When Hulu launched in 2007, backed by NBC, it was a place for cable cutters to watch their previously aired favorite series for free. Oh, how Hulu has changed. When NBC/Comcast sold their stake to The Walt Disney Company (by way of the 21st Century Fox acquisition) in 2017, Hulu really stepped up its game.

That’s a lot of mumbo jumbo to say that while Hulu is no longer free (they do offer a free trial) what you get is totally worth the price. Their original content is where it’s at, and with the Live TV option, you can also get rid of cable (cable is very 2010).

Below is the list of the Best Hulu Original Series to binge watch! Because Hulu has such great content, I included the Best Limited Series at the end as well. Happy binging!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Tell Me Lies

Every friend I have told about Tell Me Lies ends up Obsessed! It’s the kind of bad TV that is so good!

The first episode starts with a group of friends in present day, but most of the series takes place in flashbacks to college where they met. Like many college kids, they don’t know how to handle relationships and they make a series of bad decisons. I can’t promise that you’ll like the characters, but you’ll definitely want to binge to see where it’s going.

Difficult People

Difficult People is an underrated gem! I found this series back in 2017 during my own free trial and it’s what made me subscribe to the streaming service, I needed to binge all the seasons!

Julie Klausner (full transparency did not know her before this) created this 30-minute comedy which she co-stars with Billy Eichner. It feels like they are playing an exaggerated version of themselves since the premise is two comedian friends living in NYC. It’s hysterical, and I want to be friends with them. I can be the third in a trio of snarkiness. Obsessed!

The Great

Although The Great got nominated for several Golden Globes, I’m shocked at how few people I personally know have watched it.

Elle Fanning does a wonderful job playing Catherine the Great, and if Bridgerton has taught us anything, it’s that people love a modern take on a period piece.

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale is what cemented Hulu into my must-have streaming library. This series, based on a novel published in 1985 by Margaret Atwood, tells the tale (re: nightmare) of the U.S. under a far-far-right dictatorship.

A democracy turned dictatorship where women’s rights are stripped and people are murdered in the streets? Who could fathom such a thing? When the novel was written in 1985 it probably seemed like science fiction. When the series was released in 2017 it seemed more like a cautionary tale.

Elisabeth Moss plays the lead role of June Osborne perfectly, a woman surviving in Gilead (what used to be the U.S.) but stripped of her rights and her family. Some have wondered how she can play the part so perfectly while she is a Scientologist, a “religion” that allegedly goes against a lot of freedoms. CNN did a great piece on it if you’re interested in reading it.

The Bear

I’m a sucker for any series that takes place in Chicago, but The Bear had a great premier season in 2022.

Jeremy Allen White, of Shameless fame (which also takes place in Chicago), is a fine dining chef who inherits an itialian beef sandwich shop in Chicago. It’s gritty, and real, and highlights the challenges of running any kind of restaurant.

The series is very fast-paced, and by the end of each episode I feel like I’ve ran a marathon (or what I imagine that to fee like). I can’t wait for season two!

Only Murders in the Building

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play occupants in a large, high-end building in NYC in Only Murders in the Building. They, like the rest of the city, were consumed with a famous true-crime podcast until a murder happened in their own building and they decided to create their own true-crime podcast.

This is the most fantastic trio you didn’t know you needed. Steve Martin and Martin Short are national treasures and Selena Gomez balances out the age difference in the most relateable way.

Limited Series

High Fidelity

Zoë Kravitz (love her) plays a record-store owner in Brooklyn navigating through a complicated love life. Can it get any more hipster than that? It’s a remake, and I would argue a better version, of the 2000 John Cusack film by the same name.

The plot and the casting are great, but by far the best part is the amazing soundtrack. What’s not so great? High Fidelity didn’t get renewed for a second season and the only reason I can think of is that it is a Covid casualty. RIP.

Normal People

Set in Ireland, the beauty of Normal People is the simplicity of the coming-of-age story. Life isn’t perfect, and this showcases the messy with the beautiful.

Although the limited series is based on a book, I’ve heard the series is much better, quite a rarity.

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

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Pin this post and reference it the next time you are looking for a series!

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Dramas on Netflix

The Diplomat

SEASONS: 1

Keri Russell plays a no holds barred Diplomat who gets diverted from her original post when an event that could cause a world crisis occurs. Not only is the ‘whodunit’ entertaining, but so is learning about the complicated relationship she has with her former Diplomat husband.

Breaking Bad

SEASONS: 5

There’s a reason Breaking Bad is a household name. Over the course of its five seasons, it won 16 Emmy awards including Outstanding Drama. When a middle-aged chemistry teacher gets wrapped up in creating meth for financial purposes, there are equal parts of relatability and danger. Who doesn’t love a good drug drama?

Friday Night Lights

SEASONS: 5

High school football is no joke, and for those of us that never experienced it, Friday Night Lights is a peek behind the curtain. The series focuses both on the cutthroat and dirty world that high school football can be as well as Coach and Tami Taylor looking who are looking out for the kids. Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.

Ozark

SEASONS: 4

Kind of in the realm of Breaking Bad, Ozark is a current series where your average Chicago family becomes involved in a high-stakes game of money laundering for a drug cartel and moves to Lake of the Ozarks to figure their life out. You’ve got the drugs, the danger, and can you get more relatable than Jason Bateman and Laura Linney?

Peaky Blinders

SEASONS: 6

Set in early 1900s London, The Peaky Blinders are a gang in the truest sense of organized crime, but I mean, everyone loves a bad boy, right?

