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Best Netflix Series Of 2018 With Both New And Old Gems On offer

November 30, 2018 By Anne Burwell Leave a Comment

When you’ve got plenty of spare time on your hands (or just want to escape reality for a while), Netflix is the answer. The hugely successful streaming platform has plenty of original shows to offer that are certainly binge-worthy. We’re counting down the best Netflix series of the year with both new and old gems on offer.

Netflix has certainly changed the way we watch TV, and all for the better. Not only does it give you an easy platform for watching your favorite shows and movies, but it even produces a bunch of Netflix originals for you to enjoy.

2018 is already shaping up to be a big one for the company and along with some of their classics being revamped for new seasons this year, there are some brand new titles being released that promise to be just as entertaining. Time to get your binge-watching pants on!

#18: Orange is the New Black

Undoubtedly Netflix’s standout show and the one that got us all hooked on prison life. For those of you who haven’t watched it yet because you’ve been living under a rock, Orange is the New Black follows the lives of the women incarcerated at Litchfield Penitentiary.

It’s got the perfect mix of drama, humor, and shady activity, and although these ladies are criminals you can’t help but love them. Netflix has already released five seasons and season six is set to air on 27^th July so it’s the perfect time to catch up and watch them all.

#17: House of Cards

Following the huge scandal around Kevin Spacey and allegations of sexual misconduct, Netflix decided to dump the headlining star of this political show and continue on with another season. The show is set to return in late 2018 with just the president’s wife, played by Robyn Wright, returning as POTUS.

Aside from the scandalous allegations that occurred outside of the show, there’s plenty of drama to enjoy on the series. With five seasons behind them already there’s quite a bit to wrap your head around before the new one starts, and we’re certain you won’t be disappointed.

#16: Queer Eye

When we first heard that they were rebooting Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, we were a little hesitant. However, it all managed to work out and they’ve developed a new series for 2018 that works way better than the original ever did.

What makes the new Queer Eye so good is that they’ve toned down on some of the camp qualities and turned it into a show that’s about more than just superficial stuff. Season one is out now and ready to be enjoyed, and you might shock yourself with just how much you love it.

#15: Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee

Everything that Jerry Seinfeld touches turns to gold, so is it any wonder that his wildly successful show about famous comedians is now in its 10^th season? The premise behind this show is that Jerry Seinfeld takes a classic car around town, picks up a celebrity or comedian friend, takes them for coffee, and asks them the great questions that normally don’t get tackled in a TV interview.

Past guests have included Chris Rock, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and Jay Leno, so we’re all pretty excited to see what 2018 holds for Jerry. We’re not sure if it’s the cars, the coffee, or the celebrities that keep us tuned in, but whatever it is, it works.

#14: Luke Cage

Marvel and Netflix have paired up for a few shows by now, but none are as gritty as Luke Cage. Following the story of a real-life superhero with superhuman strength brought about by a failed experiment done on him, it doesn’t get much more action-packed than this.

The Luke Cage series intertwines with Jessica Jones, another great Marvel/Netflix mashup, and it ’s a must-have for lovers of the action or comic book genre. Season 2 aired mid-2018 so you’ve got two long seasons to catch up on if this sounds up your alley.

#13: Jessica Jones

Following on from Luke Cage, Jessica Jones is another dark superhero series that has managed to kick goals for Netflix. A former superhero who now uses her good for solving crimes in a detective agency, Jones is a seriously badass individual. Season two was released early 2018 and although it wasn’t as big of a hit as the first season, it’s still a must-have for anyone with a Netflix subscription.

#12: Love

Hearing the name Judd Apatow attached to a comedy pretty much guarantees its success, so what better reason do you have to check out Love? Created by Apatow and starring Paul Rust and Gillian Jacobs, this show is now in its third season and still as popular as ever.

Love follows the story of nice guy Gus who tries to turn his life around after being cheated on by his girlfriend, which leads him into the arms of rebellious Mickey. It’s light-hearted, will occasionally make you teary-eyed, but overall produces some quality laughs.

#11: Mindhunter

There’s nothing like a good psychological thriller to get you through the lonely evenings, so if you don’t mind delving into the thoughts of psychotic serial killers then Mindhunter will be the show for you. Starring Jonathan Groff (of Glee and Frozen fame) this is a seemingly new genre for him but one that he does well.

