Being in Victoria in 2020 has been difficult on so many fronts. But, if there’s one positive thing that’s come out of it for me, it has been the ability to unashamedly binge-watch all my favourite TV shows, multiple episodes at a time for weeks on end! And now that we are nearing the end of, what appeared to be an eternal period of isolation, I sat down to think on which shows offered me the most noteworthy binge sessions.
Completely accepting that my tastes are truly tame, here my top 10 picks:
- F.R.I.E.N.D.S – I grew up on this show. I absolutely love it, as do probably most people. Quintessentially 90s, this happy medley of six unlikely friends is some of the best sitcoms ever in my opinion. But re-watching the series now, in my late 20s, makes all of the hardships and comic storylines even more relatable and funny. Hands down this my go to, I-feel-sad-I-need-to-watch-something-predictably-heart-warming, TV show.
- Modern Family – another popular favourite of my mine, this show has a wonderful take on the ‘modern family’. Watching how the three main families interact with each other is hilariously authentic. Their struggles and relationships are forged in such a positive way, always ending on an enlightening moral that leaves everyone uplifted. It’s light-hearted, endearing and hilarious, LOVE IT.
- New Girl – this show is super quirky but lovable, much like its protagonist Jessica Day. It’s about how a bunch of misfits come together and sort through their chaotic lives together. The show has a Friends-esque quality in the way the six roommates bond and form funny side-plots within the main storyline, learning to become mature adults by making stupid, funny and 100% relatable mistakes.
- House – one of the best dramas on television in my opinion. I’m usually not a big fan of doctor melodramas, but I like that House always remained true to the central plot of the show, solving the next ever convoluted patient illness. I loved watching House’s thought process and the interwoven friendships with his colleagues, particularly with his best-friend Wilson, which help him grow through the series.
- The Mentalist – something about the intelligent yet aloof Patrick Jane always kept things interesting. Not only does he have impeccable hair and beautiful eyes, his childish antics and keen eye that help ‘close cases’, kept the audience engaged and wanting to know more. The plot is concise, centred around Jane’s revenge for the murder of his family, and I love that they don’t drag the ending out unnecessarily.
- Bones – this show has a great mix of characters and wonderful chemistry between the main characters. Bones is a blunt, brilliant anthropologist, who lacks social skills. Her journey to finding her ability to voicing her emotions and allowing others to see her vulnerabilities is beautiful. I especially love the importance the show gives to solving cases and the emphasis on the lives, relationships and motives of the victims. The notion that it’s not just bones and evidence, but a life with meaning and purpose.
- Supernatural – for the part of me that loves to pretend I’m a badass. The Winchester brothers are as bad as as they come. You definitely need to feel in the mood for the amount of hunting and slaying they do. These two resurrect themselves more than Loki (Avengers reference for those not in the know) to keep humanity safe from all things supernatural. The story has a good mix of intensity and humour for hours of enjoyment.
- Psych – I had this show on repeat during my university years. Much like The Mentalist, the protagonist uses his keen sense of observation to solve cases for the local police department. It is funny, sweet and extremely light-hearted. I especially love the childhood friendship between the two main characters.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – another police drama (I think there’s a pattern here), the story of Jake Peralta and a band of misfit detectives of the NYPD. The show embodies a quirky humour and I loved the comradery that existed between the characters. Very jovial and advocates for the important role your colleagues play in terms of stability and support.
- The Nanny – I have a special place in my heart for The Nanny. My mum and I used to watch this together every day after school over dinner. The show is incredibly witty and totally old-school. It’s the story of an unlikely Nanny who ends up in love with the Master, and the funny parables of life looking after three children and living with a man who doesn’t recognise his feelings – like the American sitcom version of the Sound of Music.
Essentially, my favourite shows include a slightly quirky protagonist/s with a different view of the world than that of the majority, embodies a strong sense of friendship and comradery that deal with important, sometimes harsh realities of life with light-hearted, satirical humour and where you can see an evolution of the characters over time! Simple…
What were some of your favourite shows during lockdown? Do any of these make your list?
movingforwardpriya 
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