Cruel Summer
Young Adult Drama | Hulu | 2 Seasons
Don’t let the name fool you, this series seamlessly transitions you from Summer to Fall by offering the perfect amount of spooky. Each season unfolds its own captivating mystery so it doesn’t matter which season you start with. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride of forbidden love and drama at every turn as you gradually solve each mystery.
Virgin River
Romantic Drama | Netflix | 5 Seasons
Get ready for a heartwarming embrace with this series that feels like a crossover between a Hallmark romance and a Lifetime drama/mystery. This Netflix original series offers a cozy look into small-town living with a level of charm that’s hard to resist. Watching this community come together and offer their unwavering support for one another provides the perfect uplifting way to end any day.
Joe Pickett
Thriller Drama | Paramount+ | 2 Seasons
Seeking a grittier alternative to the charm of Virgin River? Joe Pickett offers some familiar faces paired with a rugged storyline similar to that of Yellowstone or Longmire. While the show takes a moment to find its stride, the narrative follows the journey of the newly appointed game warden whose simple country life quickly finds trouble.
Special Ops: Lioness
Action Drama | Paramount+ | 1 Season
Our house has been on a recent Taylor Sheridan binge–creator of major hits like the Yellowstone franchise and Mayor of Kingstown–Lioness emerges as a powerhouse that lives up to the hype. A departure from the typical cowboy/western storyline for a female-led cast with names like Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman. True to Sheridan's signature style, Lioness doesn't shy away from intensity. It offers a rollercoaster of drama, action, and heartbreak, revolving around a group of badass soldiers whose stories unfold in a fast-tempo season that demands resilience from its viewers. Dive in, but brace yourself—it's not for the faint of heart.
Claim to Fame
Reality TV/Competition | Hulu | 2 Seasons
After all those shows you’ll need a palette cleanser! The Jonas Brothers interview on Armchair Expert led me to find out about this unexpected gem, Claim to Fame. Hosted by Kevin and Frankie Jonas, this guilty-pleasure TV show adds a clever twist to the typical contest tv show format; all contestants are related to a celebrity (singer, actor, athlete, public figure, etc.) and their challenge is to keep their identity under wraps. The real magic unfolds as viewers at home can compete alongside the contestants to piece together clues to reveal the celebrity relatives. While Claim to Fame is still finding its stride in its early seasons, this addictive concoction of mystery and fame is undoubtedly here to stay for seasons to come.
Quarterback
Docuseries/Non-Fiction | Netflix | 1 Season
Although I’m still working my way through it, I can already tell that Quarterback is a big hit! Fall and football go hand in hand and although I usually reserve all my football fanship for college league (go Hawks!) the docuseries Quarterback has re-piqued my interest in the NFL. This series takes an intimate day-to-day look into the lives of three NFL quarterbacks while bringing to life the challenges, strategies, and unwavering commitment demanded by the profession. Regardless of your NFL allegiance, the documentary effortlessly captures the enchantment, thrill, and camaraderie inherent in the game, making a fan out of even the most indifferent. If you're reconsidering your football fandom post the Taylor effect, Quarterbacks is the perfect gateway into the fantasy that is NFL football.
I’ve been in need of recs - this is fantastic! Can’t wait to start binging these 🤪