Binge-Worthy TV Shows

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It’s been a long time since I shared what TV I’m loving [in fact, almost 2 years!], but I share a lot on Instastories and you guys seem to be interested in what I’m finding to watch on Netflix/Amazon. I thought I’d do a post on the best things I’ve watched lately in case you’re needing some ideas! When it comes to TV/Movies, I’m either all comedy or all dark psychological thrillers/mysteries; nothing in between. So, I’m going to jump right in and let you all in on the best things I’ve watched lately.

SUSPENSE/ PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS / [TRUE] CRIME

The Five [Netflix] – I mentioned this show in this post and it’s worth a second mention. It’s about a group of friends from childhood and how a tragedy connected them, disconnected them, and will ultimately re-test them as adults to figure out what actually happened all these years go. I love, love, LOVE this show. I couldn’t stop watching. Definitely start with this of the Harlan Coben shows.

Safe [Netflix] – I watched this after I finished The Five because it’s done by the same guy [who also is apparently a good author!? need to look into that]. This was SO good. It has the guy from Dexter as the lead and goes into the story of a widower whose daughter goes missing. As he searches for her, he uncovers a ton of secrets about the people around him, including his deceased wife. This moved super fast and the twists and turns were crazy.

The Stranger [Netflix] – The final of Harlan Coben’s Netflix series’ is the Stranger, surrounding a woman who mysteriously shows up in town, tells one man one secret, and unfurls a web of lies, deceit, and actual murder. This was my favorite of the 3 behind The Five, and it’s definitely gripping. The ending blew my mind.

The Staircase [Netflix] – This is the true story of Michael Peterson, the murder of his wife, and the case and drama that follows. While he insists that she simply fell down the stairs, all the other details [including another of his significant others who shared a similar fate?!] make this a truly gripping story and you’ll find yourself teetering back and forth on did he or didn’t he.

13 Reasons Why [Netflix] – I know this show caused a lot of controversy, but I personally loved it. Season 1 was gut-wrenching and raw and I think I watched the whole thing in 2 days. Season 2 didn’t pack quite the same punch, but I may have even liked it more. As a parent, it’s terrifying to think of the things kids endure in adolescence, but it also takes you back to your own high school experiences. I think it starts an important conversation and actually made me step back and rethink the way I had treated people in my own life. You never know what burden some are carrying and this is a great reminder that being kind should always be a priority in your relationships. I’ll admit I didn’t watch season 3, but season 1 is definitely worth a go [if you are able to handle the trigger warnings, of course].

Black Mirror [Netflix]- Oh man I love this show. It’s single episode almost mini-movies and a lot of it is set in the future where technology can take some scary liberties. My favorite episodes are “Be Right Back”, “San Junipero”, “The Entire History Of You”, and “Hang the DJ”. I encourage you to go into this show with an open mind and let each episode take you for a ride.

Breaking Bad [Netflix]– This is my favorite show of all time. The character development is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in another show. You follow Walter White in a crazy journey of making meth to support his family while he is ill. You’ll fall in love with both him and Jesse and also get so frustrated with them you’ll want to scream. I need to re-watch this show again soon. It’s so good.

Better Call Saul [Netflix]– This is a prequel to Breaking Bad and follows Saul Goodman, who eventually gets caught up with Walt and Jesse. Much like Breaking Bad, the character development in this show is great and it totally sucked us in. I recommend watching Breaking Bad first, and then if you  like that, get started on this.

Making a Murderer [Netflix]– By now, you’ve probably heard of this, if not already consumed it. It shows the story of Steven Avery, who after serving 18 years in prison wrongfully, is let go only to then be charged with a murder of a local woman. It also goes into the prosecution of his nephew and the entire thing is crazy and heart-wrenching. I think they’re making a season 2 and I can’t wait.

Ozark [Netflix]– We started this show late but devoured it. We watched the first season is less than 2 weeks and are about to watch the second. It’s about a father who has a dirty secret that he’s actually a money-launderer for the drug cartel. Not by choice, he’s forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks to make right on a situation that went wrong. The twists and turns are jaw-dropping and the suspense is crazy. This is a super good thriller. Season 3 is even better than I imagined it would be.

The Confession Tapes [Netflix]– This is a real world docu-series about different crimes and how the perps confessed and how it impacted the outcome of the tragedy. It’s super interesting and also gives some insight into how the judicial process works.

