If lockdown is beginning to get to you and you’ve exhausted everything on your bookshelf, then you might be moving on to streaming sites. Or, if you’re like me, you’ve been distracted by TV for months! Whether you love crime, medical dramas, comedy or fantasy, my top fifteen picks for online streaming sites (including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Britbox, Now TV and SkyGo) will have something for you. These are my personal favourites from a range of genres and age appropriateness, picked as a result of a huge amount of procrastination from writing and my degree.
N.B content warnings are included but may not be comprehensive as I am only part way through some of these. There are two things on the list that contain lots of graphic stuff (American Horror Story and Game of Thrones) so be careful when watching these.
1. Grey’s Anatomy, Amazon Prime
One of my favourite shows of all times to kick us off. Having run for 16 seasons, Grey’s has to be forgiven for growing strange and deviating from its original premise, especially given that, of its huge ensemble cast, only 3 original cast members remain (Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr). Without many of the beloved original characters, many fans have gone off the show. Having only got to season 8 myself (I could only afford Prime once I became a student so not much time to watch all 16 seasons!) I am uncertain about watching it after the departure of (SPOILERS) Sandra Oh.
However, I absolutely love the first 8-11 seasons (depending on what you think about a certain someone’s leaving). The drama is always fresh and, despite this meaning some terrible happens to at least one character every five minutes, makes for fantastic viewing. Meredith Grey, a surgical intern with family issues and a rocky childhood, begins her internship at Seattle Grace Hospital and there meets her fellow interns, attendings and residents. The quintessential medical drama, Grey’s is something that any fan of the House or Scrubs has to watch.
c.w. differs from episode to episode, some early ones include death, suicide, gun violence, alcoholism, cancer, miscarriage and divorce.
2. The Simpsons, Disney+
Absolutely. When I first heard that The Simpsons was on Disney+, I binged a good chunk of the later seasons in a few days. It might not have retained the quality of the first 10 seasons, but, Like Grey’s finds ways to make a long run fresh and relatable to today’s audience. To put it into perspective, I am twenty years old and season 11 was airing when I was born, it’s been on that long.
Most people know the concept by now, but essentially, it is a middle-class American family comprised of Homer, the father, Marge, the mother and housewife, Lisa, a precocious 8-year-old and Bart, an under-achieving ten-year-old. It is often compared to Family Guy for obvious reasons, but is, in my opinion, funnier, more family-oriented and easier to watch. Up to season 30 is on Disney+, with episodes also being showed regularly on Channel 4 and Sky One (if you are UK based).
There isn’t much to cw. here, as it’s a family comedy cartoon, but things like death and drinking still feature sometimes.
3. Little Fires Everywhere, Amazon Prime
Based on a book I have previously talked about, this mini-series lives up to the hype. Staring Reece Witherspoon and Kerry Washington as Elena Richardson and Mia Warren respectively, it tells the story of an ultra-planned suburb of Cleveland, Shaker Heights, whose quiet life is disrupted when the Richardsons take on a new tenant in their duplex, the Warrens. Mia and her daughter Pearl bring a much-needed sense of adventure to the neighbourhood, but Mia’s past catches up with them, as do the antics of the Richardsons’ youngest child, Izzy.
Witherspoon and Washington are stunning in this series. It is fairly slow, as stretching a 400 page book to 6 1-hour episodes can be, but worth the patience to get to the end. One for bingeing if you have a day free.
c.w. abortion, racism, child custody disputes.
4. Game of Thrones, SkyGo
Now, I know loads of people had already seen this. It was the biggest thing on TV for a number of years, culminating in the (some would say) disappointing final season last year. Every season is now available on SkyGo and if, like me, you haven’t seen any of them, now might be the perfect time to give it a go. Having now seen 3 seasons (and, because of my friends, the second half of season 7), I’m not as into it as I know some people are, but it is an exciting watch for any fans of fantasy, particularly medieval-esque fantasy like Lord of the Rings or The Witcher.
Essentially, it is an epic tale of the nobility of the kingdom of Westeros. As a side note, I really admire George RR Martin for attempting something to convoluted and with some many characters. The Iron Throne is the most coveted spot in the kingdom and, when it opens, the Baratheons are on it. However, the Lannisters have plans to control it behind the scenes, the Starks get drawn in when Ned is named Hand of the King, and the Targaryens are trying to repair their family name and honour. That is a far into it as I can go because it is so complicated, but it is definitely worth a watch. However, I don’t find it something you can binge in one go, I had to concentrate to figure out what was happening.
c.w. pretty much everything. Physical and sexual violence, beheadings, death, incest, violence towards children, murder. The violence is graphic and pretty much a constant in each episode, although the later seasons are better for this.
