One of the best things about being stuck in the house is getting through all the TV shows I didn’t have time for before! It started out as a break from the News and tv commercials focused on COVID-19 and turned into the perfect wind-down activity.
1. The Wire
Back when we were dating, my husband made it pretty clear that a prerequisite to marriage was watching his favorite TV show, The Wire. Did he say this explicitly, no did he mean it, YES! lol He watches the entire series annually so it was easy to join in. Crime, drugs, and political corruption don’t exactly align with my interest but man is this a good series! The storytelling draws you in, the villain changes each season and it didn’t take long before I was all in! Some parts are tough to watch but this is the only show that every group I associate with loves– that says something!
2. Queen of the South
I had heard about this show for years but again didn’t think it was for me. My trainer said, “why wouldn’t a female boss want to watch a show about another badass female boss?” One episode and I was hooked. Sure the main character defies death every episode (unrealistic) but the bad guys make it soooo easy to root for her! How many empathetic cartel bosses do you know? In the last season, every episode was a cliff hanger, I was up like a kid fighting sleep to see what would happen next. Love, loss, exchanges of power, Queen of the South is must-see TV!
3. Love After Lockup
I don’t know about you, but some days I need good old mindless tv. Love After Lockup is exactly THAT. My homegirl put me on this TV show last year and the wild stories about people who meet their partners while they are in prison never disappoint. It will keep you laughing and shaking your head at the same time! You will find yourself rooting for dysfunctional love in no time!
4. The Last Dance
I’m sure you have all heard about MJ’s Last Dance series but with the last name Jordan, my hubby was super excited. We made it an event and it’s actually where we came up with the Spinach & Mushroom White Pizza recipe! The stories were super interesting by most importantly inspiring. It reminded me of what it felt like to train and work to be the best back when I played sports. So many good lessons that can be applied across all aspects of life.
5. Dead to Me
Christina Applegate has been a fave of mine since Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead! This is a show you can’t help but binge with A-1 acting! You fall in love with both leading ladies and get drawn in by this quirky friendship that never should have happened given the reason they are brought together. Dead to Me pulls at the heartstrings and keeps you guessing every turn.
6. Married at First Sight
You wanna talk about MUST SEE TV!! I LOVE love, no matter the origin so this show was right up my alley! From the first episode, I was hooked. Strangers, matched by experts, meet for the first time at the alter and we get to see them get to know each other over an 8 week period. Some of the parings are doomed from the start but others you find yourself rooting for as if you knew them personally! Married at First Sight will keep the group chat with your best gals poppin!
7. Charmed (reboot)
I enjoyed the original back in the day (still do) so I was super excited to hear about this reboot. I have always been into magic and witches and this series has a healthy dose of both. The charmed ones being younger and adding the modern twist of technology and pop culture makes it super relatable. They have normal 20-year-old problems sprinkled in with fighting demons and witch hunters. The last season of Charmed was the best in my opinion! Even my husband was drawn into a few episodes.
8. Family Reunion
This is kind of biased since I’ve loved Tia since the TV show Sister Sister. I’m liking Tamera more in her later years, but that’s not what we are here to talk about. Family Reunion is a show for the entire family. They keep it real while teaching a lesson each episode in a less cheesy way than the sitcoms in the 90s (be clear in STILL watch Familly Matters so this is not a knock). Its funny, relatable, extra, and I can’t get enough!
9. Raising Dion
Another show for the entire family and another show with magic lol. You will fall in love with Dion right away and really enjoy the process of him and his mom harnessing his magic. It shows the struggles of loss/grief, being a single mom, and embracing what is different about you. Raising Dion is an easy weekend watch!
10. Stranger Things
I have watched every season of Stranger Things about 5 times (some are better than others). Talk about a good storyline (magic is just the bonus). If you can get past these kids having no real parental supervision you will LOVE it. It’s a sci-fi horror and totally binge-worthy! Think X-files meets the Goonies. It all starts with the disappearance of Will and in the search for Will, his friends find out some pretty weird things going on in their time.
Favs that I can’t talk about because my people will talk about me: Just Add Magic, The Babysitters Club, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Jane the Virgin
XOXO, Laya
Catherine William says
I love the recommendations! You know I can’t get into love after lock up and the Wire though! I may be the only black person that hasn’t watched the wire – it’s too REAL for me, lol! All the others are a must-watch- for sure
LayaB says
I’m like that with a lot of shows people love so o understand! Glad you enjoyed the list!!!!