Squid Game

SEASONS: 1 (SO FAR)

Rumor has it there will be a second season of this South Korean thriller where players are chosen to play a high-stakes game. With big risk, comes a big reward. It lept into pop culture, and the music is still haunting me. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time.

Stranger Things

SEASONS: 4

OK so the sci-fi element of this supernatural thriller isn’t exactly up my alley, but that’s what makes it a great couples series. A lot of people love that stuff, and for those of us that don’t, it’s pure 80s nostalgia brought to us by Winona Ryder and a killer soundtrack.

Umbrella Academy

SEASONS: 3

Not exactly superheroes, but The Umbrella Academy is a misfit group of orphans who have supernatural powers. It’s a very unique concept and the stories get deep.

The Witcher

SEASONS: 2

Like Stranger Things and sci-fi, I had stayed away from The Witcher for a while because it’s based on fantasy. Upon watching I was immediately hooked. It’s like Game of Thrones, but with witches (who doesn’t love that) and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Dramas on HBO Max

The Last of Us

SEASONS: 1

The series based on a super popular video game was not something I was immediately drawn to, but my husband was. Humans are infected by a fungus and turn into something un-human and killing machines – this plot was not up my alley. However, it’s a lot less monsters killing people and a lot more character-driven storylines. The two main characters are an outlaw and an orphan he is taking across the country. The heart is in their relationship and the people they meet along the way.

House of the Dragon

SEASONS: 1

The prequel to Game of Thrones, listed below, is House of the Dragon. After 8 wildly successful seasons of GOT there is a lot to live up to. And it does! House of the Dragon is the origin story of the main houses in Game of Thrones. Only one season so far (it has been renewed) a ton happens every single episode and the timeline moves very fast.

Game of Thrones

SEASONS: 8

As I said, fantasy isn’t my typical genre so I wasn’t immediately drawn to Game of Thrones, but since it lasted 8 seasons I heard all the buzz and started binging from the beginning during the middle of its run. The good news for you, all 8 seasons are ready to binge now. Set in an alternate universe, while dragons may not be something we are familiar with, family issues and the struggle for power are something we most definitely are.

Six Feet Under

SEASONS: 5

A series about a family and their family-owned mortuary sounds like it could be quite morbid and depressing, but it explores so many topics of life and death, aside from the family issues any good drama deals with. To this day, Sia’s Breathe Me evokes overwhelming emotions. The last episode might just be the best finale to exist.

Succession

SEASONS: 4

The thing about Succession is that the only likable character from the Roy Family is distant cousin Greg. Once you realize that you enjoy the disgusting amount of wealth that is flung around as the family destroys themselves while trying to be the next in line to the media company patriarch Logan Roy built.

The Sopranos

SEASONS: 6

One might argue that The Sopranos had the best finale of all time. There was a time period that movies and TV shows about organized crime were very popular and when The Sopranos premiered in 1999, they embraced it and then some. Tony Soprano, the head of the crime family, goes to therapy because he has a crisis of conscience, in a way. But it goes much deeper than that. You see why they call it a family, and things are much more grey than black and white. RIP James Gandolfini.

The Wire

SEASONS: 5

The Wire takes place on the streets of Baltimore with the narcotics police department taking on the drug scene. It’s gritty, and from what they say, real, meaning the boys in blue aren’t always the good guys. Michael K. Williams won a well-deserved Emmy for the role of Omar Little, RIP.

Dramas on Apple TV+

Severance

SEASONS: 1

Severance is the type of suspense series you need to pay close attention to (that means no phone time for you or your significant other), but I promise it will be worth it. The casting is amazing and the plot is truly creative. When Adam Scott’s character loses his wife, he chooses to work for a company that can control when he remembers what. The season finale is one of the best mid-series I’ve ever seen. It won two Emmys in 2022 and they were highly deserved.

Dramas on Amazon Prime Video

Gangs of London

SEASONS: 2

If Peaky Blinders was set in present-day London, and scenes were more violent you’d have Gangs of London. Organized crime is still around, it might just look a little different these days. When the patriarch of the head family suddenly dies, loyalty is questioned, as is most everything else. Fingers crossed for a second season.

Halt and Catch Fire

SEASONS: 4

An inside look into the beginning of the internet, this scripted series is fascinating. It’s still a bunch of 0’s and 1’s to me and I remember when it was still called the World Wide Web, but really it’s a new industrial revolution.

Mad Men

SEASONS: 7

Mad Men, those NYC ad men from the 1960s, are really from a misogynistic and bygone era, but they are entertaining nonetheless. This series, which aired for 8 years, brought a resurgence of mid-century modern, bar carts, and Old Fashioned drinks. Don Draper. Do we love him or hate him?

The Boys

SEASONS: 3

What happens when everyone knows about superheroes, corporate America runs the show, and the driving factor isn’t doing good? Enter The Boys. This is not your typical superhero series, although it’s still a bit cheeky.

Dramas on Showtime

Billions

SEASONS: 6

Like Succession, Billions is a series based in New York in which the NY AG’s office takes on the extremely wealthy investment banking industry. Corruption and greed abounds.

Dexter

SEASONS: 8

A serial killer with a conscience and a moral code? It’s hard to know if you are rooting for or against Dexter Morgan. When you are finished watching you can follow up with the spin-off series, Dexter: New Blood.

