This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/21/2018 07:00 AMWith so many cable alternatives where viewers can watch TV shows on their own time instead of having to tune in to a network at a designated time, bingewatching has become a favored pastime for many. Sitting down to watch three or more consecutive episodes of a show is certainly nothing out of the norm for today's viewers. In fact, it's a very satisfying way to be able to watch any number of excellent programming at one's own pace. Consider the following television series for your binge-watching pleasure:
Game of Thrones(HBO)
TV-MA
No list of binge-worthy TV shows would be complete without first mentioning the ever-popular HBO series Game of Thrones. For seven seasons, Game of Thrones has captivated viewers with fantasy, political drama, and a cast of remarkable characters portrayed by a group of very talented actors. Based on the battle for dominance between several powerful families, Game of Thrones is an enthralling show for both fans of fantasy and for those who might not yet realize that they are indeed fans. With the series about the wrap up in 2019 with its eighth and final season, now is the perfect time to get hooked on it by watching the incredible first seven seasons.
Killing Eve (Amazon and iTunes)
TV-14
Killing Eve is a BBC drama about an MI5 employee played by Sandra Oh that has currently aired only its first eight-episode season. Oh (best known from her work on TV's Grey's Anatomy for nine seasons) stars as Eve Polastri, an agent at the British intelligence agency who has been tasked with tracking a female serial killer, Villanelle (Jodie Comer). It is an incredibly entertaining series to watch as both women become obsessed with one another, and it's perfect to quickly binge before the debut of its highly anticipated second season slated to begin sometime in the spring of 2019.
Sherlock (Netflix)
TV-14
Benedict Cumberbatch plays detective Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman plays his loyal friend Doctor John Watson. Set in modern day London, Sherlock is a fast-paced show filled with thrilling mysteries. Sherlock is a great show to binge-watch as each episode is approximately 90 minutes long and there are only 13 episodes total. Details remain true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original detective books. It received critical acclaim during its run between 2010 and 2017. Sherlock was produced by BBC and is available to stream on Netflix.
Please Like Me (Hulu)
TV-MA
Please Like Me is an Australian TV series created by and starring Josh Thomas, who writes most of the episodes, too. Please Like Me is a comedy/drama that centers on Thomas' own life as a twentysomething who discovers that he is gay after breaking up with his girlfriend. Around the same time that he discovers his own homosexuality, Josh begins to take care of his troubled mother and moves in with his best friend. With four seasons made, Thomas has announced that he does not plan to continue making any future episodes of the critically acclaimed show. It is, however, available for viewers' binge-watching pleasure on Hulu.
Breaking Bad (Netflix)
TV-MA
Many viewers tuned in each week to watch the ever popular Breaking Bad on AMC during its five-season run, but for anyone who missed it back when it originally aired from 2008 to 2013, all 62 episodes are available to view on Netflix. Regarded by many as one of the best ever TV series, Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, two men who produce and sell crystal meth as a way of life. Throughout its tenure, it won numerous awards and it firmly belongs on all lists of binge-worthy shows.
Homeland (Showtime)
TV-MA
The final season, Season 8, of Showtime's Homeland is slated to debut in June 2019. Before then, however, it is not too late to catch up on all of the action from the critically acclaimed previous 7 seasons of Showtime's breakout hit starring Claire Danes. Carrie Matthison (Danes) is a dedicated CIA officer who struggles with her diagnosed bipolar disorder. On the air since 2011, Homeland's main plot lines change each season, but each one centers around Carrie and the heroic efforts she is willing to make to foil terrorism and keep the world's citizens safe.
Tara Sojka is a movie columnist for Shore Publishing. Shows listed above are based on her personal recommendations.
The holiday season brings excitement in many ways, one of which is the debut of original films on networks like Hallmark and Lifetime.
Christmas at Pemberley Manor
Hallmark's highly anticipated holiday movie schedule has 22 new films set to debut this year. The first film to kick off the season is Christmas at Pemberley Manor, which debuted on Oct. 27. The film stars Jessica Lowndes as event planner Elizabeth Bennett, a woman sent to a remote small town to organize the town's annual holiday festival. After arriving, Elizabeth meets William Darcy (Michael Rady), a billionaire who is attempting to sell the manor that she intends to use for the festival. Elizabeth and William bond while working together, but their new relationship is threatened when complications arise and the festival is shut down. An added bonus: look for scenes filmed in Essex earlier this summer.
