cawaps, I tried a few minutes of S.E. but it didn't do anything for me. Maybe not a fair trial run?

I am very very picky when it comes to comedies so many listed here just aren't my cuppa-- but one we loved is Barry (HBO). It is quirky and dark but lots of fun.

It's been awhile since I picked up any series.. haven't been inspired enough to make the time. We are watching the new season of Homeland (Showtime) and it has started out much stronger than the last few (I could have abandoned it a few times in the last few seasons). This is the final season so glad they will finish strong.

I also like the euro mysteries but haven't seen the ones Cyn called out. We did enjoy the first season of End of the F*ing World (Netflix) but haven't seen the second season yet. (ETA this is a british comedy.. not a mystery! LOL .,, sorry for any confusion!)

I have seen a few movies recently.. Knives Out was not what I was expecting but very good. Mostly loved Greta Gerwig's Little Women, Downton Abbey (the movie) was a fun revisit, The Irishman was also very good. I have Parasite downloaded but haven't had the right combo of time and mood to watch it yet.

cawaps, we watched and liked both seasons of Sex Education, and there's nothing wrong those of us who like "adult content" (writ broadly), life is adult content, and sappy, plain vanilla, network pablum is boring IMO, give me real sex, drugs and rock and roll and I'm entertained.

I forgot to add Catastrophe to my list, loved it. Very funny and sometimes very biting comedy about an Irish woman living in London and an American who have a quick fling during a business trip he makes there resulting in a pregnancy resulting in them marrying and building a life together. Bonus points that it was Carrie Fisher's last work; she played the guy's mother.

I also forgot to mention Bloodline which I watched around the same time we bought a house in the Florida Keys. The first season was perfection....but then the gripping plot kind of petered out and it was cancelled after the third. Still, the setting is incredibly atmospheric even if you're not a subtropical fan and the acting was also superb.

Another show I loved and was sad to see go was Santa Clarita Diet which was also cancelled after 3 seasons. Premise was that a married pair of real estate agents in CA had to deal with life after she was infected by a weird paranormal parasite that turned her into a flesh eating zombie. I know, I know but the combination of Drew Barrymore and Timothy Oliphant as the couple, amazing writing and an fortuitous mixture of comedy, family bonding and over the top gore somehow just worked.

WRT getting into a show, or not-my daughter has commented that in today's streaming world shows are constructed so that the first season is a contained arc and presentation tryout if you will. The creators don't know if it will be picked up so they throw their best out there and hope it is popular enough that the show gets renewed. Makes sense because unlike the past network show model, viewers can literally sit down and watch the entire season in one swoop. No time any more for a sleeper show that slowly builds its audience. You better hook em fast!

I'm going to give both my eh-no shows Mrs Meisel and Schitt's Creek another chance based on comments here. As noted, it can take a few episodes or even a season for things to jell or for a viewer to decided thumbs up or down.

In fact after I posted I recalled that I actually wasn't all that enthralled with Grace and Frankie the first season because I thought it couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be, a comedy? Drama? Dramedy? It settled into its lovely groove after that and has become an all time favorite. So I'll give some others a chance and see what happens with them as well.

I don't like mysteries generally. I think I am too competitive for mysteries. I need to figure it out instantly (or at least before anyone else) or I feel like a failure. This is clearly some mild form of mental illness. I don't need to fail at entertainment.

I didn't like Knives Out because its a mystery, but also there was one recurring plot device I found gross and stupid. And one character looked so gaunt I just want to order her some lunch.

Loved: Catastrophe, Fleabag, End of the *** World, Atypical, Madmen

Can't get into: Frankie and Grace, Schitt's Creek,

Like but got stuck halfway on: Last Tango in Halifax, Maisel

Afraid to commit to, holding off for when I break a limb or something and have zero to do: Breaking Bad

Last night DH and I started the Americans. I recommended it to DH and he rolled his eyes and said "I've been trying to get you to watch that forever." I'm all like, "oh but the Gardenweb ladies said it was good." Well then. He then reminded me that it is based on a true life couple, who lived in our old town; they were arrested just about the time we moved IIRC. Bizarre-o. They didn't live anywhere near us and we didn't know them.

Last Man on Earth on Hulu has been making its rounds around here. My DH and his friends are all watching it and love it. He says I will like it too, but I've been too busy to watch.

Mtn, Breaking Bad is one of my all time favorites. However, the first time I watched the pilot (or maybe it was actually S1E1), I thought, no way am I gonna watch an entire series about hapless meth cooks and dealers. So I bailed. A year or two later I was hearing raves and decided maybe I'd been hasty to abandon it so quickly. It's incredible. Now I'm watching the penultimate season of Better Call Saul, a prequel to BB, that I imagine will end where BB begins.

I forgot that DS has a month of HBO on Hulu, so I need to jump in and watch more Barry.

I had to quit Breaking Bad after several episodes, just wasn't for me, got too violent. But I love Better Call Saul.

Bunny, in planning for my possible future convalescence viewing, should I watch Better Call Saul first, then, or watch programs by release date, as nature intended?

