Best things to watch on Netflix, Prime and Apple TV+
Feel like watching something?
I’m not usually one for watching tonnes of TV (there’s so much else to see, do, learn and experience!) - but I do tend to watch more in the winter and if I’m feeling unwell.
However, with the current “don’t go out” situation, it’s a good distraction AND as well as some high-quality entertainment, there are some really wonderful things to watch. So, here are my recommendations.
NOTE: I’m in the UK, and what’s on varies by country so apologies if you can’t see what I can!
Netflix
Nature documentaries - There are some fantastic things to watch. One Planet is a brilliant one, but there’s lots more. Learn about our planet with Sir David Attenborough!
After Life - I’m a big fan of anything Ricky Gervais does (there’s more of his work on Netflix, too) This show is poignant, beautifully written tale about a man whose wife has died, and he is pretty depressed (who wouldn’t be, right?) and yet as much as it’s moving, it’s also funny. Very very good. Superb, even. New season coming soon, too.
Lost in Space - A modern re-make following The Robinson family. Really good, full of action, suspense, drama in every single episode. A must if you enjoy sci-fi (which I don’t, usually, but still recommend).
Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul - Both the original series and it’s spin off are really excellent writing, fantastic characters and complex plots. I don’t want to say too much about it, it’s best to just watch.
How I Met Your Mother - I didn’t watch this when it was on TV, but it’s so good. Very funny, relatable characters, lots of romance and will they/won’t they moments. If you like Friends, Scrubs, Brooklyn 99 … you’ll enjoy this. Same goes for:
Brookyln 99 - Hilarious, brilliant writing, one of the best TV shows since Friends. Taking buddy-cop comedy to another level. New season coming soon so plenty of watch time.
Suits - Again, I missed this when it was on regular TV and I admit I watched out of curiously to see Meghan. However: really got into the other characters (Harvey and Donna’s will they/won’t they is akin to Ross/Rachel!) Sometimes it gets a little slow/repetitive on the lawyer side but stick with it as the last season is excellent.
Virgin River - A lovely watch. I want to move to Virgin River! About a nurse who moves to a small community to escape a traumatic past. Some lovely romance and stunning scenery. Nice ‘girly’ one.
The Stranger - Suspense, intrigue, mystery. A stranger tells secrets to the main character about his wife, he confronts her, then she goes missing. Keeps you guessing with lots of twists and turns. Enjoyable!
The Good Place - Starring Ted Danson, Kirsten Bell & more. Completely unique… the central characters die and get sent to ‘the Good place’ - but “heaven” isn’t what you might expect. Funny, a splash of romance, bizarre at times but all-round good fun.
Love is Blind - OK, total cheesy “trash” TV but I LOVED IT! Strangers date and get engaged without seeing each other, and yes it’s as crazy as it sounds. Reality TV at it’s finest! Easy, fun watch.
You - Psychological thriller about a stalker… very interesting psychology and brilliant writing (at times I even found myself liking the stalker!) Lots of twists I didn’t see coming. Well worth a watch.
Chesapeake Shores - If you like cheesy, soft, Hallmark dramas then this is for you. I’ve put on in the background before when working on simple boring tasks. Nice feel-good, easy watch.
The Crown - Can’t decide if I like this one or not. On the one hand, it’s interesting. On the other, it’s about real people who are still alive! And who serve our country faithfully, constantly in the public eye, for very little thanks - yet it’s not that flattering... Plus: it’s not 100% accurate. AND it’s kinda depressing. So… watch it if it appeals, but be warned.
Jane Austen adaptations - they’re all good but the BBC TV series of Pride & Prejudice and, again BBC - Emma, are both on Netflix right now and I must’ve watched them 10 times each, and know them by heart, but I still ADORE. Romantic, witty, feel-good escapism.
Stand up comedians - There’s quite a few on there, I enjoyed Jack Whitehall and Ricky Gervais in particular.
Amazon Prime
Parks & Recreation - I binge-watched when I was unwell and it’s so good. Light, easy watching, very very very funny, but tackles some important issues as well.
Hunters - Starring Al Pacino & others you’ll recognise. Very interesting, it’s got a bit of everything: action, intrigue, suspense, drama, emotion. About a team of Nazi hunters in the ‘70’s, inspired by real events. Lots of flash backs to Auschwitz (although take some of the history with a pinch of salt). Very good.
Carnival Row - Starring Orlando Bloom. Set in a fantasy world, tackling issues including racism. Action, romance, twists - a bit different but enjoyable.
Aeronaughts - One of the few movies on my list. Really interesting film set in the 1800’s about a scientist who wants to go up higher than anyone before him in a hot air balloon, to study the weather. Based on true events… rather inspiring.
This is Us - I’m only part-way through but this is a lovely show, flicking back and forth between three siblings and then 30 years previously to their parents story, when they were raising them. Great characters, tackles tricky issues well. Enjoyable.
Elementary - Modern day Sherlock Holmes starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu (who is Watson), set in NYC. If you like Sherlock, you’ll probably enjoy this. New mystery to be solved each episode, but with great character development for the regulars.
Jack Ryan - Lots of action, intrigue. If you like the Bourne films, you’ll enjoy this. Good one to watch with the hubby!
Sneaky Pete - Really, really good (shame they’ve stopped making it so be warned: it doesn’t have a decent ending), about a guy who claims to be ‘Pete’ - a man estranged from his family, and fits in with them and their lives.
Apple TV+
The Morning Show - Starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carrell. It’s gritty, has some amazing acting, tackles some really tough issues like the ‘Me Too’ movement. Gets better and better…
I’m a new Apple TV+ subscriber so haven’t watched much else yet. Trying Dickinson but not sure I love it. There’s lots more on there that looks good, too, to keep us entertained.