Now that Victoria is halfway through Stage 4 lockdown, you might be searching for some new shows to binge! We thought it would only be fair to share the 12 best binge-worthy shows to watch during lockdown that are truly worth your while. So get out your blankets, popcorn, and favourite snacks and brace yourself for a solid few hours on the couch—or bed, who are we to judge?
For the coming-of-age/teen movie lovers
Looking for Alaska
This show is based on the bestselling John Green novel of the same novel—if you ever read the book, you'll know you're in for a heartwarming tear-jerker!
So what's it about?
Set in a boarding school, protagonist Pudge falls for his beautiful but troubled classmate Alaska. Just as his life is feeling normal, a tragedy occurs. Pudge and his group try to figure out what has happened and make sense of it. The series follows their journey; this is a quick watch, but well worth it!
Where can I watch it?
Stan
Euphoria
Known for its controversial nature and it’s unfiltered depiction of our youth, Euphoria is one that’s sure to captivate you. Whether you’re intrigued based on its killer cast (featuring the exceptional Zendaya and Aussie heartthrob Jacob Elordi), its unique storyline or the insta-worthy makeup looks, this show is sure to please. Note: this isn’t your next ‘Kissing Booth’; it’s much darker, grittier and dives a whole lot deeper into the challenges of our youth.
So what’s it about?
Euphoria is a HBO series released in 2019, based around Rue (Zendaya) who falls down a path of drug abuse. It reveals the challenges of addiction through the eyes of a young adult whilst having a killer cast, great soundtrack and some of the best art direction we’ve seen in television. The production of the show is truly flawless and has left a massive impact on young people around the world not only because of the storyline but also because of the stunning makeup looks.
Where can I watch it?
Foxtel Now and Binge
For the fashion forward and beauty gurus
The Bold Type
If you love career, romance and friendship driven storylines that explore the excitement of working for a fashion magazine, The Bold Type is for you. This show finds a beautiful balance of discussing issues such as racism and inequality whilst maintaining a solid hook with the friendship of three unique characters. This show is perfect for a Friday night wind-down where you’d like an ‘easy watch’.
So what’s it about?
The Bold Type is a comedy-drama about three female characters who all work for leading fashion magazine, Scarlet. The story follows the girls' careers in the big city as well as the ins-and-outs of their relationships. The series was inspired by former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief creating a realistic feel to the show. From photo-shoots gone wrong to the expansion from print media to digital, this show is a favourite amongst fashion lovers.
Where can I watch it?
Stan!
Skin Decision: Before & After
If you’re obsessed with skincare and beauty, this is the show for you. This reality show, which was released this year, follows plastic surgeon Dr Sheila Nazarian as she helps give people confidence in their skin through skin treatments, injectables, and more. So far there’s only one season, so it won’t take you long to binge, but we’re hopeful it’ll be renewed for another season because we’re addicted to seeing the transformations!
So what’s it about?
Not only is Skin Decision super interesting because of the insane results simple treatments can provide, but it also tugs on the heart strings. Each episode focuses on a new client, each with a unique back story. One episode features a car crash survivor who wants to diminish the scars from his accident, while another features a university-bound teenager self conscious about his acne. Keep the tissues close because we guarantee the tears will flow!
Where can I watch it?
Netflix
For those who like a laugh
Good Girls
This is the perfect balance of crime and comedy. Think Breaking Bad, but funnier and with female leads (so, in other words, better). You'll be biting your nails and laughing at the same time!
So what's it about?
Good Girls is about three suburban mums who decide that they don't want to be living paycheque-to-paycheque anymore. The three women decide to rob a store, which leads them down a rabbit hole of covering up their crime.
Where can I watch it?
Netflix!
Schitt’s Creek
This heartwarming comedy has a stellar cast, from Eugene Levy to Catherine O’Hara. The episodes are short but super engaging—you won’t even realise you accidentally watched 2 seasons in one sitting. Every episode has us in stitches, so it’s a perfect pick-me-up if lockdown has got you down.
So what’s it about?