I was surprised how much I liked Breaking Bad. I was more shocked how much I loved Sons of Anarchy. I challenged my book club (mostly ‘mature’ grandmothers - not onto tats or bikes) to watch the first 3 episodes. They all were hooked too, and a little in love with Charlie Hunnam.

Thought of another, may have been mentioned already ... Sex Education on Netflix. Really funny! Not raunchy but not something you would want to watch with your kids. In fact, if you have teens at home you might not want to watch it at all as it might be too close to things to worry about. For the rest us...hysterical!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qZhb0Vl_BaM

How could I forget Breaking Bad? I loved every episode and was so let down when it ended. The movie that came out last year, El Camino, was good too. It's about what happen to Jesse after Walter dies.

I also love West World and see that Aaron Paul (Jesse) is in the 3rd season that starts soon.

Breaking Bad Is one of my all-time favorites too (along with The Wire and The Sopranos and Rectify). Mtn, I wouldn’t watch Better Call Saul before watching BB.

Whatsayyou18, if I remember the 1st scene of Sex Education correctly (and I think I do), it's my least favorite scene of the show and not reflective of the show overall. So if you are inclined to give it another shot, watch the whole first episode. If you still don't like it at that point, it's probably not your cup of tea.

I also forgot to mention Bloodline which I watched around the same time we bought a house in the Florida Keys.

Bloodline was great! Linda Cardellini also stars in Dead to Me. She looks much younger with bangs.

Like but got stuck halfway on: Last Tango in Halifax,

Couldn't get enough.Wish there had been more seasons.

and Rectify

Nutsaboutplants, loved it! Another that ended way too soon!

I forgot about Rectify but it is superb and I highly recommend it! Sharp Objects, with Amy Adams, is also really good.

I have been watching The Outsider and it has been super entertaining. It is a dark series. The actors are incredible. I would highly recommend checking it out.

Breaking Bad was really good. But I enjoyed it only because I watched it back before streaming, when you had to watch an episode or two a week. I can't binge watch most shows because they interfere with my psyche. That bathtub scene in one of the early episodes bothered me for days. But such great acting, and the character development as the seasons progressed was so well-done.

Chipotle, there is a new season of Last Tango in Halifax that is airing now in GB. I don’t know how long it will take to reach the US.

I recently finished Locke and Key and would rate it a B- . Enjoyable but not memorable for outstanding performances or story lines.

Right now I’m watching What to Do When Someone Dies on Acorn tv. Just finished episode one and have no idea where it’s goingI but it is good. Agatha Raisin is back on Acorn and I will prob watch that next. I could watch a blank screen and listen to Ashley Jensen talk!

I also forgot to mention Succession which I loved (HBO). Rich people behaving badly and in such entertaining fashion!

I also procrastinated on Breaking Bad for years despite so many raves. And ended up loving it. I agree, I wouldn't watch Better call Saul first even if it is billed as a prequel. I think a grand slam binge would be all of BB and then all of BCS. Wow I envy someone getting to immerse herself in that experience.

Mtn...same as you with Last tango in Halifax and Maisel—-neither held our interest in Season 2.

Winners for us I forgot: Peaky Blinders, The Killing, Bosch, Bloodline, Top of the Lake, Boardwalk Empire

Kswl, thanks for letting me know! I just watched the trailer.

Happy Valley is another from Sally Wainwright starring Sarah Lancashire.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/happy_valley

Any Better Things fans? New season returns March 5 on FX.

I loved the first seasons of Better Things, but this last one really disappointed me. Not sure why, but I didn't like it nearly as much. Loss of Louis CK maybe?

I loved Succession too, running, the entire cast is fabulous! I didn't know about it till this winter and totally bingewatched it. Can't wait for the third season to start. I work across the street from the townhouse they use as Logan Roy's home so hope to one day catch them filming. I've recently started The Young Pope and am enjoying it as well. But I started it right after Succession, and it's an overload of very bad people.

Due to the suggestions above my husband and I started the Outsider series tonight. My husband already really likes it, me, I can't handle the suspense. Does the accused have a twin brother? I already can't take it.

Another great one is Justified with Timothy Olyphant!!

Terri,

You are so funny. I was the one who suggested it.. Hang in there it is such a well crafted show. It is worth watching.... and NO he does not have a twin.

Thanks Akttillery! It is good, it's just that I don't do well with this sort of story : )

Someone also suggested Catastrophe, we both really like this one! I laughed out loud a few times.

A good, fun, long (7 seasons!) series is an Australian production Offspring. I’m only on episode 4 of season 1 and really enjoying this dysfunctional family.

NetFlix - Offspring

I just realized The Outsider is the tv version of one of Stephen King's books that itself was a follow up to the trilogy series that started with Mr Mercedes-whew that's a long winded rec sentence! Anyway, to tie this to another ongoing thread, if you are enjoying The Outsider and want to read something similar those books might interest you.

It's been mentioned in other threads before, but I think Three Identical Strangers is a must see.

