Ready for a Netflix duvet day?
There’s nothing I love more than to chill out and binge-watch something on Netflix. But there’s so much choice it’s often difficult to know what to watch. Netflix is getting some really great new shows on as well as some that are made specifically for it. Here are 5 of my top picks of shows from the US for binge watching at the moment.
1. Designated Survivor
Plot in a sentence: Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) is the only surviving member of congress after the President and all of his Cabinet are killed during a terrorist attack so is sworn in to run the country and must try to unravel an elaborate conspiracy.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Kiefer Sutherland played Jack Bauer in the brilliant series 24.
The Verdict: Fans of 24 won’t be disappointed with the action, political drama and double crossings coming thick and fast with each episode ending on a suitable cliff-hanger.
Number of episodes to watch on Netflix: It’s on its first season so only 11 so far, but there’s a new episode every Thursday.
Netflix Binge-ability Start watching on Sunday morning and you’ll probably have watched the lot by the evening.
2. Shooter
Plot in a sentence: Bob Lee Swagger (Ryan Phillipe) is the expert marksman convinced to come out of retirement to help foil a plot to kill the president, only to be framed for treason, and must go on the run whilst trying to prove his innocence.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Stars Ryan Phillipe famed for Cruel Intentions, 54 and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
The Verdict: This is translated from the film starring Mark Wahlberg and does a great job of taking the concept of the story and spreading it out over more episodes. There’s definitely enough meat on the bones of the story to keep the tension high.
Number of episodes to watch on Netflix: Currently 10 but the show has been renewed for a second season.
Binge-ability: A couple of episodes in the evening after work will see you polish this off within a week.
3. The Client List
Plot in a sentence: Jennifer Love-Hewitt plays the Texan housewife forced back to work as a above-board masseuse after her husband walks out and ends up at The Rub, an establishment that offers, er, happy endings.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Jennifer Love-Hewitt shot to fame as a teen in Party of Five and starred in the I Know What You Did Last Summer trilogy, the first film of which was with the aforementioned Ryan Phillipe.
Number of episodes to watch on Netflix: 25 episodes over two seasons it was dropped pretty early on, but undeservingly if you ask me.
The Verdict: Another film to series translation this is unapologetically fun and trashy, lighthearted and easy to watch with some great characters and classic American drama.
Netflix Binge-ability: More laid back than the others, something you can dip in and out of when you want something to watch that doesn’t require too much concentration.
4. House of Cards
Plot in a sentence: Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood, the House Majority Whip of the Democrat party who’s manipulative schemes will stop at nothing to work his way through the ranks of power all the way to the top of The White House.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Veteran Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey needs no introduction nor does his on-screen wife played by Robin Wright. The cast also includes Mahershala Ali who has just won an oscar for his supporting role in Moonlight.
Number of episodes to watch on Netflix: Currently 52 episodes over 4 series. Series 5 is due to be released on 30th May 2017.
The Verdict: This one was based originally on a British TV show. It’s definitely one that you need to concentrate on but with exciting and intelligent plots as well as standout acting it’s definitely not to be missed.
Netflix Binge-ability: It’s a slow burner, it took me almost the whole of series 1 to really get into it properly but once you’re hooked, you’re hooked.
5. The Good Wife
Plot in a sentence: Alicia Florrick (Julianna Marguilies) is forced back to work as a litigator in a law firm after her husband, a former state’s attorney, is sent to jail in the midst of a sex and corruption scandal.
Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Julianna Marguilies played Carol Hathaway in ER for 135 seasons. Chris Noth who plays Alicia’s husband was Mr Big in Sex and The City.
The Verdict: Each episode has an exciting new courtroom/legal base which is suspense ridden but also peppered with good bits of comedy. There’s also ongoing storyline threads that keep you wanting more. Fantastic television.
Number of episodes to watch on Netflix: With a whopping 156 episodes to get through this one will keep you busy for a while.
Netflix Binge-ability: Before you start watching this just know that it is addictive, there’s also the episode numbers there to feed that addiction so start clearing your weekends.