Next to my cool baby and not cleaning genitalia off of desks, the best part of being a stay-at-home mom is that I’m basically a Netflix Connoisseur now. I have watched SO MUCH TV since quitting my job a year ago. Reese is demonstrating the lounge stance we prefer for our couch Netflix sessions.

This popped up in my timehop on Saturday and made me laugh. I was counting down to Reese, but I think I was mostly counting down to my last day of teaching. I was SO. TIRED. SO. DONE. I put these post-its on my bathroom mirror to keep myself motivated. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to be motivated to reach a goal or countdown to something meaningful. January 22, 2015 was my last day of teaching, and I was ready for it. I had no idea what to expect, but I was so excited and ready to face it.

And it was amazing! I don’t want you to get the idea that I spend ALL of my time on the couch or in bed watching Netflix… but… I mean… it’s a LOT of my time. To be fair, I do also watch Netflix while I’m cleaning, cooking, doing my freelance work, blogging, folding laundry, etc. Some people listen to music – I watch/listen to TV shows. I think I’ve got a pretty wide range of TV taste and I’ve watched quite a bit of different stuff in the last year.

Everyone’s always looking for their next show, and I actually believe TV is a great thing to share with your spouse, family, roommates, and/or friends. Whether you’re close to wrapping up your current show or looking to get into a Netflix routine – let me be your Netflix personal trainer. Here are my top picks for your consumption, in no particular order:

FIRST: If you haven’t watched The Office, Parks & Rec, Arrested Development (but not season 4 it’s weird) or 30 Rock in their entirety do that first. They’re hilarious, generally loved and easy to binge.

Making a Murderer – Netflix, 10 episodes

This one is the big hot buzz right now, so I thought I’d talk about it first. So far these Netflix Original Series are killing it, in my opinion. This one is about a guy who was wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years for a rape he didn’t commit, and then shortly after being exonerated is accused and tried for a murder he claims he also didn’t commit. You see some crazy twists and turns in his family, the police department, the trials… it’s back and forth. Very emotionally draining and even a tiny bit scary at times. If you don’t like true crime or documentaries but feel like you need to watch this to fit in – maybe pass. But if you liked Serial, true crime, documentaries, or somehow the state of Wisconsin then it’s a must-see. Very easy to binge because you’ll want to see what’s happening next with so much anger that you’ll never stop Netflix from auto-playing the next episode. Even if it’s 3 am. Yikes.

The Killing – Netflix, 3 seasons, 42 episodes

This show is absolutely incredible. It’s a very well-written, well-acted crime mystery drama. The first two seasons were on AMC but really took off on Netflix, so Netflix obtained the rights and made their own season three as a Netflix Original. Don’t watch that one. Seasons one and two follow the first, main crime: the murder of Rosie Larson. The series is resolved perfectly and shockingly with a nice little bow. Season three is just weird, and has way more adult content than it needs. Skip it. But watch seasons one & two ASAP.

Broadchurch – Netflix, 2 seasons, 16 episodes

Ok, I promise this is the last crime drama. This is a British crime mystery and stars David Tennant so that’s really all you need right? Season one is about the crime, and season two (which I’m actually working through slowly right now) is about the trial/aftermath.

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix, 1 season, 13 episodes

This show came out right after I had Reese and the timing could not be more perfect. I think I’ve watched it two or three times since then, too, because it’s just so good. Not only is it SO FUNNY, but it also just leaves you feeling good. Like Kimmy is your plucky neighbor and she just makes you smile and you want the best for her. I love how much she reminds me of Erin Hannon from The Office. If you were a girl in the 90s then the references in this show will absolutely slay you. It’s fantastic. Can’t wait for the new season!

The Mindy Project – Hulu, 4 seasons, 80 episodes (currently airing mid-season 4)

I watched the Mindy Project on and off in season one, but never really committed to it. I gave it another try right before Reese was born and was DYING. It’s great! It’s a little over the top and ridiculous, but that’s what’s fun about it. The love stories are funny and poignant, and by season 4 (which is Hulu original after it was dropped by the network) is tackling some really important issues. For the most part it’s Mindy eating lots of food all over the city and being sassy – a leveled-up Kelly Kapoor. Mindy Kaling is everything.

Brooklyn 99 – Hulu, 3 seasons, 56 episodes (currently airing mid-season 3)

Again, I was late to the game on this one, but SO glad I got into it. If you, like me, miss The Office and Parks & Rec then this is your next best bet. Lots of the same people behind the scenes give this a goofy, slapstick, sarcastic vibe. Gina is amazing and she is a breath of fresh air for women on television, in my opinion.

Bob’s Burgers – Netflix, 4 seasons, 67 episodes and Hulu, first 5 episodes of season 6 currently airing

Honestly I think this is my favorite one that I’ve binged (twice actually!) since having Reese. My sister loves it, and with good reason. Sure there’s a lot of gross and potty humor, but it’s so WITTY. You just really grow to love the Belcher family, and I know it sounds corny but they really do teach you lessons and leave you feeling good. I think H. Jon Benjamin’s voice might be addicting.

Master of None – Netflix, 1 season, 10 episodes

Aziz Ansari created something unique here for sure. It’s definitely adult content, so be forewarned. It’s heartwarming and sad and funny and real. It tackles relationships, race, feminism, getting older, how we treat people, the internet, families, everything. Definitely worth a watch if you like Aziz Ansari and social commentary.

Seinfeld – Hulu, 9 seasons, 171 episodes

Nothing really needs to be said here… I mean, It’s SEINFELD.

Duck Dynasty – Hulu, 3 seasons, 37 episodes

As you might have guessed, this is The Beard’s main pick for our binging. I don’t ever really seek it out, but I definitely don’t mind watching it. Although it does make The Beard talk in an accent for 2-4 hours after watching.

I’m doing a little bit more audiobook-ing now, but still watching a fair amount of television.

My To-Watch List

• Criminal Minds
• Jessica Jones
• Fargo
• Fixer-Upper
• Homeland (on Showtime)
• Luther
• Brian for You
• Try the X-Files again
• Catch up on Sherlock, New Girl,
• Finally finish Gossip Girl on my 5th attempt
• Keeping Up with the Kardashians because everyone else is doin’ it!!

Send other recommendations my way because you know I can’t resist a good new binge!