If you’re a mom, I know you feel me when I say bedtime is the best time. At the end of the day, right around dinner, I start to fall apart. Any cool I had is lost. Every toy my kids drop, every thunderous footstep down the hall, every squeal, every request, every cry makes me want to lock myself in the darkest closet on the planet and lose the key. But we deal, because we’re moms…and we know bedtime is right around the corner.
Sure, sure. I know this is the time in my kids’ lives that I should cherish and all that jazz, so I try not to rush the bedtime ritual too much. We do baths, prayers, and “bed night stories” as Vivi calls them. I tuck Viv in, then the boys, then Viv again. I get myself ready for bed then tuck Viv in again (that girl won’t stay put!) Then finally, when the house is quiet, I crawl into bed, raise my feet and my back (I have one of those sweet geriatric beds for people that don’t ever want to use their abs again), then I turn on the TV and zone out. The Hubster is not a fan of TV, but once it’s on you can’t resist its life-sucking glow. So, he watches with me most nights. I’ll admit, I’m sure there are better things we could do with our time like sleep, or work, or…sleep. But there is something so cathartic about letting your mind get carried away in good drama. I especially like European shows for some reason and I try to steer clear of anything too graphic or raunchy. So if you’re a tired mom like me and you like a good escape, maybe you’ll find it in one of the shows below.
With out further delay, here are some of my favorites right now:
Poldark
Available on Amazon. Free with Prime membership. Only 1 season so far, but more will be coming!
Why I like it: My current favorite! Aidan Turner is hot, and it’s one of those romantic period shows. It takes place in the late 1700’s in coastal Great Britain. Everyone has a sexy accent (if you’re American you’ll agree, but if you’re British or Irish the accents won’t impress you.) And again, Aidan Turner. Need I say more?
What it’s about: Ross Poldark returns home after the American Revolution to find his former life in upheaval. Driven by loss, he throws himself into rejuvenating his father’s old mine. He cares deeply for the less fortunate and spends every waking moment serving others. Poldark often finds himself at odds with his gentry class, but he fights for what’s right over what is considered proper. Though his heart was broken, he soon finds love again in an unexpected place. I don’t want to give anymore away, but if you like Downton Abbey (another show I love) then you will most likely enjoy Poldark.
Mr. Selfridge
Seasons 1-3 are available with Amazon Prime. Season 4 is the final season and the first episode is premiering on Sunday, March 27, 2016 on PBS!
Why I like it: It is based on a true story, so it makes me feel like I’m learning something. It takes place in London around the same time period of Downton Abbey. I like the first season the best, but the other two seasons are not bad. Jeremy Piven is a great actor and plays his part so well that sometimes I like him and sometimes I don’t.
What it’s about: Harry Selfridge is an American entrepreneur that is hoping to change the way the British shop by opening the first department store in London. Despite the skepticism and balking of some, Selfridge is able to revolutionize the world of consumerism in the early 1900’s. The show follows the story of several employees as well as Selfridge’s own mercurial life. If you miss Downton, try this show.
Grand Hotel
All 3 seasons available on Netflix.
Why I like it: It makes me feel cultured because it’s in Spanish. Wait! Don’t skip this show just because you don’t speak Spanish. I promise, you will get used to the subtitles soon enough and it will be worth it. Give it 2 or 3 episodes before you decide to give up. A friend of mine told me about this show and I watched 1 episode then didn’t come back to it until a year later after my friend convinced me to give it a second chance. It’s Spain’s Downton Abbey. (Are you seeing a theme in my shows?)
What it’s about: In 1900’s coastal Spain, Julio arrives at the Grand Hotel in search of his sister, Cristina, who works there as a maid. But he soon discovers that his sister is missing, so he poses as a waiter to investigate her disappearance. He soon meets Alicia, the hotel owner’s daughter, and together they uncover all kinds of sinister secrets hidden under the roof of the Grand Hotel. There are characters that you love, and characters you love to hate. Give it a shot! You won’t regret it, at least not any more than you regret watching other TV shows.
Crossing Lines
3 seasons available on Netflix.
Why I like it: What’s not to like about a ragtag international police force? The mystery, the danger, the accents. I love the cast in the first 2 seasons, but they change most of the people in season 3 and I’m still getting used to it.
What it’s about: With the opening of the borders by the European Union criminals are easily “crossing lines,” but law enforcement can’t follow until the International Criminal Court forms a special unit of officers to hunt down these border hoppers. The team includes people from all over Europe and 1 American, all of them have a unique set of skills that make them invaluable to the team. This is a good one to watch if you like crime dramas.
Fixer Upper
1st Season available on Netflix. You need cable to watch more, which I don’t have (frowny face).
Why I like it: This is my kind of reality TV. If you haven’t heard of Chip and Joanna Gaines then you’ve been living under a rock, or under the age of 25. This show makes me feel like redecorating my house, or someone else’s, or buying a new house just to redecorate it! Plus, Chip and Joanna motivate me to do something with my life as well as be a better wife. They are magical!
What it’s about: Chip and Joanna Gaines! Honestly, do I have to say more? Okay, just for spanks and pranks I’ll spell it out for you. The Gaines’s, Gaines’, Gaineses, Chip and Joanna help families get the house of their dreams by fixing up “the worst house in the best neighborhood.” Chip does the construction and the deconstruction, while Joanna specializes in design, generally farmhouse chic. They are so cute and funny that you will quickly become obsessed with them and wish that you lived in Waco Texas.
The Blacklist
2 seasons available on Netflix. Most recent episodes available on the NBC app.
Why I like it: It satiates that part of me that wants to be an FBI agent. James Spader isn’t much to look at (sorry James), but he is awesome to watch nonetheless. Somehow he manages to be the most lovable bad guy ever in this show. Plus Ryan Eggold, who plays Tom Keen, isn’t too hard on the eyes.
What it’s about: On her first day as an agent, Elizabeth Keen finds herself catapulted into the depths of the FBI world when the infamous criminal, Raymond Reddington turns himself into authorities, but will only speak to Agent Keen. Reddington offers to become an FBI informant, but only if Keen is his contact. Reddington has a hidden agenda, of course, and together he and the FBI start crossing names off of the Blacklist. We still don’t know why Reddington chose Keen, but we know there must be a reason.
So there you have just a few of the many shows I watch. I hope that you found something new here! Comment below if you have some suggestions.
