WUBS Binge Worthy Updated 05/2023

UPDATED 5/23 as per request. I have forgotten to update! If you want older Binges, just go to the jump line. 

Will fill these in, just getting list out : 

Tin Star 

Katya 

Black Spot 

Mrs. Maisel 

The Big Door Prize 

Succession 

You 

Mandalorian

Shrinking 

Mind Hunter 

Inside Number 9

Fleabag 

Criminal : UK 

White Lotus 

Wednesday 

The End of the World as We Know It 

TOP 2021 Streaming shows I enjoyed: 

THE MORNING SHOW Apple TV +  : . Just loved this show. All the acting is great and S2 picks up at the start of COVID. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch anything about that but they do it up beautifully. 

THE GREAT: Hulu TV :  Oh my gosh. This is the most fun historical farce you will ever see!! Set in Russia, it follows Peter and Catherine the Great. They weave loose facts in with just plain soapy goodness. It is a bit naughty so...keep them kids out. HUZZAH!! 

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING Hulu: WOW...such fun and such an amazing cast!! Steve Martin wrote this amazing show and you should just settle right in and binge. It even has Sting. 

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS Hulu: Another wonderful acting ensemble. Nicole Kidman seems to be in everything but this was my fave so far. A bit of an acid trip but worth the ride. 

MARE OF EASTTOWN HBO Max: I'm sure you've heard of this and if you haven't watched yet, RUN! It's a bit depressing but the acting and scenery is so real, you'll forget you're watching a show. Jean Smart is perfection. 

TED LASSO Apple TV +: I resisted for awhile and then wondered WHY I did !!?? What a great show. My husband is British so we really die laughing almost every episode. It's a happy yet deep look at life...:clapping: 

SQUID GAME Netflix: Amazing amazing amazing. Who knew I could fall in love with a Korean series? I couldn't wait to watch another episode. 

DOPESICK Hulu TV: At first I didn't want to sit through a series about opioid addiction but the true nature got me and so did Michael Keaton. 

SUCCESSION HBO Max : They are keeping this series amazing every season. Every character is just so deep and complex. I'm as interested in S4 as I was the first. 

HACKS HBO Max: Jean Smart again knocks it out of the park in a show about an aging comic and a newbie trying to work together. 

THE LANDSCAPERS HBO Max: Well, this true crime "documentary" type series is just a surreal delight. Olivia Coleman deserves all the awards. Only 4 episodes but it's truly a masterpiece about a seemingly boring couple who do a seemingly boring murder.

LULARICH Amazon Prime: This is more of a docu-series but well worth the watch. Real people; real scams and just really engrossing. 

BOSCH Amazon Prime: Last season for one of my fave shows. If you like cop-type shows this is a goodie. Set in Los Angeles it's very real feeling and has a lot of timely subject matters. Titus Welliver is great as Harry Bosch. They are supposed to have a spin-off and I hope it happens soon! 

Y THE LAST MAN FX and Hulu:  Really enjoyed this adaptation of a graphic novel series. Amber Tamblyn plays against type in this story about all the men dying in the world. Well, ALMOST all the men. It hasn't been renewed by FX but I'm hoping someone picks it up.

                                                                  OLDER BINGES!! 

My fave 2 binges are at the end--so keep reading. The rest are up in no particular order, mostly by when I started watching. 

LAST UPDATE 7/15/19

Derry Girls-- Netflix 

Friday Night Dinner--Hulu 

Kingdom-- Hulu 

Last Tango in Halifax-- Netflix 

Bodyguard--Netflix

Sex Education-- Amazon

Ackley Bridge--Amazon

My Mad Fat Diary -- Hulu 

La Mante on Netflix. (One Season).  Starring Carole Bouquet, this is a great serial killer thriller that pays (literal homage) to movies such as The Shining, Silence of the Lambs and Misery. Even though the whole thing is subtitled, I didn't find that distracting or bothersome. Having it in  original French made it all the more special. Gruesome, yes...but with a heart.  A

Godless:   Netflix one season 7 episodes.  (this is a stand alone, not sure if there will be a second season) Well, Michelle Dockery is becoming my go-to actress.  Downton  Abbey,  Good Behavior and now this.  What a show. It's a western set in the 1800s around a Nevada mining town. Jeff Daniels is amazing as the evil badass.  Jack O'Connell is the young 'good' guy trying to get out of a terrible situation. The town of La Belle (90% women after a mining disaster) bands together to save them all.  A+ 

Fortitude:  Amazon Prime 2 seasons.  I'm into season one and almost finished.  Another "weird stuff happens in the snow" show that is very good...a little scary and very gross. Stanley Tucci plays an investigator that comes to find out what happened to the first 'murder' victim. It gets very weird from there.  So far a B+.  I can't wait to see the end because I have a million ideas about what's happening and have no idea if I'm right!  Dennis Quaid stars in S2 which is a great ride-- I give it an A.

