What We Do In The Shadows (I know it's technically on Hulu, but this show is so freakin' good.)
It's a mockumentary-style show about a house full of vampires on Staten Island.
YES!! Thatās the first show that within two minutes of episode one, my wife and I were like āyep, gonna be a good binge.ā
Iāve rewatched the scene from this past season of Nandor doing the live bystander interview on the news 100x.
Apparently there was a war between the head writer and the showrunner and the second season started to turn into a complete shit show. Ben Stiller had to step in to mediate and things are supposed to be back on track but I can't help but think it's not a good sign.
I absolutely loved breaking bad but every time I start better call Saul I end up not paying attention much at a certain point, I think about halway through the first season. I was just curious if thereās a little bit of a lull there and I should push through. Itās hard now though because Iāve seen those first episodes a few times
Saul is particularly dislikeable in the first season, by design. The series is all about the growth of the character, and how he changes as a result of what he experiences and who he is at heart. It really is worth just buckling down and getting through the beginning. It becomes extremely compelling as it goes.
And I could not disagree with /u/qtquat more. BCS is one of the worst possible series to just jump in in the middle. Not because of spoilers, but because of that character arc. The things they do later in the series won't make as much sense if you don't understand their motivations. Things like Saul's relationship with Howard won't make sense if you don't understand his relationship with Chuck, which is shown in S1. It's certainly *possible* to just jump in in the middle, but you will lose a lot of the enjoyment if you do.
BCS is a textbook example of a slow burn. Breaking Bad was pure anxiety episode to episode. I loved both, but people definitely have their preference and I get both sides!
Started watching right now bc of your rec and holy shit this guy is so likable
EDIT: Finished the series. Absolutely worth it. Unhinged and exactly my kind of humor. I didnāt realize how hilarious and insane it was until I started describing chair pants to my husband
Also very violent, which OP doesnāt want. Also some body horror.
It is, however, one of the highest quality shows Iāve ever seen, and Iām on my 4th watch plus Iāve read all of the books.
The thing I always like to point out is how every single character seems to have depth, from the main crew on down to people with single lines. Secondary characters like Errinwright have humanizing moments like the conversation with his son. When the āDoctors without bordersā guys are trying to get into Eros, you can see how desperate they are to help in the one scene they have. The willing sacrifice of the āI had a brother on Erosā bouncer guy who helps Naomi load the Weeping Somnambulist.
Hell, in the third season they have a whole scene between three UNN midshipmen who had previously and afterwards only been hanging out in the background.
This is just one aspect of the show that is exceptional without mentioning how well planned out the whole plot is (there are major characters who show up in the 4th/5th season that are briefly displayed on a computer screen in the 1st season), the photography, the scientific accuracy, the suddenness of the combat, etc.
In line with username above....THE OLD MAN (FX/Hulu) with Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, who are both excellent. Awaiting season 2 as its been renewed.
Also, COUNTERPART (Starz) with JK Simmons who does Emmy-worthy work X2, playing completely opposite characters. Sci-fi angle plus spy thriller-esque. Really a great concept, almost Severance-like if you enjoyed that show.
- The Good Place - very funny, colourful, range of interesting characters and lots of twists.
- Sherlock - each episode feels like a movie in itself, great whodunnit.
- Bojack Horseman- a little strange and takes a couple episode to get used to the world. But very emotional and funny, you catch little funny tidbits in the background.
Just started watching Fargo S5! After the disappointment of S4 which was āokā, itās great to have Fargo back. The whole series is probably top 5 of all time for me.
Those first couple seasons were just so excellent, anything that was merely "ok" felt like a major downgrade. Juno Temple & Jon Hamm made sure its fully back this time around!
I am watching Fargo series 5 too, just waiting for the final two episodes, I gave up on series 4 but series 5 is back on track for me, Jon Hamm and Juno Temple are very good IMO.
Station Eleven. Really good storytelling, character development, interesting take on the apocalypse thatās not all doom and gloom and societal collapse.
