Favorite Netflix Series
Netflix is my new BFF. Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration but I reallly do love having all these viewing options for show series, movies, documentaries, and more. The only problem I have is that when looking for something to watch, I tend to spend a significant amount of time "searching" for the perfect show. I will search a variety of categories then forget about one of the selections that originally caught my eye for a fleeting moment.
So, I thought I'd put down some of my favorite Netflix series. Even though MasonMetu is all about family-friendly ideas, these shows are strictly for adults. I've had enough Phineas & Ferb, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Jessie to make anyone go stir crazy (and yes, you can find all these on Netflix too). I find myself drawn to European based series. Some of the accents take a bit of getting used to but volume control and pause/rewind works wonders. In no particular order, here are my top ten Netflix series picks:
Wallander (2012) - This is my latest find. I just finished Season 1 and was just about to start Season 2 but my kids decided that I hijacked the living room couch long enough so S2 will have to wait. This series is set in Sweden and features Kenneth Branagh as police inspector, Kurt Wallender, who solves a variety of murders. He's a bit morose at times but he definitely has a heart and I love the clever plots, the working relationships he has with his detective team and his love for his daughter. Each show is about 90 minutes but the main plot is all wrapped up at the end of the show.
Broadchurch (2013) - Addicting show! This one is a British show set in the seaside town of Broadchurch. Another detective series with two lead detectives Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) and Alec Hardy (David Tennant). This is a serial series, so you really don't want to miss an episode for clues on who murdered an 11 year old boy in their small town.
Luther (2013) - Surprise -another brooding dective and crime drama. One of my favorite actors, Idris Elba, plays DCI John Luther (that's Detective Chief Inspector). I like this series since there is an underlying plot that moves from show to show but most shows have a case that is solved in that episode.
Orange in the New Black (2014) - This is Netflix original series. It infuses humor, drama and thrills as Piper Chapman (Taylor Schiling) learns how to cope in a women's prison. This is a character driven series with so many great characters (inmates, prison guards, family), you will be drawn into their stories.
House of Cards (2014) - Another Netflix original (S2 wrapped earlier this year) is House of Cards. Can Congressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife, Claire (Robin Wright) be any more ruthless and cunning? I think not, but S3 is yet to be seen. This is a fabulous political drama with so many twists and turns. Plus, I love how Francis talks to us directly with his penetrating gaze and satirical wit.
Damages (2012) - I binged watched Damages when I first found it on Netflix. The first season really catches your interest as you witness young lawyer, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) trying to make sense of her fiances brutal murder. Paired with the electrifying Glenn Close as brilliant yet ruthless lawyer, Patty Hewes, there are so many plot twists that it's hard to keep them all straight. With lots of legal cases and a storyline that weaves through five seasons, Damages is sure to keep you coming back for more.
The Killing (2014) - I think I see a pattern but all these thriller/detective dramas really do draw you in. The Killing is set in Seattle and features two of the best homocide detectives around. Both are flawed with plenty of doom and gloom but if you wait for it, you will find some bright spots of hope surface with Detective Sarah Linden (Mirelle Enos) and Stephen Holer (Joel Kinaman). Season 1 is a real tear jerker as a working class family comes to grips with the murder of their daughter. Stay with this series since the S4 finale is one of the only finales I have really felt at peace with.
Happy Valley (2014) - Another Netflix original British crime drama. I love that the lead is a woman. Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) is amazing as she works to solve a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. The supporting cast is outstanding. If you watch Downton Abbey, you will see Siobhan Finneran play Cat's supportive sister. As Sergeant Cawood closes in on a kidnapping investigation, we learn more about why her daughter committed suicide and the fall out from this.
The Fall (2014) - With only one season under its belt, The Fall has left me wanting to see more of another strong female lead. Gillian Anderson plays Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. Set in Belfast, she is looking to find a serial killer.
The Walking Dead (2013) - I am a HUGE Walking Dead fan so I admit that I watched all of TWD as it originally aired on AMC. But for those of you who haven't seen this amazing character driven zombie appocalypse show, then don't waste any more time and tune in on Netflix. They have 4 seasons ready for you. Make sure you start from the beginning so that the entire series makes sense. The show is a lot more than just zombie mania. Granted there are some grusome scenes, but I find the hand in front of the face approach to work wonders during those times. The characters and how they react to each other is what will keep you coming back for more.
Okay, so I think for my next installment, I need to find some shows a bit on the lighter or happier side or ones that steer away from legal thrillers. If you have any Netflix suggestions, please leave a comment because I'd love to check them out. Happy viewing!