Yellowjackets

SEASONS: 2

In the same vein as Lost, Yellowjackets follows a girl’s high school soccer team in the late 90s who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded. 90s nostalgia is great, Juliette Lewis and Christina Ricci who are 90s icons are part of the all-star cast, but it’s the murder mystery, what happened while stranded suspense that will hook you.

Dramas on Hulu

Lost

SEASONS: 6

A plane crashes and strands survivors on an island. Lost follows what happens on the island, each character’s back story, and that things may not be as they initially seem. To be honest, the storyline goes a little off in some places but it’s still a top-tier series.

Comedies on Netflix

Wednesday

SEASONS: 1

Wednesday is the title character of the gothic daughter from the original Adaams Family comedy series. In the new Netflix version, Wednesday gets sent away to the same boarding school her parents, Morticia and Gomez met at, and mystery ensues. It’s a sarcastic dark comedy, and it’s great!

Cobra Kai

SEASONS: 5

While I’ve never seen a Karate Kid movie, this Karate Kid spin-off is pretty entertaining! The actors from the 80s play the same characters 22 years later. There’s a new group of kids who love karate and the archrivals from the 80s are the new senseis. It borders on cheesy, but they are in on the joke.

Schitt’s Creek

SEASONS: 6

It’s clear why everyone loves Schitt’s Creek. The casting is great, it’s funny and heartfelt at the same time, and just a feel-good show.

Comedies on HBO Max

The White Lotus

SEASONS: 2

The White Lotus is a brilliant dramedy anthology series. Each season takes place at a different luxury resort and follows the guests and the employees during a stay. There are underlying issues each season exemplifies but really it’s just very entertaining. Oh, and the cast for each season is amazing! If you didn’t have Wanderlust before, you most certainly will after watching The White Lotus.

The Other Two

SEASONS: 3

When tween sensation Chase Dreams finds overnight stardom, his much older siblings (the other two) are left to figure out their own paths. Molly Shannon plays their widowed mother brilliantly. At times the series is completely unbelievable, but funny nonetheless.

Silicon Valley

SEASONS: 6

Silicon Valley is based in, you guessed it, Silicon Valley and follows a start-up whose founder left Hooli (which is eerily similar to another internet giant we know). I know pretty much nothing when it comes to tech, but the whole tech, start-up life is intriguing and is a space where anything can happen.

Veep

SEASONS: 7

Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the eponymous role in Veep, where she is a power-hungry V.P. of the United States. It’s so overboard that it’s hysterical because sadly it’s a little too true in recent administrations. Politics are funny.

Comedies on Apple TV+

The Afterparty

SEASONS: 1

When a murder occurs during a high school reunion’s afterparty, everyone is a suspect. The series features a star-studded cast and it’s a humorous take on a classic whodunit.

Shrinking

SEASONS: 1

Harrison Ford plays the lead psychiatrist in a practice with Jason Segel, who is trying to get his life back together after becoming a widow. In doing so, he comes up with some unorthodox ideas for his patients. This series is not only funny but dramatic at times, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at once.

Schmigadoon!

SEASONS: 2

When a New York couple gets lost in the forest they are transported to a magical place, that is a real-life musical. The only issue is, they can’t figure out how to get out and their relationship hasn’t been the strongest. Season 1 is the chip and cheerful musicals of long ago, season 2 is based on darker musicals that happened later. If you like musicals, you’ll enjoy this!

Ted Lasso

SEASONS: 3

Jason Sudeikis is Ted Lasso, a U.S. college football coach turned head coach in England’s Premier League. Definitely a fish-out-of-water story. It could have gone the way of SNL parody, but somehow it’s funny and heartwarming. One of the best shows on television.

Comedies on Peacock

Poker Face

SEASONS: 1

Natasha Lyonne is great at playing a nomad who has the uncanny ability to know when someone is lying. She continually finds herself in places where a murder occurs and, we, the viewers, get to see how it happens and how it gets solved. It’s like a 2020 version of Murder, She Wrote meets Columbo.

American Auto

SEASONS: 2

A classic ensemble comedy, Ana Gasteyer plays a newly appointed CEO of an American Carmaker while her front line figures out how best to support. If you love workplace banter, like The Office or Parks and Rec, this one is for you!

Kenan

SEASONS: 2

Kenan Thompson plays a widow in Atlanta who has two girls and lives with his brother, Chris Redd, and father-in-law, Don Johnson. This was the trifecta we didn’t know we needed. There won’t be any scandalous jokes, but it’s cute and funny.

The Office

SEASONS: 9

Arguably one of the best comedies of all time, The Office was the first mainstream comedy to be filmed in cinéma vérité style. No laugh track, just them and us. Filmed in the style of a documentary it’s so relatable because most of us have experienced the absurdity of the office. Of course, there are office quarrels, office romances, and office drama. Just like real life.

Parks and Recreation

SEASONS: 7

Parks & Rec gives office vibes. It’s a ragtag group of coworkers in Pawney Indiana’s Parks and Recreation department filmed in single camera, to let us know we are in on their jokes.

Comedies on Hulu

Abbott Elementary

SEASONS: 2

This family-friendly comedy series takes place in an inner-city school in Philadelphia. The show focuses on the teachers, all with their distinct personalities and teaching style, along with the principal, who is hilarious but in over her head, and the reliable janitor. It’s an old-fashioned scripted comedy but feels fresh.

The Bear

SEASONS: 1

Jeremy Allen White plays a classically trained chef who comes back home to Chicago to take over the family’s Italian beef spot. The series is gritty and raw and chaotic. I need to take a couple of deep breaths after every episode but in the best way.

