Channeling the Leading Ladies of Netflix

By Michael Cusden in Toronto

Leading Ladies of Netflix

If there was ever a time that we needed to send a positive message to the young women of the world, it seems now is an ideal time. We all know what happened on Nov. 8. It happened. Instead of having the first female president, well, you know what we have.

While trying to digest, comprehend and figuring out what is next, maybe it’s time to turn off the Twitter, stop reading articles on how we should feel and just enjoy a few Netflix shows that showcase women who don’t’ let the dark days get them down.

Yes, put on some cozy clothes, get comfy on the couch and take a break from what’s going on in the world.

Netflix hosts a wide variety of series that capture the vibrancy of modern womanhood, whether it’s the solidarity expressed by the diverse inmates on Orange Is the New Black, the inspired efforts of a tenacious young Queen in The Crown, the emotional and physical strength of Jessica Jones or the outspoken, unfiltered wit of Chelsea Handler as she relates to women across multiple generations. These characters represent diverse and complex backgrounds that reflect the idea of “empowerment” in numerous ways.

In honour of the newest leading female character on Netflix, Queen Elizabeth II, a few leading women of Netflix originals have drafted notes to their younger selves – and everyone everywhere – highlighting some of the universal truths, challenges and wisdom that transcend place and time, that modern women everywhere can relate to.

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The #Netflix Binge Scale

By Michael Cusden in Toronto

If there is one thing Netflix has done, it has moved the word “binge” into our daily language. Few like to brag about binge eating all the chips in their house, our binge drink all the wine in the cupboard. But man, we sure like to let everyone know when we binge watched a show on Netflix while ignoring the live and people around us.

It’s almost like a badge of honour. Only watch one show at a time? That seems pretty amateur these days. Ignore the kids, friends, bills, chores, laundry, cleanliness, grass and everything else and throw down six eps. of Suits in a day instead. We have all done it right?

Now Netflix has released actual data to back up our habits. They call it the Netflix Binge Scale. On a side note, I am pretty glad Lays does not do the same for eating chips.

Here it is.

PR_Binge_Graphic_USsmaller

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American Crime Scared the Parenting $#@% Out Of Me

By Michael Cusden in Kids

Have you watched American Crime on ABC? The second season just wrapped up and while Season 1 was mostly entertainment for me, Season 2 scared the parenting shit out of me.

Why? Because it dealt with several real-life situations that ANY child and family could go through.

I don’t plan on giving spoilers away, and to be honest, there are no dramatic twists or who dunnit moments. Maybe that is why the show felt so real. It painted the picture that it could happen to anyone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time or let internal struggles get out of control. The show is much more hard-hitting that any family time movie or special from my childhood. There was no happy ending, just real life outcomes.

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The Anatomy Of A Netflix Night In

By Michael Cusden in Toronto

netflix night in

How many times a day to you daydream of being home on the couch with your favourite snack and TV show? Or maybe you have plans to go out, but deep down, you really just want to make it a Netflix night in. I don’t know about you, but it’s a pretty common feeling for me. TV has always been a vital cog in staying sane as a parent to young boys. I look forward to both, watching shows with them, but also watching shows I want to watch after they go to bed.

In the old days, you had to plan your nights according to when and what shows were on. Thursdays used to be big. Must See TV and all that jazz. It was a night you would choose to stay home and make it a fun event.

Now with the likes of Netflix, any night can be whatever you want it to be. No more waiting. If the kids wake up for whatever reason, you put down the popcorn, pause the show and deal. Then pick up where you left off. Technology is a beautiful thing. I can’t imagine a time when you just had to suck it up and miss part of what you were watching.

Our family has a few routines when it comes to a Netflix night in. It comes down to whether or not it is a weekday or weekend.

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Netflix Survey Discovers What TV Shows Dads Are Passing On To Kids

By Michael Cusden in Toronto

For families, TV time is all about sharing. But for many dads, TV time is also about introducing little ones to the surprises, adventures and fantastic worlds of his favourite childhood shows. This heirloom experience makes watching with dad all about geeking out, bonding, and passing the torch of fandom from one generation to the next.

According to new research* from Netflix, 78% of Canadian dads love re-watching the TV shows and movies they grew up on with their kids, and 65% of Canadian Dads watch cartoons when streaming TV shows and movies with their kids.

So what classic TV shows are dads passing down?

Alvin and The Chipmunks, Scooby Doo, Spider-Man, The Smurfs and Transformers are Canadian dads’ favourite shows to watch on Netflix with their kids.

Not only do 76% of dads in Canada say watching retro TV shows or movies with their kids lets them feel like a kid again, but 48% of them say their kids enjoy watching shows and movies with them because it is their special bonding time.

Here is the full list of Canadian stats as well as the global release below so you can compare the cultural differences between countries and see how Canadian dads stack up!

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