TV is a window into the world we’re no longer allowed to play in. Thank god for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Cartoon Network. I’m all about that Cupcake & Dino life.
I don’t really watch tv. Well, I don’t watch anything regularly. Soaps and reality tv shows don’t interest me. In fact, I’ve just realised I’ve seen more episodes of The Amazing World of Gumball and Apple & Onion than anything even remotely grown up.
That was until life as we knew it was blown out of the water and we were all banned from going outside for three weeks. Yes, I know we’re officially ‘allowed’ one 30 minute window for exercise, but that still leaves 23.5 hours in the day to fill. Good old telly.
I still don’t watch anything on mainstream TV. Cartoon Network is my go-to. It’s mindless, it’s fun, it totally counts as a ‘family activity’ and who doesn’t love watching UniKitty lose her shit at Puppycorn and Hawkadile for 114th time an episode?
When the kids go to bed, I’ve taken on some recommendations in the form of films and series. Here’s 7 films and series I’m watching on lockdown while awaiting the second season of The Umbrella Academy;
Ozark
Netflix series which first aired in 2017. Starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Jason plays Marty, a financial advisor who gets into some shit money laundering for a Mexican drug cartel. It’s really good. I’m 5 episodes into season one, with seasons 2 and 3 now available on Netflix too. Give it a whirl.
Pretty Woman
I know, I know. It’s ancient, it’s corny af, but it had the power to pull a bunch of us together on social media on Wednesday night to watch it and reminisce together. Work it baby! 30 years since it’s release, we were all singing and quoting along. You can rent it for £2.49 on Amazon.
Indian Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark
The hilarious Joe Heenan @joeheenan started #RaidersTweet on Twitter last week and got a shed load of strangers together to watch this absolute classic. Having tried for years to get my kids into this franchise, my 14-year-old finally sat up and paid attention when she saw young Harrison Ford in his three-piece tweed! What a style icon Marion is! Get it on Amazon Prime.
The Split
Season two of this BBC drama had me on a countdown for almost 12 months. The story follows a highly successful divorce lawyer, Hannah, her crumbling marriage, her affair with the hot, blonde America, her sisters and mum. It’s London, pre-pandemic and a woman who is in love with two men. Get season 1 and 2 on the BBC Iplayer. Brilliant drama.
Casual
I binge-watched all three seasons of Casual on Amazon Prime Video before the pandemic became a thing. It stars Tommy Dewey and Michaela Watkins as brother and sister Alex and Valerie. From their messed up childhood to raising a teen, dating, sex, relationships, the adorable Leon and the LA life. Addictive stuff.
Metro
Metro, starring Eddie Murphy and Michael Rapaport first hit cinema screens in 1997 and I love it as much today as I did then. Eddie plays another smart-mouthed cop, a la Beverley Hills cop, but this time he’s a negotiator who’s pissed off a jewellery thief. It’s got some great stunts. Another £2.49 effort on Amazon that’s worth a watch.
True Detective
I appreciate that I’m WAY behind the times when it comes to this Sky series. I’ve heard so many people rave about the first series that I’m going to treat myself to it and feast on the heady mash-up of Hollywood giants, McConaughey and Harrelson in the coming weeks. Let me get three seasons of Ozark done first! If you want to stream it, you can get it on Now TV.
What are you watching to get by? What are you thoughts on binge-watching a long-awaited series as opposed to resorting to an episode a day/week? like back in the good old days? Were those days really that good? Drop me a line with your recommendations katejamesblogs@gmail.com
Kate Reilly James 