Only Murders in the Building

SEASONS: 2

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez make up this surprising trio. Set in a vintage building in New York’s Upper West Side, they develop a podcast to solve the mystery of who murdered someone in the building. Steve and Marty are comedic geniuses and Selena brings a much-needed young energy. There are a ton of cameos too!

Dave

SEASONS: 3

Dave is naughty but brilliant. He goes by the stage name L’il Dicky and this white rapper thinks he is the next best talent. Is he a narcissist? Maybe, but like a good rap, it’s entertaining and has a lot to say.

Comedies on Showtime

I Love That For You

SEASONS: 1

Vanessa Bayer, of SNL fame, plays a woman who makes her lifelong dream come true and becomes the host of a home shopping channel. She became a fan when diagnosed with childhood cancer but things really take a turn when she pretends that her cancer has returned. If you have seen 5 minutes of home shopping on TV, you will no doubt appreciate how brilliant the writing and acting is on this series.

Competition/Reality/Docuseries on Netflix

The Great British Baking Show

SEASONS: 13

The Great British Baking Show is the epitome of wholesome, good entertainment. As a fan of reality (hello Real Housewives) I first didn’t get it because it’s a reality baking competition, but everyone is friendly, there’s no drama, and there’s no big prize. At the end of each season, one person is crowned the winner and they get a cake plate. That’s it. They do it for the love of baking.

The Movies That Made Us

SEASONS: 3

A docu-series, The Movies That Made Us dedicates each episode to the real stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of history’s most iconic movies of the last 4 decades.

Tiger King

SEASONS: 2

You couldn’t live through 2020 and not hear of Tiger King, but if you haven’t watched it yet there are two seasons in store. The first covers Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, archrivals in big cat care. And if that’s not crazy enough you learn about the supporting cast of characters in season two.

Competition/Reality/Docuseries on HBO Max

The Big Brunch

SEASONS: 1

Dan Levy, who we all know and love, is the creator and judge in this feel-good cooking competition. The theme is brunch and both cooked and baked goods are welcome! Think of this like a mix between Top Chef and The Great British Baking Show. There’s no drama, but there is prize money.

Competition/Reality/Docuseries on Peacock

The Traitors

SEASONS: 1

Alan Cumming is the host of this competition series set in Scotland. Reality TV stars and people not in the industry are participants in this part psychological game, part physical game. Some are chosen to be traitors amongst the group and those that have not have to figure out who has been. It’s the ultimate game of the last man standing.

Top Chef

SEASONS: 20

Top Chef has it all! A cooking competition with some of the best chefs in the nation. It takes place in a different city each season, emotions run high, and there is usually a little drama but there is definitely a lot of food.

Looking for more to binge?

• Best Shows on Hulu
• Best Amazon Prime Series
• Top Entertaining Female Podcasts

The post TV Shows for Couples to Watch Together appeared first on Very Obsessed.

The holidays bring up all sorts of emotions.  Sometimes what you need is something nostalgic or light-hearted or the catalyst for a good cry.  Whatever your Christmas mood is, there is a movie for you. 

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Related: Best Advent Calendars for Adults

Comedies

5. Four Christmases | Amazon Prime Video

Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn play a couple making the rounds visiting their divorced families for Christmas.  Made of an all-star cast, ‘Four Christmases’ reminds us that there is a lot of fun in dysfunctional (sorry, couldn’t help it).

4. Scrooged | Amazon Prime Video

Bill Murray does a dark comedy like none other.  ‘Scrooged’ is an 80’s take on Charles Dicken’s classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Bill Murray plays a cold-hearted Scrooge perfectly.  Bah-Humbug indeed.

3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Like ‘A Christmas Carol’ there are many iterations of ‘The Grinch’, but the 2000 version of ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ with Jim Carrey is the best.  It’s the story we all know and love, The Grinch hates Christmas, yada yada, he realizes the true meaning of Christmas.  The witty banter between him and his dog Rex is v funny.  And I can’t get over how Cindy Lou Who is Jenny Humphrey (mind blown).

2. Home Alone | Disney+

John Huges and John Williams come together when little Kevin McAllister gets lost in the holiday shuffle and gets left…’Home Alone’.  While some might love it for the physical comedy when he’s protecting his home, it’s a lighthearted reminder to not take family for granted.  The music is iconic.  

1. Elf | STARZ

Buddy the Elf grew up in the North Pole doing all Elf things, only to find out he was adopted and is really human.  Shocking!  I cannot imagine a better ‘Elf ‘than Will Farrel, the childlike wonder of a full-grown manchild…classic!

Rom-Coms

5. The Family Man | Amazon Prime Video

‘The Family Man’ is kind of a spin on “It’s a Wonderful Life’.  Jack is a money-focused businessman, played by Nic Cage, who gets a glimpse into how life could have been if he made other decisions.  And the guardian angel is played by a young Don Cheadle, so good.

4. While You Were Sleeping | Disney+

Sandra Bullock is a CTA toll booth collector, Lucy, who saves the man of her dreams from an oncoming train.  She gets mistaken for his finance while dream man is in a coma Lucy grows close to his family. She grows especially close to his brother played by Bill Pullman and…I think you see where it’s going.  There’s nothing surprising here, it’s just a feel-good movie with a solid ’90’s cast.

3. The Holiday | Amazon Prime Video

‘The Holiday’ is really 2 rom-com’s in one.  When you’ve got Cameron Diaz’s character swapping homes with Kate Winslet’s character can you really expect anything else?  With Jack Black and Jude Law supporting, it’s a winner.

