TV shows

Pride and Prejudice

If you’ve yet to dip your toe into the world of Jane Austen, then this is the perfect introduction. At present Netflix has the 1995 six-part Pride and Prejudice BBC series. Many fans agree that you lose nothing from the book in this adaptation, and there is of course a school of thought that Colin Firth is the perfect Mr Darcy, alongside Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. The episodes are around the hour mark, so they can be binge watched in one sitting, if you are so inclined, or make a nice treat for a couple of consecutive evenings.

Friends

What is it that attracts people to Friends? Is it the characters, their relationships or just the easy-breezy comedic nature of the show? Regardless, with 10 seasons, Friends can be considered nothing short of a cult classic. Throughout its long run, each episode was as engaging as the next and storylines were progressed steadily. For many the beauty of Friends is the accessibility of the half-hour episodes. They can be watched in isolation or in tandem. It doesn’t really make a difference, you’re guaranteed to have a smile on your face.

Movies

Dirty Dancing

Those who have not seen Dirty Dancing are few and far between – that goes for both men and women. Originally a low-budget production with little expectation, the plot surrounding the summer romance of Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) and dance teacher Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), went on to become a sensation. Dancing, romance, chemistry, this film has it all. It’s the perfect feel-good watch for a chill night in. And, what really makes Dirty Dancing is just how invested audiences become in the characters. Everyone is rooting for Baby and Johnny, after all, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

The Blindside

Based on the book written by Michael Lewis, The Blindside is the true story of Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher, a Tennessee teenager from a difficult background. Taken in by well-to-do family, the Tuohys, they foster a love of American football in Big Mike and so the captivating story ensues. Released in 2009 with a star-studded cast including Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock, The Blindside won a Golden Globe for Best Picture. Sandra Bullock also won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role. This film is engaging and you’ll ponder it long after the final credits roll.

Read more

TV: right here, right now

Netflix binge watch: telly on, feet up

Navigating Netflix