If you’re looking for new shows to watch, mama, we’ve rounded up our faves from Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime and more!
On the hunt for a new show to watch on TV or stream? Every week when Team Sassy meets up we find ourselves dishing about what we’re watching. From comedies, to dramas, to documentaries and cooking shows, here are our absolute faves at the moment. We’ve linked to where we watch these shows, but you can often find them in more than one place. Get ready to binge, mamas!
1. Killing Eve
This darkly comic spy thriller from the brilliant Phoebe Waller-Bridge (the dynamo behind Amazon’s Fleabag) stars Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer in a cat-and-mouse flirtation that ponders just how capable women are of violence (and how society underestimates us). As Rolling Stone so brilliantly put it, “It’s the sexually charged female-buddy-comedy espionage nailbiter you never knew you needed so badly.”
Stream it on: iTunes
2. The Americans
This show is dreadful in the best possible way; it’s nominally about undercover Russian spies posing as an All-American family in the 1980s, and it’s got plenty of spy intrigue and shocking violence (you will never look at a suitcase or car tires the same way again). But it’s just as much a family drama contemplating the ups and downs in a stressful marriage. The lead actors (who fell in love in real life over the course of the series) have amazing chemistry and carry the show. And if you want an extra dose of 80’s communist spy thrillers, Deutschland ’83 is a nice companion watch.
Stream it on: Amazon Prime
3. Atlanta
So the tagline on this half-hour “comedy” is that it’s about a dude in Atlanta managing his cousin’s burgeoning rap career. And it is about that, in the broadest sense, but it’s also about race, and ambition, and what it feels like to be poor, and fame… and so much more. Creator/star Donald Glover (who between Atlanta, “This is America” and SOLO can basically do no wrong) is great, although Brian Tyree Henry, who plays his cousin, the rapper Paperboi, is the show’s MVP in my opinion. The recently-concluded second season was totally bonkers in the way it played with genre and plot, but it was absolutely always brilliant.
Stream it on: iTunes
4. Jane the Virgin
I started watching this show on a long flight and by the end was hooked. It’s bubbly and bright (the Miami-set colour palette and outfits are to die for), a little bit silly but also so heartfelt and unlike anything else on TV. Ignore the ridiculous initial premise (the titular virgin is accidentally, artificially inseminated during a pap smear gone awry), and just enjoy the stellar multi-generational, bilingual cast.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
If you crossed Mad Men with Gilmore Girls, you’d sort of get the gist of this 1950s-set show from the latter’s creators. Star Rachel Brosnahan plays a young housewife who unexpectedly discovers a passion and knack for stand-up comedy (she also has the most gorgeous wardrobe I have ever seen). Loosely based on Joan Rivers, the jokes fly at a mile a minute, but it’s equally delightful seeing 1950s New York envisioned.
Stream it on: Amazon Prime
1. Real Housewives of New York
My favourite of the Real Housewives franchise, this season is shaping up to be truly epic. My husband refuses to watch this show with me as he maintains it’s just women shouting at one another, but I LOVE it and find it weirdly relaxing to sit back and soak up the yelling and arguments after a long day.
Stream it on: iTunes
2. The Letdown
A gritty warts-and-all Aussie comedy about a group of new mothers, this will have you wincing in recognition. Pssst… read our full review here!
Stream it on: Netflix
3. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
Another guilty pleasure, this is a reboot of the original show with an all-new cast. The premise (that a group of stylish and cool gay guys make over straight guys who need style help) sounds a little lame in 2018, but actually this is a show with a lot of heart, which manages to often wring out a couple of tears. Plus I defy you not to fall in love with the initially irritating-seeming Jonathan! Opinions are divided on whether his hair is a do or a don’t though.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. Godless
My husband talked me into this one and I was initially just not that into the idea of a rebooted Wester,especially as I LOATHED Westworld, but Godless is wonderful. Beautifully shot and impeccably cast, I’m crossing my fingers there will be a second season.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Broadchurch
A brooding British cop drama set in a small Dorset town with a wonderful cast (including former Dr. Who David Tennant). It’s the perfect Sunday evening binge watch, with moments of dark humour and a totally kick-ass female police officer as the lead.
Stream it on: Netflix
1. House of Cards
This political thriller/drama is acting at its very best! The charming but ruthless Southern politician Frances Underwood (who is played by the talented Kevin Spacey pre-#metoo movement revelation!) seeks revenge, makes pacts together with his equally conniving but very elegant wife Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright) to destroy his allies and make it to the top. This Netflix Original series is about greed and corruption in American politics which given the current American political climate seems very realistic!
