The UK has now entered Lockdown 3.0, which means that for the foreseeable future we’ll all be staying home and likely binge watching TV shows.
I’ve compiled a list of TV programmes that I think you
should be watching during your spare time throughout lockdown, and which
platform you can find them on! So whether you’re a Netflix-er or a Disney+
fanatic, there should be something for you to watch to help carry you through
these next few months. I’ve also provided you with a lil’ breakdown of how many
seasons and episodes there are, so that if you’re like me and like to get your
teeth stuck into a longggg show that’ll keep you going for a while, you’ll know
which ones are for you!
Bridgerton
Netflix’ newest series, and the one that has got EVERYBODY
talking! Think Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey meets Harlots and you’ll be on
the right lines. But be warned, this probably isn’t one to watch with your
parents!
Platform: Netflix
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
The West Wing
An oldie but a goodie. The West Wing is the original White
House political drama. It’s witty and poignant, with incredible writing but
also gives an in-depth insight into American politics and government systems.
It might be political but boring it is not, and you’ll be hooked from the first
episode! The first season may have originally been released in 1999 but many of
it’s topics, themes and discussions are just as relevant today as they were
then. You’ll also see some very familiar faces, as The West Wing helped launch
the careers of some Hollywood favourites!
Platform: Channel 4
Seasons: 7
Episodes: 156
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Also known as CAOS or just Sabrina, it’s based on The
Sabrina the Teenage Witch Comic books, however is nothing like the 90’s sitcom.
CAOS is a supernatural horror show with elements of comedy and romance thrown
in for good measure. It delves into the world of witches, demons, hell and
magic, pairing incredible young talent with beautiful costumes and insane
prosthetics and CGI. The final season of this was released on Netflix on New
Year’s Eve, and I have to say, I’m heartbroken that it won’t be coming back!
It’s an absolute scream of a show, and is likely to stay in my top 10 for a
long while to come.
Platform: Netflix
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 36
One Chicago
One Chicago is the franchise name for the three series
created by Dick Wolf following the first responders of the city of Chicago. There’s
Chicago Fire, PD and Med, featuring the firefighters, police officers, doctors
and nurses of Chicago. Dramatic, gritty and featuring some of my favourite TV
characters and ships of all time! Action packed and character driven, the
writing also doesn’t shy away from discussing and facing important and timely
topics too.
Platform: Amazon Prime
Chicago Fire- Seasons: 9, Episodes: 181
Chicago PD – Seasons: 8, Episodes 150
Chicago MD – Seasons: 6, Episodes: 105
Hustle
Another oldie, but one that’s sure to put a smile on your
face! Hustle follows a group of London con-men and women. The group is the
modern day equivalent of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich but instead of
giving to the poor, they keep the riches for themselves. Hustle will have you
cackling, whilst also wondering how they did it! They often break the fourth
wall, bringing you along for their adventures and escapades across the capital,
and teaching you some of their secrets and tricks in the process!
Platform: BritBox
Seasons: 8
Episodes: 48
The Imagineering Story
Perfect for any Disney parks fans, a documentary series
detailing the birth and creation, ups and downs of Disney Land, Disney World
and all of the subsequent global Disney parks. It’s completely fascinating and
magical learning about the incredible detail the Imagineers put into everything
they do, and the way they go about creating all of the parks, lands and rides
that make up the Disney universe.
Platform: Disney+
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
The Handmaid's Tale
I mean, if you’ve not heard about this one, what planet have
you been living on? The Handmaid’s Tale is dark and deep, set in a dystopian
America ran by an oppressive, totalitarian, patriarchal regime. We follow June,
who is part of a group known as “Handmaid’s” who are subjected to child-baring,
sexual slavery. Be warned, it’s not an easy watch but in my opinion is an
exceptionally important one commenting on feminism, terrorism, a women’s right
to choose, the distortion of religion and more. It also features award winning
and mind-blowingly fantastic performances by some incredible, incredible
actors.
Platform: Amazon Prime
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 36
Peter Kay's Car Share
Peter Kay is a british Icon, and if you’re in need of a
giggle based on the stupid things us Brits do and say, then look no further.
Two supermarket staff are brought together by a work car share scheme, and we
then watch the drama and hilarity unfold on their daily commute.
Platform: Amazon Prime
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 12
Cursed
Perfect for the fantasy geeks. Cursed is set in the world of
Merlin, Arthur, Morgana and the fey. It’s a new take on the old classic,
following powerful young fey Nimue as she goes on a journey with young
mercenary, Arthur to save her people. There’s twists and turns, characters who
straddle the line between good and bad, mysteries and questions, plus plenty of
magic, drama and fight scenes too.
Platform: Netflix
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10
Derry Girls
Another comedy that will have you HOWLING all night (and
day) long. Set in Derry, Northern Ireland in the 1990’s during the troubles.
Derry Girls follows a group of teenage girls navigating life, teenage crushes,
army check points, and school with a battle axe head teacher, Nun, Sister
Michael. It’s clever, it’s witty, it’s charming, it’s real and I’m sure you’ll
love it too!
Platform: Channel 4 / Netflix
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 12
Vikings
Long running series Vikings is one of my favourites of all time. It’s brutal, dark and mysterious, with incredible battle scenes and a complex array of messy and challenging characters. It is 110% better than Game of Thrones, and I’ll happily fight anyone on that! There’s blood, gore, politics, family tension, badass female characters and relationship drama juicer than a Love Island recoupling.
Note: I’m a big GOT fan, no hate for it, Vikings just
smashes it out of the water!
Platform: Amazon Prime
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 89
Gavin and Stacey
Do I even need to convince you on this one? Because if you’ve
not seen G&S, then you must, go, now, and watch it! The love story of an
Essex boy and a Welsh girl, and their crazy but loveable gang of family and
friends. You’ll be quoting classic Bryn or Nessa lines everyday, you’ll be
living for a Pam meltdown or drama, and of course, you’ll join the rest of us
in forever wondering what happened on THAT fishing trip.
Platform: BBC iplayer
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 21
Love,
Holly
