Summer Binge-Watch Headquarters

What do retired folks do all day long?

Nowadays, we keep busy that’s for sure! Some of us like to garden, read, golf, shop, craft, cook or play card games. There’s always volunteering, traveling and visiting family. I partake in most of these activities and hobbies, but one of my new pleasures in retirement is to binge-watch TV shows.

Some writers think that TV is a waste of time. To me, binge-watching is the equivalent of reading an entire book or book series at the pace I choose. I wouldn’t want to be limited to just one chapter a week or month, as was popular in Victorian times. Books were expensive then, so authors grew their readership with installments printed in newspapers or magazines that most people could afford.

Charles Dickens started it all with The Pickwick Papers and his fans grew impatient with the wait for his new chapters. Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo appeared in 139 installments. Other popular novels that were serialized include Madame Bovary (Flaubert), Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) and Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Harriet Beecher Stowe).

How would you like to have been an author then? You would have had to write fast and also concoct exciting and engaging stories to keep your readers hooked.

My Magic Wands

Back to binge-watching. The best part for me is that when I get to the end of the program and it seems as if Jack Bauer must be a goner this time for sure, with a wave of my magic wand, I only need to wait about 60 seconds for the next show to start!

In June, I posted my annual best books to read in the summer at the beach or back yard. In addition to reading, binge-watching is also a summer activity for me. The days are longer, and some of my regularly scheduled commitments are over until fall, so why not turn up the air conditioning, fire up the hot-air corn popper and settle in for a few episodes? I use Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to find shows and stream them.

Here’s my watchlist, I give a few details about each program. There is much more info available on the internet!

In no particular order:

 

1. 24     American Thriller Series    8 seasons

Counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer fights the bad guys of the world, a day at a time.

Why I like it: each episode is one hour in real time; plots, counter plots, counter-counter plots

 

2. Frankie and Grace    American Comedy Series   3 seasons so far

As everything around the ladies falls apart, the only thing they can really rely on is each other.

Why I like it: the chemistry between Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda is fantastic; hilarious

 

3. The Americans     American Drama Series    5 seasons so far

Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are two KGB spies in an arranged marriage who pose as Americans in suburban Washington, D.C

Why I like it: Intriguing series that blends spy action thrills with insightful looks at marriage and family

 

4. Call the Midwife     British Drama    6 Seasons so far

Moving, funny, colorful look at midwifery and family in 1950-60s East End London.

Why I like it: I’ve bonded with the characters; gentle, touching, moving stories about families

 

5. Anne with an E     Canadian Drama   1 season so far

This reimagining of the classic book and film is a coming-of-age story about a young orphan

Why I like it: Not a sunny version, more dark, but Anne of Green Gables still entertains and inspires

 

6. Royal Pains     American Drama    8 seasons

A fired doctor reinvents himself as a concierge physician on the Hamptons

Why I like it: the Hamptons scenery! Ensemble cast is loveable; drama, medical issues, life and love in the summer

 

7. The Man in the High Castle   American Drama   2 seasons so far

Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel- a dystopian look at what would happen if USA and the Allies had lost WWII

Why I like it: what a concept! exciting

 

8. Band of Brothers     American Drama Miniseries  1 season

Story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army.

Why I like it: The theme song! The history, the bravery, the magnificence of these soldiers. Excellent production.

 

9. Modern Family      American television mockumentary sit com   8 seasons so far

an honest, often-hilarious perspective of family life

The funniest show, great ensemble, spot on look at modern life

 

10.  The Durrells in Corfu      2 Seasons

A widow moves her family from Britain to Corfu in 1935.

Why I like it: appealing characters, sophisticated humor, great acting, the scenery!

 

11. The Great British Baking Show   British Reality Show   3 seasons so far

Amateur bakers are on a quest to be named the U.K.’s best baker. This show is called The Great British Bakeoff in England. There is also a Christmas special, 2 seasons of 4 shows, so far. A new season started shoeing in June!

Why I like it: Mary Berry! The beautiful photos shots of food and the English country-side, the loveable contestants

 

12. Home Fires     British Drama     2 seasons

The women of a Cheshire village during the Second World War.

Great ensemble acting; their trying times showcase all the emotions

 

What Do you Like to Watch?

Band of Brothers is my all-time favorite. The Great British Baking Show is delightful. Do you have any recommendations for me? Do you like my choices or not? I’m always looking for more to watch- so please inspire me with your favorites. And please don’t tell me you don’t watch TV.