Stream it on: Netflix
2. Billions
Inspired by real-life insider trading scandal involving hedge-fund manager Steve Cohen, this series gives an insightful look into the world where wealth, influence and corruption collide also known as a normal day for hedge-fund king Bobby Axelrod (played by redhead Damian Lewis who steals Claire Danes’ heart in another spectacular series Homeland!) This drama is set in New York where US Attorney Chuck Rhoades goes after Bobby Axelrod when criminal evidence turns up against Axelrod. An extra dimension is added when we learn that Rhoades’ wife is the in-house performance coach (psychiatrist) catering to all the crazy, arrogant and insecure hedge-fund employees at Axelrod’s company! Wendy, who has been in het position longer than Chuck has been in his, refuses to give up her career for her husband’s legal crusade against Axelrod. Both men use their intelligence, power and influence to outmanoeuver the other in this battle over billions.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. The Sinner
Executively produced and performed by talented actress Jessica Biel (also Justin Timberlake’s gorgeous wife!) plays young mother Cora Tannetti is overcome by an inexplicable fit of rage that leads her to commit a startling and very public act of violence, with no explanation as to why she did it. When Detective Harry Ambrose (played by Bill Pullman) begins his investigation and grows obsessed with uncovering Cora’s hidden motive, the two work together to try to get deep into her psyche to learn about the violent secrets that are hidden in her past. I have to confess I binge-watched this one because I literally could not wait to find out why she had done what she had done!
Stream it on: Netflix
4. American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson
Loved this series because it accurately replicatedthe story of the 1994-1995 trial of former NFL superstar running back Orenthal James “OJ” Simpson for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown and her friend, Ronald Lyle Goldman. The O.J. Simpson trial was so well-publicized in 1994 and 1995 that even the most tangential figures from the trial—family friend Faye Resnick, or houseguest Kato Kaelin—became household names. So when it came time to cast the this miniseries, accuracy was key. With wigs, makeup, and sheer acting talent, the assembled and all-star cast conjured up uncanny re-creations of the real people they played. David Schwimmer (Friends’ Ross!) pulls off a very close resemblance to O.J. Simpson’s lawyer Robert Kardashian.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Homeland
When Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody (redhead Damian Lewis also playing in Billions) returns home following eight years in captivity, CIA agent Carrie Mathison (played by Claire Danes who gives a stellar performance!) thinks he has turned and is connected to a terror plot to be carried out on American soil, so she engages him in a dangerous game of cat and mouse that puts America’s national security at risk. Later on, Carrie gets a promotion and returns to the front lines overseas. She is assigned to one of the CIA’s most volatile and dangerous stations in the Middle East, where she is in the heart of battle in the war on terror. Years later, after being disillusioned and placing herself in a self-imposed exile in Berlin, Carrie becomes estranged from the CIA, eventually returning stateside where she works for a foundation providing aid to Muslims living in America. This was my first binge-worthy series because it had me on the edge of my seat after every episode.
Stream it on: Amazon Prime
1. The Fall
This British psychological thriller follows a serial killer (a dangerously attractive Jamie Dornan) who preys on victims in and around Belfast, Northern Ireland, while hot on his trail is the fantastic London Met detective Gillian Andersen. A provocative drama that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Stream it on: Netflix
2. Luther
Another good ole British crime drama starring the dashing yet self destructive detective Idris Elba (Luther) and the beguiling bunny boiler vixen Ruth Wilson. A very watchable cat and mouse game ensues.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. Happy Valley
Despite the name of this BBC drama, there’s nothing terribly happy about this part of bleak English countryside. A female copper investigates a kidnapping case and unfolds secrets, revenge and lots of plot twists — a gritty, British suspenseful watch.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. The Bletchley Circle
It’s postwar Britain and four former codebreakers (all women – that’s what we like to see!) at the top secret Bletchley Park have done their part for Britain and sink into the mind-chillingly mundanity of civilian life. That is ofcourse until the group are brought back together to use their skills to hunt down a serial sex killer. A great one for girl power.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Peaky Blinders
A British television crime drama set in 1920s postwar Birmingham, England where gangs rule the roost (they were believed to sew razor blades into their caps, hence the name). Great cinematography depicting the rough ruthless lawlessness of Brummie Land.
Stream it on: Netflix
1. The Handmaid’s Tale
A classic novel from Margaret Atwood (a must read if you haven’t) adapted to a series. Set in a future where women’s rights have been reduced and those who are capable of bearing children are forced into child-bearing servitude. Each week we sit in a state of gobsmacked horror. Every camera angle is done with subtle purpose, the quietest moments are almost the more powerful. Season 2 has been even better, it is haunting, strong and quite literally has me on the edge of my seat.