Romance at Reindeer Lodge
Filmed in 2017 at various locations in Connecticut including Branford and North Haven, Hallmark's Romance at Reindeer Lodge stars Nicky Whelan and Josh Kelly as two cynical people stuck together unexpectedly at a Christmas-themed ranch in Vermont. Look for various familiar shoreline backdrops throughout the film including the Branford Town Green, Pasta Cosi, and Caron's Corner.
It's Christmas, Eve
It's Christmas, Eve is another Hallmark holiday movie which debuted on the channel on Nov. 10. In the film, Leann Rimes stars as school superintendent Eve Morgan, a professional who is reluctantly being forced to reduce her hometown district's budget in order to save funds. Part of the cuts that will be necessary to reduce spending is eliminating the music program, led by her neighbor, music teacher Liam Bailey (Tyler Hynes). Eve is able to launch a website for donations in an attempt to save the arts program on the same night as the town's annual tree lighting ceremony where Liam's music students will perform. Looking for a Christmas miracle, Eve hopes her plan works.
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe
In Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (set to debut on Hallmark on Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.), Darcy Fitzwilliam (Lacey Chabert) is a hardworking business owner who is forced to return to her hometown for the Christmas season to care for her sick mother. While home, Darcy reconnects with a former rival, Luke (Brendan Penny), with whom she is forced to work on a charity event. Reluctant at first to spend time with her family or Luke, Darcy slowly begins to realize what is truly important in this movie adaptation of the novel with the same name by writer Melissa de la Cruz.
A Very Nutty Christmas
A Very Nutty Christmas is part of Lifetime's holiday movie schedule set to premiere on Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. It is one of 14 original movies that Lifetime is adding to their lineup this year. Originally titled Kate Holliday, locals may remember hearing of the film being shot in the springtime in Centerbrook at the Savour Café and Bakery, as well as other locations in Old Saybrook. The film is directed by Paula Hart and stars her daughter, Melissa Joan Hart, as a brokenhearted baker named Kate who has given up on Christmas in order to fulfill her work requirements. In a twist of magic, a nutcracker comes to life as a real man who manages to help show Kate the true beauty of the season.
Homegrown Christmas
Set to air for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m., Homegrown Christmas is another of Hallmark's original holiday movies. Homegrown Christmas stars Lori Laughlin as Maddie, a businesswoman who makes the life-altering decision to step away from her job as an overworked CEO and return to her hometown for the holidays. While home attempting to gain perspective on life, Maddie runs into her old high school sweetheart, Carter (Victor Webster). At first Maddie and Carter clash, but after spending time together they begin to remember what made them fall in love so many years earlier.
CABLE ALTERNATIVES
There are a plethora of alternative service options to cable that are cost-effective for viewers to consider, some that include live TV and others that do not.
Amazon Prime Video
Offers TV series and films.
Pros: Includes free two-day shipping, as well as access to Amazon music and Kindle e-books. Can watch Amazon original shows.
Cons: Unable to watch series in real time.
Cost: $12.99/month
DirecTV Now
Offers TV in real time and DVR capability.
Pros: Includes more than 120 channels.
Cons: Inconsistent video quality.
Cost: $40 to $75/month
Hulu with Live TV
Offers Hulu's traditional catalog of streaming services plus access to more than 50 live channels.
Pros: Best content selection.
Cons: Limited DVR storage.
Cost: Starts at $40/month
Netflix
Streaming service that offers TV series, films, and documentaries all for a basic plan.
Pros: Catalog of original series and films is second to none, and can watch Netflix original shows.
Cons: Unable to watch series in real time.
Cost: Starts at $7.99/month
PlayStation Vue
Viewers can choose one of four packages for an easy-to-use alternative service option with a variety of channel options including local broadcast networks.
Pros: Unlimited DVR.
Cons: Need a solid internet connection for videos to stream properly, and limited channel packages.
Cost: $45 to $80/month
Sling TV
Offers TV in real time and DVR capability.
Pros: One of the most affordable alternative service options.
Cons: DVR option adds $5 a month to its plans.
Cost: $25 to $40/month
YouTube TV
Offers live TV more than 60 networks.
Pros: TV in real time with unlimited DVR.
Cons: Some networks not available everywhere.
Cost: $40/month