Heed our advice — these shows are high on the binge-watch meter. You’ll thank us later.
The Mick: The Mick didn’t quite sell itself at the outset although you could tell early the talent was there. But the FOX sitcom, which stars It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia‘s Kaitlin Olson, is incredibly funny. After her sister- and brother-in-law are hauled off by the feds, a low-rent hustler named Mickey (played by Olson) is charged with caring for their children. Imagine a high-energy version of The Nanny, and you’ve just about got it.
Riverdale: Don’t feel weird about watching a live-action drama based on a silly comic book based on the classic Archie comics from the late ‘30s. This reimagining of the classic book is dark, thoughtful, and highly compelling. In the beginning of the series, someone has been murdered and it’s unclear who is responsible – see, nothing like the comic book. Archie is still a redheaded Lothario, torn between two girls, but the show is more thriller than trite romance.
Designated Survivor: Kiefer Sutherland plays Thomas Adam Kirkman, a man who is sworn in as the POTUS after an explosion kills nearly everyone in the U.S. government. Soon, President Kirkman is forced to learn to his new presidential role, with the added pressure of more potential attacks. The Designated Survivor is smart, and deals with civil rights, government leaks, and terrorism in a thoughtful and entertaining way. Sounds familiar, right? Plus, it’s always a treat to see Sutherland back on the small screen.
BoJack Horseman: Animated Netflix series BoJack Horseman is one of the most-addictive comedies on the air – seriously. If you already watching it, you love it, and if you don’t watch it, you’re just missing out. The series follows a washed-up, drug-addled sitcom actor from the ‘90s, who also happens to be a horse (in the BoJack Horseman universe, humans live with animals), as he navigates the cruel Hollywood scene while struggling with middle age. Will Arnett captures BoJack’s voice perfectly, exploring what it means to lose your identity once you’re no longer relevant.
Love: Judd Apatow is behind this Netflix comedy that takes a brutally honest approach to dating, commitment, and, of course, love. Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust brilliantly star as Mickey and Gus who juggle the ridiculous comedy, and the humiliations that come with falling in love. Love has all the hallmarks of an Apatow original: realistic storylines, believable actors, and the power to make you laugh and cry at the same time.
Imposters: Imposters is a new dark comedy, which is still getting its legs, but is a wild ride from the first episode. A gorgeous and brilliant con artist finds vulnerable men and women to fall in love with, marries them, and takes them for everything they’re worth. You’re on board already, right? When three of her former victims team up to find her, everything comes crashing down. Unpredictable, incredibly funny, and after a few episodes Uma Thurman steals ever scene she’s in. This one’s a winner.
Baskets: What a cast! Zach Galifianakis, Louie Anderson, and Martha Kelly lead this odd, black comedy about guy whose dream is to be a clown. After dropping out of a fancy French clown school, he returns to his hometown and works at a rodeo. The Louie C.K. co-created series is also a study of family dynamics and the strange ways people cope with the world around them. It’s not always “ha ha” funny, but when it is, it’s bring-you-to-tears hilarious.
The 100: The 100 isn’t so much an underrated sci-fi thriller as it is under appreciated, and it’s yet to get the glossy cover on entertainment magazines like say, Stranger Things. If you aren’t following the series, the show follows the aftermath of nuclear war, and the only human still living are those who live on The Arc: a giant space station. Oxygen and resources are running out too quickly though, so 100 juvenile delinquents are sent down as guinea pigs to see if the Earth is survivable. Expect to hear more from this one soon – remember, it took a few seasons for Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad to become the monster-ratings grabbers they became.
The Americans: There are so many things to love about The Americans. The show focuses on an interesting time in the Cold War, and the overarching focus on the importance of family permeates just about every single story and character arc in the show, and the scriptwriters do it brilliantly. Without giving anything away, two covert Russian spies masquerade as an American family with two children living in suburbia trying to raise a traditional American family while fighting for their home country. Stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have put on some of the most emotionally commanding acting performances of the past few years.
Lady Dynamite: Maria Bamford’s “Lady Dynamite” is a show that finally offers the proper platform for her strange and deeply wonderful comic talents. The Netflix series features Bramford as a fictionalized version of herself trying to recover from a mental breakdown, one psych ward flashback at a time. The show feels like walking through an overactive imagination that borders on blissful delusion. Once you are introduced to her Diane persona, you may be surprised how funny the phrase “salmon poached” sounds.
Legion: OK, Legion is set within the X-Men universe, but doesn’t have anything to do with the movies. It follows David, who could be one of the most powerful mutants of all time … or he could just be nuts. An absolute pleasure to watch, Legion isn’t just your average superhero show. It’s packing a punch with its incredible visuals, absolutely bonkers narrative structure, and a superb cast.
Billions: Based loosely on real events, Billions follows a US Attorney as he goes after a hedge fund manager in a war of New York’s major figures. The series stars Damian Lewis, Paul Giamatti, Maggie Siff, and Malin Akerman, and it’s a LOT of fun.
Preacher: Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, Preacher is intense, dark, graphic, and a shitload of fun. A small-town preacher collides with a holy power that gives him the ability to command total obedience to his every word. It’s just that … it’s a very literal power and sometimes things get out of hand. Along with his ex-girlfriend, Tulip, and a mysterious, shadowy figure Cassidy, the Preacher sets out on a holy quest.
