The cooler climate has arrived and it’s time for warm hot chocolate with all the trimmings, pumpkin spice lattes (for the coffee aficionados), a big fat couch, a fluffy comforter, dim lighting, and an electric fireplace. What a wonderful image. What could possibly complete this ensemble; the cherry on top? Hmmmm.. binge-worthy tv shows, of course! Homework and tiresome assignments are the last thing on any of our minds and our beloved activity of procrastination is inhaling episode after episode of our favorite shows. So what are the best shows out there that can effectively make us forget our schooling responsibilities and induce a couch coma?
Since I am a loyal Netflix addict, my favorite and recommended shows are all bound to be found on Netflix, rather than Amazon Prime or Hulu. Some of them might even be dated shows worth rewatching. You gotta love those pre-Instagram, pre-Snapchat days too.
Gilmore Girls
An oldie but goodie. The mother-daughter relationship in this is extremely fun to watch. Watch the lovable Rory navigate her teenage days, from high school to college. This series is a winner for both guys and girls alike. The Connecticut fall and winter scenery (which was actually shot in Toronto) is to die for and very mood appropriate for this weather. The Stars Hollow set is so popular that a Gilmore Girls festival is happening this month in Connecticut. You better binge watch it now, as a four episode revival was announced for release around Thanksgiving this year!
Gossip Girl
A favorite that I grew up watching. Other than the four Upper-East-Side-insider quartet and Dan the outsider, we have our beloved New York City as its star attraction. That last factor adds to its evergreen appeal. Chuck’s complex persona, Blair’s rich multilayered character played admirably by Leighton Meester, and Serena A.K.A Mrs. Blake Lively-Reynolds in her career-defining role… are addictive to say the least.
House of Cards
Think Washington, D.C. with a dark and insidious edge and serious character development. Robin Wright’s career-boosting role and Kevin Spacey’s award winning role make for a powerful viewing. Katie Mara is a wonderful addition and she is as tenacious as she is vulnerable. The drama in the show is compelling, I’ll leave it at that.
Stranger Things
Murder, mystery, suspense, thriller, horror, comedy, action, drama, sci-fi etc., all beautifully wrapped in a perfect 80s-themed series. It’s like Christmas came early. The young actors are fabulous, and the characters are spot on, their portrayal epitomises everything that was brilliant about the 80’s. You will want to root for them until the very end as they bring out the kid in you as well. The dialogues are well written and the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. This show is a must-watch for absolutely everyone of all tastes. It really deserves all the praise it has been getting.
Chuck
Chuck will appeal to people of all ages. It has an adorable nerd falling for a really hot spy, who is his guardian. Who wouldn’t want that? The nerdy protagonist has a quirky co-nerd sidekick whose verbal diarrhoea and silly antics keeps Chuck on his toes. To complete the ensemble, a gruff meticulous no nonsense NSA agent, who loves his guns and adores his bonsai.
Psych
Psych is a show perfect for binge-watching purposes. Every episode is funnier than the last and the cast makes it even better. This show follows a crime-solving duo, who happen to be two lifelong childhood friends playing detective. Shawn, the fake psychic, and Gus, a pharmaceuticals salesman, start a detective agency and are hired by the police for cases that require their exceptional observational skills.
Special shoutout to Timeless, the upcoming time travel crime drama, and the Halloween-centred Scream Queens episodes coming out this fall.