2. The Family Stone

Star-studded, ‘The Family Stone’ is all about multi-layered family dynamics.  Parents and children, siblings, new romance, old relationships, the list goes on.  While portions of the film lean rom-com, be warned it includes drama and maybe even some tears.  

1. Love Actually | Amazon Prime Video

Perfect British flick!  ‘Love Actually’ is nine stories interwoven together around Christmas and they’ve all centered around…Love, actually.

Festive

5. Mickey’s Christmas Carol | Disney+

All the classic Disney characters come together in ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’.  Of course, Mickey is Bob Cratchit and who other than Scrooge McDuck could play Ebenezer Scrooge?  At a quick 26 minutes, it’s perfect when you need a quick hit of holiday spirit.

4. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas | Amazon Prime Video

‘Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas’ is a deep cut, IYKYK.  Created in the ’70s, these puppets created by Jim Henson tell a story of risk, sacrifice, and family.  All wrapped up in some catchy tunes.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas | Disney+

Tim Burton and Danny Elfman are an incredible team and this stop-motion film and the soundtrack are everything!  Is ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ is a Christmas or a Halloween movie? I argue that it’s both! Also on the Best Halloween Movie list, The Nightmare Before Chrismas can easily be watched from October to December.  When ‘Jack the Pumpkin King’ finds out there is more to the world than spookiness, chaos ensues.

2. The Muppet Christmas Carol | Disney+

The second Jim Henson production on the Christmas list, Kermit plays Bob Cratchit and the incomparable Michael Caine is a believable Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’.  What separates this version from others is Gonzo the Great and Rizzo the Rat narrating, they have chemistry!

1. It’s A Wonderful Life | Amazon Prime Video

Some might think ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a little dark for Christmas, but Christmas isn’t all snowflakes and sugar plum fairies.  When George Bailey, played by James Stewart, makes some major business mistakes, he dramatically thinks life would be better if he didn’t exist.  He soon finds out what life would really be like if he didn’t exist.  A true classic, this film won the 1947 Academy Award.  

Contemporary (2020/2021)

2. Love Hard | Netflix

I tend to shy away from most cheesy holiday movies and while Love Hard does deter on the verge, it manages to stay sweet without being saccharine and relatively realistic. Is it predictable? Yes. But still entertaining. Nina Dobrev plays Natalie, who flies across the country for Christmas only to discover she’s been catfished. Guess what happens from there. Bonus is that Heather McMahan plays Natalie’s best friend, love her!

1. Happiest Season | Hulu

I like my holiday movies with a little snark, just like they are in real life. For many of us, holidays aren’t just rainbows and sunshine and unicorns, it’s a lot of family and family is complicated. Imagine what happens when Mackenzie Davis brings her girlfriend Kristin Stewart home for Christmas, only she hasn’t come out of the closet. There is a great ensemble cast with Alison Brie, Victor Garber, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy…the list goes on and on.

Looking for some non-seasonal things to stream?

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

The post The Best Christmas Movies to Stream appeared first on Very Obsessed.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Bitch Sesh

Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider are laugh out loud (literally) funny in their podcast where, for the most part, they commentate on The Real Housewives franchises. Sometimes they start off the episode talking about some sort of other current things they are watching or just an anecdote about what’s happening in their life. They are real-life comedienne’s and they are hysterical. They have the best, most funny, entertaining guests too.

Bitch Sesh Review

Bad on Paper Podcast

One of my favorite bloggers, Grace Atwood from The Stripe, paired up with her friend to deliver a weekly book podcast. The book club is once a month and then the other weeks they have a guest or when they don’t have a guest they will kind of discuss a topic amongst themselves. Every episode they review favorite obsessions and talk about great things and not-so-great things that are happening in their lives. This truly feels like you are in a room with two of your friends. They are also wildly different, so you’re sure to love one or both of them.

Bad On Paper Podcast Review

The Financial Confessions

The Financial Confessions podcast I first heard about from Becca Freeman on Bad on Paper as one of her obsessions. This podcast, hosted by Chelsea Fagen of The Financial Diet, isn’t as ‘fun’ as some of the other podcasts here are, but it does feel like talking to a really close friend because she is open and honest about conversations regarding money. She is open about it herself, and she doesn’t hesitate to ask the pointed questions of her friends. In our current society where it can still feel a little weird to be so open when talking about money, this podcast might be better than talking to a friend.

The Deep Dive

I love love love June Diane Raphael! Both she and co-host Jessica St. Clair are frequent guests (and close friends) on Bitch Sesh so when I heard they were launching their own podcast I knew I had to listen. This might not be rollover funny (sometimes it is) but it always makes me feel things. They go deep in The Deep Dive, and it feels like a place where you can have those hard, deep, meaningful conversations with your friends. I was in literal tears when Jessica was talking about her dog being sick.

The Deep Dive Review

Comments by Celebs

The wildly popular IG handle Comments by Celebs has a podcast where they discuss all things celebrity and pop culture. If you (like me) are the one in your friend group who wins the pop culture category in trivia, this is for you. I especially love the bonus ‘Comments by Bravo’ episodes where they re-hash Real Housewives. It’s not as hilarious as Bitch Sesh because this podcast really is hosted by friends Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer, and that’s exactly what it feels like.

