Let’s be real. For many of us, this winter lockdown would have been even more challenging if there was no Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime … you name it – any one of those streaming services. On particular days when I haven’t been feeling up to going on a walk or doing some university work, I would turn to one of these streaming services.
I have discovered many new shows and rewatched shows that I have seen too many times. So, here is a list of some of the shows that might just help you feel a little bit more comforted.
Virgin River (2019)
Netflix
Based on a series of 20 books (yes, 20!) by Robyn Carr, we are introduced to L.A. nurse Melinda Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) who moves to a remote North Californian town called Virgin River.
Melinda is after a change, a fresh start. Over the first two seasons, now on Netflix, we follow her life among Virgin River’s residents. There is love, heartbreak, and secrets, making it very easy to binge-watch!
All in all, it is very heartwarming and season three can’t come soon enough!
Gilmore Girls (2000 – 07 & 2016)
Netflix
Like Virgin River, Gilmore Girls is heart-warming and centred in a small town called Stars Hollow. Gilmore Girls follows three strong, intelligent, and witty women of the same family. It is a soft drama with realistic situations that are actually relatable!
The big question I like to ask everyone who has seen it, is who was Rory’s best boyfriend? For me, I’d say Jess (you will see why).
It is a show that will be watched for many years and features some great cameos of early 2000s stars. One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray features in the first season as well as Adam Brody who you will know from The O.C.
New Girl (2011 – 2018)
Netflix & Amazon Prime
If you are after something you can watch whilst doing work then this is the show for you. And dare I say it, it is much better than Friends.
Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) is the ‘new girl’ in a flat with three guys. The sit-com brings us joy as we see their relationships (both friendship and romantic) blossom over the course of the series. Jessica is a teacher who loves ribbons and singing and is a breath of fresh air for these guys.
I think you will also find yourself making subconscious references to the show as there are some iconic moments in there.
WandaVision (2021)
Disney+
This show is just clever and for me this is what defines ‘Marvel’. Marvel takes us way back to where Avengers: Endgame left us in 2019 with a series surrounding Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany).
So far, four episodes have been released and each episode takes us through different decades starting in the 50s. The entirety of the first two episodes is in black and white. Instead of being in your typical dramatic Marvel format, it is set within a sit-com inspired by The Dick Van Dyke Show. Entirely created by Wanda herself!
Outlander (2014 -)
Amazon Prime
If you have enjoyed period pieces like Poldark (BBC) or Downton Abbey (ITV) then Outlander is something you should definitely try. Author Diana Gabaldon’s original books are remarkably brought to life as we follow Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) through the Scottish Highlands.
It is post WW2 and on her honeymoon with husband Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies), Claire falls back in time to 1743. Claire becomes torn between her two lives and two men and, using her WW2 nursing experience, it’s nice to see her defy the underestimations of the Scottish men she finds herself living with.
Jen Charlton
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Jen Charlton
Hey! I am a 20 year old student in my final year studying media production: journalism at York St. John University. I am currently working towards being a BJTC accredited entertainment writer.