 The Man In The High Castle (Amazon Prime 2 Seasons with 3rd ordered)   Whee!! Everyone said to watch it and I didn't think I'd like it but I do!! It's a period piece and America basically stopped growing after WWII. Germany has take the east coast and Japan the west. Who's a spy who's loyal to whom? Time hopping abounds.   So far? A+

Just finished watching Riverdale (CW regular season; Netflix Season 1)  I was in for a treat! Very Comic-Book Camp and pop worthy. Based on the Archie comic series, this show has all the ingredients for some fun. Murder, the whole range of angsty-teens, good music and enough make up to fill a Sephora.  Skeet Ulrich? Luke Perry? Playing DADS?  Oh, it's just great. Dive right in and Smile.  A.  Update: Season 2...could not get into--I tried, and maybe I'll revisit in a bit. 

Thirteen Reasons Why:  Ok, truth be told I watched this because my son wanted to see it and I thought it would be good if we both watched. Despite all the suicide hooplah, I found it to be pretentious and simplistic in delivery. Yes, it's a very serious subject and yes, there's a lot of drama but I'm going to read the book to see how everything stacks up. It's one thing to have teens act like 30 year olds in books, and a whole other ballgame seeing it on film.  I can totally understand the worry that it glamorizes a serious subject.  I'll do a huge review of it someday because there's too much to write here. I give it a B-. 

Sherlock: (Netflix) 4 Seasons This was part of the PBS Mystery shows and it was a doozie. Back when Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch were not so busy (and so well known) this hummed along as a smart, twist filled show--updating the Sherlock Holmes stories. With a modern twist, the characters were kept central and endearing. The bonds became solid by season 2 and it became a must watch. Each season is only 3 shows long and are more like movies. Has one of my new fave villains, Moriatry (Andrew Scott).   The last season became a bit fantastical and bloated in story, although I still really enjoyed it and finished on a high note.  A

 TURN:   (Netflix; AMC on Demand 4 Seasons) . It's an AMC show that's currently in it's 4th season. My son and husband (British) love it because of the history.  It has soapy plots, so I usually figure it out. Great period piece and certainly a lot more about the American Revolution than we learned in school!   B-

OZARK:  Netflix (new series) So...YES, watch this show.  A family doing business to save their own family end up basically dragging a town down with them.  Really good acting. My only problem? The gray-blue filter was just too much. Not sure what the deal is with the filters lately but we get it, you're 'gritty'.  A+

CLAWS:  (TNT currently in season 1)  Don't dismiss this because it looks like it's about ladies who do nails. Nope--this is a funny, violent, gritty look at money and drugs in Miami. Neicy Nash is just perfect as the owner of a nail salon trying to get out from under the thumb of Big Daddy (the wonderful Dean Norris from Breaking Bad)  A

THE FEAR:  Netflix (One Season; BBC show) . Well, if you like gritty gangster, JUST hurry UP and watch already!! It's only 4 episodes and what a ride! This is about the head of a crime family who's experiencing dementia. Family dynamics like no other!  A

Shameless:   Netflix (from Showtime) :  Such good, naughty,gross fun! There's a UK version but I hear this is the best of the two. Joan Cusack is great as is the whole cast.  There are 70+ episodes which will keep you busy. It's also one of those series you can dip into now and then without having to obsess over seeing the 'next one' right away.  A+

Bates Motel on Netflix.  It is the pre-Psycho story. Oh what a delicious wonderment this is!! And 40 plus episodes to binge! yeah!! The acting is sublime and the sets? Timeless. I lost myself in this series and was sad when it was over.   A++

Doctor Foster  on Netflix. Only one season so far. This is a British import that ran on their "regular" TV (just remember that when you see all the sex!!) THIS SHOW IS A must WATCH FOR every SOAP FAN EVER. I can't recommend this show enough. I thought I'd seen all the twists and turns in dramas--but wow. BLEW. ME. Away!  A++  

The Young Pope--HBO (awesome). Only one season so far. It's a bit bizarre and surreal but has some deep thoughts on religion and life. And Jude Law's butt! :giggle:  B+