I Am a Killer [Netflix]– This satisfies the nosy bone in my body as it gives a first-hand account from killers themselves that are on death row on what they did and why they did it. It’s so easy to just see a killer and label them as only that, but this gives you backgrounds and true reflections of their personalities and how their lives got them to where they are.

YOU [Netflix]– This show is so addicting! It’s juicy, suspenseful, and so fun to watch. It’s basically if Gossip Girl crossed over with a true crime show. Penn Badgley is captivating in his role as Joe and at times you forget whether you’re supposed to love him or hate him. There’s only one season of it but I really hope there will be a second. If you want a guilty pleasure show to indulge in, this is it. *Update: the second season has since launched and it’s just as wild as the first!

The Innocent Man [Netflix]- This is one for my true crime fans. If you watched The Confession Tapes [listed above], and liked that, you’ll love this. This is the story of two horrific murders that happened in a small town in Oklahoma that had strikingly similar stories. It’s heartbreaking and eye-opening and definitely an exciting watch.

Ted Bundy Tapes [Netflix]- What kind of Muderino would I be if I didn’t include this? While I was someone who thought they knew much about Ted Bundy, this show proved otherwise. It’s so well done and so creepy and consuming and amazing. If you’re a true crime fan, you MUST see this.

Ted Bundy: Falling For A Killer [Amazon Prime] – As a follow-up to watching the Ted Bundy tapes, this Amazon special comes from the POV of Ted’s ex-girlfriend, and it is FASCINATING and heart-breaking to hear her side of the story. I definitely recommend watching the Ted Bundy Tapes first, but this will give you some good closure on the whole, tragic story.

Wild Wild Country [Netflix]- Oh boy. If you haven’t seen this yet, you’re in for a wild ride. This follows the Rajneeshees of Oregon back in the 80s and the absolute insane story of how one [cult] leader created a whole city and ended up almost murdering a ton of people. It’s almost too crazy to believe but this series is epic.

Unbelievable [Netflix]– This follows a true story of a girl who gets caught up in a whirlwind when she claims she’s been raped, reneges, and then insists again it happened. It’s a heartbreaking look at how women are often not believed and the courage of a few people to stand up for what they think is right.

The Act [HULU] – This follows the famous Munchhausen-by-proxy case of Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard, a mother/daughter duo who are wrapped up in a nightmare of a situation. Dee Dee convinces Gypsy she is sick with all these ailments and what follows is a lifetime of abuse. This is based on a true story [the documentary movie Mommy Dead and Dearest shows the actual story while this is a scripted series] but both Joey King and Patricia Arquette are fantastic in their respective roles. This is truly heartbreaking and jaw-dropping, but a must-watch for any self-proclaimed muderinos.

Big Little Lies [HBO] – I read this book so I had to watch the show when it dropped. I’ll be honest, I liked the book way more than the show, but the acting was incredible and it did do a decent job of bringing justice to the book. I did not watch Season 2, but I heard that was really good. This is about a group of moms in California who are a part of a crime that happens at a school function one night, but the entire series is more about what happened that led up to the incident and why and how it unfurls. The suspense is amazing and the whole time you just want to figure out whodunnit and why.

DRAMEDY

Shameless [Netflix]- I watched the entire first SEVEN seasons while I was on maternity leave. I know, it’s insane. But it’s SO good! It can make you laugh and make you cry. Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy are the perfectly imperfect father/daughter duo. Every character is a hot mess in their own way and it’s so fun watching their shenanigans and seeing the family grow up, together, and apart. Also, Ian and Mickey. Enough said.

Atypical [Netflix]– This show is so, so darling. It’s about a family of four and how they navigate life with a son who is on the autism spectrum. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream at the TV. The chemistry of the characters is so wonderful and I cannot wait for a 3rd season. If you’ve been watching a lot of dark TV, this is a great feel-good reprieve.

Russian Doll [Netflix]– Natasha Lyonne dazzles as Nadia, a 36-year-old who dies and, in turn, keeps returning to the night of her birthday party in a Groundhog Day style procedural. As she keeps re-living the same night over and over, she’s forced to face her past and present. Along the way, she meets another person encountering the same thing, and you find out how they’re connected and what is to come. Mike and I finished this show in 2 nights it was that good. It’s only 8 episodes that are short so it’s super easy to binge and super fun.

Jane the Virgin [Netflix]– Modeled after a telenovela, this series follows Jane, a good-girl virgin who gets accidentally knocked up via artificial insemination. What follows is a WILD ride that tangles up a few families and there’s tons of drama, suspense, shipping, and laughs to boot. There’s 100 episodes and I’m genuinely sad it’s over!

