I think it’s safe to say, we’re all in need of a little extra entertainment right now. Staying inside day after day, night after night, for an undetermined amount of time can really start to take its toll. Personally, during the last week or so of confinement, I’ve found it particularly difficult to stay motivated and productive – something I tend to give myself a hard time about. However, instead of beating myself up, I’ve been learning to take a step back and enjoy some of the simple things in life, such as a good book, a new series or a captivating podcast. It never ceases to amaze me how much better I feel after a purely indulgent, lazy day watching Netflix. However, it also never ceases to amaze me how quickly I run out of things to watch.
For those of you also in search of something new to entertain you, this ultimate entertainment guide is for you! I’ve put together lists of all my favourite shows, podcasts, even recipes (movie snacks are essential after all). I hope that if you’re struggling or feeling a little down, you can turn to this list and find something that helps pass the time and makes you feel a little bit better.
Series
If I had only one recommendation to make, it would be the Netflix series Tiger King. It. Is. mind blowing. The twists, the turns, the multitude of whackjob characters. Seriously, just watch it!
A fantastic miniseries inspired by the life of Madame C.J Walker, America’s first Black, self-made female millionaire.
I just discovered this new Apple TV+ series and so far, I’m really enjoying it. The series follows a young girl who moves to a small town with her family. She’s only 9 but considerers herself to be quite the journalist. She publishes an article on a mysterious death which leads her to uncover a local cold case that the community has tried to keep buried for decades.
Another amazing Apple TV+ (they’re seriously nailing it!). It’s dark, twisted and full of surprises – aka my kind of series.
I found season 2 of Ozark to be a little slow and was hesitant to watch the third. I’m glad I did though, this may be their best season yet!
An Australian reality tv series where couples who have transformed their homes into hotels, must stay in each other’s hotel and judge and score them. It’s light hearted and easy to watch. Exactly what we need at the moment.
I’m sure most cult fans have already watched this, but in case you haven’t, I highly recommend it.
A great light hearted series that follows Grace and Frankie, two 70-something-year-olds, who have recently found themselves single when their husbands announced they were in love with each other.
A brand-new Australian series inspired by true events. Stateless looks at life within an Australian immigration detention centre. I’ve only seen the trailer, but I have to say, it looks excellent.
It took me a long time to get into this series but I’m officially hooked. It’s a great series for when you need a laugh.
Who doesn’t love a little trashy reality tv!? This is where love is blind comes in. Note: the first 2 episodes are really boring, but hang in there, it gets better.
This is one of my favourite Netflix series and I’m crossing my fingers they bring out a 4th season.
I absolutely loved this series. It’s a dark comedy that follows the friendship of two grieving women who meet during counselling. However, the plot thickens when it’s discovered that Judy is actually responsible for her new friend’s husband’s death. It sounds morbid, but it’s actually quite funny.
I couldn’t possibly write this without including The Great British Bake Off. I love to re-watch old episodes when I’m bored.
Films
Despite the fact that I’ve lived in Paris 7 years now, I still love this movie.
Technically a Christmas film but a great feel-good film nonetheless.
Always good for a giggle.
Such a classic! I watch Jaws every year when I’m craving sunshine and summer at the beach.
The Intern is one of my all-time favourite films. It’s such a feel-good movie and as someone who runs my own business, I find it really inspirational.
I have a weakness for Woody Allen films and this new release did not disappoint. It’s beautifully filmed and left me wanting to plan a holiday in, you guessed it, New York.
My husband started watching this without me thinking It wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but boy was he wrong. It’s a bit of a blokey, action film but I really enjoyed it.
Lost girls, is based on a true story that revolves around the unsolved murders of young, female sex workers in Long Island, committed by the Long Island serial killer. I’ve listened to a podcast on these murders and found the case intriguing. The movie was also a great watch.
It’s not often movie makes me literally laugh out loud, but this one certainly did!
A great psychological horror film full of twists and turns that you won’t see coming.
Podcasts
The OG and the best true crime comedy podcast.
Hosted by two ex-Bachelor participants, Brittany and Laura, talk all things life and dating. Their ‘accidentally unfiltered’ segment never fails to give me a giggle.
This podcast is not for the faint-hearted. Dr Death looks into how one American surgeon managed to continually botch surgeries and even murder patients for many years without reprimand.
A great pop culture podcast to listen to in the morning when you’re getting ready
Ever heard the saying « a dingo stole my baby »? Well this podcast looks at exactly what happened to baby Azaria, the 17th of August 1980, and why Australia was so quick to villainise the mother.
In the 1960’s a convicted felon on death row, was allowed a day of unsupervised Christmas shopping at a local mall. It comes as no surprise that he used this opportunity to flee. Have You Seen This Man, looks into where he went & how he remained uncaptured for decades.
For anyone trying to better manage their finances, I can’t recommend this podcast enough.
Uncover, season 6: Satanic Panic
Upon listening to the first few minutes of Satanic Panic, I wasn’t sure if this podcast was for me. It focused heavily on child abuse and it wasn’t exactly easy listening. Hang in there though, because it is not at all what it seems!
Unravel True Crime, Season 4: Snowball
I love podcasts that look into con artists and this one did exactly that. When a New Zealand journalist’s brother, marries an American woman, their life begins to spiral out of control. He’s left single and penniless and his brother wants to find out more. As you can guess from the title things begin to snowball.
The so-called Dating Game Killer is a true sociopath! He even stars in a game show to attract his next victim while in the middle of a killing spree. Such a great listen!
Books
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, by Deepa Anappara
I just finished this book yesterday and absolutely loved it. It follows 3 young school kids in India who take on the role of detective when children from their slum start to vanish. A great mix of comedy, crime and a look into the more serious side of child abductions in India.
The punishment she Deserves, by Elizabeth George
I’ve only just started this but so far, I’m really enjoying it. It’s set in a small, charming English town that seems pleasant but has some pretty dark secrets.
The Van Apfel Girls are Gone, by Felicity McLean
Set in suburban Sydney, during a long hot summer, 3 school girls disappear. Their close friend narrates the story both during the time of the disappearances and 20 years on when she returns home. A fantastic read that I can’t recommend enough.
The Testaments, Margaret Atwood
Fans of a Handmaid’s Tale, this book is for you! The Testaments takes place 15 years on from the last book and aims to answer all your questions on Gilead. If you read one book this year, make sure it’s this one!
Recipes
Caramelized Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
This is one of my favourite dinners to cook at the moment. The flavours work so well together and it’s the perfect dish for a movie night!
Brown Butter Passionfruit Meringue Bars
I made these last week and almost devoured the whole tray in one day! The brown butter base is to die for and the passionfruit filling is fresh and zingy.
I look forward to rhubarb season all year! Mainly so I can make this Rhubarb Creme Fraiche Tart.
This is one of the most popular recipes on my blog and for good reason: it is absolutely divine!!
You can’t have a movie night without popcorn! These popcorn recipe ideas are making my mouth water!
General Tso Fried Chicken Burger
I’ve made this recipe many times before and it never disappoints. I might even go as far to say that it’s the best burger I’ve ever eaten!
If you’re look for a baking challenge, try this. It may look like regular eggs on toast but the bread is caramelized brioche, the egg is panna cotta and the tomato sauce is raspberry coulis.
I hope this list has given you plenty of entertainment options. If you have any recommendations for me, be sure to drop me a comment below!
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