Since March (hello to you too COVID), streaming platforms have gained a significant increase in popularity among all households and age groups. I mean if someone had told me back in 2002 to invest in Netflix’s stock, I probably could retire right now (ok, wishful thinking but you get the jest). Streaming services have completely changed the tv and movie game and continue to dominate our screens daily.
This summer, I finally let my husband convince me to join in on the cable cutting trend. Honestly, I was a staunch advocate for DIRECTV. I mean, no matter how dirty they did me with those sneaky little fees, I was still an ally. What would I do without my weekly shows on my favorite networks such as Food Network, HGTV or those cheesy Lifetime movies that I love, especially around the holidays (I tend to have an affinity to watch mindless shows)? My husband assured me that we would have those channels and more. I guess since I do trust the man with my life, I can at least trust him to cut the cable cord right? So that we did.
We ended up subscribing to YouTube TV which I must say I’ve been very impressed with. We have since added Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and BET+. Honestly, although the costs can add up very quickly, its still less than what we were paying with DTV. I am loving the variety of available series that seem come out weekly.I’ve found a few series that now have me hooked. Some of these series, I managed to binge watch in an entire weekend, and now I’m twiddling my thumbs anxiously awaiting the next season.
Check out my list of faves that I’m binging at the moment.
The Umbrella Academy – Netflix
I love this series about seven siblings who are adopted by a billionaire scientist who gives each sibling a specific superpower. Their goal with this superpower is to save the world but unfortunately for them, their father dies a mysterious death and the siblings pull together to solve this mystery. There is enough weirdness, action and humor to keep you interested. The characters mesh so well together. My favorites are Number 5 and Klaus. I won’t ruin it for you, but I will say that if you’re into superhero movies, you will not be disappointed.
All American – Netflix
All American is a warm-hearted sports series that is loosely based on the life of NFL player (Spencer Paysinger). The show, set in South Central LA, follows Spencer James as an excellent football player who is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to play for a prestigious high school in Beverly Hills which he reluctantly accepts. The series shows how Spencer tries to navigate both worlds that are so vastly different. This is truly a feel-good show and is probably my favorite from the list. Oh, and can you believe the main character is British??? Unfortunately, I just found out that season three may not be released until 2021 (c’mon son)!!!
Money Heist – Netflix
Honestly, for years I bypassed Money Heist on the preview screen, even after hearing about its growing popularity. I finally took a chance one Friday and watched an episode. Needless to say, that’s all it took to pull me in. Four parts (not seasons) later and anxiously awaiting season five, I’m hooked! The series is set in Spain and follows a group of thieves guided by their Guardian Angel, The Professor, as they call him, as they are manipulated into robbing the Royal Mint of Spain. These thieves already have criminal records, but they hesitantly agree to The Professor’s plan with the hopes of scoring 2.4 billion euros. The Professor is freakishly brilliant in the way that he thinks of every.single.detail that could possibly take place (or not) with the robbery as well as with the Policía (as they say in Spain). The show is amazing as I found myself rooting for this group of thieves. I think it took me three weeks to watch all four parts. Do yourself a favor and give this series a chance. I’ll buy you a drink if you don’t love it.
*Fun Fact: None of the actors & actresses actually speak English.
The Boys – Prime Video
This series completely caught me by surprise in how much I love it. It is about a group of superheroes, uniquely named The Seven, working for a shady corporation called Vought. These superheroes are not your typical heroes as they continuously abuse their powers. Did I mention they are also super-celebrities that have an intense media following? This show is a bit, ok more than a bit, raunchy and has its fair share of blood and gore. I absolutely despise the lead superhero but find myself loving every scene he’s in. I hate you Homelander!
First Wives Club – BET+
I loved this series. I ran across an advertisement on Facebook but didn’t want to pay for another streaming service. Well, guess what? I’m paying for another streaming service. The series follows three best friends, played by Jill Scott, Ryan Michelle Bathe and Michelle Buteau as they navigate the ups and downs of love, life, friendship all mixed with a bit of craziness. This is not a continuation of the original First Wives Club movie starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton however, it does have a few comparisons throughout. It also stars RonReaco Lee, who was my old school crush on the show Sister, Sister. (Don’t act like you never had one).
Honorable mentions
- Bigger – BET+
- Wu-Tang: An American Saga – Hulu
- Schitt’s Creek – Netflix
There are so many more series that I have yet to check out. I guess I’ll have to save them in my faves and binge when time allows.
So, tell me, what series are you currently binging?
Kee