5. Good Omens, Amazon Prime (or Netflix, depending on who you ask!)
This is probably my absolute favourite book-to-screen adaptation ever. Written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett in the 1990s, the book was adapted into a 2019 Amazon Prime mini-series starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen as Crowley, a demon of hell, and Aziraphale (took me three attempts at spelling), an angel of Heaven, living among the humans and trying to prevent the apocalypse. Badly. When they lose the anti-Christ (Sam Taylor Buck), they head to the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Tadfield, where they meet Anathema Device, a witch destined to ‘be there also’ at the time of the apocalypse, and the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
It is hilariously funny and the casting is just brilliant. It is diverse and uplifting, a real demonstration of the power of friendship and loving wine too much to let the world end. If that doesn’t convince you to try it, maybe hearing Michael Sheen say ‘fuck’ in the poshest voice imaginable.
c.w. death (temporary), witch burning (non-graphic), impending apocalypse
6. After Life, Netflix
This is a difficult one to watch, although it is fantastic. Ricky Gervais stars as recently-widowed Tony, dealing with depression and searching for a new purpose in life. Resolved to die soon, he goes around doing and saying whatever he wants to whoever he wants with some truly shocking and occasionally heart-warming results. Joining him is Joanna Page as the no-nonsense nurse caring for Tony’s dad and Tom Basden and Matt, Tony’s work friend. I have a bit of a thing about illness so I haven’t watched the second season yet, I’m gearing up for when I’m feeling right to do so, but if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, I highly recommend this.
It’s beautiful but also hilarious, some of Gervais’ comedic timing is pure gold and works only for him. The language is incredibly strong but used for brilliant comedy and not for the sake of it. Definitely one for fans of dark comedy and of Gervais’ other work. Only 6 episodes long, I watched it in one afternoon and it is perfect for a rainy afternoon in.
c.w. Death, cancer, suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression, drugs, overdosing, grief.
7. Avengers: Endgame (or any of the MCU movies), Disney+
Since the release of Disney+ in the UK, I’ve been on a bit of a Marvel marathon. Now that you can pause Endgame, a brilliant but very long film, it might be time for a rewatch. All of the Marvel Studios films are on there, except for the two Spider-Man films. I’ve got up to Iron Man 3 so far and, although there is a bit of struggle in this film and the next few, in general the MCU has produced some excellent films that are great for either a one-off or an ultra-marathon.
Over 22 films, the MCU chronicles the efforts of the Avengers to protect the Earth and ultimately take on Thanos, a Titan with plans to wipe out half of all life on Earth, based on the Marvel Comic series.
c.w. not complete because I haven’t seen all of the films, but death, mild violence, alcholism, anxiety, PTSD and family separation.
8. Black Books, Netflix/SkyGo
An old favourite, this was recommend both to watch and to include on the list by my parents. Starring Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey, as Bernard Black, a misanthropic bookshop owner and his assistant, Manny Bianco. Black’s best friend and ‘only’ friend, Fran Katzenjammer. The series follows their exploits and Black’s difficulty in balancing his need to sell books and his hatred of others and his profession, except for the reading aspect, but this he prefers to do alone.
Available on Netflix and SkyGo, this is a must-watch for fans of Friday Night Dinner (not just for the excellent acting of Tamsin Greig) and Green Wing. The humour is dry and classically British in the early 2000s.
c.w. drinking, off-screen suicide of a minor character.
9. Euphoria, SkyGo
An American remake of an Israeli miniseries, Euphoria tells the story of Rue, a recovering drug addict and ably played by Zendaya, who struggles leaving rehab and rejoining the surreal life of a teenager in her town. Her friend Kat (Barbie Ferriera) explores her sexuality while Jules, new to town, gets used to the school and attempts to make friends, starting with Rue. The series is dark and heady and reminds me somewhat of Juno Dawson’s Clean.
What I love most about it is the focus on life outside of school and usual problems faced by on-screen teens. There is frank representation and I am so happy to see a trans woman actually played by a trans woman. Hunter Schafer is brilliant in the series and I found it hard to believe that this is her acting debut.
c.w. drugs, drug addition, body insecurity, sex, drinking, depression, mental illness, physical and sexual violence.
10. Lucifer, Netflix (s4)/Amazon Prime (s1-3)
If you’ve seen Tom Ellis as Gary Preston in Miranda (BBC), then this one might be a bit difficult for you to watch. Gone is the adorkable man in jumpers and courting Miranda Hart’s hilarious character, replaced with a dashing suit and a love of partying. Oh, and the crown of Hell on his head. Having taken a break from being King of Hell, he takes a vacation in Los Angeles, where he meets Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) and becomes civilian consultant to the LAPD. Alongside his career, he works through his issues with his therapist, Linda (Rachel Harris) and rebuffs the attempts of his brother, Amenadiel (D.B Woodside) to get him to return to hell. Also starring are Lesley-Ann Brandt as Mazikeen (Maze), a demon and Lucifer’s familiar, Kevin Alejandro as Decker’s ex-husband, Espinoza, and Scarlett Estevez as their daughter, Trixie.
