Well hey there. It has been a hot minute since I created a post for my Film and Beyond part of the blog. I thought with the Bank Holiday & Easter weekend coming up, we have the perfect time to sit and binge.
For those of us that aren’t working this weekend* we have all the time to get through a few series. I have picked ones that will have you glued to your screens and sofas.
Each of these are equally gripping for different reasons, and aren’t that long in episodes. You can easily box one (or even 2) of these off during this bank holiday.
*Key Workers – We can’t thank you enough for everything you are doing right now! We are all eternally grateful!
Line of Duty
A BBC classic here that is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. I was very late to the Line of Duty game, I hadn’t watched any of the show on actual TV until series 5.
There are 5 seasons & a total of 29 episodes. Believe me when I was that once you’re past season 1 (which can be a little slow), you will not be able to turn it off after that.
It’s so gripping, and so brilliantly acted that you’ll be naming your What’sApp groups after AC12 (I know someone who has done this).
If you’re not sure what it is about, then let me explain a little. It is a British police drama that focuses on catching and exposing “bent coppers”. So, catching police that have turned bad & are involved with crime & cover ups. It is GREAT and the plot lines will have you either on the edge of your seat or pacing the room.
Marvellous Mrs Maisel
Hop on over to Amazon Prime and you have Midge Maisel, a 1950’s New York housewife turned stand up comedian. This is one series that I tell everyone to watch. It’s laugh a minute, fast paced, and so quirky.
This fantastic series has been written by the creators of Gilmore Girls, and you can tell. It’s packed with strong female characters, witty one liners, and moments that will make you melt, and also sob.
From the moment I started watching this I knew it was an instant win, and it has now become one of my all time favourites.
This is the perfect feel good series to put on this weekend. There are 26 episodes over 2 seasons. And don’t worry, a third season is underway.
Killing Eve
If you haven’t watched Killing Eve yet, where have you been? I can’t let this bank holiday weekend pass without making sure that those of you that haven’t seen it yet, definitely watch it.
It burst on to our screens in 2018. Originally it was made for a US audience, and we only had it via BBC iPlayer much later. Season 2 was also uploaded the following year, all in 1 go via iPlayer, then later rolled out on the BBC.
With season 3 fast approaching (episode 1 launching 13th April on iPlayer), you certainly do either need to refresh your memory or catch up.
Villianelle played by Jodie Comer is a hitman for hire. She is a contract killer that adds her flare on to each of her jobs. The show takes her crimes to new heights each time and never holds back on pushing the limit of what they’re willing to show.
I guarantee you’ll be either petrified by her or, as enamoured with her as Eve; the police detective that’s after her is.
Watch it, watch it, watch it. That’s all I have to say. 16 episodes over 2 seasons, easy.
Gavin and Stacey
Want a good laugh and for your hearts to be warmed? Then Gavin and Stacey is for you. Millions of us tuned in on Christmas Day to watch the Christmas Special episode. I know that some of those people that watched it have still never seen the full series.
If you could see me now I am shaking my head in shame.
There are 3 seasons & 21 episodes waiting for you on BBC iPlayer. Once you start you’ll fall instantly in love with the characters. Trying to choose who is your favourite is like picking a favourite child (or chocolate bar for those of us that don’t have kids). You’ll find yourself crying with laughter in parts, and wanting to just let episode after episode play on.
Sex Education
I’m ending on a big one here. Sex Education only came in to mine and Ste’s life this year, and to tell you the truth I had strong words with myself over why I hadn’t watched it all sooner.
There are currently 2 seasons of this on Netflix, and only 16 episodes. Do a few each night this weekend and you’re done. But believe me when I say you’ll be wanting more instantly. I have missed this show every day since I completed it all.
It’s like no other concept I have ever watched before. It’s about a high school boy, whose Mum is a Sex Therapist. Through twists of fate at school he becomes the schools secret Sex Therapist. Don’t get me wrong, you will cringe so hard in parts but you’ll also be so wrapped up in story-line that you don’t care.
The setting of the show is in homage to the great film era of the 80s and 90s. So there is no set era for it which is so clever and adds to the nostalgic feeling you get when watching. It also strengthens the plot because you’re not getting distracted by any pop culture references, like phones, fashion or modern life.
Take Your Pick
As you can see there is a real mix of shows in here, but all of them equally as gripping or fun. I wanted to pick box-sets that don’t have a million episodes to get through, and choose ones that are actually manageable in a weekend.
You can definitely get through 2 of these this weekend & if you do, that deserves a pat on the back.
Why not wake up, head out for your one-a-day fresh air stroll/run. Come home, pop the banana bread in the oven, and press play on episode 1. That actually sounds perfect to me.
Let me know if you watch any of these. Or have you already seen some? Did you love them as much as I did?
Take care guys, and enjoy.
Jessi xoxo
Cover photo – Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