Stream it on: Hulu
2. Grace and Frankie:I love this show, it is funny, light-hearted and then unexpectedly deep. So many issues are addressed i.e. friendships, loyalty, same-sex couples, cheating partners, divorce, sex at any age, aging, etc.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. Orphan Black
Science-fiction, thriller, drama and comedy all wrapped up in one series. The lead female is amazing in her ability to play several characters at once.
Stream it on: Amazon Prime
4. The Crown
A dazzling insight to the British Royal Family, an engrossing plot of historical events. With fantastic acting, costumes and sets that are detailed and authentic, this series is a feast for your eyes.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Better Call Saul
Entertaining and smartly written, we have been glued to this series (a prequel to Breaking Bad but fairly different in plot and tone). I feel so much for empathy and anxiety for Saul throughout each of his foolish schemes.
Stream it on: Netflix
1. Stranger Things
ST is a thrilling supernatural mystery TV series featuring Winona Ryder. It’s set in Indiana in 1983 and follows a group of bike-riding nerd kids. When one of them disappears and the search is on they end up uncovering a lot more than they expected! Extremely addictive with a great cast of actors. Highly recommended.
Stream it on: Netflix
2. Chef’s Table
If you love food and inspiring life stories then you’ll love this show. Each episodes tells the story of some of the world’s most renowned chefs looking at their past and what made them so successful. It’s beautifully shot and truly inspiring.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. Dirty Money
This docuseries takes a look at stories of scandal and corruption in the corporate world, exposing acts of greed and corruption.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. Ozark
Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and their two kids have to move from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks to escape a drug lord after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Although totally unbelievable it is very entertaining.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Blue Planet II
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Blue Planet I, this is a nature documentary series on marine life produced by the BBC and narrated and presented by naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Expect stunning filmography and visuals. This series is fascinating and educational. A great one to watch with kids.
Stream it on: Netflix
1. The Alienist
The Alienist isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s basically a murder mystery but set in NYC during the 1890’s. In season one, the team (which includes names like Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning) investigates the gory (and I mean gory – my mom LOVES murder mysteries but she couldn’t make it past Episode 1 kinda gory) serial murders of street kids (yes making it even worse – kids). Love the fact that the series works in characters that are actual historical figures, like Theodore Roosevelt and JP Morgan. Makes it so cool and “real”!
Stream it on: Netflix
2. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Watch this if you want to laugh VERY VERY hard every single episode. I saw the trailer for this 100 time but never really felt compelled to watch it, till I watched episode 1. I was instantly hooked. I love how creepy and stalky the main character is but in fact if we look closely at ourselves, I’m sure we’ve all been there before! So cringeworthy yet so relatable, how? Oh to add to it, it’s a musical-style series but NOT what you think. The songs are hilarious! Tears (of laughter) guaranteed!
Stream it on: Netflix
3. The Affair
The thing that made me like this series in the beginning is how the episode is split in half (kinda). Told from one person’s perspective. Then halfway through retold from another person’s perspective. Unsurprisingly, they each remember things quite differently to the other. First time I ever saw a series being told that way. Add to that the entire suspense surrounding, well, THE Affair, and you have yourself a popcorn-popper of a series.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. Zoo
This one is SOOOO ridiculous and trashy and nonsensical and makes no sense at all and I am unabashedly sharing how much I love it anyway, hah!
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Breaking Bad
An old one but in case there are still people out there who doubt how mind blowing this series is, let’s tell them once and for all!
Stream it on: Netflix
1. iZombie
An interesting take on crime shows, iZombie follows medical student Liv Moore who had the unfortunate experience of being turned into a zombie after a party. She gets a job at a morgue where she eats the brains of murder victims and discovers that shehas a new ability for solving crimes.
Stream it on: Netflix
2. Lost in Space
Set 30 years in the future, on their way to a space colony, the Robinson family crashes into an unfamiliar and hostile planet where they will need to work together to survive.
Stream it on: Netflix
3. The world’s most extraordinary homes
As a huge fan of home decor and architecture shows, I was hooked on this by the first episode. It’s a documentary mini series that explores incredible homes in extreme locations. Each episode is divided by locations: mountain, forest, coast and underground.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. Mindhunter
An American crime drama, Mindhunter is set in the 1970s. The story follows two FBI agents as they attempt to understand and catch serial killers by studying their psyches, pioneering the development of modern serial-killer profiling.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Nailed It!
Based off the craze of people trying and failing to replicate cakes they have found on the Internet (Hello, Pinterest!), Nailed It is a baking competition which sees three home bakers with poor records in the kitchen re-creating complicated desserts for a prize of $10,000.
Stream it on: Netflix
1. Alias Grace
Alias Grace is a miniseries adapted from a book of the same name with a plot that’s set in the 19th Century. The story follows a poor Irish immigrant who is forced to find work in Canada in her teens. She ends up finding herself in the middle of a gruesome double murder, which she is convicted of, while a psychiatrist interviews during her time in jail in order to prove that she is a hysteric and not a criminal.
