okaybee

It’s officially become cold, rainy, time-to-light-the-fire-and-watch-tv season.

It’s always this way. I think because we all know how crazy Christmas gets, and the amount of time, money and energy we’ll all be spending in the run up to it, it makes it easier to hunker down in November. One of my favourite things to do in this weather is to have a new show or movie to watch. I go full hygge. Cosy dinners, glasses of wine, roaring fire, and (knowing me), some sort of murder documentary, or a light hearted comedy. I have no in between. Put on your cosiest jumper, light a few candles, and get yourself a cup of tea. I’m going to take you through my top picks this November, for every mood. I’ve put where I’ve watched these shows in brackets after them. You’re about to see my Netflix obsession in full force.

If you want to fully embrace the darker evenings, then a darker show is the only way to go.

The OA (Netflix) is a bit surreal (actually so is Dark, but even if you’re not into that type of thing, please give them a chance!). If you watch the trailer below, your first thought will be ‘Katie, wtf?’, but it’s a brilliant show. It focuses on the life of Prairie and a dramatic event in her childhood that lead to the current events. There’s not a lot more I can say without completely losing you to be honest. I found it full of twists, a brilliant cast, and I never knew what to expect from each episode. I guarantee you will be on the edge of your seat. Watch on Netflix.

Dark (Netflix) is another incredible show. It’s in German, so subtitles will be necessary if you don’t speak it. I found it was so much better this way, as you really focus on the show. If you don’t keep an eye on the subtitles, you’ll be lost. I’m so guilty of second screening lately, but Dark kept me completely absorbed in the plot. This is a science fiction/thriller based on a small German town where two children go missing. The plot is intricate, so beware, but to me it was 100% worth the intricacy. One of the best shows I’ve watched. Also, the soundtrack is second to none.

Bodyguard (BBC) is a recent watch for me, and whoo-boy do they pack a lot into six episodes. Episode after episode, it was moving at a break neck speed. It focuses on the life of war veteran David Budd, suffering from PTSD, who is assigned the role of bodyguard to the Home Secretary in the UK. Personally, I could have watched another 10 episodes of this season. It’s one of the best shows the BBC has ever brought out. If you live in the UK, you can check it out on the BBC iPlayer, or I believe it’s on Netflix.

Honourable mention: Making a Murderer (Netflix), Mindhunter (Netflix), Manhunt: Unabomber (Netflix)

If you find the change in weather tough, you need a comedy to lighten the mood.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) won’t be for everyone, let’s just say that upfront. But, if you’re into lighthearted comedy with larger than life characters and a plot line that makes you laugh out loud, then this show is for you. After being rescued from a cult, Kimmy moves to New York and moves in with Titus, the most giffed character on Twitter. It’s bizarre, hilarious and occasionally heartwarming. Plus the opening song makes me happy every time.

Great News (Netflix) is another slightly bizarre show. What sold me on it was Carol. My mom is Carol. The scene where she types a request into Google actually had me in stitches, because it was so accurate. It’s such a random show, but if you need something lighthearted and bizarre to watch, then this is the show for you.

Schitt’s Creek (Netflix) is a show my parents asked me to watch for months. I kept putting it off because we don’t always have the same taste in shows, but oh my goodness, I love this show. It follows a previously very wealthy family as they move to a town (Schitt’s Creek), that they bought as a joke years before. I think this is one show that I’ve really seen the character arc in full force. There’s been so much change and growth throughout the seasons, plus the ‘fold in the cheese’ scene had me in pieces!

Honourable mention: Parks & Recreation (this is actually one of my favourite shows of all time, but I watched it when I lived in the States and don’t have any way of watching it now.), The Office (either UK or US, they’re both amazing).

If the weather has made you sick and you’re having a duvet day, you’ll need something easy.

The Duff (Netflix), is an easy watch and feeds right into my love of high school movies that are a little corny, always end a certain way, and feature lots of attractive people. This movie is one of my guilty pleasures that I’ve watched several times. Not sure why this is one of my favourites, but it is. If you need an easy watch, give this a look.

A Knights Tale (Netflix), I will fight anyone that doesn’t enjoy this movie. It has Heath Ledger, horses, random dancing, comedy, Heath Ledger. I can’t believe this movie has been out since 2001, but I remember it coming out in the movies and seeing it several times. An easy watch, fun, plenty of laughs, and Heath Ledger. Dream.

The Amazing Race (CBS), this is one of my favourite shows of all time, hands down. My dream is to be on this show. If you haven’t seen it before, then you need to know that it’s the entire reason a reality award was created for the Emmy’s. It’s been running for 30 seasons and is one of the best things to watch if you have some time on your hands. If you’re a travel junkie like myself, you’ll love seeing all the incredible places they visit, the tasks, I could go on and on and on. Treat yourself, give it a watch.

Honourable mention: Gilmore Girls (a favourite of mine, but I know it’s not everyones cup of tea)

If the weather has turned your heart to a cold dead stone, you’ll need something that warms it back up again.

The Good Place (Netflix), is a must watch for me. It’s one of the most interesting and funny shows on tv at the moment, and while you’re laughing, you’re also being taught about ethics. What’s not to love? Kirsten Bell has been a favourite human of mine since the sloth video (you need to see that video if you haven’t yet), and the rest of the cast are a delight. Watch it and delight yourself.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix). I’ve spoken about this movie which I’ve watched several times to date. This is one of the few movies that has given me a little warmth in my cold, dead heart. It is adorable, cute, funny, smart, ADORABLE. I love this film, I love this cast, and the whole storyline is just so lovely. Watch it, love it, watch it, repeat forever.

About Time (Netflix). I only recently watched this for the first time. Where have I been? This movie is full of joy, love, life lessons and has made me crush on Domhnall Gleeson to be honest. This movie does feature time travel, but again, if you’re not into that type of thing, don’t let it put you off. I guarantee you’ll be happy you watched this lovely movie. Plus Rachel McAdams means it probably a good movie.

Honourable mention: School of Rock (I have the dvd…), one of my favourite fun movies to watch. If you’re looking for a sing along, then this is for you.

If you’re going full hygge and eating all the carbs and cheese, you’ll need a show that will fully support you.

Chef (Netflix), was one of those movies that I started watching with no expectations. Let me tell you, it will have you wanting to book a flight to Miami asap. The food. Good god the food. A fancy pants chef packs in his job, buys a food truck and sets out to rediscover his creativity, as well as bond with his son. Recommended food to eat while watching, anything cuban, cold beers and spicy snacks.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Netflix), is actually a show I haven’t had the chance to dive into much yet, but I am planning on diving into it wholeheartedly soon. Anthony visits different parts of the world to fully immerse himself in the culture and cuisine. Everywhere from Myanmar, Columbia, Peru and Congo are explored in this series. Because of the diversity of foods and cultures, I have no idea what to recommend you eat food wise for this, but just don’t watch it with no food in the house, that would be torture!

Diners, Drive Ins and Dives (The Food Network), is another of my guilty pleasures. There’s something about Guy and his neon hair, plethora of rings and sayings such as “That takes me all the way to Flavourtown”, that just make me so happy. Are some of the meals insane? Yes. Does anyone need to eat that much food? God no. Should you still spend 6 hours hungover watching this show? 100%.

I hope this has given you food for thought (sorry, food on the brain). This is a pretty good list to get you started, but if you enjoy it I can do an update in a few months. Let me know if you’ve seen any of these shows, or if you have any others to recommend!