This fictional series is set back in the time before we knew much about serial killers, as two FBI detectives begin research on the subject. They interview known killers and try to build up a profile on what makes them tick, and it will truly keep you on the edge of your seat.

#10: Black Mirror

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Black Mirror, you probably walked away from it going “what on earth just happened?” The show holds a mirror up to society and imagines some truly terrifying scenarios of technology become far too involved in our lives.

What makes this such a good series is that the episodes are set in a not too distant future so it doesn’t seem too out there to imagine. Each episode is a new story so there’s no need to watch them in order either, and the latest season was released in 2018.

#9: Big Mouth

Nick Kroll is a huge name in comedy right now, and Netflix was lucky enough to score his animated series Big Mouth exclusively. Big Mouth is a cartoon version of what it was like growing up for Kroll so you can already imagine how funny it’s going to be.

The show has plenty of guest voices that you’ll recognize like Jenny Slate, Maya Rudolph, and John Mulaney. Only one season has been released so far in 2018 but we’re certainly hoping to see plenty more of Big Mouth and his friends in the future.

#8: Easy

Easy technically scarped in just at the end of 2017 but we’ll allow it on the list because it’s received just great reviews. Starring Dave Franco, Jane Adams, Michael Chernus, and a whole slew of talented young actors, Easy has already delivered two stellar seasons for us to enjoy.

The show’s premise is around a bunch of friends from Chicago dealing with everyday stuff like love, family, careers, and culture. This is one to watch when you’re looking for a light-hearted but semi-deep series to get you thinking and feeling good at night.

#7: The Standups

For those of you who like short and sharp episodes that you can fit in when you need a quick laugh, The Standups is for you. Just as the name suggests, this series is about stand up comics, but more specifically the up and comers who are already making waves.

This show gives you a chance to sample their work and make yourself laugh in the process, so it’s perfect when you need a mood boost. Season two aired in 2018 and we’re certain it will return for a third, as this is a never before seen platform for comics to really get themselves noticed on a worldwide stage.

#6: On My Block

If you like your shows centered on high school students but don’t want anything immature, On My Block is the perfect choice. This is a coming of age fiction that aired in 2018 with news that they’ll return next year for the follow-up.

On My Block follows a bunch of high school kids as they navigate their way through the usual drama but they do it with a difference. There’s a diverse cast, it’s already become critically acclaimed, and it’s a lot more gritty than you’d expect from a teenage centered series.

#5: American Vandal

For those who loved the twisted Making A Murdered or other crime focused documentary series, you need to lighten the load a bit and check out American Vandal. This mockumentary series revolves around a series of high school pranks where a bunch of teacher’s cars are vandalized with some rather obscene drawings.

American Vandal is seriously clever and although you know it’s not real, you do get hooked on wanting to solve the crime. The only difference is you’ll be able to sleep at night without thinking about the potential murderers out there that you might know, and instead have a laugh to yourself.

#4: Dear White People

What started as a website then turned into a film then turned into a Netflix series, and it never managed to lose its shine. The Netflix series follows a group of young, black students at a predominantly white college as they try to work their way through the racist issues that occur.

This is a refreshing look at social issues and one that shows the problem on both sides but does so with humor. The second season aired in 2018 and they’ve already been renewed for a third, so you know they’re doing something right.

#3: Lost in Space

You’ve probably heard all about the original Lost in Space that aired in the 60’s, so you may as well give the Netflix reboot a try. As the most expensive series they have (production wise), Lost In Space is certainly entertaining, even if you’re not a fan of the sci-fi genre.

The show follows a family of space colonists trying to do everyday things in space, and it’s funny and laid back. The production alone would be entertaining enough but somehow the rest of the series works, so definitely give it a try next time you’re looking to binge something.

#2: Glow

There’s nothing more badass than a bunch of wrestling chicks, and Glow offers them up in droves. GLOW or Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling stars Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin as the ultimate frenemies, and the costumes alone are enough to drag you in.

Don’t take Glow too seriously and enjoy it for the drama and campy qualities, and you’ll absolutely love it. Now in its second season which aired in 2018, fans are very excited to see what else is on offer from the often unseen world of women’s wrestling.

