Shows I Watched in 2020 So Far

If there is one thing I love, it’s a good TV show. I love how a series can delve into storylines and characters in ways that movies cannot.

In our new normal of being home more often that we’ve ever been before, I’ve been able to start and finish significantly more shows. I’m not mad about it.

Here’s what I’ve watched from the comfort of my couch so far this year!

New Seasons

Outlander -Season 5 (Starz)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
An English WW2 Nurse goes through a stone circle in Scotland and ends up in the 1700’s (based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon)

I’m a big Outlander fan and the show is what first got me interested in the story. After the first two seasons, I started reading the book that coincides before each new season. I wasn’t sure at first, but I actually enjoyed this season and (most) of the deviations they went with for the adaptation! I do wish the seasons were longer again, because at times things can feel more rushed than I would like. We got spoiled with the early ones.

The Good Doctor – Season 3 (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
A young autistic surgeon takes a residency at a prestigious hospital.

The different seasons of this show are very similar, minus little character nuances. I liked seeing Shawn in a relationship, didn’t like some of the other blossoming relationships, and was left pretty dang sad after the finale.

You – Season 2 (Netflix)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Creepy, but also sometimes likeable, guy stalks people.

I may be in the minority here, but I wasn’t into this season as much as the first. I’m not entirely sure why, but I think it felt almost too extra for me. I did like the introduction of Love’s character, but it seemed like a lot was going on. I’m still intrigued by the ending and what’s in store for next season.

A Million Little Things – Season 2 (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Follows a close-knit friend group after a tragic loss

I’m addicted to watching the endless drama within this friend group. I love all the characters and the different things they have going on in this season, especially Rome and Regina. In typical fashion, the ending of this season was intense and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

This is Us – Season 4 (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Follows the lives of a unique set of triplets and their parents

I love this show and each season introduces something new to keep us wondering where everyone will end up. I liked the three part episodes this season that each focused on a sibling. Before, I’ve been a team Randall kind of gal, but I’ve been finding myself developing a soft spot for Kevin this time around. I’m also wondering how the “strangers'” storylines will play out now that they are introduced.

The Sinner – Season 3 (Netflix, Sling, USA)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
A crime anthology series following a detective uncovering the mysteries behind strange crimes.

I was completely enthralled with the first two seasons of this show and couldn’t wait to find out what was really going on. This season didn’t really do it for me. It was more muddled, harder to follow, and I wasn’t the biggest fan on how it played out.

Yep…I Binged These…

Normal People (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Two small-town Ireland classmates have a rather complicated relationship.

The description doesn’t make it seem like much, but this is up there for one of my favorite shows I’ve watched this year. I am a sucker for stories where the characters seem real and relatable. It’s believable and I found myself relating to the awkwardness of the main characters more than I’d like to admit. It even succeeded at pulling on my heart strings.

The Spanish Princess (Starz)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess, travels to England to marry and become its future queen.

Call me a fan of historical dramas, despite how historically inaccurate they may be. This is a follow up to the White Princess and the White Queen. I’m extremely interested in this period of history so it’s an easily binged show despite being more akin to a teen drama. I loved that they chose to use the proper accents, which is not something you see a lot of in similar things.

The Good Place (NBC, Netflix)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Eleanor Shellstrop finds herself in the afterlife, and despite her bad behavior on earth, in The Good Place

I binged all of this show in record time, but couldn’t watch the final season because it wasn’t on any of my streaming services. I wasn’t sure that I would like it at first. To my surprise, I quickly became addicted to the characters and the humor of it. I can’t wait until I’m able to watch the last season!

Dublin Murders (Starz)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Two detectives are pulled into a case of a murdered woman in the woods that force them to face things from their pasts.

I love psychological thrillers and crime shows. This particular one, however, wasn’t my favorite. The plot was convoluted and, while I like the characters, it was hard to follow. It didn’t all come together in the end like I was hoping.

The Great (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
A not so historically accurate ride through 18th century Russia following Catherine’s rise to become Catherine the Great.

This is another one of my favorite binges this year. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I didn’t realize the show would be so dang funny. It’s not an in-your-face kind of humor either, which made me appreciate it even more. I was sad when this one was over and I’m so excited for the next season.

Dollface (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Jules just got out of an all consuming long-term relationship and must re-establish friendships and herself.

Honestly, I chose this show on a whim and did not have high expectations. It turned out to be weird and wonderfully entertaining. I found myself relating a lot to the main character and how she doesn’t quite fit in with the typical girl stereotypes. A quick, fun watch!

The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
The Crain family spent part of their childhood in a haunted house and tragedy brings them back together to confront past ghosts.

Chris and I were late to the party watching this. I don’t often get bothered by “scary” things, but this definitely had its moments and jump scenes. It was well-done with an interesting story and characters while staying dark and creepy throughout.

Looking For Alaska (Hulu)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
Awkward Miles Halter goes to a boarding school and makes friendships that will change the course of his life. Particularly his friendship with Alaska Young.

I recently re-read this book by John Green with the sole purpose of watching this show with it fresh in my mind. I think the show did a great job capturing the characters, while adding its own twist to the story.

Outer Banks (Netflix)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
A teenager enlists the help of his friends to hunt down a legendary treasure.

I went into this show thinking that it was going to be one of those teen dramas. I ended up pleasantly surprised. While it starts off giving those vibes, the show gets intense and exciting the more it progresses. You’ll find yourself binging simply because you are eager to find out what happens next.

EDIT: Oh my gosh, I can NOT believe I forgot to include The Witcher in my original post – especially considering my monster crush on Henry Cavill.

The Witcher (Netflix)

Super Condensed Show Summary:
A fantasy-drama following Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, on a tumultuous journey to his own destiny

I am not much of a video game person, and never took the plunge into graphic novels (although I know I would dig them!), so I did not know much going in to starting The Witcher. I mainly have a huge crush on Henry Cavill, and love the fantasy genre so knew I had to watch The Witcher. I LOVED it and was entirely bummed where it left off in Season 1. I can’t wait for season 2! It may not be for everyone if you’re not keen on the fantasy genre, but there are plenty of things to keep watchers of all kinds interested. Action, romance, humor, war, politics, eye candy…

Casual Watches…

Making the Cut (Amazon Prime) – Tim and Heidi’s post Project Runway venture ended up being an interesting new take on Fashion competition shows.

Unsolved Mysteries (Netflix) – I love true crime and cold cases. How could I resist?

Tiger King (Netflix) – Okay, I listened to the podcast “Over My Dead Body” long before this docu series came out. It was better by a landslide, but it was a whole new experience getting some visuals of all involved.

The Great Interior Design Challenge (Netflix, Amazon Prime): I love design shows. This one has a unique set up and I love all of the cute buildings they take on in Britain. The historical tidbits are fun too!

Rewatch

Poldark (PBS, Amazon Prime): I read one of the books in this series and had the urge to watch again!

Favorites??

It’s so hard to choose, but Normal People, The Great, and Hill House were some of my favorites. They stood out to me for entirely different reasons, but I would recommend each of them in their own right. I plan on reading Normal People soon too!

Outlander will forever be a consistent favorite of mine.

What’s your favorite show you watched this year? What do you recommend I watch next??