It’s another long weekend again and while a lot of us have indulged in tropical festivities for the holy week, now’s the perfect time to give ourselves a chance to cool down and relax. In this digital age, it’s extremely easy to find quick entertainment and streaming services like Netflix and iFlix have a treasure trove of film and television treats that will keep you glued. If you’re looking for more than just a 2-hour feat, we’ve got some recommendations on what to binge-watch this weekend—ranging from lighthearted comedy to sci-fi thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Chewing Gum
We’re declaring it—Chewing Gum has to be the best out of all the new foreign sitcoms on Netflix. Created by the lead star herself, Michaela Coel plays the innocent Tracey Gordon who has lived all her life confined to the strict rules of her Christian mother in the small commune of Tower Hamlets. The show is a hilarious adventure of a young woman exploring and being empowered by her sexuality. Best of all, Tracey is absolutely relatable and one that you’d root for the entire time.
Altered Carbon
With such elaborate campaigns and marketing schemes, it’s not farfetched to presume you’ve already seen Altered Carbon. This dystopian cyperpunk series takes viewers on a futuristic world following an ex terrorist who is given a chance of redemption by solving a rich man’s murder. It’s surely a thriller that will keep you pressing for the next episode.
Peaky Blinders
Set in the aftermath of WWII in Birmingham, Peaky Blinders is a dark drama surrounding The Shelbys, a crime family trying to expand their control of the district. Tommy (played by Cillian Murphy) steals a shipment of weapons to give his gang a one-up and what ensues is a chase between other crime families and the British government. Peaky Blinders not only features compelling plots but also stunning cinematography.
The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Delving into more crime, The People v. O.J. Simpson retells one of the most famous trials in history surrounding former football star O.J. Simpson as the prime suspect in the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. This Ryan Murphy-created mini series features an ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary cast with American Horror Story regular, Sarah Paulson who brings a riveting performance as district attorney, Marcia Clark going against Simpson’s powerful dream team of lawyers. Each episode is a rollercoaster of drama that will leave you pondering on the truth.
The Good Place
Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop (played by Kristen Bell) arrives at the Good Place after her death and what ensues is her trials of becoming a better person. This is probably one of those shows that you’d think isn’t anything special after reading its synopsis but The Good Place exhibits a smart, humorous visualization of the afterlife and great motion graphics while they’re at it (artsy girls, you would love this!). From the makers of hit sitcoms, The Office and Parks & Recreation, you’re sure to be getting the same kind of comedic humor with a darker twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
MEGA recommends five shows for a long weekend: Chewing Gum, Altered Carbon, Peaky Blinders, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and The Good Place. It says Netflix and iFlix offer a range from lighthearted comedy to sci-fi thrillers for binge-watching.
MEGA calls Chewing Gum the best of the new foreign sitcoms on Netflix. Created by its lead star Michaela Coel, who plays Tracey Gordon, it follows a young woman raised under her Christian mother’s strict rules who explores her sexuality in Tower Hamlets.
MEGA describes Altered Carbon as a dystopian cyberpunk series about an ex-terrorist offered redemption by solving a rich man’s murder. It describes Peaky Blinders as a dark drama set in post-WWII Birmingham about the Shelby crime family, played in part by Cillian Murphy, with stunning cinematography.
MEGA describes it as a mini series from creator Ryan Murphy that retells one of the most famous trials in history, with Sarah Paulson as district attorney Marcia Clark facing Simpson’s dream team of lawyers. It says each episode is a rollercoaster of drama.
MEGA says The Good Place follows Eleanor Shellstrop, played by Kristen Bell, who arrives in the Good Place after her death due to an error and tries to become a better person. It describes the show as a smart, humorous vision of the afterlife from the makers of The Office.
