5 Television Series You NEED To Watch Over Lockdown

If you're anything like me then it's safe to say you're a sucker for a good Netflix binge and there is no better time to satiate this addiction than the impending lockdown. Fortunately for you, I've compiled a rather eclectic and quite frankly excellent mix of shows to satisfy everyone's tastes in these dark times. So all you've got to do is buckle in, get comfy and let me tell you exactly what you need to be watching over the next month.

The Queen's Gambit

Genre: Drama

Where: Netflix

For fans of: The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, The Crown or Big Little Lies

Hailed as one of the best shows of 2020, it would be rude not to include Netflix's latest original hit series, The Queen's Gambit. Based on the novel by Walter Trevis, it tells the story of orphaned chess prodigy, Elizabeth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), as she battles with addiction, sexism and loss in the sixties all the while trying to become the world's greatest chess player. To say this show is a masterpiece in storytelling and directorial decision would be an understatement with the director, Scott Frank, managing to create a show for seasoned chess players and a layman such as myself, with incredible ease and fluidity. I am quite literally begging you to watch this for no other reason than Taylor-Joy's mesmerising portrayal of Harmon and of course *that* final scene. Don't even bother reading the rest of the article, just go and watch it for goodness sake and thank me later!

The Boys

Genre: Superhero, dark comedy, drama

Where: Amazon Prime

For fans of: Watchmen, The Umbrella Academy or Heroes

If serious shows about chess, adversity and camaraderie don't quite tickle your fancy, then perhaps Amazon Prime's The Boys just might. However, if blood, guts and exploding heads sound like your idea of hell then keep scrolling. If like me, you have become sick of all the superhero tropes and cliches that have taken over our screens courtesy of Marvel, then this is the show for you. While The Boys still touches on those superhero archetypes, it does so in a way that is darkly comedic and heavily satirical. Without giving too much away, it tells the story of what happens when superheroes go rogue and start abusing their powers. Not everyone is as selfless as Clark Kent apparently. Enter Billy Butcher, played by the oh so wonderful Karl Urban. Together, with his misfit crew, (and questionable cockney-esque accent), they take on these corrupt superheroes in ways that need to be seen to be believed. So go on, prepare to be shocked in the best way possible but don't say I didn't warn you!

Schitt's Creek

Genre: Sitcom

Where: Netflix

For fans of: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, New Girl or Arrested Development

While this zany sitcom was released in 2015, it is definitely worth mentioning having won not one but five Emmy Awards this year! It is the very definition of binge-worthy and the perfect lazy Sunday watch, especially if you constantly find yourself getting pulled into Netflix's bottomless pit of shows. It tells the story of the formerly filthy-rich Rose family as they experience bankruptcy and are forced to live in the only remaining asset they have left; a small, ugly town named Schitt's Creek. Moira, played by Catherine O'Hara, is quite honestly iconic and definitely one of those characters you'll find yourself going 'if this isn't me' to at least twenty times every episode. Be prepared to laugh till you get abs; the ultimate home work-out. But don't just listen to me and the many awards it has won, go watch it and experience the wonder for yourself. Did I mention all six seasons are on Netflix? Dreamy.

Misfits

Genre: Sci-fi comedy-drama

Where: Netflix, Channel 4

For fans of: Skins, Being Human or Preacher

An oldie but a goldie. For those of you who haven't watched Misfits, what the hell are you doing with your life?! Like seriously, are you okay hun? All that judgment aside, allow me to introduce to you the most outrageous, laugh out loud and rewatchable show to ever grace my screen. It tells the story of five young offenders carrying out their community service who are suddenly struck by lightning in a freak thunderstorm, granting them superpowers. What ensues is a raucous, rambunctious and rollicking series of events showing exactly what would happen if your average person got powers. Be prepared to fall in love with every character as they navigate their way through relationships, sassy probation workers and grizzly demise in this strange, new world. If this still doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then watch it for Robert Sheehan as Nathan as his acerbic one-liners are quite honestly a gift to humankid. Catch him in The Umbrella Academy as well where he basically plays the same tongue-in-cheek character who you can't help but fall helplessly in love with. Okay, we get it, Louise, you're in love with Robert Sheehan, NEXT!!

Criminal: UK

Genre: Crime, drama, thriller

Where: Netflix

For fans of: Line of Duty, The Strange or Sherlock

Last but by no means least is Criminal: UK, an intense, gripping and claustrophobic drama, mainly set in an interrogation room. While there are no car chases, gore or explosions, this show still manages to be total edge-of-your-seat material, relying on excellent storytelling and stellar performances by Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby and guest appearances by David Tennant and many more recognisable faces. The audience is left to make up their minds about events purely based on what the suspects and police say which makes for some very interactive and cerebral viewing. You'll find yourself switching sides and questioning every last word. This is not a show you can afford to switch off for, not even for a single second. Intense right?! I recommend an array of snacks and your comfiest clothes for this one.

It is with great sadness that I inform you that you've reached the end of the article. But fear not intrepid readers for there's much more where this came from. I intend to cover everything from reality television to some of film and televisions best and worse spin-offs and much, much more. Stay tuned, folks.