Measures to contain the spread of coronavirus means that many of us have had to cancel plans and stay indoors for much of the time. With lockdown set to continue for at least a couple more weeks, now is the perfect time to get into a new series to pass the time. Luckily, there are some excellent TV shows available to stream now.
1. The Stranger
If you’re a fan of mystery and thrillers, The Stranger should definitely be on your list. All eight episodes of the series, which is based on a Harlan Coben novel, are available to stream now on Netflix. Families living in seemingly happy suburbia find their lives start to unravel as the stranger begins making an appearance and divulging secrets. There are so many twists and turns, you’ll be left questioning every character at some point in the season.
2. Treadstone
We might not be able to head to the cinema to catch the latest action film, but Treadstone brings the excitement to the small screen. As a spin-off from the Bourne film series, it has all the fights, car chases and anticipating you’d expect. Spanning across several decades and continents, you’ll learn more about the origins of the CIA black-ops program and it follows the cast as they seek to track who’s behind awakening the superhuman assassins in the modern-day. The first series can be streamed now on Amazon.
3. The Mandalorian
Disney+ launched last month in the UK and is packed with films and shows to keep kids entertained. But it’s got content for older generations too. One of the most eagerly anticipated shows was the Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series to hit screens. Whilst the newest films in the franchise have received some criticism from Star Wars fans, this series following a lone gunfighter boosts excellent reviews.
4. The English Game
Brought to you by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downtown Abbey, The English Game is an excellent choice for fans of historical drama. Set in the 1870s, it charts the story of how football was invented and quickly rose to become the world’s most popular game, crossing traditional class divides in the process. There are just six episodes to get through, all of which can be streamed on Netflix.
5. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
This American period comedy-drama premiered back in 2017 and now has three seasons available to watch on Amazon. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a 1950s New York housewife who discovers a knack for stand-up and tries to pursue a career in it as she leaves behind her perfect life. There’s plenty of laughs to be had to brighten up your days.
6. The Man in the High Castle
Set 15 years after the end of World War II, The Man in the High Castle asks what would happen if the Axis Powers were victorious. Set in the former United States, it follows a cast of characters living under totalitarian rule and the struggles they face when they encounter mysterious film reels depicting the world if Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan had lost. The good news is that all four seasons are available to stream now via Amazon, perfect for binge-watching.
7. Locke and Key
Combining horror, suspense and fantasy, Netflix’s Locke and Key is a great series to watch with older children. The supernatural series follows the three Locke siblings after their father is murdered in mysterious circumstances. Moving into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, they discover it’s filled with magical keys that are connected to their farther’s death as well as a demonic entity that’s searching for the keys too.
8. Chernobyl
Miniseries Chernobyl was released last year and picked up several prestigious awards. If you didn’t catch it the first time around, add it to your watch list during the lockdown. The five-part series is available on Now TV. Based largely on the recollection of locals, the show dramatises the story of the April 1986 nuclear plant disaster. Whilst Chernobyl is all something we know about, the series offers a different perspective and insight.
9. Friday Night Dinner
If you’re in need of a laugh during these unprecedented times, a comedy might be just what you need. Friday Night Dinner is a sitcom that follows the Jewish Goodman family sitting down for dinner every Friday night, with the first series picking up two BAFTAs in 2012. As two sons head home to enjoy dinner with their parents, regardless of how little they want to be there, the family nights are frequently disrupted. There are currently five series available on Netflix, with the sixth available on Channel 4.