If you want to make the most of your Netflix subscription, you should watch as much as possible. It’s all too easy to let the days fly by and not actually stream anything, and then you’ve paid for nothing. As such, why not dedicate this weekend to some well-deserved entertainment?
Go on, treat yourself! Here are three shows that you’re bound to enjoy. All you have to do is press play.
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Death by Lightning
Death by Lightning is new to Netflix this month and tells the story of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Garfield was born in Ohio in 1831 and came from humble beginnings, going on to study law and becoming an attorney. He served in many military battles and served nine terms in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, his term as president was short. He held the position from March 1881 to September the same year, due to complications after being shot by Charles Guiteau, a desperate man who wrongly believed he was instrumental to Garfield’s success and owed a government job.
In this limited series, Garfield is played by Michael Shannon, while Matthew Macfadyen is Guiteau. It’s well established that these are fantastic actors, and it’s suitably evident here. It’s a joy to watch them get lost in the roles. Joining them is an equally strong supporting cast: Betty Gilpin as First Lady Crete Garfield, Shea Whigham as Senator Roscoe Conkling, Bradley Whitford as Senator James Blaine, and Nick Offerman as Vice President Chester Arthur. I must admit, I wasn’t very knowledgeable about this time in history, but the show does an excellent job bringing the events to life with drama and humor.
Death by Lightning is a limited series, which means it tells a complete story in its four episodes. Considering some shows seem to run endlessly and can get canceled before wrapping everything up, it’s a pleasure to watch something self-contained.
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Cunk on Earth
Do you need a good laugh? If so, you need to watch one of Netflix’s funniest shows, led by the incomparable Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan). Cunk on Earth is a mockumentary, hosted by Morgan in character, as she interviews real historians, composers, and other experts in a bid to learn about human civilization, including art, religion, and science. It’s a hilarious contrast to see the deadpan, intentionally dim-witted Cunk talking to people who are passionate and informed about their subjects, as she asks questions like, “Do we know if China has a roof?”
If you’re unfamiliar with Philomena Cunk, she was a character created for Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe. That show has finished, but the character proved so popular that she has become a star in her own right, with series that poke fun at the tropes of documentaries. Cunk on Earth is hilarious, with sharp writing and a committed performance from Morgan, but it’s also great because at times it does become insightful among all the absurdity.
If you end up wanting more Cunk (and who doesn’t?), you can also watch the feature-length Cunk on Life on Netflix, which finds the documentarian on a quest to understand the meaning of life.
Cunk on Earth
- Release Date
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January 31, 2023
Cast
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Diane Morgan
Philomena Cunk
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Ozark
Jason Bateman is perhaps best known for his straight man lead in the sitcom Arrested Development, but he’s since become a successful dramatic actor. He recently starred alongside Jude Law in the Netflix limited series Black Rabbit, which is worth a watch. However, there’s another show on the streaming service that’s even better and truly shows his talents. Ozark, which debuted in 2017 and wrapped in 2022 after four seasons, is one of the best crime dramas to binge.
Ozark is about a married couple—Marty (Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney)—who move from Chicago to a remote community in Missouri with their children. This isn’t a jolly relocation, though. The family is forced to move after a money laundering scheme goes wrong, and financial advisor Marty must go deeper in the operation to appease a Mexican drug cartel that refuses to let him off lightly.
The show is dark and gripping, with some incredible performances, and maintains its high quality throughout. I was hooked from the first episode, and I bet you will be too. Even though it’s an older Netflix original, I urge you not to overlook it; there’s a reason it was nominated for 45 Emmys.
The good times don’t need to stop here. There are plenty of treats coming to Netflix in November. Movies like Back to the Future and Wonka are already available to stream, with returning shows like Stranger Things and A Man on the Inside coming soon.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
Stream all of these brilliant shows, along with plenty more licensed and original programming, with a monthly Netflix subscription.