Welcome to another one of our lists! We have been working on compiling a few of these in order to allow you — our beloved readers — to find ways to better enjoy this time of social isolation!
There is no really better time to indulge in some binge-watching! We thankfully live in an age where tremendous television is being produced, so we’re actually spoilt for choice! To help you along in discovering something brand new to watch, here are some of our favorites (some old, some new), complete with handy trailers!
Keep checking the blog, as we have some useful suggestions coming up, namely on how to visit museums without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home!
After Life
Sardonic comedian Ricky Gervais stars in this series, which is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. The story of a man who truly gave up on life following his soulmate’s tragic death due to cancer. The heavy tones are magnificently balanced with moments of irresistible humour. It shows that good spirit and levity can exist, even when faced with tragic circumstances.
BoJack Horseman
What’s a cartoon doing on this list? Well this Emmy-Award-Winner is one of the most complete and devastating looks at identity crisis, addiction and depression, all wrapped into a tremendously entertaining package. Bojack — the titular character — is a former TV star who has seen better days, now living off his former fame but with a burning desire to be relevant again. The show is also a magnet for surprising guest stars, ranging from Daniel Radcliffe, to Paul McCartney, Olivia Wilde, Hilary Swank and even Cindy Crawford.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Utter ridiculousness executed to perfection. Each tale of New York’s zaniest Police station mixes great characters, with preposterous situations and snappy banter. The cast manages to present a finely balanced act of both deadpan and over-the-top humour, within a typical episode runtime of about 20 minutes. It’s a delightful breeze to sit through!
Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul
If “zero-waste” philosophy can be applied to television, then this is one of it brightest examples. From its very first moment, crossing all five seasons until its cathartic conclusion, Breaking Bad squanders no minute of its runtime. The character evolution of Walter White is as gripping as it gets! Recently, its spin-off (following the main show’s sleazy lawyer, Saul Goodman) managed to add even more layers to the already existing story and is a great companion piece.
Chernobyl
An incredible — almost documentary-like — telling of the Soviet Union’s nuclear disaster! Filled with great acting, tense atmosphere and backed by actual testimonies from survivors, this mini-series amassed an impressive array of awards. It’s brutal, unnerving and worth every minute you devote to it.
Cobra Kai
An absolutely unexpected sequel to the Karate Kid movies! Who hasn’t seen the scene when heroic underdog Daniel LaRusso kicks his rival Johnny Lawrence square in the face with the now-iconic Crane Kick? Well, 34 years later, we find that the roles are reversed in this Youtube original series. A down-on-his-luck Johnny attempts to rebuild his life by re-starting the Cobra Kai karate dojo and Daniel (now an arrogant and successful car dealer) attempts to shut down his former rival! It’s a funny and poignant look at how people sometimes just can’t move on from childhood events.
Young Pope
Jude Law stars as a rock-star kind of Pope, as he gives life to charismatic Pius XIII, the first US-born Pope in history. A 2nd season (named “New Pope”) has already been released and adds the incomparable John Malkovich to the cast. Despite its American star, it is entirely produced by European companies and was the very first Italian TV show to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy award!
Succession
This multiple-award-winning dramedy follows the saga of the Roys, a powerful family which owns a massive media empire. Its patriarch (played by Golden-Globe-winner Brian Cox) experiences a decline in health and his 4 sons immediately begin power plays over the family fortune.
Veep
A satirical look at American politics, starring one of the most awarded TV comedy actresses of all-time. Over the course of 7 delightfully-entertaining seasons, we explore the political life of US Vice-President Selina Meyer (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her staff, including her aspirations to one day sit in the big chair of the Oval Office.
Vikings
Our final suggestion on the list goes to a period drama produced by the History Channel. Inspired by the legendary exploits of Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok, the bloody saga sees the farmer-turned-raider’s journey towards becoming the most respected warrior in all of Scandinavia, as well as his (loosely-based on actual historical events) ruthless raiding expeditions to England and France!
VidaMar
Just as the name implies, these resorts were meticulously thought out to be much more than just a beach holiday destination! The idea is based on a combination of “Life” (Vida) and “Sea” (Mar), which is paired with a complete offer of services, which range from modern Spas to high-quality restaurant options!