Believe it or not, TV time is a form of self-care. As caregivers, we sometimes feel guilty for spending time binging a new Netflix show rather than checking things off our to-do list, but there are days when a Netflix escape is just what you may need. Caregiving is difficult and it’s easy to run out of steam. Taking some time to watch a show or movie is a great way to regroup, whether it’s mindless or thought provoking.
To reassure you that it’s okay to spend time on the couch, here’s seven trusted Netflix recommendations that I looked forward to watching.
Virgin River
Ideal watcher: A romance lover looking for a Hallmark-esk series.
Description: Nurse Practitioner, Mel, moves to a remote town in Northern California called ‘Virgin River’ to escape the memories of her past. She’s hopeful this will be a fresh start but she begins to get tangled up in a dramatic romance and hits plenty of speed bumps along the way.
Noteworthy: A new season just came out, giving you the perfect excuse to join in on the discussion! ‘Virgin River’ not only features a caregiver but also explores the concept of grief and how it’s dealt with in different ways. I will warn you that if you are a veteran, this may be a difficult watch so make sure to read about the trigger warnings prior to binging.
Inventing Anna
Ideal watcher: Anyone who loves true crime or Shonda Rhimes (producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, or How to Get Away With Murder)
Description: Based on real experiences, Shonda Rhimes created a dramatic docu-series about con-artist Anna Delvey and how she tricked New York into believing she was a wealthy German heiress.
Noteworthy: It’s unbelievable that this is based on a true story. Anna Delvey was somehow able to invent an entirely new persona and con many distinguished socialites into giving her millions of dollars. If you’re looking for a show that will make you think, then this one’s for you.
I Care A Lot
Ideal watcher: A caregiver looking for a confidence boost and a reminder that things could be worse.
Description: This film follows a con woman who works as a court-appointed legal guardian to defraud her older clients. Her latest client throws her for a loop, making this her most difficult case yet.
Noteworthy: Rather than a series, this one is a Netflix original film that is perfect for honest caregivers who continue to show up and do good work! This is the perfect example of what NOT to do, but it’s too good to not watch! Unfortunately, reading the comments of the trailer, you will see that something devasting similar has happened to other families. Legal guardianship obviously has many flaws that need attention to protect our older adults and their families.
Locke and Key
Ideal watcher: Fans of Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, and the Haunting of Hill House.
Description: ‘Locke and Key’ follows the Locke children who moved into their late Dad’s childhood home with their Mother and discover magical keys throughout the house that unlock special powers but even more secrets. The series is a mixture of fantasy drama and horror and is based on the comic book series written by Joe Hill.
Noteworthy: Looking for a show to watch with your older kids? ‘Locke and Key’ was the perfect find to watch with my (at the time) high school aged kids. It was interesting enough for the whole family to be completely hooked and it was just the right amount of scary to where it didn’t keep anyone up at night. Plus, the final season was just released!
Somebody Feed Phil
Ideal watcher: Documentary lovers, Foodies, and Tourists.
Description: Phil Rosenthal (the creator of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’) stars in his very own travel documentary where he explores new cities and countries absorbing their amazing cultures, uncovers the interesting stories, and tastes all the amazing food!
Noteworthy: Whether you’re an avid traveler looking for new ideas or someone who wants to escape during your lunch break, this documentary is perfect for you! I had so much fun watching the episodes that corresponded with my daughter’s post-grad European backpacking trip! I was able to feel like I was right there with her, which was the exact escape I needed!
The Woman in the House Across the Stress from the Girl in the Window
Ideal watcher: Fans of thriller novels (Gone Girl, The Woman in the Window, etc.).
Description: Kristen Bell stars as Anna, a lonely and heartbroken woman where everyday seems the same. When a handsome man and his daughter move in across the street, things begin to start looking up for Anna, until she witnesses a murder…or didn’t?
Noteworthy: As a fan of Kristen Bell, this was an exciting Netflix addition for me. Every episode sucks you in, making it difficult to find a stopping point. An entertaining parody of murder mysteries and the perfect series to binge on a rainy day.
New Girl
Ideal watcher: Comedy lovers, fans of The Office, Parks and Rec, Friends, and Schitt’s Creek.
Description: After she catches her boyfriend cheating on her, Jess moves into a loft apartment with three single men. As she is newly in her 30’s, she tries to find herself with the support of her new roommates.
Noteworthy: This is a family favorite. My daughter loves this show so much she’s seen the entire series four times through. A good sitcom laugh that sprinkles in romance, friendship, and relatable struggles. Be prepared to fall in love with the characters (Schmidt is my favorite!).
Final warning: There certainly can be too much of a good thing. I like to spread out the goodness and keep it something I look forward to watching for my next break. Netflix unintentionally helps us not be too sedentary. They pop up a ‘Are you still watching?’ message either after three sequential TV episodes without using any video player controls, or after 90 minutes of uninterrupted watching, whichever is greater. While Netflix doesn’t want us to lose our place if we drift off asleep or unintentionally use too much of our data plan, this can also be a good reminder to move on with our day.
I hope you’re able to find your next binge-worthy TV show! Not only is life too short to read a bad book, but it’s too short to watch bad TV. Keep an eye out for more articles in this series, shows that pull me in are some of my favorite forms of self-care.
