Are you currently bored and looking for something to do? Thankfully, you don’t have to look far! With the popularity of Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus and other streaming sites, it is entirely possible to catch up with some of the best television series, within a few days! Of course, the time taken to binge watch will depend on the length of the series. For some, you might bail out, before you make it to the end. Below, you will find some of the very best series to watch now and where to find them!
Take note that these are all shows that have concluded. I’ll do others at a later time.
Rome
You cannot go wrong with this oldie, but goodie. This historical drama was actually a national collaboration, which brought together America, British and Italian figures to make the show happen. Although the show was originally pitched to HBO, BBC eventually got involved and helped with the production costs, which soared to astronomical figured. The series followed Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), two ordinary men, who witness the rise and fall of Julius Caesar in their own personal way.
Overall, the series is great, educational and possibly features one of the grossest scenes in all of television. If you’ve seen it, you’ll understand what I am talking about. The series is currently available to Amazon Prime members for free of charge.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is hard not to mention. The series follows teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), as he is diagnosed with cancer, teams up with former student, Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) and begins a massive meth empire. Although the entirety of the series might be a tad bit overrated, it is well worth binge watching. I personally grew bored with the 4th season, but returned for the 5th and am glad I did. The entire series is currently available on Netflix.
The Killing
The Killing, which originally aired on AMC, was cancelled about 5 or 6 times, before it finally wound up concluding on Netflix. Yes, the series is based on another, which is potentially better, but the American one is definitely worth a view. It stars Mireille Enos, as Sarah Linden, and Joel Kinnaman, as her detective partner, Stephen Holder. The series received a lot of backlash after failing to reveal the killer of Rosie Larsen in the first season.
Still, there are several things that ring true with The Killing. The first season is brilliant, the final season is even better and the acting is great throughout. Netflix subscribers will definitely want to give the show a chance.
The Missing
The Missing is a British drama, which aired on BBC One and Starz. Unfortunately, many American viewers missed out on the brilliance of this crime drama. The series follows father and mother, Tony (James Nesbitt) and Emily Hughes (Frances O’Connor), after the disappearance of their son, Oliver. With a compelling cast of characters from a retired detective, Julien Baptiste (Tcheky Karyo), to a pedophile, Vincent Bourg (Titus De Voogdt), who desires to be reformed, the show is interesting, compelling and will keep you guessing, until the very end.
This was undoubtedly one of the best series of 2014. Since it wraps up in a single season, it is worth a quick view for sure! Unfortunately, this is one that you’ll have to pay for, unless you’re a subscriber to Starz. Be sure to keep an eye out for the 2nd season too!
Anzac Girls
If you’re into Australian dramas, Anzac Girls is a can’t miss. The series features some of the best that Australia has to offer, including Dustin Clare, Todd Lasance, Anna McGahan and Antonia Prebble. Of course, it is Georgia Flood, who impresses the most. Despite a small portfolio of work and less experience than her counterparts, Georgia Flood plays the dramatic role exceptionally well.
The story itself is fascinating, bleak and feel good all in one. It is certainly a war drama with a different point of view. The 6 episode series is definitely worth checking out. Unfortunately, paying for it is a necessity. As fascinated as I was with the show, I wouldn’t mind the purchase, just to see it again. It is available on Amazon Instant Video.
Copper
BBC America has grown into quite the network here recently. Cooper was released, during the network’s lesser known days, which is a shame. The series follows Tom Weston-Jones, as Detective Kevin Corcoran. The Irish cop attempts to bring peace to the Five Points neighborhood of New York City. The cast of characters are the selling point of the show. Ato Essandoh and Tessa Thompson are great, but Weston-Jones and Kevin Ryan steal the show.
Once you’re introduced to Annie Reilly (Kiara Glasco) and her sassiness, you’ll be hooked. Unfortunately, the series ends somewhat abruptly. If I remember correctly, the series used to be free on Amazon Prime, but not anymore. Still, it is worth a glance.
Any Human Heart
If you’ve got about 4 hours to spare, Any Human Heart is a worthwhile character study, with some excellent acting from Jim Broadbent, Sam Claflin and Matthew Macfadyen. Gillian Anderson, Tom Hollander and Hayley Atwell all make an appearance, as well. The series follows an up and coming writer, Logan Mountstuart, and takes the view of three actors, who represent the three different stages of his life.
Ultimately, the series is a thrill ride of excitement and emotions. From time to time, it slows, but sticking around to the end is definitely worth it. Lucky for Amazon Prime members, the series is currently free to view!
The Paradise
If you want to step back into time and experience a young girl’s strive for success, you’ll want to check out BBC’s The Paradise. The series follows Denise (Joanna Vanderham) and Moray (Emun Elliot). Denise is new to the town and accepts a job from Moray, at The Paradise. The show is charming and definitely feel good! Joanna Vanderham draws you in and forces you to feel her drive for success. It is very inspiring and motivational to say the least.
The series premiered around the same time as Mr. Selfridge and eventually got dropped after the second season, which is a real shame. I’ve tired to watch Mr. Selfridge, but Jeremy Piven drives me up the wall. Just watch The Paradise several times instead. The series can be viewed on Netflix!
The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies
If you’re looking for a real life Rectify, you’ll want to check out The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies. It might be short, but it is to the point and excellent. Jason Watkins plays the eccentric Christopher Jefferies. The school professor winds up in jail for a murder he didn’t commit. Over the series, Christopher goes through plenty of torment and is broken to pieces, before he is eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.
The 2 part series is excellent, although very depressing. Jason Watkins is absolutely brilliant. I could watch him as Jefferies for 20-30 more episodes and never get bored. Unfortunately, I have no clue where to watch this show.
North & South
BBC is the master of period dramas and North & South is one of their best. The series stars Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage, as Margaret Hale and John Thornton. Margaret, a 19 year old, moves with her parents to the northern part of England and finds it difficult to change to her new environment. She becomes somewhat of a champion for the lower class cotton mill workers and clashes with the mill’s owner, John Thornton.
The 4 episode series is excellent and does a good job addressing the issues at hand. The series used to be available on Amazon Prime. Thankfully, Netflix subscribers can access the show!
Underbelly
Again, Australia hits a home run with Underbelly. Each season explores a different criminal element in the history of Australia. Therefore, each season can be viewed in different sittings. Many believe the first, which details the rise and fall of Carl Williams, to be the best. There is no doubt that Gyton Grantley and Les Hill make wonderful enemies. All seasons are worth checking out, but be sure to watch the first!
Hulu has Underbelly Razor for free, but the rest are only for subscribers. Amazon Instant Video has the series for sell and it is well worth the price.
In The Flesh
If you’re a fan of zombies and want to watch something entirely different, In The Flesh can fulfill your thirst. The series offers a completely different take on zombies. Some are rehabilitated and introduced back into the world. Kieren Walker (Luke Newberry) happens to be one of the suffers of Partially Deceased Syndrome. The series starts with his release from the zombie rehab center. Unfortunately, he is released into a hostile home and environment.
The first season, which is only 3 episodes, is great and the second is 6 episodes. 9 hours of your time can be well spent with In The Flesh, which is currently available on Amazon Instant Video. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the show will get another season.
Conclusion
Well, that is about it for now. Any suggestions? I will try to add more, as I get the time to do so!
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