Comments by Celebs Review

Be There in Five

Kate Kennedy is the ultimate when it comes to wordplay. Kate is going to be your witty friend with a great memory who can sometimes be long-winded, but like you know her and love her and accept her for who she is. I’m kind of kidding and kind of not. Be There in Five is a long-form podcast and when it’s a topic I’m interested in, it’s great! Can’t get enough. But when it’s not…I just skip on by. Like I can’t get behind American Girl Doll nostalgia, but I know they were a big part of some people’s lives. Now Mormon Mommy Blogger deep dive…that I can get behind.

Be There in Five Review

Design Time

This weekly podcast hosted by the editors of Domino magazine is like talking to your most stylish, interior design-obsessed friend. Since I’ve recently purchased my home and have about a gazillion and one design choices to make, I love hearing from the weekly guests.

Lady Gang

Where most podcasts have one or two hosts, Lady Gang is hosted by three very different best friends. Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek, and Becca Tobin are very real and a little raunchy. I sometimes cringe while listening to them but they really are quite entertaining.

Podcass

This is a newer podcast and it’s like watching a friend venture into something new, and you see how they are improving and evolving and you just feel so happy for them. I first started following Denver-based Cassidy Ceresa on IG a few years ago when I was doing WW and she had a lot of content focused around that. I stopped doing the program but I didn’t stop following her and I’ve watched her journey from quitting a job in tech to going out on her own. She’s figuring her way out and inspiring people along the way.

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The post The Top Entertaining Female Podcasts appeared first on Very Obsessed.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

11. Cruel Summer

Yes, Cruel Summer is about two high-school girls. Once you get over that embarrassment you enjoy it for what it is. When the popular girl goes missing it’s a she said/she said as to what happened. Every other episode is told from the other girl’s perspective which is not only an unusual way to tell a thriller, but the twists are also pretty good too.

Cruel Summer Review

10. Stranger Things

Stranger Things has a pretty large sci-fi element to it, which is why it isn’t higher on the list. Part of what makes psychological thrillers so thrilling is knowing that it could actually happen. I’m a sucker for nostalgia so the fact that it’s set in the 80s, Winona Ryder plays a big role (the ultimate 80s icon), and the soundtrack is amazing has me hooked season after season. And it’s definitely suspenseful.

9. Bates Motel

Based off characters from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960s film Psycho, Norman Bates and his mother, Norma Bates, have a very, very dysfunctional relationship. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga play those roles to perfection, and you truly don’t know where the story will lead.

8. American Horror Story

Ryan Murphy introduced the modern anthology when he created American Horror Story in 2011. As the name implies, some seasons have more horror than others, and some seasons are better than others, which is why it’s not a little higher on the list. Each season is a completely different macabre theme, but with mostly the same actors (notice I didn’t say characters).

7. The Flight Attendant

When an alcoholic international flight attendant finds herself next to a dead man, she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. What’s not to like about that? The Flight Attendant borders on dark comedy, which I’m a fan of.

The Flight Attendant Review

6. The Undoing

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant play wealthy New Yorkers who’s life gets turned upside down when a mom at their childs school is found murdered. A classic whodunit.

The Undoing Review

5. Truth Be Told

Octavia Spencer has the perfect podcast voice as the host of a true-crime podcast. There’s the true-crime she’s reporting on, and then there’s how it impacts her real life.

Truth Be Told Review

4. Behind Her Eyes

This 6 part limited series watches like an extended movie. Based in England, a woman gets involved with her boss only to find out he’s married. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a just a lover scorned story, there is so much more.

Behind Her Eyes Review

3. You

You is about a man who fixates on a woman and uses all the resources, and tech, to make it seem like an organic connection. It’s so creepy because it’s actually so easy. Also, Joe is kind of a like a modern day Dexter, like you don’t want to like him but somehow he’s intriguing.

You Review

2. Mare of Easttown

Kate Winslet, who won an Emmy award for her role, leads an all-star cast as a cop in a small Pennsylvania town who is shook with the disappearance of two girls. There aren’t many shows that leave me with my mouth open, but one very specific episode did.

1. Ratched

In this Ryan Murphy production, Sarah Paulson plays Nurse Ratched at a psychiatric hospital. What do they say, doctors make the worst patients? A prequel to the cult-classic movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, there is mystery, murder and psychology at play.

Ratched Review

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The post Thriller TV Shows appeared first on Very Obsessed.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

5. Coming 2 America

A sequel to the hysterical 1988 film Coming to America, Eddie Murphy reprises his role as Prince Akeem in Coming 2 America. While a lot of the original castmates are also in the film, the addition of a few newcomers (Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan) adds freshness. In 1988 Prince Akeem made his way from Africa to the U.S. (Queens, NY of course) to find a wife. Two decades later we find him bringing long-lost American family members back home to Africa.

While not quite as funny as Coming to America, there’s something to be said for nostalgia.

4. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

Call it what you will…YA…young love…coming-of-age story. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a spin on the typical never-ending/Groundhog Day plot, but with more emotion. Two teenage strangers are both experiencing the same exact day and they manage to find each other. Together they work to figure out what can be done about the loop they are in, or if anything should be done at all.

3. Late Night

Think The Devil Wears Prada meets The Morning Show, rom-com style. Mindy Kaling suddenly becomes a comedy writer for a late-night talk show hosted by a woman who has been on the job too long. In a male-dominated industry, we are given a glimpse into what fee they have to do to succeed and how a non-jaded newcomer can change things up. Very cute!