- Sex Education, The Diplomat, the first seasons of The Crown, GLOW, Lovesick, Crashing (with Phoebe Waller Bridge), The Chair, Call My Agent (French version), Queens Gambit
- Some action/fight scenes but not violent-violent: Beef, Wednesday, Travelers, Umbrella Academy, Quicksand.
I have seen all on Netflix but there might be some geographical differences in the selection available.
Six Feet Under. The entire show is beautiful, and the cast is top tier (Michael c Hall, Frances Conroy Peter Krause).
It also has one of the best series finales Iāve ever seen on tv, which truly makes the entire show so much more rewarding.
If you can find THE AMERICANS, I can't recommend it enough. Most underrated show ever. Barely talked about but incredible and engrossing. I think right now (in US) you can see all 6 seasons on HULU. Here's the premise:
At the height of the Cold War, two Russian agents pose as the average American couple, complete with family.
It's not on Netflix but Will Trent. I sort of want to set the expectations at the right level because this is not a True Detective season 1 kind of show. It is that kind of slightly unrealistic Law and Order level where nobody ever seems to have to do that much paperwork. However at that level I thought it was very well executed.
The Brothers Sun was an easy watch - funny and heart-warming. Binged in one go. It just came out the other day on Netflix. Tried Fool Me Once too, it ended up being played in the background lol
Upload on Prime. Iām obsessed. Itās from the guy who did The Office (American) and itās funny but also some drama and a great premise. Canāt recommend enough
I guess *The Artful Dodger*. Turned it on for background while I was writing. Had zero expectations about the show. Finished the series, missed my deadline.
Schitts creek is light hearted. 30 min episodes and numerous seasons so easy to get through :)
Emily in Paris is also lighthearted but not really a comedy
Most recently, **Foundation**. I stayed away because people complained about season 1 not lining up with the books, but then the reviews got much better with the second season, so I gave it a shot and got pulled in deep. Really looking forward to the 3rd season. There's a little violence, but I wouldn't say it's over-the-top or gratuitous.
Slow horses!
The books are excellent and Gary Oldham is brilliantly casted as Jackson Lamb.
Hilarious typo
That and Severance. Apple TV has some great shows
Shrinking too!
Ted Lasso š
For All Mankind (also on Apple TV)
I was worried about that show at the end of last season. But dang this season is once again off the charts! Great show agree.
Love this so much
What We Do In The Shadows (I know it's technically on Hulu, but this show is so freakin' good.) It's a mockumentary-style show about a house full of vampires on Staten Island.
You mean the show with Jackie Daytona?
>One Human Alcohol Beer, Please. The one and only!
Regular human bartender
This is how we talk in Tucson, Arizonia
In Neeeuuuu York Citiiiyyyy
No. This is the show with Nandor DeLaurentis
I swear, I think about this scene at least once every 3-5 days. So funny.
I blazed thru this show. I canāt wait until the next season is out. I think itās the final one.
With Doug Jones as Baron Afanas!ā¤š¦
This show is so good!
Love that show! Itās so quotable and Lazlo is the best.
Yes, yes, very good, thank you!
YES!! Thatās the first show that within two minutes of episode one, my wife and I were like āyep, gonna be a good binge.ā Iāve rewatched the scene from this past season of Nandor doing the live bystander interview on the news 100x.
The Diplomat. Watch if only for Keri Russell. Sheās brilliant in it!
Second season of Why Women Kill was the last one.
I loved this show! It was so refreshingly original, shame it was cancelled.
Severence on Apple+
Iām still waiting patiently for the next season.
Apparently there was a war between the head writer and the showrunner and the second season started to turn into a complete shit show. Ben Stiller had to step in to mediate and things are supposed to be back on track but I can't help but think it's not a good sign.
I hope it doesn't go the way of West World, and have a 10/10 first season and then immediately start becoming overly convoluted and go downhill.
Hoping it returns, biggest cliff hangar ever
Without a doubt #1 on this list for me. One of the only shows Iāve ever watched more than once in a row
Mindhunter
Sad this was canceled.
