As the weather gets cooler, and the days become shorter, we all crave the comfort of staying in. Nestling down with a good show, movie, or latest Netflix craze. There is something comforting about ordering out on a friday night, grabbing a fuzzy blanket, curling up with a loved one (or your pet) and tuning sinking your teeth into a good show. Sometimes we want to skip the bar scene and go for a more low key, and cheaper option. Well, worry no longer that there is “nothing good on TV” (I also mean Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime) just take a look at this list and the work of finding your brand new obsession is done already for you.
So get ready to get to your DVR, or log on, and enjoy these binge-worthy shows.
1. The Americans ( on FX)
Summary: The Americans is about two soviet spies who are living in Washington, D.C., in the 1980’s, looking to spread Communism. The two spies are in an arranged marriage; the show looks into the struggles of married life.
2. Orange is The New Black (Netflix)
Summary: I’m sure we have all heard of this show to an extent, and the plot is relatively basic at first, considering it is one of Netflix’s most watched series. The series revolves around Piper Chapman, an early thirties typical pretty blonde woman who happens to get sentenced 15 months in a women’s minimum security federal prison over drug charges. The drug crime was committed 10 years prior and since Piper has moved on with her life (or so she thought). Her very unexpected indictment seriously interrupts her relationships with her fiancé, family and friends.
3. Scandal (ABC, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon)
Summary: Olivia Pope is a Washington, D.C., based “spin doctor,” who does whatever she can to get the most rich and powerful members of society out of any scandalous situation. While protecting the reputations of the powerful and wealthy, she remains challenged to ensure her skeletons stay in the closet.
4. Empire (Hulu, and FOX)
Summary: This show revolves around a large hip-hop music and entertainment company, known as Empire Entertainment. The Family that has started the entertainment company now is fighting over who is to take control of Empire Entertainment after finding out that main character Lucious, founder and CEO of the label, has been diagnosed with ALS. Ideally, he looks to turn the company over to one of his three sons, until his ex-wife and co-founder of the company is released from prison, and comes to claim her stake.
5. The Walking Dead (AMC)
Summary: Post Zombie Apocalyptic world, Need I say more?
6. Arrow (the CW)
Summary: An attractive, sheltered, billionaire playboy, Oliver Queen, is thought to be dead. The thing is though, he is not dead but stranded on an island after his father’s yacht sinks, and he survives there for about five years. While he is on this island, he meets others who have been stuck there, and he learns how to survive on his own with the help of the others. Oliver learns to fight, and he also learns about his father's true corruptive nature. Eventually, Oliver returns back to society and he is changed. He looks to make things right, and seeks revenge on those who have corrupted the city.
7. Game of Thrones (HBO, HBO Go)
Summary: (admittedly, I just started watching this, and I’m obsessed) A fantasy drama TV series, based off the book series written by George R.R. Martin, Game Of Thrones. Basically this show is very long, and super interesting, with so much detail that I will give you the Reader's Digest version. The story is set in a fictional place called Westeros, and it takes place in many kingdoms (which we learn are all ruled by one king). There is the main King, Robert Baratheon, and then second in command is Jon Arryn. Arryn holds a position called the "Hand of the King." Arryn dies, and now people are fighting over the throne, and thinking they are the rightful king. The show closely follows the book series and the multiple stories within it. I would suggest starting from season one, or you won't really get it. Not really a family friendly show, very explicit, but amazing!
8. Hannibal (NBC)
Summary: this is exactly what you think it is: a TV series about the infamous fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter. As if the idea is not scary enough, the show is intimate, with a large helping of blood, gore, and psychological thrill. This show looks into the deepest and darkest facets of the human mind, and captures your interest in the most terrifying way.This one is for you, "American Horror Story" fans, if you were looking for something a bit darker this upcoming fall. I don’t suggest turning down the lights for this one.
9. Transparent (Amazon)
Summary: A new type of family drama, "Transparent" is one of those shows that simply takes you by storm. From the first episode, we are introduced to a L.A.-based family of three adult children and their daily lives. The show follows them after learning that that their father is transgender. Our main character, Mort, is a former college professor, and he finally announces to his family that he identifies as a woman. This show follows the struggles and relationships of the family and Mort after coming out. (Simply amazing. Grab some tissues and prepare to ugly cry.)
10. House of Cards
Summary: This show is set in present day Washington, D.C. Congressmen Frank Underwood works together with his equally powerful wife to seek revenge on those who have betrayed and wronged him, while working his way up the ladder politically. Francis Underwood is the Majority House Whip, and this show takes you on a long journey where he narrates his detailed, meticulous plans to work the political machine. Alongside him is his cunning, beautiful wife Clair. Both of them are determined to stop at nothing to become the most powerful people they can be.
