We’ve all been cooped up in our houses for what feels like forever and along the way you’ve probably, like me, needed Netflix and similar services to help you through.
I’m a particularly sad person who relies on IMDb ratings and recommendations before deciding to watch something, so if you’re like me then take this as my stamp of approval which probably means absolutely nothing.
Here’s a list of some of the best shows I’ve been watching recently that can hopefully help you through quarantining.
Thriller/Horror – Bates Motel
This is what I’m binging at the moment and at a perhaps worrying pace as well…
If you like a TV show that keeps you guessing with unpredictable twists and turns, gives you fascinating character development and can be a bit disturbing in parts then this is definitely one for you.
From the very first scene of Bates Motel, you just sense that something is not “normal” between the relationship of son and mother, Norman (Freddie Highmore) and Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga), and this is something which slowly gets unveiled as the series progresses.
The name Norman Bates may ring a bell and that’s because this show is a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 smash-hit Psycho, probably best remembered for its infamous shower scene.
I’ve been absolutely hooked on this for the past few weeks and I can’t wait to see how it ends – a look at IMDb ratings suggests the finale won’t disappoint!
Honourable mentions: Dexter, Stranger Things, Scream.
Where can I watch? Amazon Prime
Comedy – Master of None
It’s particularly difficult to make this show sound as impressive as it is due its basic premise on the surface, but I’ll give it a go.
Master of None essentially just takes you through the personal life of actor Dev (Aziz Ansari) in New York City and follows his friendships, relationships and career.
It’s a very easy-to-watch, light-hearted and subtle comedy which also touches on some really important issues along the way such as racism in the film industry and LGBTQ+ matters.
Highly recommend.
Honourable mentions: Parks and Recreation, Episodes, The US Office (yes, I prefer the US version).
Where can I watch? Netflix
Crime – Line of Duty
One of the best British TV programmes I’ve ever watched, if not the very best.
Line of Duty takes you to Anti-Corruption unit 12, following the lives of Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McLure) and Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar).
Each series focuses on a new case as AC-12 investigate officers suspected of being corrupt, or as Ted likes to call them: “bent coppers”.
This show gave me one of the best episodes of anything I’ve ever watched with the series three finale. The entire hour-and-a-half special has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and I’d urge you to start watching this show just to experience the madness.
Honourable mentions: How to Get Away with Murder, Mindhunter, The Confession Tapes.
Where can I watch? BBC iPlayer
Drama – Black Mirror
Black Mirror, first shown on Channel 4 before being bought by Netflix after its second season, is a must-watch.
At the minute there’s five seasons – please let there be more soon – and you can pretty much pick the show up wherever you like as each episode is completely standalone. Different actors, different characters, different storylines.
Charlie Brooker’s anthology series is an often brutal and bleak analysis of the current world we live in and the potential consequences of the technology we use.
Some episodes are certainly weaker than others, but the likes of San Junipero, Black Museum and White Christmas are truly great pieces of television.
Honourable mentions: Orange is the New Black, sense8, The End of the F***ing World.
Where can I watch? Netflix.
Let me know what you’re watching by tweeting @rawcliffe99 and if you happen to take on one of my suggestions…enjoy!
Tom Rawcliffe 
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