One of my greatest sources of stress relief is watching good television. Similar to how books make me feel, a show that has great characters, an engaging plot, and stir my emotions is something that I treasure. Like any tv enthusiast, there are shows I can’t get enough of.
While I usually dedicate an entire post to a single show, sometimes life moves so fast and by the time I sit down to write, I’ve moved on to the next series.
Here’s a list of my recent go-to shows, each offering a little something different.
Barry
When the world was upset with the ending of Game of Thrones, Chad and I drowned our emotions by watching Barry, another HBO show. Starring Bill Hader (you might remember him from what I consider the golden age of SNL), Barry is a hit man who gets wrapped up in the Los Angeles theatre scene. It’s hilarious and so, so good. 10/10 would recommend.
Stranger Things
Look, anyone who has ever watched Stranger Things has jumped into a fandom that can’t be denied. I love those kids, their quirks, their smart mouths, and their friendship. I can’t get enough of Hopper, Janice, and Mrs. Wheeler—especially her transformation into a bad mama jamma. And even as a Certified Wimp, I can’t help but get into the sci-fi, creepy, and sometimes jumpy moments that involve the Upside Down. Season 3 of Stranger Things might just be the best yet. It’s good television, and should be binged accordingly.
Good Omens
This was a quick watch for us. The six-episode mini-series is on Amazon Prime, and follows an interesting premise: an angel and a demon living in modern times team up to stop the approaching Armageddon, after they both grow overly fond of life on Earth and its occupying humanity. Good and evil, heaven and hell are represented in the show, and it’s quirky, refreshing, a little weird, and a lot of good. The show is based on the book of the same name, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Check it out.
Instant Hotel
I’ve never been big on reality TV shows, but I’ll always make an exception for Netflix’s Instant Hotel. The series is based in Australia and is essentially a competition for people who have opened an AirBnb property, also known as an “instant hotel.” All of the couples stay in each instant hotel, give a grade, and compete for a grand prize at the end. The properties are also judged by a judge and host, and are graded on the house, location and nearby attractions, value for money, and the quality of a night’s sleep.
It’s a little trashy, but mostly fun and entertaining. Sometimes, even wholesome. Instant Hotel is a great show for mindless watching and couch-judging.
Kim’s Convenience
We love Kim’s Convenience for many reasons. It’s funny, touching, real, and has characters that you love, regardless of how much screen time they get. Each scene matters, and delivers. Read my full review here.
How to Get Away with Murder
Viola Davis is a queen. That’s apparent when watching How to Get Away with Murder, a show that centers on her character as a powerful and brilliant lawyer and professor. Chad and I are obsessed with this series, and how each episode is a knock-out, with twists and turns and character development around every corner. Forget what you think you know, and just buckle in for the ride. Shonda Rhimes, you’ve done it again.
Fleabag
Another worthy Amazon Prime show is Fleabag. It has hilarious jokes, well-timed awkwardness, and the dry-witted humor of British actress, writer, and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. This series follows the character only known as Fleabag, who is angry and grief-ridden, trying to heal but rejecting any kind of help along the way. It’s sharp and funny, and worth pressing play.
Queer Eye
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise. Anyone with a heart and an open mind can get into Queer Eye and embrace the Fab Five’s influence of growth and acceptance. Johnathan, Tan, Karamo, Antoni, and Bobby all have a very special place in my heart—each of them have taught me things, made me cry, and made me chortle with laughter. They are a gift, and I’m so happy that the new season is out. I didn’t know what to expect when I first pressed play last year, but now it’s a show that Chad and I look forward to watching together. Yass, queen.
What Else is Binge-Worthy?
If you have any recommendations for shows to watch, let me know in the comments!
Instant Hotel sounds like Four Weddings but for hotels, and this intrigues me! I’ll have to check it out!
I’ve never seen Four Weddings, so I’ll add that to my list as well! Thanks for reading and sharing!
You hit on a lot of great shows – Fleabag was incredibly creative, and we also found Instant Hotel – and love it! A few of the characters were so over-the-top it ALMOST dissuaded us, but glad we stuck with it – really fun and also informative!
I agree on both fronts! Instant Hotel had a few large personalities that were hard to deal with, at least during the first season. They really switched things up during the second! Such a fun show. Thanks for reading!
I know EXACTLY who you are referencing…I work in TV and understand why they are in the show, BUT as a viewer, I don’t need that drama!
I love Stranger Things – I’ve also binged Killing Eve and Black Mirror recently. Got to be two of my top shows ever.
Good to know for both those shows! I will definitely be sure to watch them soon; I love Sandra Oh, so looking forward to Killing Eve. Thanks for reading and sharing!
We got into Good Omens recently and absolutely love it! Still have a couple episodes to go 🙂
It’s amazing! I’m really glad we randomly found it. Thanks for reading!
I need to watch the new season of Stranger Things. And people told me good things about Good Omens. My new favourite is Derry Girls. It’s hilarious. Both seasons only 6 episodes each
I’ll check out Derry Girls for sure! I’ve heard good things about it and definitely need a new comedy. Thanks for reading and sharing!
I love Stranger Things and have been binge watching the latest season. I’ve seen trailers for Good Omens and I’d love to check it out once I’m done with Stranger Things.
Kim’s Convenience is so underrated, haha. I absolutely loooooove that show!
Agreed on all those things! Definitely a golden age of television right now. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I love Stranger Things but I got kinda bored half way through season 2 unfortunately 🙁 Might give it another go soon, as apparently the latest season is really good x
I would definitely recommend sticking with it! I think the best parts come with the big bang at the end of each season and the conflict coming to a head. Thanks for reading!
Ooooh really?! Yeah I’m half way through season 2 so I actually might finish it xx
ugh I’m so obsessed with Queer Eye, the seasons are never long enough!
Agreed! All I ever want is to be best friends with all of them.
I am so behind on Stranger Things. I’ve only just finished the first season of the show and I must admit it is quite addictive. I started Good Omens the other night and I love any show that is quirky and engaging and this one sounds right up my alley.
I’ve recently finished The Boys on prime video and it is such a good show. It literally breaks every perception we have on superheroes. It’s dark and twisted and so good.
I hope you can catch up! And I will definitely add The Boys to my list; I absolutely love a good superhero show. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Queer Eye is just the most feel-good yet emosh show ever isn’t it! A couple of these are on my watchlist so I’ll have to finally check them out x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I cry almost every episode! Love it so, so, so much. Can’t endorse it enough. Thanks for reading!
Check out A Typical!
I definitely will, thank you!