Do you remember years ago when you could just sit down in front of the TV, and there were only a handful of channel options? Yes, there were fewer choices, but it was also easier to know what to watch (and where to find the shows that everyone was talking about).
Television watching is more complicated now, with so many different streaming channels and what feels like an infinite number of show choices. But don’t worry, if you are having trouble deciding what you might like, here are 11 series that we highly recommend you tune into:
Grace and Frankie (Netflix) 7 seasons
The pilot of this show introduces us to Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin.) Longtime rivals, the two become friends when they find out their husbands have fallen in love with each other. The show teams the fabulous Fonda and Tomlin (who worked together decades ago in the classic film 9 to 5) as they navigate life as senior citizens. The final season of this comedy is airing now.
Steel Magnolias (Netflix) 2 seasons
Maddie (JoAnna Garcia), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), and Helen (Heather Headley) are life-long friends who grew up together in the small Southern town of Serenity. As adults, the three are still close and continue to rely on each other as they navigate their lives. Forget the sweet tea for these three; they prefer margaritas in the pitcher when they” pour one out” at their weekly happy hours. Bless their hearts!
Firefly Lane (Netflix) 1 season
Tully (Katherine Heigl) and Kate(Sarah Chalke) meet as teenagers and strike up an unlikely friendship. Although they live very different lives as adults, the two stay connected. Based on the book of the same name by Kristin Hannah, binge-watch the show now, so you are ready for season 2 (the series was renewed, but there is no release date yet.)
Dead to Me (Netflix) – 2 Seasons
Jen and Judy meet in a grief support group. Jen (Christina Applegate) is a bitter and angry widow. In contrast, Judy (Linda Cardellini) is quirky and optimistic. The two opposites form an unlikely friendship. But will the secret Judy is keeping from Jen tear them apart? Season 3 premieres in Fall 2022.
The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix) 1 season
https://youtu.be/au06yHMuMGc
Based on the bestselling novel series by Michael Connelly, the Lincoln Lawyer follows Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) as he returns to the legal scene after a year’s absence. Haller, who runs his law practice out of his fleet of Lincoln town cars and SUVs, is hired to defend a wealthy client in a high-profile case that will bring him back to the forefront of the legal community or set his career back for good. The cast includes Neve Campbell as Mickey’s ex-wife in a fast-moving series that will keep you on your toes.
Girlfriends Guide to Divorce (Netflix) 5 seasons
Although the final episode of this show aired in 2018, if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a fun one, and all five seasons are available to binge. Based on Vicki Iovine’s very popular Girlfriends Guide book series, the show follows self-help book writer Abby McCarthy (Lisa Edelman) as she deals with post-divorce life, career changes, and co-parenting with her ex.
Julia (HBO Max) – 1 season
Sarah Lancaster plays the title role of Julia in this series based on the life of television chef Julia Child. The show is both a period piece and a comedy as it depicts Child’s rise to fame as one of the first TV cooking personalities. A hit with critics and fans, Julia has already been renewed for a second season.
The Morning Show (Apple) –2 seasons
Fans of real morning television shows will wonder how many of the details in this addictive drama’s storylines are based on actual events (for the record, the show is billed as fictional). Alex (Jennifer Aniston) and Bradley (Reece Witherspoon) star as co-anchors of The Morning Show. Season one focuses on the aftermath when Alex’s longtime on air-partner Mitch (Steve Carell) gets fired for sexual misconduct, and Bradley joins the show. Season two is set during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The series has been renewed for a third season.
Hacks (HBO Max) – 2 seasons
In this comedy, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) sees her long career as a stand-up comedian start to decline. Deborah’s agent tries to help by hiring a young writer named Ava (Hannah Einbinder) to freshen up the act. The older, wiser Deborah is not happy to be taking notes from someone younger than her own daughter. Will these two be able to work together and revive Deborah’s career? Season two is airing now.
Yellowjackets (Showtime) – 1 season
https://youtu.be/mX22D65TqAs
A high-school girls’ soccer team is involved in a plane crash. They find themselves left in the wilderness, fighting to survive. Twenty-five years later, they are still dealing with the aftermath of what happened to them all those years ago. The show has been renewed for a second season.
Bridgerton (Netflix) 2 Seasons
What do you get when you combine a family drama with epic romance and gowns with hoop skirts? The top-rated Bridgeton series. Based on the novels of Julia Quinn, this Shondaland-produced show revolves around the Bridgerton family as each sibling enters London society and the age of marriageability. In season one, viewers watched the courtship of oldest daughter Daphne and her suitor Simon unfold. The second season (airing now) follows the oldest brother, Anthony’s, journey as he seeks out a suitable spouse. Up next (season 3) will be the courtship of Colin and (hopefully) Penelope.
And here’s a bonus suggestion. If you have spent the last few weeks crying and saying goodbye to the beloved Pierson family, maybe it’s time to start this show from the beginning. This Is Us is available to stream on Hulu.
Even though you know how it ends, it’s still magical to watch Rebecca, Jack, and “The Big Three” through the years.
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