I just love Sarah Gadon’s portrayal of Grace Marks and got so hooked on her accent!
Stream it on:Netflix
2. Say Yes to the Dress
This is one of those trashy (and pretty corny) shows, where women check into bridal gown stores and try on dress after dress until they – you guessed it – Say Yes to The Dress. I always roll my eyes at the overplayed personalities that the salespeople put up, and kind of can’t believe the prices people are willing to pay for a wedding dress, but it’s for these very same reasons that I can’t stop watching! The show has branched out to creating versions in the UK, Australia and Asia, and I don’t discriminate – if I flip channels to TLC and Say Yes to The Dress comes on, I’ll watch it.
Stream it on: TLC
3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is an American sitcom that follows Jake Peralta, a goofy yet talented detective who comes into conflict with his serious, emotionless commanding officer while juggling the relationships he has with his coworkers. There are so many reasons to love Brooklyn 99 – stellar cast, racial and LGBT inclusivity, and just all around hilarious!
Stream it on: Netflix
4. RuPaul’s Drag Race
Founded by the iconic RuPaul, RuPaul’s Drag Race is the drag queen version of America’s Next Top Model – except the talent is off the charts, it’s 10x funnier and the transformations are to-die-for. I look forward to the themed runways at the end of every episode where I’m always just gagging on their eleganza… so many incredible outfits and the makeup is always on point, okurrr!
Stream it on: Netflix
5. An Idiot Abroad
An Idiot Abroad was created by comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (both also the minds behind The Office) starring their friend, comedian Karl Pilkington. The show portrays Pilkington as someone who has no interest in international travel, and is someone who is rarely impressed with anything – including the Seven Wonders of The World. Gervais and Merchant set their friend out on a journey through countries like China, India, Mexico, Uganda and more, with missions for him to complete.
I always can’t stop laughing when I watch this, because of how miserable Pilkington always is, just by doing the simplest of tasks that other tourists would have loved to do when visiting a new country!
1. High Maintenance
This show is filmed all over my old neighbourhood in Brooklyn, New York so it’s very nostalgic to watch from Singapore. The show captures snippets of daily life from a very quirky and diverse group of New Yorkers all weaved together through a friendly delivery man.
Stream it on: HBO Go
2. Broad City
This show is super wacky and won’t be for everyone, but if you can handle the raunchy ridiculousness, you will be hooked. It’s like Girls, Sex & The City and Seinfeld wrapped into one.
Stream it on: iTunes
3. Insecure
This show is so fresh and fun and the main character, Issa (who also writes and produces the show) is such a compellingly flawed and loveable character, it’s fun to be in her world.
Stream it on: HBO Go
4. Expedition Happiness
I turned this on just to see the before and after of a couple transforming a huge American school bus into a home and ended up watching and loving the whole film. There is something very endearing and inspiring about this young couple who take a soul searching road trip around North America with their dog.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. Game of Thrones
Nothing new about this one, but I find most women need to hear recommendations from multiple sources before they are convinced to give it a try. I didn’t think fantasy, dragons, gratuitous sex and violence would be my cup of tea either, but it’s THAT good so you might be surprised! And if you start now you can be caught up for the final season next year!
Stream it on: HBO Go
1. Black Mirror
A sci-fi modern day take on how technology can affect us and our society in the future. Some episodes can be quite confronting and scarily true. You can watch each episode in this series as a standalone so you don’t have to watch it in sequence. Great to pick up when you can’t be bothered to search or channel hop.
Stream it on: Netflix
2. American Crime Story: The People v OJ Simpson; Manhunt: Unabomber and American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace
All three of these series dramatise historic criminal cases. Very well done with some great well-known actors. Loved John Travolta as Robert Shapiro in People v OJ Simpson.
Stream them on Netflix
3. Ozark
This is a dark but clever storyline about money laundering and how much a man has to endure to keep his wife and family safe and alive. Great one to watch with your hubby. It’s one that my hubby enjoyed.
Stream it on: Netflix
4. A Series of Unfortunate Events
This is a great one for a family with older kids, and one we all enjoyed watching on a Sunday afternoon with the curtains closed and popcorn. After the loss of their parents in a mysterious fire, you follow the three Baudelaire children as they face trials and tribulations attempting to uncover dark family secrets.
Stream it on: Netflix
5. 13 Reasons Why
Some schools urged parents to watch this as a lot of teens were talking about it at school last year. It’s a confronting topic about a teen suicide and her documenting 13 reasons why she did it. It sheds a lot of light on teenage bullying and topics that this generation goes through.
Stream it on: Netflix