I haven’t watched regular tv for at least a year. Between my Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime subscriptions, there has honestly been no need. I’ve pretty much mastered finding what to watch when I need to watch it.
What do I mean? Well, Netflix selections aren’t one size fits all. The key is being aware of your surroundings and knowing the perfect thing to watch to complement your setting. And for parents, that really means: are the kids awake, or can I watch what I want?
Here’s a list of six different parental situations, and the perfect Netflix choice to go along with.
When the kids have been driving you crazy, but they’re finally asleep and it’s time to let off some steam: Russian Doll
It’s an eight-episode series that is funny, weird, and straight to the point. Episode 1 will have you hooked, but not in a stay up until 2 am binge watching kind of way. Which is perfect, because you have to get up in the morning, amiright?
When the kids are down for a nap, and you want to sit on the couch and relax for a minute, for goodness sake: The Final Table
The thing about watching Netflix during nap time, is that it can’t be too loud. So, off the bat, action, comedies, and documentaries are off the table. Those genres require volume so you can properly follow along. (Have you ever watched a car chase with the volume down? It’s pointless). So where does that leave us? With a cooking show, of course. But not just any cooking show. This one features some legendary chefs and an innovative perspective. Watch it while eating a leftover peanut butter and jelly sandwich, like a boss.
When you’re having a Netflix and Chill date night with the boo: Black Mirror
OK, I’ll be honest. It’s weird. It’s intense. But what a conversation starter. And if you’re partner is like mine and is prone to fall asleep in the middle of your Netlfix and chill date, this show will definitely keep him/her awake. Each episode is a stand-alone, so you can jump around as you wish. And they aren’t too long, so you’ll still have plenty of time for the “chill” portion of your Netflix and chill date. (wink, wink)
When you’re up late prepping for tomorrow’s class party at your kid’s school because you waited until the last minute to do everything and it’s a complete disaster: Abducted in Plain Sight
We’ve all been there. This Valentine’s Day, I was up until 1 am tying white ribbons on dozens of heart-shaped lollipops. What got me through it? This completely ridiculous but totally true documentary about a family that was victimized by a sociopath in the ‘70s. There’s a moment in the documentary where you’ll say “what?!” to the television and rewind to make sure you heard it correctly. That’s all I can say. It’s nuts. Believe me. Please go watch it.
When the kids are running around, but you’re tired of watching Incredibles 2 and have made an executive decision to watch something “that mommy wants to see”: Hairspray
If you don’t like musicals, go ahead and skip to the next one because this one is 100% cheesy songs and dancing 80% of the time. But it made Avery happy because there was music, and it made me happy because it wasn’t INCREDIBLES 2 for the MILLIONTH TIME and still appropriate for kids. So that’s as good as it gets, imo.
When the opportunity presents itself for you to watch whatever you want, when you want: You
Maybe the kids are with your parents. Or maybe you’re home sick from work, eating soup and drinking Gatorade. Whatever the occasion, this show is a must watch. I read this book before it was made into a series, and I must say, if you like creepy thrillers, go read the book. It’s amazing. And the show is pretty true to the book. If you’re like me, you’ll be invested in the characters pretty quickly, and you’ll want to binge watch as much as you can at a time. Think 50 Shades of Grey, but the audience knows that the boyfriend is a complete psychopath and things are not OK. (Also, no red room, thank goodness).
What are your 2019 Netflix picks?