It is everything you expect it not to be. Described by Wikipedia as an ‘urban fantasy police procedural detective television series’, it promises a lot and delivers on almost everything. Its move to Netflix doesn’t affect it much, but, Like Brooklyn 99, its move has brought some slightly cheekier moments and reinvigorated the characters.
c.w. drinking, drugs, unconventional sex, therapy, kidnapping, violence, murder.
11. Disenchantment, Netflix
Matt Groening does it again. Produced by the creator of The Simpsons, this animated show tells the story of Princess Tiabeanie of Dreamland, a hard-drinking princess whose wedding day is fast approaching and still mourning the loss of her mother, Dagmar. When she bails on her wedding and meets Luci, her personal demon cum cat and Elfo, an abberant elf who, after leaving Elfwood, goes looking for the pain he has never felt before.
As all Simpsons episodes do, this series starts in one place and seamlessly swerves into another one entirely. The first part (it was released in two parts, and a second two-parted series in starting next year) was by far the strongest but the second was more exciting and, in the end, the weirdness paid off.
c.w. (like The Simpsons, not much because it is all played for humour but..) witch-burning, death, almost forced marriage, slapstick violence, war.
12. The Umbrella Academy, Netflix
Adapted from a comic book by Gerard Way, The Umbrella Academy tells of seven adoptive siblings, adopted for their intrguiging powers by strange aristocrat, Reginald Hargreaves. Back for their father’s funeral, they reconnect after years apart, remembering the elite superhero unit that their father trained them to be as a child. He never game them names, only called them a number (Number 1, Number 4) according to their usefulness. Notably absent is Ben (Number 6) and Number 5, but his sudden return causes problems for them all.
This is one of the most talked-about shows for a while and the hype will soon return with the premiere of the next season later this year. It is possible to binge it all but its complexity and the long episodes might make it more of a week-er. Definitely one for fans of Marvel.
c.w death, parental neglect, abuse, drug use, grief.
13. She-Ra and the Princess of Power, Netflix
Okay, I’ve only just started watching this one, so I have no content warnings as of yet, so proceed with caution. However, I love it so far. From what I have seen and read, the plot is realistic (within the universe) and well-paced and the diversity is there from the beginning. Sexual and romantic minorities are not often represented in animation, if ever, and so this really is a great addition to Netflix’s library and definitely one to check out.
Set on the fictional planet of Etheria, a young girl called Adora escapes an attack by a despotic villain named Hordak and finds a sword in the forest that transforms her into The Princess of Power, She-ra. She joins an alliance that fights for freedom against the Horde who raised her and finds herself pitted against her old friend, Catra.
14. Disney Classics, Disney+
Of course. The first thing that I watched on Disney+ (after attempting and failing to watch every Simpsons episode) was the collection of classic films, beginning with Snow White (1937) and, currently, ending with Frozen 2 which I don’t think is up yet, but I saw it in the cinema! There is nothing quite like a Disney classic film, there is something from childhood in there that is worth revisiting.
My Favourites include Moana, Pocahontus, Mulan, The Emperor’s New Groove and Frozen. Definitely check them out, even the older ones have some brilliant stories and might well transport you right back to childhood.
c.w. although there isn’t much because they are directed to children, many of the princesses have dead parents, and some of the films have out-dated and offensive attitudes to race (see Dumbo and Peter Pan particularly)
15. American Horror Story, Netflix
When I think about first watching this, I am horrified to think that I was 15 when I first watched AHS. As good as it is (or certainly the first 6 seasons), it is one of the most violent, creepy, disturbing show I have ever watched. Made the writers of Glee no less.
Each season is a story of its own, using the same actors but taking them to different characters and settings each time. The first season, Murder House, is set in, well, as murder house, a large colonial style house in California. The second, an asylum in the 1950s, the third, Coven, a school for modern witches in New Orleans. You get the picture. Starring are Jessica Lang, Taissa Farmiga, Lady Gaga, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates and Angela Basset and many others in a huge ensemble cast.
This series thrives on the weird and the thoughts and feelings that often go unexplored. There is very little that is off-limits so watch at your own peril, but it is a fantastic show that explores emotions and actions that have rarely or ever been dealt with in mainstream TV.
c.w. everything. Murder, death, violence, miscarriage, abortion, rape, sexual and physical harassment, racism, ableism, homophobia, religious homophobia, mental illness, clowns (I include this because Twisty was reportedly so scary that cast members had to leave the set when not on scene with him), sexism, abduction, torture. Many of these things come out of nowhere and involve strange or supernatural elements.
I hope you enjoy at least one of the things on this lists, I have tried to tailor them to a wide range of interests although they are all things that I have seen and enjoyed. Happy watching!
Note: these shows are available on the UK version of all of these sites.
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