5 Great TV Series to Binge Watch this Summer

Let’s face it: binge-watching is a massive part of modern culture that we’re all guilty of. Instant access platforms, such as Netflix, mean that it’s easier than ever to curl up on your sofa and indulge in a TV marathon.

These five shows are some of the best available at the moment. Their intricate plots, creative cinematography and loveable characters means you can easily while away the hours engrossed in their stories.

Orphan Black

When a con artist witnesses the suicide of a police officer, her life takes a turn that she could have never expected. After adopting the dead woman’s identity, Sarah discovers she’s part of a group of clones. The girls group together and, using their variety of skill sets, begin to infiltrate the terrifying and dangerous world of underworld genetics modification and gene therapy, which created them.

This gritty and honest drama explores the future of scientific discover, and the ethical repercussions of human modifications. Its story sees twists and turns at every corner and is so well paced that it will keep you on the edge of your seat for hours.

Watch it here

Peaky Blinders

Set in the largely unknown world of 1920s Birmingham, this fantastic BBC production is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Simon Dennis uses the smoke, fire and dirt of industrial England to create a truly magical visual experience. The story follows the Shelby family, a well-known crime syndicate and illegal bookmakers, as they struggle to deal with the police, the political climate and, worst of all, the trauma after fighting in the First World War.

Giving a truly fantastic insight into this turbulent period of time, the series addresses problems such as Communism, the IRA, the introduction of cocaine and even posttraumatic stress disorder. Almost as if this were Britain’s answer to the American Western, the wild and ruckus nature of this exciting drama has been gripping audiences since its release in 2013. With the third series just out, now is a great time to get stuck in!

Watch it here

Pretty Little Liars

So much can happen in one small town – especially in Rosewood. If you like crime and detective shows then this is the one for you. Masquerading as a teen-girl drama, this loose adaption of book by Sara Shepard is a brilliant who-done-it series. When a young girl goes missing her friends presume her dead. However three years later her body is discovered, just as the girls simultaneously begin to receive texts from a number claiming to be her, and things get more complicated.

With seven seasons available on Netflix, there’s plenty of suspense, scheming, pondering and puzzle solving to be had from this show, so it’s definitely one to add to the list. And, with the final season underway, you might even be able to get to the end just in time for the finale.

Watch it here

Narcos

With only one series under its belt so far, this show is still in its infancy. However, the first season packs a big enough punch that it most definitely deserves a spot on this list. Loosely following the life of notorious Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, this television masterpiece is an essential watch for those who love a bit of learning with their TV.

With sensual music, cinematography and storyline doused in Latin American passion, this retelling is a dynamic and exciting way to get a history lesson. Narrated by famed D.E.A officer, Steve Murphy, who was a real-life player in the Escobar case, you get to see the war from both perspectives – Pablo’s own camp and the American law enforcement team – making it a comprehensive and, equally, entertaining series to get stuck into!

Watch it here

Game of Thrones

If you aren’t aware of Game of Thrones then I’m not sure what planet you’ve been living on. However, it was too mighty a contender not to include on this list. George R. R. Martin has created a fantasy universe that rivals the likes of Tolkien or Pratchett. In a world where several houses battle to take power of the thrown, the wild northern terrain poses a constant threat, whispers of political unrest float in from overseas and a great, far more dangerous worry looms over all, the drama is intense, the fighting is often and the shock factor is spot on.

This series truly is a classic, and deserves the incredible amount of hype and recognition it has been receiving worldwide. Whilst it’s not on Netflix, you can buy or rent the series on Amazon Prime or check out HBO Now for some of the newest releases.

Has your favorite not made the list? Be sure to leave a comment below if there’s any other shows you think deserve to be added.

Caroline blogs about entertainment at Culture Coverage and is a Netflix addict! During the day she writes about technology for Secure Thoughts and after a hard day being techy, she loves nothing more that settling down for a TV and movie marathon.

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V for Vendetta

What happens?

Guy known as V causes problems for a fascist government, falls for some random tart in the process, but it doesn’t stop him kicking some ass in the end. Then he dies. Pitiful.

Reason for bleaklisting?

V’s love of The Count of Monte Cristo. That is a bleaklisted book. V is not as informed as a revolutionary should be. The mask could also do with a hint of orange as well. That pale look is so last century.

What should have happened?

