I've always loved watching movies and tv shows. I know I get this from my sweet dad who grew up without a television set in his house and who made up for it once he became an adult with a tv in every room of our house and a big satellite dish in the backyard. Like the kind tv stations use. #notevenkidding. Some of my fondest memories of coming home from college are of waking up early on the weekends, bringing my parents coffee and OJ on a tray and then settling in to watch old movies together. Today my kids are masters of scanning channels quick to bypass old movie channels because they know that if I see an old title I recognize, well, guess what we're doing for the next 90 minutes or so?
I don't know about you, but I've leaned in pretty hard with new shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime during my time in quarantine. I'm sure some of you can relate. ha! I can say I am definitely a binge watcher with a twist. I sometimes have to re-watch episodes later once I realize I was so focused on work or admittedly I fall asleep while watching tv at night. Other reasons I may have to watch them again... truth be told...I may binge watch shows ahead of my husband so I may see some things more than once. #allegedly
If you're looking for new shows to watch, have a look at my honest takes on the shows below - I have a feeling you'll find a new favorite!
Away
I loved this show for many reasons...
1. It shows a strong woman, played by Hillary Swank, who refuses to let anything stop her from following her dreams of being an astronaut who goes to Mars, but also shows her struggles with juggling her personal life and parenthood.
2. I loved the diverse, world wide cast who, despite their cultural differences in the show, grew to know that we are all the same no matter where we come from. I highly recommend if you haven't seen it yet!
Longmire
I'm quite the fan of crime thrillers, and this take on the genre is riveting to me! The story follows a Wyoming sheriff as he navigates his life and career following the death of his wife. Anything that has heart and adrenaline is my kind of show, and this one has it in spades! Plus the landscape scenery is beyond gorgeous...they actually filmed the series in New Mexico. The cast is vibrant and if you love tv from the 70's and 80's you just might recognize a few people.
Indian Matchmaking
I never knew how deep this matchmaking practice goes for those of Indian descent, but this was beyond fascinating to watch. My favorite featured gal was Nadia - she is just a pure ray of sunshine, and you just want the best for her! Suffice it to say, you'll be able understand why certain other characters have had no luck in the love department - we can discuss once you're caught up! Entertaining and endlessly fascinating!
Love on the Spectrum
As much as my teenagers didn't want to watch this with me, it was a great learning lesson on how dating is difficult for anyone and everyone, regardless of perceived disabilities. We rarely get to see the awkward starting phases of dating someone new as a young adult, and the show as a whole is just really heartwarming. Highly recommend this one for the whole family!
Jack Ryan
John Krasinski is enough of a reason to watch this take on the Tom Clancy series. Am I right or what? Hands down this is my number 1 favorite on any channel. I actually think of my boys when I watch him navigate the stubbornness of the CIA and think critically and differently than his more experienced counterparts. That's what we're trying to teach them...to think for themselves and not just be yes people. Put this on your watch list. You'll thank me later.
Eco Challenge: World's Toughest Race
Even from that title, you know this show gets my blood pumpin'. I'm convinced I can compete every time I watch, and my husband just nods along whenever I give a shout out of "I could TOTALLY do this!" International teams of adventure athletes travel a 300-mile endurance trek, traveling by foot, kayak, horse and mountain bike, just to name a few. You just watch...I'll be on that show or one similar one day and you'll say "huh, she knew it all along."
Ok, since I first made this list I have one more to add and its only 90 minutes. The Social Dilemma. Seriously, watch it. We watched it together as a family and stopped multiple times to discuss. I don't care if you have kids, not have kids, hate social media or love it, I think its eye opening and super scary and everyone should watch it and learn.
So those are my current obsessions - do you have any shows you're currently binge watching? Leave me a comment below and tell me what my next marathon binge watch should be!