The Best TV Series to Binge-watch in Lockdown

The idea of self-isolation and a nationwide lockdown, for many, is a nightmare. It is natural to want to be out and about, getting fresh-air and meeting up with friends and family. However, now is not the time for business as usual, this situation isn’t ordinary and, unfortunately, we are going to have to spend a lot of time at home and away from other people. Staying home can save lives and what can be more important than that?

In these extraordinary times, we are all having to adjust to a ‘new normal’, catching up with our family and friends over video chat and participating in work meetings online. We’re reading and cooking, exercising and getting creative. Many of us have found that lockdown, and the restrictions it poses, has given us back those hours we lose in the day from simple tasks such as getting from a to b, providing us with a new opportunity to spend time doing all those things that sometimes get forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of the opportunities that the lockdown has presented is the chance to catch up on all those television series you’ve put on hold. Those series that you’ve been meaning to watch, but just haven’t found the time to. Those, “but I’d have to start from series one and that’s a lot of commitment” kind of television series. With so many different platforms, streaming services and catch-up TV, there are endless opportunities for you to sit back, relax and catch up. Here are a few of our recommendations for the weeks ahead.

Peaky Blinders

Since this BBC drama hit our television screens it has been an instant hit across the world, winning critical acclaim and awards across its five seasons. The show follows the exploits of the Shelby family, based on the real life Birmingham gang the Peaky Blinders, the popularity of the series stemming from a stellar cast, intelligent and gripping plot line and fantastic soundtrack.

One of the main appeals of Peaky Blinders, is that it has the feel of a high-end, high-budget Hollywood movie with the excitement and heart-pumping anticipation of a serial drama full of cliff-hangers and tension. It features the kind of names that, ten years ago, a television drama could only dream of securing. In a time where big name actors begin to split their time between Hollywood Blockbusters and the small screen more than ever before, Peaky Blinders can count itself amongst one of the front-runners in making this happen.

Aside from the incredible cast and acting talent on display, the other key thing that makes Peaky Blinders such a stand-out show is the writing. Throughout the series the writing does not falter, the storyline is strong, it makes sense, and it leaves you wanting more. The beauty of shorter series is that every episode counts. There isn’t that point, usually midseason, where the show becomes filler, with episodes that either add very little to the plot or unnecessarily drag it out to fill a quota of episodes. You want a show that leaves you hooked, keeps your interest from beginning to end and makes you wish that you could immediately watch the next episode. Peaky Blinders is all of those things. It isn’t conventional and it is certainly not afraid to break the rules.

Hunters

This Amazon Prime original starring Al Pacino has received mixed reviews since it first aired back in February, however I suppose a drama following a group of Nazi hunters was always going to divide audiences. The show is action packed and relatively fast-paced, following a group of vigilantes as they seek out Nazi war criminals in 1970s America. Hunters was always going to be one of those series that divided people, more-so than other television programmes, however there is a lot to like about this series, from the acting talent on display, to its sense of morality, interspersed with scenes of violence and humour. It is a mixture of drama, crime and dark humour, interspersed with 70s styled skits and interludes that, in a way, break the forth wall.

What I enjoyed most about this television series was that the characters, whilst having similar and shared experiences, were different. They had their own voice, their own characteristics and worked as individuals, not just as a collective. Too often in ensemble pieces, especially when there is a big name like Al Pacino, individual characters can get lost or become background figures who are offered little character development and little chance to be involved in the plot line, but the writers of Hunters have the balance just about right. It can be violent and a little strange at times, but it’s worth definitely worth a watch.

The Outsider

Based on the novel by Stephen King, HBO's The Outsider is a bit of a slow-burner, however that only adds to the mystery and tension surrounding the plot. The storyline is everything that you would expect a Stephen King adaptation to be, and the strong cast build the tension throughout, making you on edge from beginning to end. Like all good mysteries, it keeps you guessing, but with the added sense of the paranormal to keep you on your toes. I’m not usually that keen on programmes with a paranormal or supernatural edge to them, but this one is subtle enough to not veer too far off track. If you’re looking for a happy and upbeat programme then this is most certainly not for you, but if you’re looking for something that’s a bit dark and mysterious, that might make you jump on occasion and keeps you guessing all the way through, then this might be one to try.

Killing Eve

There seems to be a little bit of a theme developing throughout these recommendations, however with the rise in “alternative crime” dramas over the past few years (and a significant rise in quality) it’s no wonder that so many are making our recommendation list.

Killing Eve is another drama that has become a global hit in recent years, its success born from its two phenomenal lead actresses Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, as well as from the gripping, humourous and well-written scripts of Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The latter has achieved unprecedented success over the past few years and has come to gain a reputation amongst viewers and the acting world as a writing talent, hence the renowned actors who have and continue to work on her shows. If you enjoyed Fleabag then you will definitely enjoy Killing Eve, it has the same humourous tone that has become synonymous with Waller-Bridge's work, whilst maintaining that well-crafted and dramatic plot line to ensure that it isn’t an outright comedy (or dark comedy) nor is it merely a drama, but a happy mix of the two. Comer in particular has gained well-deserved recognition and praise for her role as assassin villanelle, the chemistry between her and Oh being a key to the show's success.

Parks and Recreation

Many of you will already have watched Parks and Recreation when it first aired, however if you didn’t then I would highly recommend this show to quash the lockdown blues and to provide you with some much needed light-relief. It’s a little bit silly, it’s sweet and there are moments that will make you laugh out loud, with quirky characters and high-end names there are seven seasons of entertainment to enjoy. If you’re a fan of The Office then you’ll love this, another take on a mockumentary without treading on the same ground as other comedies of this ilk. Unlike the other series mentioned above, this is made up of shorter, quick-fire 20 minute episodes which is perfect if you have occasional pockets of spare time and don’t want to sit down and invest in a series with longer episodes. Equally, if you want to sit back, relax and binge watch a series, the light-hearted nature of this show makes it an easy watch, meaning you can quickly find yourself four episodes in without really realising it.

Like most series of this kind, Parks and Recreation is definitely the kind of programme that gets better and better as this seasons go on, the addition of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott at the end of the second series being a particular turning point for the show. There are plenty of well-known faces from Amy Poehler to Chris Pratt, with many other comedians, celebrities and even politicians popping up through its seven series. If you need a good laugh and a television show to brighten your mood then Parks and Recreation is the programme for you.

So there you have it, just a few recommendations to beat those lockdown blues and to catch up on some of those series you’ve missed out on. So grab your snacks, turn on the TV and give yourselves that much needed downtime that we all deserve.