With the coronavirus causing havoc and self-isolation in full swing, what better time to get stuck into a good Netflix series? There’s something so enjoyable about hunkering down with a blanket for the afternoon and binge watching your way through a great show. So with that being said, here are 15 Netflix series that make the perfect binge watch.
1. Sex Education
Watch as teenagers Otis and Maeve join forces to open a sex clinic in their school in a bid to make a little extra cash. I love that this series doesn’t shy away from important topics, and manages to do so in a way that is both poignant and funny. Not only is this show both hilarious and topical, but it’s also beautifully shot. Though filmed in South Wales, the beautiful surroundings make it look more like a classic, rural, American town. It also includes Eric, one of my favourite characters of all time.
2. How to Get Away with Murder
I love seeing clips of Philadelphia because it takes me back to the good old days of study abroad. So, with that being said, maybe I’m a bit biased, but I found this series really easy to get into. It follows a group of law students who work for one of their professors. Needless to say they get into a spot of trouble and things start to get crazy. I’m 2 series in with another 4 to go and can’t wait to see what happens next.
3. Cheer
This docuseries follows the Navarro College Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas, as they prepare to compete at the National Cheerleading Championship in Daytona, Florida. I loved seeing the relationship between the team members and their coach, Monica, as well as seeing how strong and resilient so many of the athletes were. It’s a truly inspiring watch and an amazing insight into the world of cheerleading!
4. The Stranger
This mystery-thriller follows a group of suburban families thrown into turmoil after a stranger tells a man a secret that shatters his seemingly perfect life. After his wife goes missing, Adam is determined to learn the truth about this stranger and connect the dots between all of the scary events happening in his town. I got completely sucked into this and struggled not to watch it whilst Rory was away. Great if you want something gripping that will keep you guessing.
5. When They See Us
When They See Us is based on the real life events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case, in which 5 young black and hispanic males were wrongly accused and later prosecuted on charges related to the sexual assault of the victim. This series addresses the corrupt police department and their treatment of these young men. It’s both a truly terrifying and completely gripping watch as a result.
6. The People vs. OJ Simpson
So good, I’ve actually watched it twice (!), it doesn’t take too much to guess what this one’s about. Another series based on a true crime, this show takes a fascinating look at the legal case that shook the world. It explores how the LAPD’s fraught and complex history with the African-American community created a case fought on the topic of racism. The casting and writing for this show are both completely phenomenal, so much so that I’ll probably end up watching it a third time!
7. The End of the F***ing World
This quirky, dark comedy follows James, a 17-year-old who thinks he’s a psychopath, and Alyssa, who convinces him to run away with her. The two of them get into a series of scrapes and you watch as their awkward relationship develops through the weird and terrifying situations they find themselves in. I love pretty much everything about this series, but especially how distinctive the characters are and how perfect their inner monologue is. On top of that add a great soundtrack, great cinematography, great casting, and you’ve got yourself a great series.
8. Derry Girls
Derry Girls is, in my opinion, one of life’s greatest pleasures. The script is completely brilliant. It’s a laugh a minute. But perhaps what’s most impressive is the way in which the show explores the minutiae of teenage life within the dangerous setting of national conflict. It’s completely brilliant and definitely worth a binge.
9. You
You is the kind of series that has to be binged. It pulls you in too much for you to walk away, so don’t blame me if you end up pulling an all-nighter trying to finish it! This psychological thriller follows a New York bookstore manager (& killer) who falls in love with a customer, developing a toxic obsession that takes over his life. Whilst I definitely prefer the second season, they’re both worth a watch, especially since a third season has now been commissioned!
10. Gossip Girl
An oldie but a goodie. Sometimes you just want to lose yourself in a completely different world and what better world than that of Manhattan’s elite? This show has plenty of drama to keep you entertained and plenty of seasons to keep you busy. With characters that will be etched in your mind forever (not to mention that classic tagline), it’s easy watching that will have you constantly clicking ‘next episode’.
