What to Watch on Netflix + Amazon Prime Video

What kind of a TV/movie person are you? I’m the type that watches too much and loves to re-watch movies and TV shows that fill me up (constantly while I do other things). I get attached to characters and like to reference them in my regular life. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I love all of the magic that goes into these productions and today I’m sharing a million recommendations I have for the streaming services that I know and love—Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Side Note: I will try to share what I love from Hulu and HBO as I learn more about them.

N E T F L I X

The Shows on Repeat

Schitt’s Creek
This show is everything good in the world. A big-shot, extraordinarily privileged family is forced to move into a motel in a middle-of-nowhere (hick) town called Schitt’s Creek and everything from that moment is the best TV I’ve ever seen. You’ll loooooove the characters (give them time), laugh, feel your heart warm up, and end up recommending this series to everyone. The roomie and I talk about it constantly and put it on whenever we need a little laugh or pick-me-up. I’ve loved it far longer than he has, but I sold him on watching it when I couldn’t stop referencing it on our honeymoon. He 100% gets it now and even convinced me to buy the latest season on Amazon when we found out it was out and not yet on Netflix. Fun Fact: I’ve had dreams that I, too, lived in Schitt’s Creek with these characters and they were amazing!

Jane the Virgin
Based on the name and the fact that this show has a narrator, there was about a 15% chance I’d like this show. BOY, WAS I WRONG. Jane is such a likable, raw, and fresh main character. She’s strong in her faith, extremely close to her family, passionate about a future career in writing, an absolute sappy romantic, bilingual/very in tune with the fact that her grandma is an illegal citizen. This show is an American telenovela and so packed full of drama and heart that you’re sure to love it, too. All of the ladies in my life that watch and love this show are in their twenties or late teens, but we all re-watch it regularly.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1 + 2)
I own these on DVD and used to play them all the time in the background and just when I needed to take some time for myself. I’ve been without a DVD player for a while now and was so full of happiness when they came to Netflix!!! My sister and cousins asked me what my top five favorite movies are this weekend and I think these would take up two slots. They came out when I was in middle school and high school (OMG I AM AGING) and just take me to a good place. Watch them…both.

Hart of Dixie
A spunky, beautiful big city surgeon turns small-town Alabama family doctor. I love all the Southern charm, pride, and quirkiness in this show, plus all of the main character’s outfits. Watch Dr. Hart fall in and out of love, get wrapped in Alabama life, and figure out who she is in the process. Forgive the writers of this show for the musical series finale, but enjoy the four seasons of great episodes along the way.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
This is such a given, but I wouldn’t feel like a real fan if I didn’t at least put it on my list. I own every season on DVD and would loan them out to sorority sisters in college before it was on Netflix. Obviously, it’s the best, and you should watch it if you haven’t.

Gilmore Girls
I used to record and watch this show every week when it was on TV and remember sobbing when it ended. This show is so special to me, I think, because I love the relationship between a mother and her daughter that this entire series is based around. Their fast-paced chatter and humor is so fun to follow along with and the boyfriends that come in and out of their lives along the way are just as good. Plus, it’s based in a small town of tight-knight folks called Stars Hollow.

New Girl
After college, I almost moved in with three guys purely so I could be like Jess, the main character in this show. Thank God I found a single apartment, but I have loved this show for years and really enjoy each of the main characters’ quirks. Bonus Fact—I started watching New Girl in college after my family told me that I reminded them of the main character! Huge compliment, in my opinion. (I do sing randomly and often.)

Comedy Specials to Laugh At

Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid
Ryan would describe his humor as dry and we both loved this special. His voice is pretty monotone, which makes most of what he says way funnier. I love that his style is to basically just tell stories about himself and family and tie in some observational humor. I would highly recommend this special.

John Mulaney—all his specials
I started loving standup when I would listen to the comedy station on Pandora when sitting in a cubicle. If I was organizing or doing anything mindless, I would escape to comedy and John Mulaney was a regular on that station. I’ve loved him ever since! He has a young boy’s voice and knows it.

Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable
Ellen is amazing and everyone knows that, but man does that lady still look phenomenal. She beautifully weaves in life lessons and important personal stories between making fun of herself and painting super ordinary instances in a hilarious light.

Mike Birbiglia—all his specials
Mike is another comedian that has been on my list for years now. He’s been on the podcast “This American Life” multiple times, which I think is how I originally stumbled upon him. He’s a hilarious storyteller and I love his specials.

Tig Notaro: Happy To Be Here
Her voice inflection is the best and I love that about her! For the most part, she tells stories about herself and her family. The roomie and I both really enjoyed this special and Ryan would call her style super dry humor.

Jim Gaffigan: Cinco
I like his super Dad humor. His voice cracks me up just as much as his jokes. Saw him at the Iowa State Fair last year and my cheeks hurt from laughing.

Other Great Shows, Movies + Specials

The Good Place
This show’s writing is so witty, sharp, fast, and good. I love the premise of this show–mistakenly being sent to heaven, essentially–and the length and pace of the episodes. Good for all ages since it’s hysterically censored. Holy Shirt you need to watch this forking show, already.

Ozark
What starts as one man’s choice to launder money snowballs into a mess of people–even kids–doing everything they can to avoid being killed by the cartel. This show is so addictive, realistic, incredible, and shot/edited in the moodiest way. I think about Ozark regularly because it felt so real to me. It may be that it takes place in the Ozarks, where so many people in my life vacation, or that the level of deception in it floored me. Don’t watch right before bed if you’re sensitive (like me), but definitely watch it!

Queer Eye
No matter where you are on your own life journey, you need to watch this show. This show is about people coming together from all walks of life more than anything else. I’ve laughed and cried through every episode more than once and encourage you to give it a shot. These men have so much to teach us all.