2. The Big Sick

Co-written by and starring Kumail Nanjiani of Silicon Valley fame, The Big Sick is based on his real-life dating experience during his early years trying to make it as a comedian. Being Pakistani-born and doing stand-up in Chicago, he finds himself dating someone from a very different culture, which has unique obstacles. Lucky for us, Kumail writes a beautiful story to tell his tale.

1. Brittany Runs a Marathon

Knowing what I know of Jillian Bell, I fully expected this movie to be a lot of physical comedy and somewhat over the top. I am happily surprised it is not.

Brittany is in her late 20’s, lives in NYC, is out of shape, drinking too much and her career has stalled. Who hasn’t been there? She decides to make a change, hence the marathon (the marathon of all marathons, NYC). This film strikes the perfect balance between being entertaining and inspiring. She shows her vulnerability, the good and the bad side of it. Brittany Runs a Marathon is a little glimpse into how the world treats people, and how we treat ourselves.

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

If you like this post, please share it using the social media icons below.

The post Entertaining Movies to Watch on Amazon appeared first on Very Obsessed.

Related: Best HBO Drama Series

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

5. Girls

Airing in 2012, 4 friends (girls) in their early 20’s live their life in NYC. A modern-day ‘trying to figure out who you are’ series where honestly, they aren’t very likable but they are entertaining. Since Lena Dunham created, wrote, and starred in the series when she was also in her 20’s, it has privileged realism written all over it. Also, this is Adam Driver’s breakout role, where we realize what an amazing actor he is.

4. Silicon Valley

Set in…Silicon Valley, this series pits a former employee of a company that closely resembles google against said company. It’s basically a little guy vs giant corporation battle where of course we don’t want corporate America to win, but with so few resources at a start-up and with Silicon Valley being so intense, the most insane characters appear in the most bizarre situations.

Related: Best Netflix Original Comedy Series

3. Insecure

The hilarious Issa Rae created and stars in Insecure, a black-led (finally some representation!) cast in L.A. trying to figure out their shit. I could say it’s a more modern West Coast version of Girls, but honestly, it is so much more. The relationships are more real, the relationships are deeper, the people are deeper and again…it’s got Issa.

2. Veep

I was so sad when Veep ended! Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a comedic genius and her portrayal of a narcissistic Vice President of The United States is award-worthy (in fact she did win many awards for it). It’s meant to be satirical but I’m sure I’m not the only to say that at times in our recent history it was a little too close to the truth! Her entourage is also made up of an amazing cast, Tony Hale, Timothy Simons, Sam Richardson the list really does go on and on. It’s so so good!!!

1. Sex and the City

Taking it back to TikTok…if you don’t think the of opening sequence of Sex and the City after the HBO noise, what were you doing in the late 90s???

The original edgy women’s ensemble, Sex and the City was unlike anything we had seen. Women in their 30s and 40s talking about all sorts of things that real women actually talk about. It was groundbreaking and aspirational at the same time being aspirational, and for that reason, it is the best HBO comedy series. And with NYC as the fifth character…we as the viewers could see all the cutting fashion experience amazing restaurants vicariously through the women. Their relationships evolve as they do, but isn’t that life?

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

If you like this post, please share it using the social media icons below.

The post Best HBO Comedy Series appeared first on Very Obsessed.

I should note, for the sake of this list, I’m going to exclude documentaries because they are kind of in a class of their own and Netflix has a ton. Let me know in the comments if you’d like a future post on the best Netflix documentaries.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

5. The Irishman

Who doesn’t love a based on a true story mob movie with a little bit of Hoffa sprinkled in? I want to say the genre is reminiscent of the 90s, but The Godfather came out well before that, so maybe it’s a tale as old as time. With Martin Scorsese directing, it’s no surprise The Irishman got nominated for an Oscar. It’s just a tad bit too long, I think it was the first time I took an intermission in my own home.

4. Marriage Story

Another Best Picture nominee, Marriage Story shows the dissolution of a marriage and the accompanying story. Its beauty is in its simplicity, its realness. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson lead this all-star cast but when Alan Alda and Laura Dern are supporting, you know the acting is what sets it apart.

3. The Old Guard

Sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned entertaining action flick and that’s exactly what The Old Guard is. Charlize Theron plays the lead, surrounded by an amazing cast, in this film about a group of hired…let’s call them fixers, with supernatural powers. Wasn’t sure I’d be into a sci-fi element but it doesn’t feel sci-fi at all.

Full The Old Guard Review

2. Pieces of a Woman

Pieces of a Woman is raw and heartwrenching and should come with a trigger warning for losing a child or losing a pregnancy. I knew Vanessa Kirby was talented from her portrayal of Princess Margaret in The Crown (season 1&2), but wowowow, she completely deserves her Oscar nomination for her role as the grieving mother.

Full Pieces of a Woman review

1. The Trial of the Chicago 7

As someone from Chicago, I’m shocked I had never heard of The Trial of the Chicago 7. This Aaron Sorkin film strikes the perfect balance in retelling the story of how 7 people were put on trial in 1969 by the government stemming from events that occurred during the 1968 National Democratic Convention. It’s equal parts educational and entertaining and somehow more relevant than ever.

Full The Trial of the Chicago 7 Review

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

If you like this post, please share it using the social media icons below.

The post Best Original Movies on Netflix Worth Watching appeared first on Very Obsessed.

