9 More Shows to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying

Hopefully by now you have worked your way through 8 Shows to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying. You’ve had an entire year. No excuses.

So, what now? Still feeling old and tired and don’t really want to be out on the town in the middle of the night?

Fear not! I’ve got 8 More Shows to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying all ready for you.

I had to spend countless hours watching Netflix to formulate this list. What an awful research project for me! You’re welcome.

What Else to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying Tonight:

 

1. The Great British Baking Show

Watch if: You enjoy the Brits, like cooking contest shows, and don’t want to think too hard about what you’re watching.

So the husband vetoed this one on my list, but it’s my list, so it stays. The sister-in-law actually suggested that I watch this and I literally binged it. Watched them all in the span of one day. First of all, the British humor is incredible. Second of all, please notice the polite, calm and respectful demeanor of the contestants. COMPLETELY different from our cooking contest shows. And thirdly, prepare yourself to want to bake after you’ve watched it. It can’t be that hard, right?

2. Bones

Watch if: You like crimey drama type shows (think Law & Order, NCIS, CSI) and you’re a fan of intelligent and interesting dialogue.

This show can be a little cheesy and a little over the top, but it’s a completely different take on the typical crime dramas that you’re used to watching. Bones is a forensic anthropologist and watching her work and transform and interact with others is incomparable to any other character on any other show like this. There are 10 seasons just waiting for you on Netflix. Perfect for a complete and total binge.

3. The Roosevelts (An Intimate History)

Watch if: You have even the tiniest bit of interest in history.

The husband and I very much enjoy a good documentary and The Roosevelts is top-notch. It’s captivating from the first minute and you will legitimately feel sad when it’s over. (And you will learn about what a bad-ass Eleanor Roosevelt was.) Even if the Roosevelts or US History isn’t your cup of tea you really should give this one a chance. The entire thing is on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.

4. Black Mirror

Watch if: You want to spend hours in an existentialist frame of mind.

So, this show will get in your head.  I almost didn’t include it because it’s…different. The husband and I could only watch an episode every couple of days because it’s very deep and, at times, very dark. I suggest you watch it because 1. it’s always good to question things around you and 2. it’s incredibly interesting. Each episode is separate from the next; there is no linear progression. While I generally don’t enjoy shows like that I made an exception for Black Mirror and it was worth it. Warning: Be prepared for a small existentialist crisis after each episode.

5. Sherlock

 

Watch if: You don’t want to binge watch 4,000 episodes but you do like crime type shows that are extremely captivating.

So the problem with Sherlock is that each season is extremely short and we’ve been waiting around for another season for awhile. That’s the only problem. If you aren’t a fan of Benedict Cumberbatch then there is something seriously wrong with you. We are all somewhat knowledgeable about Sherlock Homes and Dr. Watson but this version of the classic takes the cake. (If you want to watch something about cake, though, then you’re looking for The Great British Baking Show.) Even if you know nothing about the characters and you’re a Sherlock newbie you should give this series a chance. It’s mentally stimulating and the dialogue is mind blowing. Enjoy.

6. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Watch if: You want to be surprised at how much you relate to someone who was saved from an underground bunker. ALSO BECAUSE IT’S DELIGHTFUL.

I’m a fan of Netflix originals (aren’t we all?) but Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt does a stellar job at presenting a character who appears from an underground bunker that I watch and think.. hmm.. that isn’t too far off from how I am as a person! The casting for this show must have been done by geniuses. Give it the first two episodes to get hooked. It’s a different, refreshing, and entertaining type of comedy.

7. Halt and Catch Fire

Watch if: You want a dramatic approach to the introduction of computers to the common people.

I wasn’t too keen to start watching this show.  The husband chose it and I assumed I would be bored to wits. It’s a little over the top at times, for me, especially in terms of the juxtaposition of stereotypical women. Besides that one complaint I must say the acting and writing are spot-on. Brilliant. It’s also NOT boring.Season 1 is on Netflix, Season 2 is not.

 8. Fringe

Watch if: You like science fictioney, timey-wimey, weebly wobbly kind of stuff. Also: JOSHUA JACKSON.

So initially I wrote Joshua Jackson over and over here, because that should be enough of a reason for you to watch Fringe… but just in case you weren’t in love with Pacey Witter I’ll give you a tad bit more information. All the seasons of this show can be found on Netflix. It’s about fringe science (get it? Fringe?) so be prepared to expand your mind to accept things that you previously thought were impossible. The plot has a lot of twists and turns so you will never guess what’s coming next. Also, if you don’t love Walter Bishop you’re dead inside. (Also, Joshua Jackson.)

9. Daredevil

Watch if: You like the superhero type shows and are comfortable with a dark, gloomy, gritty show. 

I’ve made it clear that I am a fan of the Netflix originals, and while this isn’t one of my very favorites, it’s definitely worth a watch. It’s a darker show, so if you’re looking for something lighthearted then choose something else on this list. It also wasn’t too over-the-top superhero for me – the characters were somehow easy to relate to, which I appreciate.  Basically a blind guy is running around beating the tar out of the bad guys. Also, he’s a lawyer. Casting is pretty good. You’ll recognize some main characters. Season 1 is ready and waiting for you.

 

Hopefully at least one of these will get you through New Year’s Eve feeling entertained.

Also:

Happy New Year!

