Mare of Easttown is authentic, eerie, and greatly enticing. Although it maintains all of the key elements of a typical crime drama, Kate Winslet’s excellent portrayal of Mare and the story’s progression allow for a refreshing series I would recommend to absolutely anyone with a liking for fiction crime dramas, true crime dramas, and everything in between.
Sex/Life
I should preface this recommendation by saying that this is not a family friendly show. Avoid watching with parents, siblings, or other family members at all costs. Sex/Life is a sexy, quick-paced, drama-filled series about the not so exciting life of mother-of-two Billie who begins to fantasize about her fiery past, and more specifically, her bad boy ex-boyfriend Brad. As Billie faces her intrusive fantasies and past lover, she must decide where her priorities lie. Although not necessarily a cinematic work of art, Sex/Life will surely leave you pining for more, and may just be the sexiest show of 2021.
The Beatles: Get Back
For any Beatles fans, or general rock fans for that matter, the new release of The Beatles: Get Back on the platform Disney+ provides fans a documentary containing back-to-back footage of the Beatles as they devise their 1970 album. The documentary, divided into a lengthy, 3-part series, shows the efforts that went into the world famous album, and gives audiences a closer look at the true, behind-the-scenes personalities of each of the Beatles as they interact with one another, their families, and most importantly, the music. Although slow at some points, if you’re an avid Beatles fan or music listener, then you will surely appreciate the intimate mood of the docuseries and its heavy focus on interpersonal dynamics and music creation.
Buried
Buried follows the story of Eileen Franklin, a woman who faces a serious decision after a repressed, deeply disturbing memory of her father pops into her mind, 20 years after the occurrence. This story exhibits the extreme difficulties that arise when repressed memory is used as the basis for an entire trial, and whether such an instance can truly lead to clarity and justice. This four-part docuseries will keep you on your toes and have you greatly questioning your own memory in the meantime.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
If you’re looking for a little bit of fictional freight, a large dose of the lovely Kristen Bell, and a show that you’ll quite literally never know what’s going to happen next in, this one’s for you. I personally began and finished this show within a single night, and still reflect on its twists and turns today. The events in this series will have you seriously questioning who you trust in your own life, and what a stereotypical criminal looks like.