A Netflix Bender

I have a rule when I start watching a show - it has to have at least three seasons.  I want to binge.  I want a chance to get lost in what I'm watching.  If it has multiple seasons, it proves that it has staying power.  My taste in entertainment is all over the board.  This list will span 'For Mommy's Eyes Only', share with the kids, and add a little diversity.

Mainstream shows for time with the bigger kids.

The Flash - The fastest man alive, superhero Barry, has good morals, great friends, and a fun storyline.  Some of the themes are dark.  It still has that UPN, WB, CW, whatever they are going to call the teenager channel next, wholesome spin.

Supergirl - I started watching The Flash after completing the episodes of this series, available on Netflix.  The two storylines often intertwine, along with Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow.  Little me was a big fan of Supergirl.  I watched the movie, had the comic books, and got severly excited when I heard they were making a series.  Of course, I had to wait three years because of my odd rule.  Like The Flash, this series has a great cast that shows your teens a better way to deal with hard situations and what values to hold.  Plus, if you're like me, you get to enjoy a child-like hero obsession without guilt.

photo by Disney | ABC Television Group / License

Pretty Little Liars - Alright, so sometimes I'm a 15-year-old trapped inside a 38-year-old's body.  This squad has been a highschool girl's obsession since it's 2010 release.  It has its stagnant moments, but following it to the end was pure satisfaction.  The questionable actions of characters and most aspects of the storyline are not a good representation for young watchers.  It does fulfill the chocolate bon-bons and soap opera stereotype of housewives by keeping you glued to the couch.

Riverdale - I have been anxiously awaiting the third season of the modern day Archie.  After watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (yes I know it only has one season - I'll get to that later), I learned that Riverdale and Sweetwater were sister towns.  This is not our Archie, comic or character.  All the heads are the same, but the story is strongly overcast, as in, there are only dark clouds over Riverdale.  Still, apart from the murderous plot, the sub-stories mirror the issues our children deal with but often do not tell.  Let's reminisce our 90210 days (and enter Luke Perry as Archie's dad).  I believe the show hints at this by adding Disney twin, Cole Sprouse, as misunderstood Jughead.  Extra, Extra - potential Josie & the Pussycats Spin-off.

(A little bit of music trivia, Blake Neely is behind The Flash, Supergirl, and Riverdale.)

Bring on the Littles

TrollHunters - I started watching this series because of Anton Yelchin.  He played roles in movies that were well-written, thought-provoking, and, in one instance, a movie by one of my favorite directors.  The animation is supreme.  The story line keeps you entertained and coming back.  Watching it with the little ones, you can be happy with the storyline of friendship, the work ethic, and the fantasy of it all.  Guillermo del Toro is not synonymous with children's tales, actually quite the opposite with Pan's Labyrinth.  This story shows his range and hope for more in the future.  (Guillermo & Dreamworks plan for an Arcadia Trilogy - Hunters, 3Below, and Wizards.)

Artwork by Bedobaho / License

Series of Unfortunate Events - Parents knew the books before the series.  Netflix hit gold with NPH playing Count Olaf. (If you have a chance, scroll Neil Patrick Harris' Instagram account - or Mommy_May_I's new pic share - you will see how much more than a great actor he is!)  It is dark and unfortunate.  It also shows sibling support, panache, and artistic fantasy.  This series should be a staple for any binging momma.

One Series Only

Ashes of Love - (64 Episodes)  I have a K-Drama fetish.  My first binge was Flowers Before Boys, which is probably the most well-known international K-Drama.  This time I went outside of my normal fan-girl zone and tried a Chinese Drama.  Ashes of Love made my late-night insomnia soooo worth it!  The show is an interesting take on 'The Powers That Be' and the human world.  It is full of twists, deep emotion, and the struggles of love.  This is best for the late nights when the children are asleep.  It is in Mandarin, so subtitles are a must.  You won't really need the volume.  Maybe it's also good for a zone-out during wild-child time...

Somewhere Between - (10 Episodes) This is a limited time series on Netflix.  So, it may not be available by the time some read this recommendation list.  One of my younger hollywood crushes, Devon Sawa, plays a main role in this second-chance series.  Momma loses daughter, loses it, and refuses to do it again.  This is another twists and turns roller coaster.  Murder, revenge, mystery, and more.  This momma escape is for adult eyes.


For Mommy's Eyes Only

Photo by West Midlands Police / License

Peaky Blinders - This is the crude, rude, raw bits of Netflix.  My first binge was the sci-fi show Fringe (maybe that rhymes for a reason.)  I couldn't stop watching.  This sci-fi dork didn't have to deal with commercials, a week, a month, or anytime of waiting?!  Though I have that show to thank for my binging, socially acceptable, obsession, the first show that was unforgettable and without pause was Peaky Blinders.  I will admit, I broke my rule and watched when only the first season was available. (I will explain before we are all done.)  But I wasn't the only one.  BBC bought the series after 2 seasons on the 'Flix. It is gritty, it is very raw, it is also addictive and not to be watched with sensitive viewers.

Gotham - It's another superhero story, where they start, where they grow, but not where they live or die.  Gotham is where Batman lives, but Gotham is where not only he, but the rest of the residents started.  James Gordon wasn't always the man on the sidelines. At one point, he was the focus.  This series visits what growing up can make us, if we choose.

But It's Only in the First Season

I have the three season rule, but sometimes, you run out of things to watch - and I'm not binging Nailed It or Botched Up Bodies unless I need a sedative for sleep.  None of these are for younger viewers. So, here are my 'I broke my rule and I'm not sorry' first season binges.

Umbrella Academy – My #1, numero uno, YES!!! The story line is good, but two things sold me.

Robert Sheehan - this is why I wanted to watch this series.  He is in one of my favorite TV series of all times, British series, Misfits (I will address this in The Hulu Binge part 2 of this mommy's picks.)

The Music - I didn't even know until I watched the first episode.  The opening Phantom of the Opera violin solo and, at 54:11, the fight scene, lead by They Might Be Giants' Istanbul, made me fall in love!

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - of course I watched Sabrina the Teenage Witch growing up. She was Clarissa Explains It All.  This is a super dark and morally questioning, version of the story we know (check out the legal battle - Goat Head Statue Lawsuit) 

Netflix - Sabrina's Dark Debut from Gio Puyat on Vimeo.

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell - It's a DIY for our misfit, mentally maybe-stable, ugly-animal loving, inner self.  The show reminds me of Jim Henson by Tim Burton with guest host, 50's Halloween Martha Stewart.

Altered Carbon - This show is a shiny polish on a gritty story.  Think Blade Runner - but you're not going to fall asleep.  You'll keep guessing as to what will develop next.  Some of it is predictable but, the imagery is gleaming and gloomy.

There are so many more bingeable series.  These are the ones that peak on my radar.  Feel free to leave your own suggestions.  I always love to watch something new while folding laundry, working out band schedules, doing dishes, completing schoolwork, changing diapers, creating promotions, making mid-day snacks, and everything else it takes to be this Mommy_May_I.