#1: Stranger Things

If you haven’t already watched Stranger Things then we don’t know how to break it to you: you’re seriously missing out. This show has a serious retro vibe whether it’s the spooky theme music, neon credits, or the entire story being set back in the early 80’s, but on top of that, it’s so much more.

Stranger Things centers on a group of young high school kids living in a small town, only they have access to a whole other supernatural world. The rally together, try to fight the bad guys (or things) and will make you laugh along the way. Definitely one of the better Netflix series out there in 2018.

15 Awesome Life Lessons as Taught by Grey’s Anatomy

September 17, 2018 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

No one would normally think that movies or series could have a significant impact on someone’s life but more often than not they do create feelings or bring drama to light that we have forgotten. Moreover, some very well created shows can have an impact few of us expected: that of being a learning tool. Indeed, there are some series that have been educational (apart from medical series or survival series where Bear Grills has shown us the key to mastering proper hydration through pee). And one of those series has been Grey’s Anatomy. We would like to show you exactly why:

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1. Because it has shown us the importance of taking life into our own hands and not missing out on opportunities. Remember, in life, it is the things we don’t do that cause regret and not the things we did wrong.

2. There is nothing wrong with you. Accept that you are different and start loving yourself to death. It matters.

3. Being sane is very important. And taking care of your own mental health is just as important. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should have butterflies and sunshine around you at all times.

4. Friendship counts, a lot. It’s the one thing that actually makes everything worthwhile, knowing that there is someone to share the burden with.

5. It’s important to let things go, and sometimes, dealing with problems may be simply done by dancing. Yes, Grey’s Anatomy showed us that we can all dance it out.

6. People are seldom what they seem. Not everyone is cold and robotic. But when someone is, deal with it.

7. The show also has amazing men related lessons in it. Of course, they are not what you would expect, but Christina does have a clue about what she’s talking about.

8. Describing a true friendship may require special words so as to completely portray the deep and unique feelings someone has for each other. However, if I were describing my friendship, I would certainly quote Christina Yang. She nailed it.

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9. Make place for romance in your life – but also be prepared to receive it once it arrives.

10. The show also redefined many of our previous concepts, like love and how it occurs between the most different of people, or in this case something as mundane as intimacy. Their definition does hit it out of the park.

11. We are never alone- with our fears or pleasures and whenever you feel like giving up remember there are so many people wanting to give up as well. Knowing you aren’t the only crazy person in the room gives you the drive to keep going when you feel you want to call it quits.

12. Healthy food choices have also been attempted by the show. Addison, for instance, has a foolproof method of rationalizing cake eating.

13. Beauty is not only fleeting but superficial. Remember everyone, it’s what’s on the inside that counts so cherish your minds and souls rather than your bodies. Also, consider those who see you for who you are and not how you look.

14. All is fair in love and war. And everywhere in between. Fight to the nails for what you want to achieve and never back down.

15. Last but not least, the series has shown us, if anything, how love is supposed to feel like. How it takes you on this roller-coaster ride from hell when you’re up and then down and then right back up again so fast that it makes your head spin and by the time you’ve reached the end of the ride and can understand what has happened, you want to ride it all over again.

6 Funniest Cartoons To Help You Unwind After A Long Day

November 24, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

Cartoons come in all kinds of shapes and forms. Some are for kids’ educational purposes, some take us on adventures, and some just make us laugh until we burst something. The funniest cartoons of them all are actually a proper public menace in this regard, but they’re also a blessing. Laughter is one of the best ways to relax after any kind of stressful situation or a long day of work. So, we recommend a handy method of relieving yourself of that stress and pasting a huge grin on your face. Sit back and watch the funniest cartoons we recommend to help your cause.

Photo Courtesy of Fox

#1 The Simpsons

The Simpsons is a classic in more than one way, so it’s definitely a must-watch for anyone who wants to spice up their cartoon-watching experience with some satire. This legendary show managed to acquire a loyal following over the years, something that would explain its impressive run. If you happen to really like the series, it’s all for the best: you’ll have so many episodes to watch you’ll fill up your queue for months to come.