Lemony Snicket -Amazon Prime. Great Fun.  Neal Patrick Harris does a superb job as Snicket (first done by Jim Carey in the movie). The kids are wonderful and there are quite a few surprising cameos too.  Tweens and young teens should love it as well.  B+

Sneaky Pete--New Fave Amazon Prime. Only one season so far.  This is about a guy that takes over another guy's life after serving time with him in prison. How can he do it? Oh, that's half the fun!!  The acting is just on-point and thrills galore.  A++

Spotless-- Netflix just about perfect --British crime show about brothers who clean up crime scenes.  Very twisty and also funny. I hope they have a season 2 but doesn't look like it. Ergo, you can just know it's one season and that's all you have to worry about!  A

The Night Of: --HBO . Super good show about a young man falsely arrested for murder.  Harrowing in so many ways. How our system can change people forever. You won't be able to stop watching.   A++

Good Behavior  TNT. It should be on Netflix soon? Maybe Hulu? Michelle Dockery is unrecognizable as a con woman on the war path. You'd never know she was British. Raw acting and plenty of excitement.  A+  FIND THIS SHOW.  Season 2 was great...but only an A, no plus. 

 The Paradise --Netflix. Period Drama that is a bit more intriguing that Mr. Selfridge.  Young shop girl, surrounded by a cast of characters that are all interesting on their own.  Only 3 seasons and it wasn't renewed so it doesn't take too long to get through.  B

 Stranger Things:  (Netflix; one season)  Such a great new series from Netflix. People are talking about it all over social media. Starring Wynona Ryder and a cast of adorable kids plus Matthew Modine as a baddie. Nostalgic, and also spooky! There are a lot of Easter Eggs to find --espeically homage to old movies like "Stand By Me".  A lot of sci fi mixed with straight up good feels, it's just a great summer watch.  A

 Bloodline (Netflix; 3 seasons). Starring Kyle Chandler and Sissy Spacek.  What is great about this show is that it combines good soapy drama with deep, deep character development.  While the series starts out slow, stick with it because there's a reason for that-- it's dreamy way to introduce you to this family before hitting you over the head with unbelievable twists and turns.  I seriously had to stop the show a couple of times in season 2 to have a panic attack before I could resume watching.  A++

 Orange Is The New Black:  (Netflix)  I finished binging the latest season and fell for this show all over again. The acting is top-notch and you never know where the story is going. This season is particularly moving, highlighting racial tensions and the failing jail system in America. It's the ladies that will grab you however, especially watching the back stories about how they ended up in Litchfield in the first place.  A

 Orphan Black: (Netflix -and BBC Series has finished)    I am obsessed with this show. REALLY obsessed! I even call myself part of the 'clone club' !!  Tatiana Maslany is a revelation. She plays multiple roles that fit together seamlessly. Very Sci-Fi savvy, each main character is a clone of the other but they all have their own personalities. I seriously don't think of them as one actress. They are people. Can't explain it until you see it! Good soapy intrigue, villains around every corner and humor mixed on in. Just a JOY to watch. For those of you that know the show, I bet you can guess my fave clone. Hint: She's Slavic and loves donuts!  A++

  Happy Valley: (Netflix; 2 seasons) I have been into British crime/police shows for awhile and was recommended to watch this by a friend that knows just what I like! A story of 2 sisters, one a police officer in a small Yorkshire town, the other recovering from drug use. A serial killer is in town (one with connections to the officer) and he's played by James Norton. Norton is brilliant in this part (those of you that have seen Grantchester won't believe your eyes!). Don't be turned off by the accents, after an episode or 2 you can catch the drift.  A++

 River: (Netfix; one season) Another British Police show that surrounds a detective that starts to see the dead.  Some of my friends have found it a bit slow but I really enjoyed the whole thing.  B

 The Fall: (Amazon Prime; 3 seasons) A thriller (serial killer) starring X-files Gillian Anderson as a British detective who may or may not be getting a little too emotionally close to the murderer. The killer is played by the magnificent (acting and looking!) Jamie Dornan!  B

  Luther: (Amazon Prime; 4 seasons, one was short--series has ended)  Oh, LUTHER!! With the wonderful Idris Elba. This is the first British crime show I binged and it was glorious. If you like police shows that are gritty and just plain exciting, give this a try. One of the characters, Alice is someone you'll never ever forget!  A++

  The Night Manager: Amazon Prime. This was actually a show on BBCA  and I watched it by the week. (hard to get used to when things are available in chunks!) Tom Hiddleson is a guy that gets involved with a meanie mobster (Hugh Laurie) and must save everyone! The scenery is gorgeous and the story is tight and exciting.  This one season is a stand alone because it's based on a novel by John Le Carre.  A

