The Bletchley Circle makes our year-end list of favorite shows to binge-watch. What’s on your list? (Photo Source: http://blogs.weta.org )
By Colleen Schuler
Netflix! Instead of my annual recap of movies in cinema, I thought I’d share what my husband and I have been watching on Netflix. After all, the movies (in the theater) are so five minutes ago. Besides, Netflix is a great way to catch up on TV shows that you missed or find some gems you never knew existed. Now if this list seems heavily weighted towards the Brits, well, what can I say? They’re good!
The British Invasion
- The Bletchley Circle: What would you do if you figured out that not only is a second killing going to take place but where? And if the authorities don’t believe you? This series (set in the early 1950s) follow four women—former WWII code breakers—as they solve crimes faster than the police. There are two seasons with three storylines; unfortunately it wasn’t renewed for a third.
- Endeavour: The prequel to the Inspector Morse series…I love this younger version. A cerebral detective constable joins the Oxford police department and seems to annoy his colleagues for being so smart! Well done. Make sure you see the pilot of the series first (Endeavour, 2012). Four episodes per season. Don’t have Netflix? PBS also airs this series.
- Inspector Lewis: Following in the footsteps of Inspector Morse…Inspector Lewis has a wry, witty sidekick in Detective Sergeant Hathaway as they solve crimes in present day Oxford. In its seventh season on PBS.
- MI-5: This is an oldie but oh so good if you like the spy/espionage genre. Set in present day, this series is about the British domestic intelligence agency and their efforts to keep Britain safe. If you start this series, plan for the long haul—it spanned 10 seasons (86 episodes). But so worth it. (P.S. If you want to read a page-turning, engrossing can’t-put-down book from a real MI-5 agent, try to find The SpyCatcher by Peter Wright.)
The Eclectic Collection
- Continuum: Time-traveling, mind-bending, twist, and turn plots! Kiera Cameron, a Vancouver police detective from 2077, travels back to 2012 to stop rebels from destroying her world. Get your popcorn ready; this is ideal for marathon sessions.
- Longmire: Set in Wyoming, this series centers on a sheriff who’s back on the job after being widowed for a year. Of course, there’s a back story to that which unfolds as the series develops. He’s up for reelection and one of his deputies wants his job. Netflix has picked it up for a fourth season, set to air late 2015.
- Annika Bengtzon: Crime Reporter: A Swedish series about a journalist who has a knack for digging out the real story. The show also shows how she deals with her family life. Only six episodes, English subtitles.
Your Streaming Picks
Those are my Netflix picks. As more and more of us are cutting the cable-cord and turning to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus, there are so many options for binge-watching online serials, back in the day TV shows, old movies, and even documentaries. (1) What is your favorite streaming service (e.g., Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Amazon)? (2) What are your favorite shows or programs to watch on Netflix and other streaming services?
Tags: , binge-viewing, binge-watching, blog, Colleen Schuler, , Hulu, Netflix, Ola Sage
@Colleen,
Thanks for pulling this together. I try to clear about 3 hours Saturday or Sunday to binge-watch TV…usually through my TiVo service, which integrates DVR, Netlfix, Amazon, and other streaming services.
My Favorite Streaming Service(s):
Netflix is by-far my favorite streaming service. YouTube is next and then Amazon. Hulu is my least favorite because of the ads.
My favorite shows or programs to watch on Netflix and other streaming service:
Alpha House (Amazon political comedy – HIGH-larious!)
Breaking Bad (One of the best shows ever)
Sons of Anarchy (Gritty and well-written)
Orange is the New Black (another insanely funny show on Netflix)
House of Cards (if you haven’t seen it…you’re missing out…good for shock value…it’s the gem of Netflix)
My favorite shows or programs to watch on DVR (time-shifting)
How to Get Away with Murder
Arrow
The Flash
The Black List
I have more shows…but NOT enough time to add to this list…this is a great time for TV and diverse storytelling…
Netflix but I also find myself streaming my cable on demand service through my computer as well.
I Love Love Love
Orange is The New Black and House of Cards
I binged watched and am now hooked on because of Netflix
The Walking Dead and Scandal
I really like to binge watch on Netflix
Stand Up Comedies
@Dennis,
Thanks for sharing; impressive list! And you’re right….there’s never enough time!!
@Oona,
I think Scandal will be my next binge show. I wasn’t able to catch it when it first started airing but plan to start soon.
But The Walking Dead? Eh, I get my fill of zombies when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror!!!
Collie, you must try the Walking Dead series. The zombies are just scenery—albeit gory–it’s the characters and storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat and reaching for the tissues. I got Greg hooked on it! Also loved Call the Midwife, another British series set in WWII England. Sistah
@Nora,
Hmmm, horror and tears in the same show? Now I’m intrigued. Okay, I will give it a try. Thanks for visiting!
Orange is the New Black is our favorite!
@Amelia,
…but I will check it out.
Well orange is definitely not in my color palette
(Actually, I know someone who heard that phrase and thought it was about fashion. One of her friends set her straight when they went shopping for an orange dress.)
Thanks for stopping by!
I heard a rumor that all 10 seasons of Friends will be available in January! Friends never gets old!
@Rachel,
It’s not a rumor! For those of you who will not be cheering for the Buckeyes on Jan. 1, you can begin binge watching Friends on Netflix…all 236 episodes will be available. Now that is a cause for some serious popcorn!
Thanks Rachel!
Thanks for all of the recommendations! I have not heard of some of them. The only thing better than watching a show with no commercials is BINGE watching! I will purposely save up several episodes of a show and then dive-in! Next up: Scandal!
@Maureen,
I agree! Nothing better than putting on your ‘jammies (or never getting out of them!) and having that remote in your control!
We’ll have to compare notes on Scandal. (I’ll have my people call your people
)
Thanks for your input!
Um, hello? Can’t believe no one has mentioned only the greatest show ever in the history of mankind in this age and in the age to come . . . “Homeland”!!! This show has British actors, American actors, a global issue storyline, with all the suspense and action you could ever fit in an hour long show. Pick up the first season and I promise that you will remain glued to your couch binge watching and ignoring all obligations that you otherwise might have except perhaps . . . to get online to order the next 3 seasons!
@Bambo, Actually Homeland is on DVR list…I’ve only caught 3 episodes this season. The rest are recorded. I just need to reserve time during the holidays to catch up. But I agree…it is an awesome, intelligent show.
@Bambo,
Thanks for catching that glaring omission! I don’t get Showtime but caught a couple of episodes when I was visiting my parents. So glad it’s on Netflix now. Will definitely put it in our list.
Thanks again!