Television (or streaming I guess) is a big part of my life. I have always been a huge consumer of television shows ever since the days of coming home from school and watching many hours of The Simpsons and Cheers when they hit syndication. Now, it’s all about keeping up with the hundreds of TV shows hitting the streaming services.
It’s also true that as a collective, our viewing habits have shifted from watching the same thing at the same time to watching whatever you want when you want. What that has done has made it harder to have a conversation about a show because it ranges from someone who binged the whole thing on the weekend, someone watching an episode every now and then, to someone who doesn’t even know the show exists. It’s so different from the glory days of network TV when the term watercooler talk was 100% accurate.
Long story short, it’s why I am going to start listing off what I have watched and what I am watching as I hope it helps you find something to escape to when you have had a long day or just need to veg on the couch.
Here are a few TV shows you may not have heard of and I think are worth a watch.
*I will list what service they are on in Canada*
English Teacher (Disney+) – Get ready to laugh
English Teacher is a sitcom that hilariously captures the chaos of teaching in a modern high school. Evan Marquez, the English teacher, navigates the absurdities of Gen Z students who demand to learn “both sides” of the Spanish Inquisition while filming TikTok pranks. With a principal who practices strategic neutrality and a gym teacher who thinks “Froot Loops” is a term of endearment, Evan’s attempts to maintain sanity are both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. Whether he’s explaining non-binary identities or dodging overzealous parents, Evan’s journey is a comedic minefield that finds humour in every misstep. Think Abbott Elementary but the Pay TV version. Bonus – the soundtrack hits hard for anyone 40+.
Paris Has Fallen (Crave) – Thriller with excellent bad guy
Paris Has Fallen is a gripping action thriller that takes the high-stakes drama of the “Has Fallen” franchise to the iconic streets of Paris. When a terrorist group led by the vengeful Jacob Pearce targets a high-profile event, protection officer Vincent Taleb teams up with savvy MI6 operative Zara Taylor to thwart a conspiracy that threatens the city. As they uncover a mole within their ranks, Vincent and Zara must rely on each other to prevent Paris from falling into chaos. With relentless action and unexpected twists, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This show gives me Bourne vibes and I look forward to how the season ends. For my US friends, it doesn’t come out until Nov. 1 on Prime.
Presumed Innocent (Apple) – Courtroom drama
This was maybe the binge show of the summer. Presumed Innocent, is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing at every turn (even if you have seen the movie). This gripping series, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, dives deep into the murky waters of justice and betrayal as a Chicago prosecutor becomes the prime suspect in a colleague’s murder. With a stellar cast and the creative genius of David E. Kelley, this show intricately weaves themes of obsession, politics, and the power of love. If you’re looking for a series that combines courtroom drama with unexpected twists, Presumed Innocent is a must-watch that will leave you questioning everything until the very end. Bonus – you will get to see just how close the vein in Gyllenhaal’s neck comes to exploding.
The Veil (Disney+) – If you like spy content
This show came and went so it’s not a problem if you missed it. I don’t know anyone else who watched it actually. The Veil is where espionage meets psychological drama that keeps you guessing at every turn. Follow MI6 agent Imogen Salter as she navigates a web of deception, identity crises, and moral ambiguity while pursuing a mysterious woman linked to global threats. With its intense storytelling, complex characters, and high-stakes action, The Veil offers a fresh take on the spy genre. If you’re looking for a show that combines thrilling espionage with deep emotional narratives, The Veil is a must-watch that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Bonus – Elisabeth Moss does a decent UK accent and seems to always have perfect hair for the situation.
Ripley (Netflix) – maybe best show of 2024
This is not breaking news. I think for anyone who keeps up with what’s hot in TV, you have heard of Ripley on Netflix. But, it’s a show that demands a lot of your time and brain power. It came out early in the year and we tried to watch it and failed. It was beautiful but really slow. We were not ready. But we came back to it and knew what we were getting into which made it work. And it worked. Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Ripley, where charm and cunning collide in a tale of ambition and deceit. Follow Tom Ripley, a master manipulator who weaves his way through the elite circles of 1960s Europe, assuming identities and living a life of luxury built on lies. With its captivating plot, rich period setting, and complex character study, Ripley delivers a suspenseful exploration of morality and identity. If you’re drawn to stories that blend psychological intrigue with stylish drama, Ripley is a must-watch that promises to captivate and thrill. As I said, it’s not a casual watch while you are doing laundry. You want to be locked in. Head’s up, it’s in black and white.
Prison Break (Netflix) – A great rewatch
You must be laughing at me. Prison Break?? Well, recently Netflix pushed it to the front of the line on my profile and I was like – why not? I did watch it weekly decades ago when it came out. So it was long enough that I forgot most of it. Can I just say – it’s a ridiculous premise and show, but it was born to be binge-watched. It’s like an addiction. Back in the day when TV series had a predictable arc where you knew a big twist was coming because it was getting close to the top of the hour. For those who don’t know Prison Break, every episode is packed with suspense, clever twists, and high-stakes drama. Follow Michael Scofield as he executes a daring plan to break his brother out of prison, navigating a labyrinth of danger and deception. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and relentless pace, Prison Break keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. If you’re looking for a series that combines intense action with decent storytelling, Prison Break is a must-watch that delivers thrills at every turn. Think Fast and The Furious without cars. Bonus – you get to see how bad they were with keeping track of the lengths of character’s buzz cuts.
Industry (Crave) – Not for the kids
Finally, one of the more enjoyable shows that we have watched recently was the third season of Industry. It’s a show that has actually gotten better each season, which says something. I highly recommend you take a step into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of Industry, where ambition, power, and personal drama collide on the trading floors of London’s financial sector. Follow a group of young graduates as they navigate the cutthroat environment of a prestigious investment bank, balancing their professional aspirations with personal challenges. With its authentic portrayal of the finance world, complex characters, and gripping storylines, Industry offers a raw and compelling look at the intersection of career and identity. If you’re drawn to intense workplace dramas that explore ambition and ethics, Industry is a must-watch that delivers both tension and insight. For those who grew up in Canada, it’s like HBO’s version of Traders. It has some elements of Suits, a little bit of Succession, but honestly, it’s just a great watch. It also has a killer soundtrack.
Do you agree or disagree with the above? What are you watching right now that you think I would enjoy? Share in the comments.
Want even more TV shows to catch up on – read my list of favourite shows of 2023.
