Today’s Topic: Bingeworthy TV Shows/Movies (The new fall TV season is starting up this month, so let’s talk about what shows everyone should watch when they’re not reading!)
Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl
Aside from one or two TV programs I watch with my best friend, I’m not much of a television watcher. Most of the shows I enjoy best are British series aired on PBS. So instead, I’ve decided to share some the series I’ve found on various streaming sites that I really liked. These are definitely worth binge-watching.
Adapted from a novel by Anthony Trollope, Julian Fellowes (of Downton Abbey fame) wrote the screenplay. Tom Hollander is the title character who raises his niece Mary in the absence of her parents. Mary’s relationship with the scion of the wealthy Gresham family precipitates the exposure of some long held secrets. Allison Brie has a supporting role. Amazon Prime is streaming all four episodes.
If you loved BBC’s The Paradise, you should watch the Italian version adapted from the same Emile Zola novel. Though they share similarities, there are enough differences to make this version set in 1950’s Milan unique. My sister and I loved it. Both seasons are currently streaming on Acorn TV with English subtitles.
Produced for Russian television, this series portrays the rise to power of Catherine the Great. This is a lavish production with gorgeous costumes and jewelry. Many of the scenes were filmed in the palaces of St. Petersburg and Moscow. This is probably my favorite production about this fascinating historical ruler. Both seasons are available on Amazon Prime with English subtitles.
A recent discovery and a nice surprise. Stranded is the Swiss Family Robinson story. As much as I love the Disney version, this one is a bit more realistic and less idealistic. And it was produced by Hallmark, though it bears none of that company’s “hallmarks”. It’s a three hour film split into two parts. I found myself engrossed in the new perspective on this familiar story. Available on Amazon.
My mom and I discovered this Australian series set in the 1950’s about a doctor with a tragic past. He returns home after years in Asia and becomes a police surgeon. With his deductive reasoning and investigative skills, he helps the local police solve crimes whether they want his help or not. Five seasons are available on Netflix and Britbox.
Very loosely based on the title character of stories written by G.K. Chesterton. This Catholic priest helps solve crimes in his local village with the help of the parish secretary Mrs. McCarthy. His other partners in crime include the adulterous Lady Felicia and her felonious but good hearted chauffer Sid. This is a cozy mystery series, so it’s feel good entertainment. Plus, I adore Lady Felicia’s 1950’s couture wardrobe with perfectly matched accessories. All six seasons are available on Netflix.
Based on what is considered to be the first English detective novel written by Collins Wilkie. An English couple finds their relationship unraveling with the disappearance of a valuable stolen diamond. This mystery really kept me guessing the whole time. The reveal of the thief totally surprised me. All five episodes of the series are available to stream on Amazon Prime and Britbox.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
If you haven’t yet heard of this wealthy amateur female detective who carries a little gold gun and solves crimes in 1920’s Australia, where have you been?! It has a feminist slant and a drool worthy romance with the local police detective whose traditional values clash with Miss Fisher’s progressive views. I’ve watched this three season series several times, it’s so good! Stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Acorn TV.
A married couple run their own business cleaning crime scenes and assist the local police investigator in solving crimes. This Australian series could be just another run of the mill mystery series, except for the adorable relationship between the two leads. They are both such unique and quirky characters and they way the love and accept each other is all my #relationshipgoals. Sadly, there is only one season but you can stream it on Amazon Prime and Acorn TV.
I loved this romantic drama about a British raised Indian woman who escapes a bad relationship. She moves to India to work as a doctor at a clinic and also to learn more about her roots. Fans of Downton Abbey will be happy to see Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes) play an important role in the first season. Plus, the scenery is gorgeous! Both seasons are available on Amazon and Acorn TV.
I fell in love with this Spanish medical drama about doctors and nurses working in Northern Africa in the middle of a war. Set in the 1920’s this soap opera features entanglements and love triangles galore. But it also features a little known time in history and explores the politics of the military in times of war. The first and currently only season is available on Netflix with English subtitles.
Related: Six Lesser Known Series Adaptations on Amazon Prime
Have you seen any of these series? Do you have a favorite?
Honestly, I don’t know any of the series you’ve mentioned here, but they sure do sound pretty interesting. I’ll look into ’em. Thanks for the recs!
* TTT: 10 feel-good TV series to watch while studying/writing notes
You are welcome! I hope you find one you enjoy.
I haven’t seen any of these, but I live in the UK, so I do love a good British TV series!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/top-ten-tuesday-175/
Well, hopefully they are as available there as they are in the U.S. I too love a good British series which I’m sure is obvious thanks to this list!
I don’t know, they might be, depends how old they are! Ha ha yeah it is 🙂
I’m definitely going to have to watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. 🙂
Check out my TTT and my plans for Fall Bookish Bingo
It’s soooo good. A personal favorite of mine. Let me know how you like it.
I haven’t seen any of these. I have a feeling that I’d like historical shows, though. I read a lot of historical fiction.
You know, I didn’t even notice that they were almost all historical series. Ha Ha. I guess that makes sense since I adore history.
These ALL look amazing! I think I would like each one of these series. 🙂
Well, you have plenty of options to choose from. The problem I’ve found is not having enough time.