How to Fall Down the Black Hole of Streaming Services

Though streaming services have created algorithms to match us with shows and movies we might enjoy, there exists a fairy, whose recommendations never fail (unlike the streaming services). The 98% match is not always a match Netflix..., but thank you for trying.

It's important to begin with the classic binge watching shows: Parks and Rec, The Office and Modern Family. Coincidentally, the shows are listed from seasons least to greatest (7, 9, 11 respectively). Frankly, I enjoyed The Office (and still consider myself more than a fan; I recently through my husband an Office themed, Covid friendly birthday party); however, during my third time through, the funniness of the show had significantly decreased. Instead, I felt empathy for many of the characters who used to annoy me. Similarly, during my second viewing of Parks and Rec., I found the majority of it quite despairing. Unlike the aforementioned shows, Modern Family is about families, and it elicits a range of emotions. All of the shows are in the "mockumentary" style.

Staying in the same comedic vein, the fairy suggests the following familial television shows: Schitt's Creek, American Housewife, Kim's Convenience, New Girl, Black'ish. All of the shows quenched my thirst for something light hearted, funny and mindless (I like to multi-task). Admittedly, I do believe each of the shows has a unique flavor, so they might not be for everyone. The spiciness of each show in the same order as they were presented: rich to rags, white suburban mom, first-generation Korean student, quirky teacher, based on Kenya Barris' life.

Though all of the above shows are definitely enjoyable with teenage children, some families might have younger children in the household. The fairy suggests two shows: Psych and and Monk. Both are family friendly and have many seasons, so the "movie" nights are covered for the next year. Psych and Monk follow "detectives" who are working to solve crimes for the police. The protagonists have their own quirks and awkward moments which result in laughter for all audience members, even the most rigid!

Crime junkie enthusiast without kids? Perfect. The streaming fairy is biased towards crime shows. Though there are the hot 21st century classics- How to Get Away with Murder, Dexter, Blacklist -most follow the same ups and downs; oh the people look like they're about to get caught...oh what do you know they got away...again. Oh wow they're hooking up, this is random because someone just died; oh now they're breaking up for the tenth time...

For those who seek the thrill of uncovering a show most have not seen, but deserves the attention of thousands, then the fairy has treat for the previously described group:

Broadchurch: the twist at the end, WOW! My husband actually had anxiety dreams afterwards; I slept like a baby.

Marcella: I love a main character who is haunted by their own pitfalls and mistakes. Like Broadchurch, Marcella is a British show; honestly, I think the Brits might do crime best. Everything is twisted and convoluted.

Tin Star: now, I will not give this show the same glowing review as the previous. Now, I love Tim Roth, I think in the same way most people who love him do; he has an interesting magnetic gruff charm about him. Unfortunately, Tin Star's first- in my opinion -was the best.

Enough of the point of view from the good guys, time for the murder's perspective. Maybe it's for a twisted reason, but people hunt almost crave the intense beast-prey rivalry. The fairy proposes a few shows:

YOU: all-deserving of its' cult-like following, You is a masterfully twisted show. Right when the hum-drum begins, another exciting problem arises. Admittedly, there are a couple extreme evading situations, but what tv show is completely a surprise?

The Fall: another British crime genre, definitely a slow suspenseful build. Enjoy how seemingly realistic it is!

There are many more suggestions from the fairy, alas her writing partner is tired and procrastinated writing the assignment.