Let’s face it, January has gotten off to a pretty bleak start, and we’re all in need of a bit of escapism.
So if like us, you intend on staying indoors for the whole month to avoid the world outside, you’re going to need some decent box sets to see you through.
Luckily, the team here at HuffPost UK have got you covered with a list of binge-worthy TV shows that come highly recommended…
Shrill
BBC iPlayer
Recommended by Matt Bagwell, Head of Entertainment
There’s so much to love in the US comedy drama Shrill, but first a disclaimer: t’s not laugh out loud funny in a Derry Girls kind of way, but you will watch with a smile on your face and yes, you will definitely LOL at points.
SNL’s Aidy Bryant stars as Annie, whose life we follow as she tries to make sense of her world – her job as a talented but underappreciated journalist, her rubbish love life and how she feels about being a bigger girl than the idiot personal trainer she keeps running into.
It’s all brilliantly written, superbly acted and even though it feels like familiar territory, it’s a completely original take.
The Loudest Voice
NowTV
Recommended by Jess Brammar, Executive Editor
I can’t believe more people aren’t watching this show, it’s brilliant. It’s about the rise of Fox News, under the extraordinary (and terrifying) leadership of Roger Ailes, the iconic right-wing American media mogul. He’s played by a brilliantly grotesque and unrecognisable Russell Crowe in a fat suit, with an equally unrecognisable Sienna Millar as his wife.
I found this an incredible history lesson about the media strategy that began way before 9/11 and led to the election of Donald Trump, as well as a gripping human drama with some fantastic performances about the rise and ultimate downfall of Ailes.
Grace & Frankie
Netflix
Recommended by Cathie Swann, Production Co-ordinator
I just have a lot of feeling for Grace and Frankie. With the sixth series landing on Netflix this month, I’m currently re-watching my way through the whole thing (again) and it’s still hilarious and heartbreaking with the most incredible cast.
You will absolutely fall in love with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (if you’re not in love with them already, come on, get your priorities in check) as Grace and Frankie, the unlikely duo who are brought together after their husbands leave them for each other.
Watch it immediately and thank me later.
You
Netflix
Recommended by Amy Packham, Assistant Life Editor
I don’t know what it is about You, but I get totally sucked in by it. The first season was creepy and weird, and I wasn’t even sure how much I enjoyed it, but when the second season was announced, I was eagerly anticipating the release on Boxing Day.
It’s about what a man does for love – and how far his obsession takes him. It’s full of twists and turns, which gets me, and you never know how far he’s going to go so I’m constantly on edge. The main character’s voiceover through the series is sinister, but keeps you hooked.
I wouldn’t watch it before bed, or if you’re trying to relax on a Sunday, it’s not that kinda series.
The Morning Show
Apple TV+
Recommended by Daniel Welsh, Entertainment Reporter
I was expecting The Morning Show to be completely over-the-top and ridiculous – which, of course, it is in parts – but there’s actually a lot more to it than that.
Aside from the obvious camp elements (cameo appearances from Kelly Clarkson and Cheyenne Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden as a conniving journalist, the list truly goes on), Apple TV+’s flagship show also has its heavy moments, exploring themes of power and corruption, and providing an almost eerie exploration of a fictional man facing allegations in the Me Too movement.
It’s also a brilliant reminder of what Emmy-winning actress Jennifer Aniston is capable of, both in terms of her comedic timing and dramatic performances.
Life In Pieces
Amazon Prime
Recommended by Charlie Lindlar, Commissioning Editor, Personal
Unexpectedly dark and really rude for what at first looks like a regular family sitcom, Life in Pieces delves into interfamilial and intergenerational relationships and what it really means to be a family with incredible balance and truth. It’s equally capable of nailing weird sibling rivalry and grandparent-grandchild capers and moving storylines about miscarriage, infertility and mortality.
The format of four short, interlinking stories per episode makes the show eminently bingeable, and it was (sadly) recently cancelled, so you can watch the whole thing in one go without having to wait or scour for missing seasons!
Mr Robot
Amazon Prime
Recommended by John Johnson, Senior Video Producer
Mr. Robot’s finale has just aired, which means you can binge knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel but for its four seasons this show has been unlike anything I’ve seen.
Starring Rami Malek, every episode is brimming with ideas, constantly keeps you on your toes and there’s not a single bad performance from the supporting cast. Even if you’re not really tech-literate, this story of hackers trying to crash the system is worth your time.
The Witcher
Netflix
Recommended by Lisa Golden, Senior Video Producer
So right out the gate, I’m going to say this isn’t the most incredibly scripted show with intense, engaging plot lines. BUT – if you have a Game Of Thrones-shaped hole in the middle of your soul this series will do the job.
The main character, played by Henry Cavill, essentially gets through the series by saying “hmm” and “fuck” to everything. He also kills bad-guy monsters, who often have some sad back story to constantly remind you that the Witcher himself, is not a bad guy. It’s silly, and weirdly hard to follow at points, but with so much WW3 sabre rattling that started off 2020, it’s nice to disappear into a fantasy world where the good guys wear tight leather pants and magic can change you from a hump-backed misfit into a sexy witch with an excellent smoky eye.
Nighty Night
BBC iPlayer
Recommended by Ash Percival, Entertainment Editor
After practically stealing the show with just one scene as Dawn Sutcliffe in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, I decided it was high time to revisit Julia Davis’ comedy origins – and as luck would have it, the BBC recently stuck the complete series of Nighty Night on iPlayer.
Julia stars as suburban hairdresser Jill, a sociopath who pretends her husband is dead after he is diagnosed with cancer. She uses her “grief” to impose herself on disabled neighbour Cathy – who clearly can’t stand the sight of her, but is too polite to say – while also trying to seduce Cathy’s husband, Don. Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones (aka Nessa) also plays her asthmatic assistant.
It is deliciously dark and devastatingly funny, and if you’re needing something to get into as we patiently wait for confirmation of a new series of G&S, this is just the ticket.