#2 Phineas and Ferb

This is one of Disney’s newer shows which recently ended. Phineas and Ferb is a great family watch, especially during summertime. Why? Because the story centers around two brothers who get so bored during their summer break that they start coming up with a ton of loony inventions. These inventions vary from rollercoasters to time machines, to spaceships, or to opening a car wash. You’re really guaranteed to never get bored while watching Phineas and Ferb. Did we mention the secret agent platypus?

#3 South Park

South Park is already well-established as one of the funniest cartoons of all time, so it almost needs to introduction. However, it’s on the complete opposite spectrum of the aforementioned show as it’s full of adult and inappropriate humor. But, hey, people wouldn’t love South Park so much if it weren’t for the fact that it displays a group of kids swearing like sailors and pushing the limits of decency. Just like The Simpsons, the show has a very long run, so you can safely watch it for months to come.

#4 Gravity Falls

The past few years have seen an increase in quality animations and gave us some of the funniest cartoons of all time. Gravity Falls is one of them and if you keep hearing about it everywhere you go, believe us when we say that it’s for a very good reason. The cartoon is all about the adventures of Dipper Pines and Mabel, his twin sister, during their summer vacation in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon.

#5 Tom and Jerry

Old, but gold. This is the definition of Hanna Barbera’s legendary series about the ridiculous conflict raging between the iconic cat and mouse of the show. Tom and Jerry was, at its time, one of the funniest cartoons on air and it continues to be impressive up to this day. It’s pure slapstick humor, but the fact that it has to work with actions alone and no words means that a lot more effort was put into its creation.

#6 Honorable Mentions

This list isn’t intended as a competition, mostly because all of these shows are so strongly linked together. But if you’re looking to expand your collection of funniest cartoons, you can also reach out for:

Spongebob;
Looney Tunes;
Adventure Time;
Regular Show;
Futurama;
American Dad;
The Flinstones.

Conclusion

Naturally, it’s all about taste, but all of these cartoons are unique enough to be able to cater to a variety of needs. Whether they’re for children, entire families, adults only, or whether they’re about adventures, social satire, or sea creatures, they’re the funniest cartoons of our time. They’ll get a smile out of ya.

7 Funny TV Shows On Late Night TV

August 10, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

We don’t know for sure at what point did late night shows become a thing big enough to give us such a great amount of variety. This is even more puzzling, actually – why are there so many of them? Why are almost all of them successful? Is it because they air late in the night and there is a little voice in our head subconsciously telling us that this means something a bit more unorthodox might be in the bag concerning the topic list? They’re some real funny TV shows, that’s it.

Courtesy of NBC

Most of them manage to blend satire into their thematic, whatever it is. Some deal with politics, some do interviews, some do sketches – one thing is for sure, these are the best of them all and they have earned rightful spots among the highest-quality funny TV shows airing while your kids are sleeping.

#1 “Late Night” with Seth Meyers

Just like Doctor Who, Late Night can pride itself with regenerative hosts that helped the show thrive and bloom ever since its first episode aired in 1982. The initial tenure belonged to David Letterman, who was followed by three other hosts: Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers, the show’s current host.

Despite its generic-seeming title and apparent simple formula, it’s clear judging by the show’s long run that they definitely did something right in order to keep it fresh and exciting. Aside from the minor tweaks, Late Night also constantly adapted to the personality of the host.

#2 “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah

The Daily Show is a news satire program started in 1999. During its run, it had three hosts, the last of which, Trevor Noah, took his seat at the desk of the show in 2015. According to the hosts, the topics of the news coverage tended to change. Craig Kilborn’s initial tenure was filled with media references, whereas Jon Stewart tended to make it a lot more politic-oriented.

#3 “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert became the host of this satirical program in 2015, a program which represents the reincarnation of CBS’ famous Late Show franchise. The flag was picked from David Letterman, something that’s definitely very difficult to live up to. Fans that have followed Colbert from the times when was hosting The Colbert Show, however, are aware of his charming potential.

#4 “The Tonight Show” starring Jimmy Fallon

As of late, some may argue that Jimmy Fallon has become a controversial figure, in the sense that you either love or hate him. Whichever it is, there’s no denying that Fallon’s program is leading among funny TV shows just as it’s leading in terms of YouTube views. The Tonight Show is packed with mini games and fun instances that just scream “Internet viral.”