The show is about a wealthy family from New York City whose lives get turned upside down when they suddenly lose all of their wealth. They’re forced to move to a small town in the middle of nowhere and start over.
Where can I watch it?
Netflix
New Girl
If you haven’t watched New Girl yet, consider this a sign that you need to! It’s hilarious and heartwarming and so well-written and cast. It stars Zooey Deschanel and guest stars tons of huge names: Megan Fox, Jamie Lee Curtis, Adam Brody, and even Prince!
So what’s it about?
Primary school teacher Jess (Zooey Deschanel) breaks up with her long-term boyfriend and has to scramble to find a place to live. She moves into an apartment in LA with three male roommates—Nick, Schmidt, and Coach (and later, a new roommate Winston)—and the rest is history.
Where can I watch it?
SBS On Demand
For the crime buffs
Hannibal (not for the faint hearted!)
If you’re into shows about crime then this is the one for you. We all know the story of Dr Hannibal Lecter, the forensic psychiatrist turned cannibalistic serial killer. If you liked The Silence of The Lambs and think you can handle a deeper dive into the story, there are three seasons with episodes averaging at 44 minutes, there’s about 29 hours of binge-worthy content here for you.
So what’s it about?
Hannibal is about a cannibalistic serial killer who is a forensic psychiatrist named Dr Hannibal Lecture. The show follows the main character Will and how Hannibal tries to manipulate him into killing. This show will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more, the best thing is there are three seasons.
Where can I watch it?
Stan
For the fantasy fanatics
The Witcher
For those of you that don’t mind a Game of Thrones kind of vibe, The Witcher could be your next favourite show (hopefully with a more popular ending!)
So what’s it about?
The Witcher is a fantasy series based on the famous books and video game that follows three characters' storylines. The Witcher himself is tasked with hunting monsters. Often rejected everywhere he goes, when the people realise he is truly needed things start to take a turn. This series might take an episode to get you head around but once you start you won’t be able to stop!
Where can I watch it?
Netflix
The Umbrella Academy
This show is based on a comic book series written by Gerard Way, the lead singer in My Chemical Romance! Although at first it might seem like a cheesy teen show, it will quickly draw you in episode by episode.
So what's it about?
The series follows 7 children who were adopted by a billionaire who creates the Umbrella Academy, an academy to train the children to save the world. Fast forward a few years after the academy has broken up—they need to come back together to stop an apocalypse from happening.
Where can I watch it?
Netflix!
For the drama seekers
Stateless
Move over, Bachelor in Paradise—we have a show from Australia that you truly need to watch that is far more interesting than Ciarran’s Bulla Banquet outbursts.
This show not only features an incredible cast, but also has some of the best storytelling in television that we’ve seen all year. Set in the Australian desert in an immigration detention centre, Stateless depicts the evocative, truthful reality of refugees that exists in our country today. The characters are so carefully crafted and well portrayed that you can’t help but lean in and empathise with their varying situations.
So what’s it about?
Based on true events, Stateless is set inside an Australian immigration detention centre, following the stories of four strangers - an airline hostess escaping a suburban cult, an Afghan refugee fleeing persecution, a father escaping a dead-end job and a bureaucrat caught up in a national scandal. This series is a thought provoking, emotional watch and a true piece of art created on home soil.
Where can I watch it?
Originally released on ABC iView, Stateless is now available to watch on Netflix!
Dead to Me
This female-led drama is possibly the funniest murder mystery you’ll ever watch. It starts Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, and James Marsden, so you know it has to be good with a cast like that.
So what’s it about?
Christina Applegate’s character, Jen, loses her husband suddenly when he’s killed in a hit-and-run while out jogging. On her mission to find the person who killed her husband, Jen meets Judy. They become close friends quickly, bonding over each losing someone they love. The whole time, Judy has a huge secret she’s trying to keep from Jen—but who are we to give spoilers? You’ll have to watch it yourself to find out what Judy’s hiding.
Where can I watch it?
Netflix
Looking for more ways to stay entertained in isolation? Check out our list of our favourite podcasts that are getting us through lockdown!