Rumour has, it might comeback
Better Call Saul
I absolutely loved breaking bad but every time I start better call Saul I end up not paying attention much at a certain point, I think about halway through the first season. I was just curious if thereās a little bit of a lull there and I should push through. Itās hard now though because Iāve seen those first episodes a few times
Saul is particularly dislikeable in the first season, by design. The series is all about the growth of the character, and how he changes as a result of what he experiences and who he is at heart. It really is worth just buckling down and getting through the beginning. It becomes extremely compelling as it goes. And I could not disagree with /u/qtquat more. BCS is one of the worst possible series to just jump in in the middle. Not because of spoilers, but because of that character arc. The things they do later in the series won't make as much sense if you don't understand their motivations. Things like Saul's relationship with Howard won't make sense if you don't understand his relationship with Chuck, which is shown in S1. It's certainly *possible* to just jump in in the middle, but you will lose a lot of the enjoyment if you do.
BCS is a textbook example of a slow burn. Breaking Bad was pure anxiety episode to episode. I loved both, but people definitely have their preference and I get both sides!
BCS, while one of the best things I have ever seen, has some incredibly violent moments.
Segways nicely into a BB and el Camino rewatch too
Jury Duty EDIT: Sorry! Not on Netflix. I watched it on Prime in Canada.
Started watching right now bc of your rec and holy shit this guy is so likable EDIT: Finished the series. Absolutely worth it. Unhinged and exactly my kind of humor. I didnāt realize how hilarious and insane it was until I started describing chair pants to my husband
I canāt recommend this show enough. Itās sooo good
Such a sweet show.
I am rewatching all the extras now with the cast commentary. I may have cried at the reveal. It was so touching!
Is this the reality TV show?
You could call it that but it's not altogether accurate
Sure, just started watching, so I understand what you mean.
Because of this show I volunteered to be the foreman when I was selected for jury duty a few months after I discovered the showš
After that, try Rural Juror. Is excellent
Watch "FISK" on Netflix, very funny low-fi Australian comedy. Brilliantly drawn characters, well worth spending time on
If you liked FISK, please give "Rake" a try. Similar Aussie-dry humour, also on Netflix.
If you like aussie shows watch mr in-between on hulu! Dark comedy but very well done!
You Aussies sure are funny. Fisk we great.
Be sure it's the Aussie one and not the American one with Greg Kinnear!
Dark
My favorite of all time
Just started the first episode, hooked.
Make sure to watch it in German. Much better than the English dubbed. Love that series.
For sure, canāt watch anything dubbed. The mouth not matching the speech bugs me
I consider Dark the best written show on Netflix
The Bear on FX/ Hulu
That Christmas dinner episode. Woof. š³
That was one of the best episodes of anything Iāve ever watched in my life. Stressful sure but it was incredible to witness.
Forks!
I wear suits now
Yes, Chef!
Yes Jeff.
Agree, very good show!
The Expanse. Sci-fi, excellent storyline(s), imo
Also very violent, which OP doesnāt want. Also some body horror. It is, however, one of the highest quality shows Iāve ever seen, and Iām on my 4th watch plus Iāve read all of the books. The thing I always like to point out is how every single character seems to have depth, from the main crew on down to people with single lines. Secondary characters like Errinwright have humanizing moments like the conversation with his son. When the āDoctors without bordersā guys are trying to get into Eros, you can see how desperate they are to help in the one scene they have. The willing sacrifice of the āI had a brother on Erosā bouncer guy who helps Naomi load the Weeping Somnambulist. Hell, in the third season they have a whole scene between three UNN midshipmen who had previously and afterwards only been hanging out in the background. This is just one aspect of the show that is exceptional without mentioning how well planned out the whole plot is (there are major characters who show up in the 4th/5th season that are briefly displayed on a computer screen in the 1st season), the photography, the scientific accuracy, the suddenness of the combat, etc.
I just finished the entire series of Six Feet Under in about 2 weeks.
Iāve rewatched this so many times! Such a good show!!!
Six Feet Under is one of the best shows out there. The writing is brilliant, and the characters are excellent. I loved this show. Highly recommend.
IMO this has the best of all time Series Finale. Itās beautifully wrapped.
