It’s a crazy time right now, and staying in seems to be our best bet for staying healthy and safe. So, what do we do with all of that free time? Binge some great shows, of course! Here’s a list of some binge-worthy series you won’t want to miss! This list includes recommendations from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Disney+, so there’s something for everyone. We’ll skip over the super popular ones that everyone has seen time and time again, and go for a few hidden gems. Here we go!
Netflix
1. The Haunting of Hill House
This one may be fairly popular, but I’m always surprised by the number of people who haven’t heard of it. The Haunting of Hill House has a series of mysterious twists and turns, multiple timelines to follow, and some very real creeps and thrills, all carried out by an amazing cast. If you’re down for some spooky bingeing, this is a good place to start (and stay tuned for The Haunting of Bly Manor coming later this year).
2. Girlboss
If you need some girl power, look no further! While this show was sadly cut short at one season, it was one hell of a season. Ups, downs and crazy sideways moments; and all based on a true story. This girl boss going on her ultimate fashion adventure into the real world is raw and relatable in the best, messiest sort of way.
3. Santa Clarita Diet
This is that kind of show that is so funny, but kind of makes you think you might be a terrible person for thinking it’s funny. But hey, you’re in the safety of your own home, so why not give it a try? Drew Barrymore becomes a zombie, and she and her husband (Timothy Olyphant) must transition from their simple suburban life to navigating her new one full of cravings for human flesh. But in a fun way. Promise.
Hulu
If you don’t have cable (like most millennials), but there are still shows currently airing that you’re interested in, Hulu is the way to go!
4. Good Girls
Okay, this one is pretty popular, but I just couldn’t risk there being people out there who don’t know how great it is. These ladies are just moms. Moms with money troubles. Moms with money troubles who decide to rob a grocery store. It’s so out there that it all works together to make an awesome TV show. And now that it’s airing on NBC, you can stream it all on Hulu! (Seasons 1 and 2 are also on Netflix).
5. Stumptown
When you think of someone who has their life together, it is not Dex. She’s nothing short of a disaster, but she’s a P.I. so it’s a fun trainwreck. You can’t look away.
6. Single Parents
This one is just light and fun. It’s all about a group of single parents who don’t seem to have much in common apart from being, well, single parents. Together, this group of outsiders and their kids get into all kinds of shenanigans, and it’s just a good time.
Amazon Prime
7. Psych
Okay, if I had to choose just one show to binge, this would be it. Psych is an oldie (it’s actually not airing anymore), but it is my go-to. I’ve watched it through multiple times and still laugh out loud at it. It’s witty, silly and crime-solvey (not a word, but I was on a roll). Shawn Spencer is a psychic detective, but not really. He’s just super observant. His partner, Gus, is a pharmaceutical salesman by day, and a consulting detective, also by day (he never really seems to make it to his job). If you listen to anything I say in this post, let it be this, “WATCH THIS SHOW!”
8. Z: The Beginning of Everything
This Prime original was sadly cancelled young, but it tells the story (loosely) of the glamorous and raucous life of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. These “Gatsby” vibes are to die for. A drama-filled adventure you’ll love to escape to!
Disney+
9. Kim Possible
Or insert-your-favorite-childhood-disney-show-here. KP happens to be my number one from my after-school-cartoon days, but sometimes some nostalgia can just make you feel good! Grab a niece, nephew, little cousin or sibling and introduce them to what you loved as a kid. It’s a blast. And as KP would say, “It’s so not the drama?”
10. Agent Carter
If Peggy Carter isn’t your favorite Marvel lady, she should be. Agent Carter (another show cancelled too soon - after just two seasons) tells Peg’s story after the traumatic events of Captain America: The First Avenger. She’s a boss lady breaking into the world of espionage in a time when no one wanted to see a woman succeed at anything. It’s sassy and inspiring and just a lot of fun. Plus, Chad Michael Murray is in it, so there’s that.
Bonus
If TV shows aren’t always your thing, and you like true crime but also comedy, check out My Favorite Murder (available wherever you listen to podcasts). It’s a podcast by two awesome ladies who talk about, well, their favorite murders. If you think this sounds super bizarre and kind of creepy, please refer back to option 9 on the list.
And listen, if you haven’t watched Stranger Things, Parks and Rec, New Girl, The Crown, or The Great British Baking Show (all available on Netflix), you should definitely do that too. Thanks for reading, and happy bingeing!
About the Author
Hailey Rudd is a communications professional working in the TV world to learn new perspectives and skills. She graduated from Lee University in 2017 with a love for creative writing and a desire to bring her gifts and skills back to her community. Hailey has been a contributing member of Young Professionals of Knoxville since July 2018. She enjoys traveling the world in pursuit of new adventures, experimenting with baking and spending time outdoors with her dog.