After Life [Netflix] – This follows Ricky Gervais as Tony, a man whose wife has recently died from cancer. He has to learn to live without her and what goes on are antics are often hysterical, often heartbreaking, and always so genuine. It’s truly lovely to watch and season 2 just dropped!

Tiger King [Netflix] – While I suppose this could fall under crime, this show is actually so bananas and often times hysterical [in a WTF am I hearing way], I had to put it under here. Even though the actual show centers around a murder-for-hire plot of a zookeeper in Oklahoma, the whole story is so much more than that. I’m sure you’ve heard of it by now, but I definitely recommend it if you want to be taken on a wild ride you never thought you’d be on.

Crazy Ex Girlfriend [Netflix] – This definitely is not for everyone but I adore it. Rachel Bloom is a comedic genius and her portrayal of Rebecca Bunch as the stereotypical Crazy Ex GF is hysterical, real, and refreshing. The supporting cast is great and the songs are hilarious. Also, if you’re old like me, Cappy from GREEK is in it! Swoon. I rewatch this show even though I’ve seen all the seasons because it’s so good. Season 4 ended on a perfect note and took a turn to focus on some major issues, like mental health, in such a productive way. While there are definitely some more serious themes throughout the show,, this delightful bunch of characters are a joy to watch.

COMEDY / ROM-COM

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel [Amazon Prime] – This follows Midge Maisel, a gal whose husband has left her for his secretary and she decides to take on a life as a stand-up comedian, which was no easy feat during this time that men ruled the mics. She, along with parents, embark on a journey that is transformative and shows what happens when you live life on your own terms. Rachel Brosnahan won a Golden Globe for this, and for good reason. This show is an absolute delight. Mike and I crushed it and were so sad when we finished all 3 seasons. It is fun, funny, sometimes sexy, and a total blast [from the past].

Parks & Recreation [Netflix]– This is one of my favorite comedy series of all time. Ben and Leslie are the best, and so are April and Andy. I love every cast member of this show and it never fails to make me laugh. Mike and I often have this on as a background show because we love it so much.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt [Netflix]- I know this show isn’t for everyone but I LOVE it. My girlfriend and I binge this show together and always end up hysterically laughing. Titus is definitely the standout character and I hope he gets his own spin-off. I think this show only has a season or two left, which I think is perfect. I highly recommend this show if you want a quirky, LOL t ype deal to binge on.

Santa Clarita Diet [Netflix] – I’m just about done with season 1 of this show and I am surprised how much I like it. This show is about a woman who, overnight, turns into an “undead” who eats people. Her husband and daughter then get tangled up in her quest for food, which of course results in a few murders. It’s actually really fun! Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant have great chemistry and the supporting cast is super entertaining. I’m super sad they abruptly cancelled it after the cliff-hanger season finale, but it’s still a good show to watch.

Grace & Frankie [Netflix] – This show is HILARIOUS! It’s about two women whose husbands end up falling in love with each other and they’re left behind. Their friendship is real and genuine and proves it’s never too late to find your tribe.

LOVE [Netflix] – This show only got better and better for me. It’s done by Judd Apatow, so if you like his movies, you’ll probably like this. Gillian Anderson and Paul Rust have an adorable chemistry that gets sweeter and more genuine as the show goes on. In their quest for love, they endure ups and downs and you’ll laugh and cry in the same episode. I absolutely adore this show.

Schitt’s Creek [Netflix] – Oh boy, this has quickly become one of my favorite shows of all time. Mike and I breezed through all 6 seasons in no time and are already re-watching it. It is so freaking funny that we LOL many times throughout each 22 minute episode. I highly, highly recommend this show.

I’m Sorry [Netflix] – Created by Andrea Savage, this show is HYSTERICAL. I LOL every time. It follows a woman, her husband, and her daughter as they navigate life in LA and her comedy career. I can’t even say much more other than it is just so funny. A great reprieve if you need a good laugh.

The Good Place [Netflix] – This show came at the recommendation of my sister, and while I admit it was a bit slow for me in the beginning, I just finished S1 and I love it! Kristen Bell stars as Eleanor, a once-awful Earthling who dies in a freak accident and wrongfully ends up in the Good Place [i.e.- Heaven] and must convince everyone there that she was meant to be there all along. I’ve always been a Ted Danson fan and Jameela Jamil is an absolute delight as Eleanor’s next door neighbor. This show is fun and quirky and a totally easy binge watch.

