Okay y’all, I have a confession to make: I love TV. Like if I was making a top 5 dream job list, “TV critic” would be one of them. I love this podcast called “The Popcast” and they talk about pop culture, shows, and movies, and part of that job means they have to watch TV. Like they literally get paid to watch TV. How great is that?!
Now I need to preface this post by saying that I am nowhere close to being a TV critic. I don’t actually know what goes into the making of a good show. I know I like to be invested in characters. And I enjoy details, and for shows to be pretty to look at. I want to be entertained, and I want to be able to turn off my brain and just get sucked into a different world for a while. Plus, I’ve been watching TV for 30+ years, so time is on my side. That being said, here are 5 shows I’ve watched lately on Netflix that I think are worth your time!
1. Schitt’s Creek
You guys, this show is my new “blankie” show. You know that show that you can go to when you just need a palate cleanser? Or you need to get some other things done so you put on something comforting in the background? That show that just makes you feel good, no matter what else is going on? For me, this used to be The Office. I have seen every episode of The Office multiple times and I still enjoy watching it so much. Schitt’s Creek has replaced The Office as my “blankie” show now. In part because The Office isn’t on Netflix anymore, but mostly because it’s just so dang funny.
Schitt’s Creek is the story of a filthy rich New York family who loses all their wealth and most of their earthly possessions and has to move to a random town called Schitt’s Creek as they work to get their life back in order. That sounds terribly sad when I put it like that, but this show is laugh out loud funny. The characters are eccentric and lovable, and you’ll find yourself pretending they’re your best friends (or maybe that’s just me).
2. Bridgerton
This show has everything: British accents? Check. Poofy dresses? Check. Eclectic hairstyles? Check. Scandal? Check. A hot duke? CHECK. Bridgerton is set in the Regency era of England, and you follow the Bridgerton family as they navigate high society and finding love. It is over-the-top in the best way and the costume work and set pieces are stunning. (Maybe I am a TV critic?) A word of warning though, this show is not safe to watch around your kids (or probably your mom either) because of steamy adult content.
3. Selling Sunset
My sister-in-law introduced me to Selling Sunset when we were on a family trip to a cabin in Breckenridge. I am a reality TV fan, but have admittedly mostly stuck to The Bachelor franchise. Selling Sunset is like if Bravo met HGTV and had a glamorous little LA realty baby. The show follows the Oppenheim Group, a team of realtors in Los Angeles who sell luxury real estate. The group is spearheaded by two brothers who own the agency and follows 6+ of their hot supermodel-esque employees. These ladies’ lives couldn’t be farther from my own, but that doesn’t stop me from living vicariously through their drama and ultra-fancy lifestyles.
4. Indian Matchmaking
I enjoyed this show so much! Think dating show but with an arranged marriage twist. Indian Matchmaking follows (mostly) wealthy single men and women in both India and America as they work with a matchmaker to help them meet their potential marriage partners. It’s a really informative and cool look at how such a traditional practice has adapted to meet a more modern age. The cast is diverse and interesting, and I found myself very invested in each person’s journey! Even the matchmaker herself is a fun hang. I definitely hope this show is renewed for a second season!
5. The Queen’s Gambit
Do I know anything about chess? No. Do I know anything about chess after watching this show? Still no. Did I try to convince my husband to let me buy the most beautiful $60 chess set from Anthropologie after watching this show? Definitely yes (but also, he said no). The Queen’s Gambit is a story about an orphaned and traumatized little girl who finds comfort and a sense of purpose in playing chess. It turns out she’s a bit of a prodigy, and she begins a quest to become the best chess player in the world. The characters are complex and messy, and I was rooting for them the whole time. The costuming was also lovely. It really is a beautiful story!
In my opinion, sometimes there is no better self-care than sitting down with a bowl of popcorn, your favorite beverage, and ignoring your responsibilities for some good, quality TV. Tell us about the best shows you have binged lately!