  Call The Midwife:  (Yet another BBC transplant that usually airs on PBS. You can stream from PBS or Amazon Prime; 7 seasons) This show is about midwives in 1960s London. They pay a lot of attention to atmosphere and history. Very moving and chock full of soapy moments. I usually end up crying every episode!  A

 Doc Martin: (Netflix (comes and goes) Amazon Acorn TV; 7 seasons) I love my "quirky town" shows. This reminds me of Northern Exposure and  a bit of Gilmore Girls. Doctor Martin comes to a sleepy town in Cornwall and the drama follows him all over. Has a nice love story that develops over time.  A for  Seasons 1-4; other seasons B. 

 Black Mirror: (Netflix; 4 seasons new one will drop 12/29 ) Holy Moly...hang on to your hat with this anthology series--each stands alone! This is a modern twist on The Twilight Zone. Of course it's British (what isn't!?) -and it's just funky amazing. My favorite episodes: San Junipero (won an Emmy)  Be Right Back and White Bear.  Watch those first. You'll thank me! Note: the first episode "National Anthem" in 2011 turns a lot of people off, I'd skip it. I liked it but it's pretty disturbing.  A+   

 Better Call Saul: (Netflix; 2 seasons, started AMC) Even if you didn't watch Breaking Bad, this is a pretty damn fine show. Great acting and twisty plots. Jonathan Banks is amazing to watch as Mike the ex-cop struggle with just about everything in life. Saul is a lawyer who's brother has put him down his whole life. Great watch.  Note: Prequel to Breaking Bad.  A

  Skins UK (not on Netflix now, but pops up, you can watch full episodes on You Tube or Amazon Video; 7 seasons; last season a 'pick up' of the future) This British show (not to be confused with the MTV series) is such revelation, I can't explain it. Following teens in the UK as they dabble into sex and drugs is just fascinating. Great soapy-goodness. Every season is a stand-alone, you really don't have to watch one to get into the other. Seasons 2-4 are my faves.  A

 Lilyhammer: (Netflix; 3 seasons, series has ended) This is a quirky little show that just had me roaring with laughter...in a mobular sort of way. Stevie VanZandt (yes, that Stevie VanZandt) is a mobster in witness protection in Norway. It was actually filmed in Norway with some awesome Norwegian actors. "Good Fella" out of water. As the series rolls on  it gets more humorous and the references to past gangster movies/shows add up. Some of my friends couldn't get into the series, I'm glad I stuck with it.  A-

. House of Cards: (Netflix)  Based on the British show (of course!) of the same name, The American House of cards takes the notion of a narcissistic politician to the limit! Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are fantastic as the evil duo Frank and Claire. I personally count how many times Frank makes and cuts sandwiches. Not sure why...but he does it a LOT.  I love when they break the 4th wall--makes you feel all 'insider important'!  Season 3 was a bit of a let down but don't give up because 4 will rock you!  A

 UnReal: (Hulu --season one, season 2 up in a bit; 2 seasons) Just finished watching the finale of Season 2 an WHOOP! If you like dark shows that are morally bankrupt, well, pull up a chair!! The main characters, Rachel and Quinn are so devious that well, you just have to root for them. A take on the Bachelor shows (which I hate and never watch), Unreal looks at the making of a reality show and was written by a former Bach producer.  It's yummy pop-corn good.  B+

THESE ARE MY TWO FAVORITE WATCHES  

PEAKY BLINDERS 

Peaky Blinders: (Netflix, 5 seasons)  Buckle up for one of the best family sagas I've ever had the pleasure to watch. Gritty doesn't begin to describe this crime drama set in post WWI Birmingham England.  I am usually left cowering behind a pillow trying to watch this show because it's brutal and very tense.  Cillian Murphy plays Thomas Shelby, the head of a part gypsy family that controls territory by using gang strength. Based on a true story! Oh and holy hell, wait until you see Tom Hardy. I hardly recognized him but when I did? Whoa. Season 5 was a total rollercoaster! More please.

Breaking Bad:  (I don't see it right now on Netflix but it has been; you can watch on AMC on demand and AMC.com ; 6 EPIC Seasons). SO much has been written about this show that I'm sure you don't need my input. Just know that it's my favorite show of all time and it stands alone in the writing and storytelling that unfolded. Just perfection. 


NOTE: Yes, I've watched some shows that are in the C and D and even F categories but I didn't bother after the first few so I didn't bother you with them! I also don't want to discourage watching anything out there because you never know when you'll hit on a goodie!