FLEABAG [Amazon Prime] – This is the story of Fleabag [no other name] and how she progresses through her life, ups and downs with family, and an eventual almost-affair with a hot priest. While that doesn’t sound like much on it’s own, the writing is impeccable and dare I say this is almost perfect TV. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is incredible in her role and every episode will make you LOL. Give it a go, I promise.

STAND UP COMEDY

Ali Wong Comedy Specials [Netflix] – OK, this woman is hilarious! While I prefer Baby Cobra over Hard Knock Wife, she absolutely had me in stitches in these specials. Especially if you’re a mother, you will keel over at her bits about pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood. I want to be her friend in real life. I recommend watching these over a few glasses of wine with girlfriends.

John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid [Netflix] – If you haven’t heard of John Mulaney, you will love him after this. He covers everything from marriage, his fear of having children, and his mom’s hilarious encounter with Bill Clinton.

Sebastian Maniscalco: Why Would You Do That? [Netflix] – While he had 3 specials on Netflix, this is by far our favorite. He has some hilarious anecdotes about his experience at Whole Foods, crazy neighbors, hilarious dinner parties, and familial mis-haps. We were crying laughing watching this.

FOOD

Ugly Delicious [Netflix] – If you’re a foodie, you have to watch this show. Led by David Chang [of Momofuku fame], and a cast of special guests [including Aziz Ansari!], he takes you around the world on cuisine-driven quests. My favorite episodes were Fried Chicken [so much history!] and Pizza [amazing narratives from so many regions]. These are fun and funky and easy to watch.

Salt Fat Acid Heat [Netflix] – If you love food shows, give this one a go. The cinematography is STUNNING and it makes you want to jump on a plane immediately. The host is darling and adorable and we loved watching this show. I will say I preferred the Salt and Fat episodes versus Acid and Heat, but they’re all so fun.

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Fuller House [Netflix]- I’m a 90s baby and grew up loving Full House. As an adult and parent, I am not ashamed to admit that I have watched every single episode of this series and love it! While it definitely can be cheesy at times, I got fully invested in the story lines. I love the entire cast, especially DJ’s son Max. He’s so cute! The cameos from Uncle Jesse don’t hurt either 😉

Clash of the Collectibles [Netflix]- If you’re a fan of Pawn Stars and/or Storage Wars, this off-beat show is a fun watch. It’s two men who are given an allotment each episode to find some treasures to then auction off. The man who collects the most money for his treasures then “wins” that episode, and it’s a 10 episode contest to see who can score the most. It’s set in Australia and these two guys are hilarious. They find some really awesome and weird stuff and the Aussie scenery doesn’t hurt, either! While there are tons of other shows I’d recommend first, this is a good watch for someone who has seen it all.

CHEER [Netflix] – This show follows a group of cheerleaders at a Texas school on their hopeful journey to win a national championship in Florida. This group of kids are so inspiring and their stories will tug at your heart strings. Their coach is a fearless leader and you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat near the end. Highly recommend! #JerryForPresident

REALITY TV

Love is Blind [Netflix] – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of LIB. Basically, people go into pods, speed date, and get engaged, all without seeing each other. Once they meet face to face, it gets GOOD. Highly recommend binging this [preferably in one sitting].

The Circle [Netflix] – This is a reality competition of sorts, where people are holed up in separate rooms and converse via “the circle”. Each week, they vote on their favorites until one is crowned the winner. It’s highly entertaining. There are 3 seasons [US, Brazil, France] and we thought France was the best, followed by Brazil, and then the US. Note that the Brazil and France seasons are in their languages, so you have to read the subtitles.

Too Hot To Handle [Netflix] – This show is so bad it’s good. It’s definitely MINDLESS entertainment, but if you need something like that, give this a go. Hot singles get stuck in a resort together and have to learn to form deeper bonds by, you guessed it, not hooking up! I’ll let you take it from there.

90 day Fiance [HULU] – Oh boy is this show a mess. But you can’t look away. This show follows around people who are bringing their future spouses to America on a K-1 Visa and have 90 days to tie the knot. You can just imagine the drama that ensues. There are a ton of seasons so go ahead and binge it up!

The Hills [HULU] – If you were in high school in the early 2000s like me, I’m sure you’ve already seen it, but this deserves a re-watch. Following majority of the cast from Laguna Beach, this gives a day-in-the-life glimpse into West Hollywood drama surround the rich and famous early 20s guys and gals.

So, there you have it! There’s truly something for everyone on this list. Let me know in the comments if you’ve seen any of these or if, based on these, you have any recommendations for things I may like!