I've recently watched Bad Banks on Hulu (German) it just got renewed I believe season 2 is out now. I also really like The Bureau, a French television series which revolves around the lives of agents of the DGSE (General Directorate of External Security), France's principal external security service. It was very on point with current affairs which was a nice twist as it all seems so likely to actually be happening.

Speaking of German language series Babylon Berlin is excellent and season three is just available on NetFlix. I can't see how anyone could not love this series. FYI - it's in German so you have to read subtitles - don't do the dubbed version.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/19/drugs-dancing-cabaret-babylon-berlin-returns-for-season-three

Olychick, thank you for the rec of Three Identical Strangers. I had listened to ”Identical Strangers” about the two women about 10 years ago, and of course seen the story about the tripletw when it broke, but never connected the two. My mother is a twin, and there are many twins in her family and among her siblings (my brother’s twin died in utero) so we have always had a special interest in multiples. This was an amazing story that went beyond “separated at birth”.

Glad you watched and enjoyed it bpath. That is an amazing collection of multiples in your family. I always thought twins skipped a generation, but obviously not!

Finally watched the last episode of Grace and Frankie last night. The ending was a disappointment compared to the rest of the series. I enjoyed it up until the end. Now I’ve started The Stranger and getting hooked. I like British crime stories with strong female protagonists like Happy VAlley and Broadchurch.

We just finished Gentefied, on Netflix, and it was excellent, hooked us from the start.

Oly, I think in Mom’s family, the twin thing is not only biological but also, maybe, karma? Because besides the three sisters have twins, plus my brother’s lost twin, a brother has twin stepsons, and a nephew has twins. And I think one of my twin cousins married a twin. There are other twins among a few generations of cousins.

As I was watching Three Identical Strangers, as soon as they mentioned Louise Wise Services I connected it to the book Identical Strangers, about two sisters similarly affected. That was an excellent read (well, actually I listened to it while painting the garage. Really good. I think it was read by one of the sisters.) They are the two sisters shown in Three Identical Strangers.

I was disappointed with the last seasons of Grace and Frankie and Mrs. Maisel. Virgin River on Netflix looked promising, I enjoy the first season and it was renewed for a second. It was adapted from a Robyn Carr novel and very easy to watch. I went back several nights ago to Schitt’s Creek due to everyone’s accolade, just finishing up season 1.

I too sort of liked Virgin River. Formulaic but not too bad, at least the woman doctor isn't insipid. I have watched the Kominsky Method both season twice. There is a poignancy there that speaks to me. Watched "Gentification" this weekend and loved it. It's more than half in Spanish with subtitles but takes place in the US/Los Angeles Boyle neighborhood. That didn't bother me. I found its message about struggling as an artist/creator and trying to keep neighborhood traditions alive in changing economic times very relatable even for me in a small midwestern town. A tad stereotypical, but what TV isn't a tad stereotypical. Pick your poison.

Bear in mind this is just my .02, but I loathe "Mrs. Maisel" let me count the ways. Sophomoric is one that comes to mind. Great eye candy but oh so Disneyfied do don't call it ground breaking. And as a Jew, I find it a terribly insulting lame self-parody, and that's being kind. No reflection on the talent in the show though.

My grandkids turned me on to "Stranger Things." So far so good but I'm not very far into it. For sci fi fans mostly though.

I gravitate towards escapist things with a strong dose of humor but I'm always down for a little genuine pathos, but not ones that make me gag at their pretensions.

I saw Lock and Key as well and had a similar reaction. It's lightweight, family-oriented breeziness.

I enjoyed The Good Place and was happy that they decided to make a logical arc to the finish, although it definitely got more serious and philosophical at the end.

I wish I had more time -- but since we're finding travel postponed, big meetings cancelled, and fewer group events perhaps my time will increase.

I'm glad Amazon has the A24 exclusive, and am looking forward to checking out some of the well-reviewed titles like The Farewell. I've been having an aversion to heavy dramas, especially political ones, as of late, it seems. I've also been drawn to things with out of the mainstream creativity, like some of the Netflix projects that don't follow the same formulas or genres. Will search through the comments for more...

Binged "Virgin River" last night, what a disappointment. Goofy unlikable characters, who make rather shallow and sometimes downright silly or illogical moral choices. Sure, a lot like real life but I can just not watch TV and see that kind of thing play out. As a side note, the homes featured in the show were a decorating and design treat for me!

One of my favorite 'older' series was 'Mozart in the Jungle' on Amazon. NYC philharmonic orchestra, great music, 4 or 5 seasons. I was so sorry when it was cancelled.

Me too, czarinalex! It was really a great show!

The ending to The Good Place was very well done.

I have gotten into foreign series. The funniest series that I have ever watch is Crashing On You. It’s korean with English subtitles and is on Netflix. This series has a excellent script and the cast is subper.

The 1984 original British House of Cards was brilliant, almost identical to the Kevin Spacey version storylines but with a perfect ending.

The original British House of Cards was recommended by you(?) and others in the past. Due to that I took that series to Nice last summer to watch on the laptop. It was very enjoyable to come back to the Vrbo apartment at the end of the day for mini binges.