Since Apple TV+ is a newer streaming service, it doesn’t get all of the attention that some of the other services do, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have great original content. Sure, they don’t yet offer quite as many series, they are still building their portfolio, but there are some gems. So, if you are looking for (or need reminding of) the best shows to watch on Apple TV Plus, here’s the list.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

5. Trying

Trying is a lighthearted dark comedy (that seems like an oxymoron) about a couple struggling to get pregnant that explores adoption options. While not an entirely new topic, the breezy approach does seem fresh, and that it’s set in London doesn’t hurt either (I’m a sucker for a setting in a city that I love).

Full Trying Review

4. Dickinson

The first season of Dickinson came out in 2019 when I don’t think many people at all had Apple TV+, but when the second season came out in 2021 I binged the whole thing. Inspired by the life of Emily Dickinson (the great American poet), the story didn’t seem that compelling, but the trailer sure did. The way the story is told…it’s a fusion of Hollywood theatrics, beautiful poetry, with modern dialogue.

Full Dickinson Review

3. Defending Jacob

If you’ve spent any time on Very Obsessed you know I love a murder mystery and that’s exactly what this is. Set outside of Boston, a family struggles as their tween son (Jacob) is charged with the murder of another child. A classic whodunnit.

Full Dickinson Review

2. The Morning Show

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon? Sign me up! As co-hosts on a major morning news show, they navigate their new dynamic as the longtime male host gets ousted for sexual assault. Sound familiar? Fun Fact, The Morning Show was my Apple TV+ gateway drug.

1. Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso is so much better than it has any right to be. On paper, an American college football coach gets recruited to coach European Soccer (who take their version of football very seriously), the show sounds boring. Throw in Jason Sudekis as the lead character and you may have thoughts of Ted Lasso being an extended SNL skit. Oh no, you would be wrong. Ted Lasso strikes the perfect balance of humor and heartfelt while you can’t help but root for the character. One of my friends loved the show so much, she started watching it again as soon as she finished. The second season is being released in July 2021 so get to binging!

Full Ted Lasso

Honorable Mention. For All Mankind

I can’t give this a full review because I only just finished season 1, but it is good! Another show that came out in 2019 and I wasn’t on the Apple TV+ game yet, but when season 2 came out recently I decided to start at the beginning. In this show about space, set when man walks on the moon, not everything is as we remember it. Every hour-long episode has its own story, with its own little cliffhanger. It is so good, but until I watch season 2 it stays off the official list (but you should definitely watch!)

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

• Best Netflix Originals Comedy Series
• Binge-Worthy Netflix Originals Drama Series
• Best Netflix Originals Movies

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The post Best Shows on Apple TV Plus appeared first on Very Obsessed.

I don’t think we hear nearly enough about what original shows Amazon is putting out, but the production value is high…they’ve got that Amazon money. Trust…there are award winning shows you are missing out on if you are only using Amazon Prime for their free delivery.

Check out the below list for the best Amazon Prime shows you didn’t realize you had access to.

Oh, and it’s also worth noting that I loved the first season of The Man in the High Castle, but the second season came out when I was moving and I just never picked it back up…might need to go back to that someday. It’s an alternate universe where the Allied Powers won and control the U.S. Scary.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

7. Modern Love

Based on the true stories from the New York Times Column, Modern Love is a limited series with an all-star cast. Each of the 8 episodes features a different (modern) love story, and each episode really is a little story unto itself. And at about 30 minutes each, it’s such an easy watch, but left me wanting more.

6. Mozart in the Jungle

With 4 seasons, there is plenty to binge on the dramedy Mozart in the Jungle. Set in NYC, being in and composing the orchestra is really just a backdrop for this series about the complications that come with ambition and relationships.

5. The Boys

The Boys takes on superheroes but with a unique perspective. This isn’t your typical Marvel movie. What if superheroes were known, and they were a business run by a corporation? What would happen to them then? It’s on this list so it’s definitely worth watching, but you can check out The Boys review for even more deets.

4. Jack Ryan

I haven’t read any of the Tom Clancy books that the Jack Ryan character is based on, so I can’t compare the series to it. Prior to starting the series, I thought I was going to have a tough time watching Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) play CIA analyst turned spy. Nope. He’s so good. If you like crime thrillers this is for you!

3. Fleabag

Like Schitt’s Creek, I started to watch the first episode of Fleabag, stopped, and then gave it a second chance due to all of the awards it was winning. I’m so happy I did. Dare I say the last season is even the best? Full transparency, since the series’ main character is a recovering sex addict, do not try to watch this on an airplane, as was my rookie mistake. It’s British, the humor is dry, and it’s written and stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I LOVE dry humor, so this is right up my alley. I think part of me is meant to live in London…

2. The Wilds

One of the best new series I binged in 2020, The Wilds is a teenage girl version of Lost. But better. Part of each episode takes place on the island that they’re stranded on, and the other part takes place where you see the girls before they were stranded. Season 2 is currently filming, so if you binge season 1 now, you’ll be primed for when it airs.

Intrigued? Here’s the full The Wilds review.

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Ugh, it’s been two years since the last season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and I’ve missed it. I have all confidence that the wait will be worth it though considering season 3 could in fact have been the best season yet. When Midge Maisel’s, played by Rachel Brosnahan, life gets upended because her husband leaves her, she stumbles into stand-up comedy. A woman. In the ’50s. Amy Sherman-Palladino, the writer behind Gilmore Girls, writes and directs this series. The acting, the casting, the writing, the costumes…all of it is perfection. OBSESSED!

Now that you know the best Amazon Prime shows, check out the reviews for some of their movies too!

• Sound of Metal
• Coming 2 America

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

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The post Best Amazon Prime Original Shows appeared first on Very Obsessed.