#5 “Jimmy Kimmel Live”

Jimmy Kimmel’s popularity comes from similar reason to the other Jimmy mentioned on the list. Plenty of big names cross the threshold of his studio and his constant recurring gags and segments really keep people with raised expectations. We really have to thank him for the invention of the “Reading Mean Tweets” segments.

#6 “The Late Late Show” with James Corden

Know “Carpool Karaoke?” This is the man to thank for it. Corden has been around for a while, of course, and there’s no denying that he’s endearingly charming and a joy to look at. But it’s the cozy interviews and sing-alongs with celebrities that really blew up the Internet. Plus, why are they all surprised that he can sing pretty well? He starred in Into The Woods!

#7 “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver

John Oliver graduated the The Daily Show school of late-night funny TV shows, like many other hosts seated in front of modern talk shows. It’s ranking the lowest simply due to the nature of the program, which is riddled with often highly serious topics and with only a mix of satire.

The Greatest Time-Travel TV Series You Must Watch

May 19, 2016 By Toby Isaacson Leave a Comment

Don’t we all wish we could have a way to turn back time? Time-travel is a goal that humanity has been dreaming of since forever. Even when it was way more scientifically impossible for it to become a reality than it is now, everyone would have slept a little bit better if they knew they could turn the clock and fix their mistakes. As we have it, there are plenty of time-travel TV series out there which feature a lot of it or which are founded on this concept. Unfortunately, those who get caught up in this vortex end up in more trouble than it’s worth it. Here are The Greatest Time-Travel TV Series You Must Watch.

#1 Doctor Who

Image Courtesy of BBC

It would be no fair list without the most popular and longest-running sci-fi series of all time. Doctor Who features a lot of leaps back and forth in time and space, all curtsy to the handy feature of the TARDIS that transports the Doctor and his companions anywhere they want. You can start with the 2005 reboot or you can try to catch up first to the decades of runtime of the old series.

#2 Outlander

Image Courtesy of STARZ

There are two kinds of time-travel TV series – there are those where the protagonists battle intergalactic hazards and monsters and there are those like Outlander. Based on a book series of the same name, this show starts with the simple concept of a 1945 nurse who gets zapped in 18^th century Scotland. Although her struggle to pick between her husband in her time and her newfound Scottish love warn the viewer of a romance-filled story, Outlander will surprise you with its brutal lack of censorship.

#3 Primeval

Image Courtesy of ITV

In the case of this series, the ones doing the time-traveling are the foes that our heroes need to defend the Earth against. Primeval is a British sci-fi show that features a group of scientists-turned-defenders who travel about in search for anomalies in time and space that allow vile creatures to cross worlds. A five-season long series, Primeval is an excellent cross between Jurassic Park and Doctor Who and it features a lot of action to keep you engaged.

#4 Quantum Leap

Image Courtesy of NBC

One of the most renowned and appreciated time-travel TV series of all time, Quantum Leap is a show that flawlessly taps into how a journey to the past can change history. Physicist Sam Beckett is the protagonist of this adventure where he leaps from one person’s body to another throughout his lifetime in order to fix the various mistakes in their lives.

These occurrences leave a huge impact on history, as we get to witness Jacqueline Kennedy eluding death during JFK’s assassination among others. Quantum Leap has five seasons and they are all streamable on Hulu and Netflix.

#5 Legends of Tomorrow

Image Courtesy of CW

A time-travel TV series that’s also full of superheroes and action?! Sign us up! DC’s Legends of Tomorrow showcase a team of misfit superheroes assembled for the purpose of leaping from one time period to another in order to stop the vile Vandal Savage from destroying the world. There are plenty of familiar faces that can be picked up on by DC loyalists and it works really well as a standalone show riddled with journeys through time.

#6 Continuum

Image Courtesy of Showcase

We’ve had romances, superheroes, and intergalactic battles – now it’s time for some detective work too. Continuum is a Canadian sci-fi series that follows Kara Cameron, a police officer from the future who trades her current timeline for our present times.

She befriends the boy who would grow into the man who helped her make the leap and gets tangled in a corporatist conspiracy that gives her the choice of whether she wants to save herself or the world as well. And if you’re wondering about the “detective” part of the show, there will also be some intriguing murder investigations ensuring.