I don't know about you but these January lockdown days are dragging! But... We're so nearly into February with the promise of lighter evenings and things to look forward to, even if the end of lockdown isn't quite as close as we'd hoped.
In the meantime, I'm binging on some great TV shows whenever I get the chance (which admittedly isn't very often due to my new frantic work schedule at the surgery and working on the magazine at home in the evenings). Luckily I can do the latter while the TV is on in the background so here are the shows getting at least part of my attention recently...
Unforgotten
I just discovered this on Netflix and already watched two of the three series on there. Gripping crime drama at it's best - they both left me guessing 'til very near the end and I can't wait to watch series 3 but equally want to save it, lol!
Emily in Paris
Proper easy escapism this one - I'm not ashamed to admit that I binged this all in one night til 3am! I hadn't intended to but I was on a roll with stuff on my computer and well, Gabriele, need I say more. If you don't know what I'm on about - watch it! It's like a hybrid of Sex & The City, The Devil Wears Prada and Gossip Girl.
It's very predictable and unrealistic but it's great fun and so pretty to watch - the fashion, the city and the people!
The Crown
So I was late to the party with this one but I'm finally all caught up and eager for the next series. I know it's dramatised and much of it is fiction but I have spent loads of time googling specific events I had no idea about like the horrific landslide in Aberfan and
Plus, again, it's so pretty to watch with such wonderful costumes and settings and I love the lighting too.
The Queen's Gambit
Another one with fantastic lighting and composition especially, and another one we were late to but enjoyed immensely. There's been a lot of hype about this one so you've probably seen it already but if not, do it - it's definitely not a boring drama about chess! The relationships and story threading through it are so intriguing and very well acted.
I think all of those are on Netflix but I have also been slowly working my way through a couple of things on Amazon Prime.
Bones
Another old crime drama I'd never seen, which is shocking as I've always had a massive crush on David Boreanaz! So far I'm enjoying the chemistry and banter between the two leads, and the other characters too. It has just the right amount of humour and emotion and lots of interesting crimes to keep my attention.
The Office (American version)
I was never a massive fan of the original - I struggled to watch the car crash of David Brent which I know is the idea but it was just too irritating. Michael Scott though I love! Also irritating, yes, but as it goes on he becomes more and more endearing and I do like Steve Carell. Not to mention Dwight, Jim and Pam. Perfection. Definitely one for an easy background watch with plenty of laughs (proper lols)!
Obviously none of the above are suitable for kids but we have enjoyed some more movie nights at home too and I have to say, I'm quite taken with one of their TV shows on Netlifx!
Miraculous (Ladybug & Cat Noir)
A cartoon set in Paris about kids who become super heroes when they put on their "miraculouses". One's a ladybug, one's a cat and their nemesis is Hawk Moth (Cat Noir's father but they don't know that obvs) who's evil moths "infect" people with negative feelings, turning them evil under his control. Of course Ladybug and Cat Noir always save the day with their special powers and there's a weird love story where Cat Noir loves Ladybug but her alter ego loves his alter ego so they basically love each other but in different forms.
Anyway, it's fun, teaches the kids about feelings and how to overcome them and always be kind and thoughtful and isn't annoying - bonus!
The Rocketeer
This is a film I remember watching with my brother back in the 90s and recently discovered was on Disney+. We loved the action adventure, I like the glamorous Jennifer Connelly whom I've loved since The Labyrinth (one of my favourites). It's a PG so not for younger kids - there's shooting, explosions and danger - but the twins LOVED it! I've never known them to sit so still for the majority of the film, we had a lovely time all snuggled up on the sofa together.
Gummi Bears
Another one I remember from my own childhood, we loved this and now so do the twins. This is also on Disney+ and embarrassingly I still remember all the words to the theme tune, lol! It's got great baddies and of course the cute and fun Gummi Bears who save the day using their special gummi berry juice which makes them bounce all over the place to help their friends (Cavin & Princess Calla) beat the bad guys.
So tell me, what else am I late to that I should be watching?? Any good recommendations for the kids? Let me know in the comments ;)