 

MKJ

8 Shows to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying

FIRST THINGS FIRST. Friends is coming to NetFlix. New Year’s Day. Congratulations, 2015. You already win. 

That aside, I don’t care very much for New Year’s Eve and resolutions and spending a lot of money in one night just because it’s starting a new year. I do like sparkly clothes and glitter, but really I feel like I can rock those things any old day. Also, let’s face it: we millennials aren’t the youngsters anymore and we can’t really hold our own with the 20 somethings in the bar.

In lieu of breaking the bank on vodka sprites or  pomegranate martinis or bourbons, and then dealing with a subsequent awful and debilitating hangover, I’m going to give you an (obvious) alternative: stay home and watch NetFlix.

And, just in case you need some help, I’m going to give you a list of shows to choose from. (You cannot, however, have my Netflix log-in, but it only costs like 10 bucks a month. Sorry.)

Without further ado, I give to you:

What to Watch on Netflix Instead of Partying Tonight

1. Peaky Blinders

Watch If: You want something historical and badass.

You MUST MUST MUST watch this show. It’s set in London, post WWI, and no words or descriptions can do this show justice. It’s about a family making their way (shadily)  to the top and the acting is so incredible that after you watch it you will wish you lived in the slums and forced your way to wealth by being a true gangster. This is a NetFlix original, and there are only two seasons but when you finish season two you just might start watching the show all over again. Not that that’s what we did. Okay, that’s exactly what we did.

2. Cheers

Watch If: You’ve seen all the other sitcoms but want something that is comical but not super deep.

If you’re a fan of any 90’s sitcom, or just sitcoms in general, you must go watch the show that started it all: Cheers. Ted Danson as Sam Malone is the epitome of a flirty womanizer and the shenanigans that ensue will remind you of all the episodes of all the other series that have come on TV since Cheers paved the way. You’ll also enjoy deciding if you hate Diane or Rebecca the most. Cheers also tackles some issues that society put off for a looong time – like being gay. All in all it’s an easy show to watch and, to be honest, you really should watch a show that you already know the theme song to.

3. The InBetweeners (The British Version) 

Watch If: You enjoy the Brits and aren’t offended by teenage humor.

This show is raunchy, but the cast consists of teenage British boys, so you know from the get-go that it’s going to be a little out there. Most of the dialogue consists of the guys making fun of each other, cursing, or making sexual references… teenage boy style… so maybe don’t watch it if you’re chilling with your parents or your kids. You will expand your vocabulary tenfold, though….albeit it will be with British teenage slang. Still, pretty cool.

4. The IT Crowd

Watch If: You enjoy the Brits and understand the feeling of having a job that makes you want to punch people.

This is another British gem that will expand your sense of humor. Moss, Roy, and Jenn work in the basement of a large company as the IT department and they are ridiculous and their jobs are pointless and..wait..you will totally relate! Get ready to enjoy the character of Moss, because he is super quirky and kooky.

5. Particle Fever 

Watch If: You want to learn something sciencey but not be bored to tears / you’re looking for something to watch that isn’t the typical sitcom or drama.

So, you may not be into science and physics, and that’s okay, because I’m not either. But….this is actually a documentary about particle physics, the CERN Supercollider, and the Higgs-Boson particle. This documentary takes one of the most complex ideas on the earth (in my opinion) and explains it and makes it somehow not extremely boring interesting. I feel like I’ve already lost some of you, but, please, trust me on this one, and give it a chance. I searched and searched for other documentaries on physics after watching this, that’s how amazing it is.

6. When We Left Earth

Watch If: You want to learn something sciencey, think space is kind of cool, and, again, don’t want to be bored to tears.

Okay, so this is another sciencey show, and it’s about NASA.  Guys, it is riveting. Sadly, Netflix has pulled it, but that’s where I first watched this series, so I’m including it in this list. Luckily, there is a YouTube video with all the episodes! Basically, it chronicles the history of our journey into space. Even if you aren’t interested in NASA or space, this series will draw you in and at the end you will feel really sad that we aren’t still making trips to the moon. You can watch it here.

7. Dr. Who 

Watch If: You want something sciencey, funny, and you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about 

I’ll admit that it took me a couple of tries to start watching Dr. Who. I haven’t watched the super old ones, we started with the 9th doctor and once I got into the show I haven’t been able to stop rewatching. If you know anyone who watches the show, then you know there’s something special about the Doctor. Give the show a chance — my advice is to start with the episode called ‘The Girl in the Fireplace’ and then work from there. You will go back and watch them all once you get hooked. And you will get hooked. And then you can join in the arguments over which Doctor is the best Doctor. (It’s 10).

8. New Girl

Watch If: You want something hilarious, not super deep, and you secretly wish you dressed like Zooey Deschanel. 

I don’t feel like many people watch this show, or at least I don’t see many people talk about it on social media. If you don’t love Schmidt and think he is rip-roaring hilarious, then you need to have your funny bone checked. This show has been around for a while, so some of you may already be on the New Girl train. If not, prepare to be overcome with laughter, because the chemistry between these characters makes this show addicting.

Honorable Mentions:

These are shows you’ve most likely watched, but if you haven’t, you need to go ahead and watch them, too.

• House of Cards
• Orange is the New Black
• The Office
• Entourage (Okay, this one isn’t on NetFlix, but you will definitely feel like you are partying even though you’re just watching the show.)
• Freaks and Geeks
• Cosmos

Happy New Year!

MKB