Chances are you'll have some binge-watching time on this weekend after Thanksgiving. Here's some suggestions from me based on what I've been watching lately.
The first two shows are for the adults only - they contain R-rated language, adult situations, and nudity:
"Happy Valley" - This British show follows a cop investigating a kidnapping for ransom. She learns that one of the kidnappers is a man who allegedly raped her daughter but never got convicted. Powerful writing and some of the best acting I've seen this year.
"Rake" - This Australian show is hilarious, following the life of a lawyer who is a loser in every way but one - in the courtroom. Despite his constant poor decision-making, he has a circle of friends who are faithful to him and he is faithful to them. This means that you'll like a character with whom you'd have nothing to do in real life.
Family-friendly movies:
I make no bones about loving cliche-filled, syrupy Christmas movies.
"The Princess Switch" - Netflix unashamedly creates Christmas movies that give viewers EVERYTHING they expect. This new movie feature Vanessa Hudgens features a handsome prince, a snow-covered castle, romance, and yes - a WACKY SNOWBALL FIGHT. The plot is basically "The Parent Trap" at Christmas.
"The Holiday Calendar" - Can a magical holiday calendar lead our lonely lead actress to romance while living in a small town that looks like an ideal Christmas village? How do you think it will end?
"The Christmas Chronicles" - I plan to watch this movie this weekend but I am already recommending it. Kurt Russell as Santa Claus? I'm sorry, it's impossible to mess that concept up.
"A Christmas Prince" - This is the movie that launched Netflix into the Christmas movie genre big-time last year. A handsome Prince, a snow-covered castle, romance, a WACKY SNOWBALL FIGHT...you get the picture. The sequel, "A Christmas Prince: Royal Wedding" comes out later this month.
"The Great British Baking Show" - The Holiday episodes don't premiere until December, but this show will surprise you with it is binge-worthiness. It's like "The Voice" for bakers. A baker gets eliminated in this competition each week until a champion is crowned and YOU CAN'T STOP WATCHING.