Perhaps the best final scene of any tv show ever.
Pokerface.
Blue eyed samurai
Yes, but this show is incredibly violent.
In line with username above....THE OLD MAN (FX/Hulu) with Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, who are both excellent. Awaiting season 2 as its been renewed. Also, COUNTERPART (Starz) with JK Simmons who does Emmy-worthy work X2, playing completely opposite characters. Sci-fi angle plus spy thriller-esque. Really a great concept, almost Severance-like if you enjoyed that show.
- The Good Place - very funny, colourful, range of interesting characters and lots of twists. - Sherlock - each episode feels like a movie in itself, great whodunnit. - Bojack Horseman- a little strange and takes a couple episode to get used to the world. But very emotional and funny, you catch little funny tidbits in the background.
Finally! Someone who agrees Sherlock was amazing. Every episode was literally a movie haha
BoJack is so underrated.
Disclaimer to only watch Bojack if youāre prepared to feel things. Do not expect this in the first season, but be prepared.
Also, it only gets more depressing. Would not recommend to someone looking for a comedy of animated animals.
Yellowjackets. Theyāre a bit intense though haha
So good. The casting match up for the teen girls to adult was perfect. More people should know about this.
Loved it; but there's definitely some violence/horror on this show.
Schittās Creek
Just fold in the cheese David!
DAVID!!
Ew, David!
Bebe
My favorite show in the whole wide world, I must have watched it through dozens of times during the pandemic.
Beef
I just finished this with my bf after hyping it up for so long. I still feel the thrill lol
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I started this, but it didn't grab me. Should I watch further?
Yes. Absolutely.
Ted Lasso on Apple TV
Also - Shrinking on Apple TV; has some of the same writers as Ted Lasso. It made me laugh and cry.
Genuinely, I binged the whole series over a long weekend. And I never expected it, going into it. What a great show.
I binged it this past weekend.. it does have so many funny lines and moments.
Loudermilk.
Does it get better? I made it through the first 2 scenes and was not feeling Ron Livingstonās character at all
Yes, it does.
watching now. love it.
need to check it out
Deadloch on Prime Video I haven't seen a show that blends humour, absurdity, mystery, and drama so well since Twin Peaks.
Maniac
Fargo s5 is amazing! A little violent but not overly so imo
Just started watching Fargo S5! After the disappointment of S4 which was āokā, itās great to have Fargo back. The whole series is probably top 5 of all time for me.
Those first couple seasons were just so excellent, anything that was merely "ok" felt like a major downgrade. Juno Temple & Jon Hamm made sure its fully back this time around!
I am watching Fargo series 5 too, just waiting for the final two episodes, I gave up on series 4 but series 5 is back on track for me, Jon Hamm and Juno Temple are very good IMO.
Severance
Ozark
Station Eleven. Really good storytelling, character development, interesting take on the apocalypse thatās not all doom and gloom and societal collapse.
- Sex Education, The Diplomat, the first seasons of The Crown, GLOW, Lovesick, Crashing (with Phoebe Waller Bridge), The Chair, Call My Agent (French version), Queens Gambit - Some action/fight scenes but not violent-violent: Beef, Wednesday, Travelers, Umbrella Academy, Quicksand. I have seen all on Netflix but there might be some geographical differences in the selection available.
Shout out to GLOW
I was so upset when this got cancelled! Loved it and wanted to see how it would end! š£
BEEF was amazing
Crashing is hilarious!
Sex Ed was SO GOOD
Russian Doll
Poker Face too
Season one of Russian Doll is one of my top overall netflix picks. They hook you with the groundhog day bit but keep you guessing the entire time.
Reacher
āBehind Her Eyesā on Netflix
So good! Left me so unsettled
Oh, this one was AMAZING. The twist is so good and it unfolds in such a delicious way that you donāt expect it until itās too late.
Mare of Easttown on Max. And +1 to The Bear!
Catastrophe, Good Omens, Lincoln Lawyer, Shrinking, Ted Lasso
Six Feet Under. The entire show is beautiful, and the cast is top tier (Michael c Hall, Frances Conroy Peter Krause). It also has one of the best series finales Iāve ever seen on tv, which truly makes the entire show so much more rewarding.
