I know that it's been a little while since I've shared what I've been watching, other than my NOW TV month pass blog post. So today I'm back with a bumper What I've Been Watching blog post packed full of what I've been watching so far in 2021.
The latest lockdown has definitely been tougher in terms of the weather and it being dark most of the day/night. Which is why I've been spending it curled up in front of the TV with my cosy dressing gown and the heating on.
So here's what I've been watching;
Chicago Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Let's just say that I am absolutely obsessed with this show! If you are looking for a new show to binge watch, with nine seasons all of which have around 22 episodes, Chicago Fire should keep you going for a while. There is so much drama, so much so that not an episode goes by without several major things going on. You'll also see characters from the two spin off Chicago shows; Chicago PD and Chicago Med. And I'm definitely going to need to watch them next.
Seasons 1-4 are available to watch for free on Amazon Prime Video - Seasons 7-8 are available on NOW TV/Sky with season 9 airing weekly
Bling Empire ⭐⭐⭐.5
Okay, so if you lean into the fact that this is trashy reality TV, I've got a feeling that you'll enjoy Bling Empire, particularly if you were a fan of Crazy Rich Asians. The cast of characters are larger than life and we see most of it through the eyes of Kevin, who isn't crazy rich but is now moving in their circles. This is the kind of easy viewing that makes lunchtimes that much more enjoyable. Or at least that's how I watched it.
Currently streaming on Netflix
Night Stalker ⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who loves a true crime documentary I was completely on board with finding out more about the Night Stalker case. And this is the kind of doc that could give you actual nightmares. The randomness of how he picked victims and what he ultimately did to them was the most frightening part of it for me. And I couldn't wait to find out more as each episode progressed.
Currently streaming on Netflix
Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel ⭐⭐⭐.5
Now this has been a case that has long intrigued me. I originally saw it discussed by Ryan and Shane on a Buzzfeed Unsolved episode. And if you've seen the elevator video on YouTube, it will no doubt have weirded you out too. But overall, this was quite an exploitative take on Elisa Lam's story. It was shocking to find out more about the Cecil Hotel's history and some of the bizarre coincidences. But something about it didn't sit quite right with me, given how it concludes anyway.
Currently streaming on Netflix
To All The Boys: Always and Forever ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Having watched the first two movies in the To All The Boys franchise, I simply had to see how it all wrapped up. And I've got to say, I really enjoyed the third instalment. It was nice to see Lara Jean and Peter grow and deal with an actual problem instead of just high school drama. I also loved seeing NYC (especially when we can't travel anywhere) and Lara Jean and Peter's song was pretty much perfect!
Currently streaming on Netflix
Parasite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How it took me this long to see Parasite I will never know. But it was just as good as I was hoping it would be. I'd avoided all spoilers so I genuinely didn't know what to expect. But it was so clever, funny and a brilliant social satire. Do not let the fact that you have to read subtitles put you off giving this incredible movie a watch.
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Framing Britney Spears ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you don't already know about the #FreeBritney movement, this documentary about Britney's life and her conservatorship is must-see viewing. To see what she has had to overcome and how the media treated her, only to not be in control of her finances, future or life in general, is heartbreaking to watch.
Currently streaming on Sky Documentaries/NOW TV
Forensics: The Real CSI ⭐⭐⭐⭐
For true crime fans, this documentary series focusing on how forensics can often make or break a case, is really interesting. Each episode focuses on a different crime and shows how the different strands of forensics work together to either create or back up a narrative. And because it's real life, you find yourself crossing your fingers for a conviction in the end.
Currently streaming on BBC iPlayer
Junior Bake Off ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I actually far prefer Junior Bake Off to the normal Bake Off. No one is taking themselves too seriously, you get to see so many little personalities and excitingly creative bakes and instead of being on weekly, it was on every single weeknight for three weeks straight. I even prefer Harry Hill as the host and Liam and Rav as the judges. If you didn't see it when it was on, I cannot recommend catching up with it enough.
Currently streaming on All 4
Pooch Perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Now I discovered this by total accident but it is one of those rare TV shows that just puts a smile on your face. Which makes it ideal for current times. I'm not a huge fan of them shaving weird colourful shapes into the sides of the dogs but the Pomeranian (aka. my favourite dog breed ever!) grooming challenge is just so wholesome. My cheeks were sore from smiling so much.
Currently streaming on BBC iPlayer
Kong: Skull Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
After hearing that Godzilla vs. Kong is coming out this year, I had to check out the latest incarnation of the King Kong story. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It will leave you cursing the majority of the humans actions but is a great action movie with an impressive cast too. Who are you going to be cheering on? Kong or Godzilla?
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video
10 Things I Hate About You ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I bought this on DVD around Christmas-time and for the nostalgia alone, I simply have to give it 5 stars. Seeing Heath Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt with their baby faces really did take me back in time to my teenage years. If you didn't see it when you were a teen, it still holds up pretty well today and it is easily one of my favourite teenage rom coms.
Currently streaming on Disney+
So there's what I've been watching so far in 2021. I also started Your Honor, which stars Bryan Cranston and is on Sky Atlantic/NOW TV but I'm only about halfway through. So I'll be sure to review that next month in ...
What have you been watching recently? Have you seen any of the TV shows or movies that I featured today? If so, what did you think?
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