So Much Great TV!

It’s honestly hard for me to remember TV and movies in a pre-Netflix world.

Okay, that sounds dramatic. It is dramatic. And, of course, I have distinct memories of watching TV only in real time, of when movies were on VHS, etc. But it really is amazing how the world of entertainment has opened up thanks to Netflix and other streaming services. One of the best things about it, I think, is that this onslaught of availability has made TV really step up its game (and completely redefine what “TV” means). Netflix and Hulu have had some amazing exclusive series offerings, and it’s great to have access to so many wonderful shows that debuted on “regular TV” and are now also housed in Netflix’s database.

I’m constantly impressed with the level of TV these days, and love discovering both new and new-to-me shows.

With that in mind, I thought I’d pass along some of the shows I’ve been enjoying lately thanks to Netflix:

How I Met Your Mother: I was thoroughly convinced I wouldn’t like this show. Despite all the rave reviews I’d heard, I’d caught a HIMYM episode here and there and just wasn’t on board. There’s a laugh track and it seemed SO very sitcom-y — blech. But then, I decided to give it a legit chance and — what do you know? — I’m now a fan. The characters are awesomely lovable(Jason Segel! NPH!), you get used to the laugh track, and the attention to detail is impeccable. I suggest checking this show out if you missed the boat, like I did. (Also, these cookies, inspired by the show? SO good.)

The Chef’s Table: If you love food and/or mesmerizingly beautiful cinematography, please check out this six-episode series spotlighting innovative chefs from across the globe.

Black Mirror: I haven’t made it through this whole series yet, but what I’ve seen is incredible. This is one of those shows you have to pay 100% attention to (no texting while watching!). Each episode is a uniquely different story, all set in the future but with themes that definitely hit close to home as far as how our society exists today. (Tip: This is a British show, so turning on the subtitles will ensure you don’t miss any of the dialogue!)

Twin Peaks: Now that Kevin and I have started watching this early 90s show, I can totally see how it became such a cult classic. It’s SO bizarre, and just when you think they’ve hit the weirdo threshold they bust right through and keep on going. It’s worth a watch. (Also, the show’s famed theme song is now the alarm on my phone. So there’s that.)

Grace & Frankie: What do you get when you feature Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in a Netflix series together? Magic, as it turns out. (I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, given the amazingness that was 9 to 5 back in 1980.) Grace & Frankie manages to strike an impressive balance between full-on comedy and “real-talk” moments, as Tomlin and Fonda’s characters try to make sense of things when their husbands come out as gay lovers late in their marriages.

Bates Motel: Eerie as all get-out — with a mother/son relationship that will send shivers up your spine — I found this show so watchable, and blew through the two-season series in a couple of weeks.

What Netflix TV gems have you been binging on lately?