Imposters
I’ve said this before, but with the amount of action that happens in the first episode, we were very confused on where the show could go…but it keeps charging on with plenty of plot twists. Try it out if you like a comedy with some depth—it’s about con artists and is fantastic.

Parenthood
Our entire extended family on my mom’s side used to watch this separately and discuss at family get-togethers. Each one of us had a different character to relate to! This series features a set of parents, their four adult children, and a bunch of grandchildren. It features all the beautiful and messy moments that happen in families. To me, Parenthood was This Is Us before it was ever dreamed up.

The Crown
If even half of the instances portrayed in this series is true, there has been some seriously amazing drama happening in the royal family since the beginning of time! I love learning some of the history and traditions of the family that is still in power today through this series. I’m so looking forward to the next season and will be re-watching the old ones when it gets cold again. ☺️

Stranger Things
The hype is for good reason. The roomie didn’t think I would like it, since it’s sci-fi and kind of creepy, but I did/do! Since this is set in the ‘80s, the sets, costumes, and way of life are so fun to see. If you liked The Goonies, you need to give this series a try if you haven’t jumped on board with it yet. Disclaimer: If you’re prone to nightmares, like me, this may be a trigger.

You
This series is about a guy (Dan from Gossip Girl!!!) who gets way too obsessed with a girl and manipulates her into a relationship with him using technology, for the most part. All the social media and tracking of her that he does is all very possible, which I think makes this better. Watch a stalker in love make his move!  

Body Guard
We spent a cold and rainy Saturday binging this entire thing while I did a puzzle. The main character in this series is a British Secret Service member (I think) who has his own issues, but nothing like those of the people he’s working with and for. All of this series felt entirely too realistic to me, which made it that much better—the terrorism elements in particular. It’s a great show.

Gaga: Five Foot Two
I love getting an inside peak into famous people’s lives—particularly singers. This little documentary following along with Lady Gaga as she works on her album, Joanne, and does the Super Bowl halftime show is surprisingly emotional. It made me feel heartbroken for her and proud of her all at once. Give it a watch for a different, more raw version of Gaga.

Bird Box
We liked it and watched it right when it came out—like so many. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and is quite the thriller, in my opinion. I really enjoyed it, but needed to watch something happy after to bring me out from the dark place. Shoutout to Sandra Bullock to does a great job in this film!

Brené Brown: The Call to Courage
I cried during this special and I think most who watch it do. It was both hilarious and emotional. She is a Texan researcher that is an inspirational speaker and somehow ties in really wonderful stories about her family and life. If you’ve got an hour and 16 minutes to kill, this is the very best way you could spend it—reminding yourself that we can’t be brave without being open to failing.

Ryan’s Netflix Picks

• Black Mirror
• Last Chance U
• House of Cards (first 3 seasons)
• West Wing

A M A Z O N PRIME VIDEO

Shows

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Ahhhhh, this series has my heart right now. It’s brilliantly written–which makes complete sense since the writers of Gilmore Girls write it–and in such a fun time period. I love the characters, her style of humor as a standup comedienne, the beautiful costumes and set design, and all of the little elements of the storyline. HIGHLY RECOMMEND at least giving this one a try. I didn’t expect to love it and here I am raving after watching the whole series multiple times.

Downtown Abbey
An incredible period piece that’s just perfectly crafted. I was watching it before Ryan and I got together and never finished (which was a mistake). I need to go back at it because I loved the costuming, family drama, and the sets!

Friday Night Lights (also on Netflix)
I watched this so long ago, but it was another series that I didn’t expect to like and ended up getting sucked in for every season. I think I loved this one so much because it reminded me of all the heightened emotions and fun of high school in a medium/small town.

Parks and Recreation
I’ve started this, but haven’t felt super excited about it. It’s a good one to have on in the background and half pay attention to, if that’s something you do. For some of you, this show may be your style and it’s available on Prime!

Movies + Specials

The Big Sick
This movie was written by its star, Kumali, a Pakistani standup comedian. It’s based on his actual love story between he and his wife and I can’t believe how much I enjoyed watching. It’s so funny, touching, and wonderful. This is a great choice for date night! The roomie liked it, too.

Spotlight
As a trained journalist, this movie stole my heart when I first saw it in theaters. Obviously, learning more about the extraordinary sexual misconduct from leaders of the Catholic church is reason enough to watch, but the behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process and long-form writing was so fun to see for me.

Rachel Hollis Presents: Made for More
If you’re a woman that needs a little motivational push, this was better than I expected. I really didn’t care for the book that this entrepreneur/creative/motivator/superlady put out, but I loved hearing a similar message from her in video form. Give it a shot and expect to cry a bit, but feel excited about life after!

Bernie
We saw this and loved it. It was probably one of the first movies that we’ve both felt equally excited about in quite a while. It’s supposed to be a drama–and it is!–but it’s also really funny. Watch it and let us know what you think. We had so many feelings!

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
This is a 10-episode series that uses actors to tell the story of Hugh Hefner and how he developed the Playboy magazine, clubs, and brand. Prior to this, I knew nothing about Playboy except my assumptions and this was really interesting and surprised me regularly. The first half of this series is better than the end episodes, in my opinion.

Zombieland
I’ve loved this movie for years, weirdly. There’s a lot of aggressive zombie killing and cursing, but it’s a really funny movie. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it and so does the roomie!

So, this took me hours to put together, which I’m both proud of and embarrassed about. 😂 I will share HBO and Hulu finds as I stumble across them, but I haven’t had as much time with those services yet. I would love to hear your favorite shows, movies, and specials on Netflix and Amazon on the comments below or on a social media post! Happy Binge Watching!