Better Binged

February is all about the lists. I mean, I love lists, but I might be taking it a little too far this month. Knowing that, do you think it’s going to stop me from writing another one? Unfortunately not. There will also be another list next week. 

It’s winter. We’re also experiencing some crazy weather here on the East Coast. It has snowed more in the last couple of weeks than it has the eternity of my adult life. There was an ice storm Saturday. There was ice everywhere like you couldn’t walk outside. Did I venture out and almost break my leg? Yes, I did. So, with another storm on the way, I’m boycotting. Between the weather and the pandemic, there isn’t a real reason to leave the house. To kill time, I’ve been binge-watching everything. 

I’ve curated a nice list of 5 different streaming services. So, if you’re experiencing an apocalyptic winter or you’re staying quarantined, you’ve got some stuff to watch! 

Currently, I use HBOMax, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. I know that not everyone utilizes the same streaming services. I’m going to be pulling a few things from each service. I’m also going to mix up the genres a bit. 

HBOMax 

We’re just going to stay in order! 

1. Pretty Little Liars: I freakin love this show. I watched it when it originally aired. So, when I found it on HBOMax, I couldn’t get enough of it. I may or may not be binge-watching it for the second time in the last couple of weeks. I might be a little bias because there’s a nostalgic vibe to the series. However, the chemistry between the characters is heartwarming. The storyline is inciting throughout the series. You also find yourself emotionally invested. I promise once you start, you won’t want to stop. 
2. Gossip Girl: Please don’t hate me, but I’m late for this party. I started Gossip Girl last summer. I’m still going through it, so no spoilers! It reminds me a lot of Pretty Little Liars, which is why I started watching it. I appreciate shows that create relatable relationships. There’s also a lot of nostalgia with this show as well. Just the time itself sends you back to the mid-2000s. 
3. Friends: Can you THINK of a better show? I was devastated when Netflix took Friends away. It’s also one of the reasons I started using HBOMax. My introduction to this series was through binge-watching. So, it feels natural every time I do. Each episode is only 30 minutes, so you go through them quickly. It’s the light-hearted vibe for me. 
4. Sex and the City: The cult classic that everyone should see at least once in their life. I would spend my afternoons watching reruns on E. So, I’ve never seen the show in order until now! If you’re looking for a show that covers uncomfortable and real topics, look no further! Some of the best relationship advice I’ve received has come from Miss. Bradshaw. I mean, are you watching HBO if you haven’t seen Sex and the City at least once? 
5. Euphoria: There isn’t a lot to binge, but what there is, is TV magic. I’ve never seen a show do what Euphoria has done. The content is raw, real, and never skips a beat. The filming style compliments the storyline phenomenally. So, do the hair, makeup, and costumes. Don’t even get me started on the acting! I’m telling you, believe all the hype surrounding this show. 

Netflix

1. The Vampire Diaries: First and foremost, I have NOT finished this show. So, please, no spoilers! I’ve binged the first 4-seasons more times than I care to admit. I swear I’m going to finish it this year! It’s one of those shows where you become so emotionally invested that you forget it’s a show. I just don’t want to see it end. So, if you enjoy shows that rip your heart out from time to time, I highly recommend this one. The storyline truly is enticing. 
2. Gilmore Girls: If you haven’t seen this show, what are you doing? It has everything you need. It contains ample amounts of caffeine, witty banter, and a mother-daughter duo worth envying. 
3. Stranger Things: With the new season right around the corner, now is the time to binge it all. Everything about this show is a vibe. Honestly, it might be my favorite Netflix original. There is no other show like it! 
4. Shameless: I’m guilty of binging this series more than once. I can assure you I’ll be doing it again soon! This show is raunchy, real, and doesn’t shy away from anything. It lives up to its name. 
5. iCarly: Sometimes you just need some nostalgia. Not all of the seasons are up yet, but that didn’t stop me. You can never go wrong with an old-school classic. Plus, there’s a revival on the way. 

Let’s stick with nostalgia for just a second. 

Disney+

1. Lizzie McGuire: If you know, you know. My love for Hilary Duff started here. I know for a lot of people it’s the same. There’s something about old-school Disney shows; they don’t make them like that anymore. 
2. Wizards of Waverly Place: I mean, for me, it’s the title. A family of wizards who run a sandwich shop in New York. That’s lighthearted TV gold, in my opinion. 
3. Boy Meets World: Can you think of a better reason to watch Disney+? I mean, the originals are a selling point, but I think the nostalgia sold it. I spent years trying to find a place to watch Boy Meets World. It’s finally here! 
4. WandaVision: So, you can’t binge this show exactly. There are a handful of episodes up now and new episodes every week. If you’re a patient person, you could wait to binge all the episodes. Or you could binge what’s out now and wait. Either way, this show is worth checking out. I know the trailer makes it seem a little strange. To be honest, it is a little stranger. But it eventually makes sense! It’s a show that requires attention. 
5. High School Musical The Series: This isn’t necessarily a suggestion because I’ve never seen it. It’s more of me asking anyone who has seen it. I grew up watching High School Musical. Is it worth checking out? 

Amazon Prime  

Alright, I don’t watch this one as often. So, I don’t have as many suggestions as the others. I’d love to hear what you watch on Amazon Prime! This portion is going to be more of a reminder for me.  If you’ve checked out any of these, please let me know your thoughts! 

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 
2. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
3. Hunters
4. The Fosters: I know this isn’t an Amazon Original, but I need to finish it.
5. Downton Abbey: Also not an Amazon Original, but I miss the original airing. 

Hulu

Hulu is a new addition to my streaming list. I was interested in the true-crime aspect. There are a lot of documentaries on Hulu. So, I’ll leave those off this list. Just know, they’re being watched frequently. 

1. Archer: Sometimes you just need good mature cartoons. There are so many seasons. There’s no way you’ll binge this series quickly. 
2. Good Trouble: Who doesn’t like a good spinoff? Good Trouble is what happens after The Fosters. 
3. Sabrina the Teenage Witch: I’m so excited to binge this series. There’s something about revisiting old favorites. It makes you appreciate the evolution of a character. In this case, the different stories surrounding one character. 
4. Ugly Betty: Ugly Betty has a special place in my heart. It was the first “adult” show I was able to watch. It’s one of those shows that’s like fine wine. It gets better with age! 
5. Younger: I’ve heard nothing but great things. I haven’t watched it yet, but I have high hopes. I mean, Hilary Duff is part of the cast. 

I didn’t realize how many series are available via streaming services. It’s safe to say this list didn’t even scratch the surface. I’d love to hear what series you’re binging or have binged. I’d also love to hear which service you use the most. 

I hope this list helps you the next time you’re stuck and not sure what to watch!