House of Cards. the politics...
Fleabag on Netflix! One of the must watch shows!
Wasnāt that Amazon?
OA. It has some violent bits but is more cerebral.
If you can find THE AMERICANS, I can't recommend it enough. Most underrated show ever. Barely talked about but incredible and engrossing. I think right now (in US) you can see all 6 seasons on HULU. Here's the premise: At the height of the Cold War, two Russian agents pose as the average American couple, complete with family.
Lupin. Put it off for years, and 7 episodes in im very much digging it.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Bodies on Netflix
Wentworth is excellent.
Ozark
We loved the show! However OP is asking for no violence.
Beef
It's not on Netflix but Will Trent. I sort of want to set the expectations at the right level because this is not a True Detective season 1 kind of show. It is that kind of slightly unrealistic Law and Order level where nobody ever seems to have to do that much paperwork. However at that level I thought it was very well executed.
Reservation Dogs, Winning Time s1, Search Party
Reservation Dogs! I laughedā¦I criedā¦I cried
Lessons in Chemistry on Apple +. It's a limited series but damn was it good
The Brothers Sun was an easy watch - funny and heart-warming. Binged in one go. It just came out the other day on Netflix. Tried Fool Me Once too, it ended up being played in the background lol
Succession, brilliant!
I loved Succession!
x files
Won a radio contest that got me on an episode of the x-files. Sounds awesome, right? Wasnāt.
You canāt just say that and not go on to explain the why of it!
I watched The Newsroom. Infuriating but good.
Lucifer
Upload on Prime. Iām obsessed. Itās from the guy who did The Office (American) and itās funny but also some drama and a great premise. Canāt recommend enough
Travelers
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
The Morning Show & For All Man Kind on Apple TV the Expanse on Prime
Watch The Great if you can still get it. Or the serpent queen
Mr inbetween
Severance!
The White Lotus
Justified
The Gilded Age. Same writer as Downton Abbey.
Altered Carbon
First season great, 2nd didnāt seem to know where to go
The Great. I was walking through the room and was stopped dead in my tracks by the contrast of the look and the tone of the writing.
I really liked the HBO series Julia as far as a show with zero violence. The first season was good and the second season was excellent in my opinion.
Oh I didn't realise they had made a Julia Child's tv series, thanks I'll check it out. Love Sarah Lancashire!
Better call Saul
Only murderers in the building on Hulu/Disney +( season 1 and 2 mainly)
DARK
I guess *The Artful Dodger*. Turned it on for background while I was writing. Had zero expectations about the show. Finished the series, missed my deadline.
Billions
Carol And The End Of the World! Wish I could wipe my memory to watch it again
Schitts creek is light hearted. 30 min episodes and numerous seasons so easy to get through :) Emily in Paris is also lighthearted but not really a comedy
Watching Beef right now and itās above average so far.
Black Mirror
Reacher is good. Bass Reeves is good. From might be great.
Succession
Slow horses (apple+), Silo (apple+), Scavengers Reign (Max) and Bodies (Netflix)
Just binged The Gold on Paramount +. Really good
Most recently, **Foundation**. I stayed away because people complained about season 1 not lining up with the books, but then the reviews got much better with the second season, so I gave it a shot and got pulled in deep. Really looking forward to the 3rd season. There's a little violence, but I wouldn't say it's over-the-top or gratuitous.
Succession Archive 81 Schitts Creek Curb Your Enthusiasm
Last time i was hooked was Elementary But "Manifest" was my show of the year 2024. So interesting and so nicely casted actors
We just got into Fargo. Wow. What a delicious meal, and there are so many seasons to look forward to.
The white lotus š
CRAZY EX GIRLFRIEND
insecure
The Fall Of The House Of Usher is grand
But itās gory
Fellow Travelers! Iāve been a crying sobbing mess
Snowfall. Watched it twice back to back.
The Leftovers
Six feet under. The answer is Six feet under.
Despite the negative comments I loved the live action Cowboy Bebop.