V is a revolutionary intent on bringing down a fascist government. He is inspired by two books – The Bleaklisted Books and More Bleaklisted Books – by some legendary rebel and revolutionary whose name isn’t really worth mentioning but since you’re curious I’m talking about me of course – Charlie the Great. Inspired by my vision, V takes on the establishment, blowing up buildings by insulting them into submission and he manages to overthrow the government by posting pictures of the dictator as a child on his Facebook page. It also doesn’t help that the dictator thinks RT on Twitter stands for “Rioting Time” so whenever he sees people doing it he has them arrested only to be released without charge. With public opinion turning against the government, V makes his move and convinces the dictator to sign up for a pyramid scheme. Exposed as being a bit dodgy, the masses rise up and replace the government with a new party led by Ozzy Osbourne.

Working title?

V for Very Basic Knowledge of Social Media.

Tagline?

People shouldn’t be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of looking stupid on social media.

Who should direct?

Danny Boyle.

Who should star?

Terence Stamp and Whoopi Goldberg.

Mr B compares the stories

V is the ultimate freedom fighter whose Guy Fawkes mask has become a powerful symbol, adopted by the likes of activist group Anonymous. Both the graphic novel and movie are worth a look but due to V’s questionable taste in literature, Charlie has decided to bleaklist this one in favour of another self-indulgent narrative. In this version V is inspired by Charlie’s work (why not?) and manages to bring down a government by exposing their incompetence with the Internet and social media. This might have worked in the early days of the Internet but I think most governments have a grasp of it now. I do like the double act of Terence Stamp and Whoopi Goldberg though. That one works for me.

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Once Upon a Time in the West

What happens?

Three men and a baby (I mean a woman) in the Old West hang out, chat a bit then a couple of them die.

Reason for bleaklisting?

The absence of a theme tune for me. The others are awesome.

What should have happened?

A gorgeous woman named Bill lives on a ranch in the middle of nowhere. The ranch is desired by an evil guy named Hank who initially tries to gain acquisition by sending letters and then spammy emails claiming Bill has inherited a fortune from the King of Purple Toadstools. With Bill resistant to all these attempts, Hank turns to threats and wielding one of those guns that fires a red flag saying BANG! Bill is aided by a mysterious man that plays a mandolin and is known as Mandolin. There’s also a local badass by the name of Walter whose trademark is to rob banks while he and his gang are all dressed as palm trees. All of this is building up to an epic tussle between the four protagonists but things suddenly change. I forgot to mention that the world these characters are in is weird. Sometimes it’s light, sometimes it’s dark, other times it stinks really badly and during the good parts of the day it smells very pleasant indeed. It turns out this world is contained within a single piece of clothing and it’s worn by some athlete who runs a lot, hence the strange smells in the air, the light, the dark and even that quite nice fragrance, a brand of Lynx deodorant if you will. In the end Bill and the rest of the gang realise what has happened and join forces to move to another piece of clothing next time the laundry is washed.

Working title?

Once Upon a Time in a Vest.

Tagline?

There were three men in her life. One to spam her, one to serenade her with a mandolin and one to show her his less than subtle impression of a palm tree.

Who should direct?

James Cameron.

Who should star?

Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Hugh Laurie and Spencer Tracy.

Mr B compares the stories

Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West is my favourite Western so to have Charlie transform it into some bizarre combination of David Cronenberg and Clive Barker’s mutual geniuses is a tad concerning. The cast is certainly interesting, rich and varied, while James Cameron has the helm for this one. Somehow I can’t see it being a Titanic or Avatar success.

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Being John Malkovich

What happens?

Some people find a portal that leads into the mind of John Malkovich. They go in, live as John for a bit, then come out.

Reason for bleaklisting?

The migraine I had trying to understand this movie.

What should have happened?

John Malkovich is enjoying a break from movies because he keeps getting sent really poor scripts. That doesn’t stop an ambitious screenwriter, Drago Winnebago, from sending numerous screenplays. Drago’s efforts are all rejected so he decides to board a plane and head over to John’s address to pitch movie ideas face to face. Approaching the house in the middle of a remote swamp, Drago bumps into an old crone who claims she has magical powers and is the guardian of Malkovich’s home. In order to see the movie star, the old crone demands that Drago bring her something cold, something like poo, something furrowed and some yew. Drago fails to even complete the first task despite trying ice, frozen peas and even the heart of Mary Poppins. When Drago eventually gives up, Malkovich appears at the window and gives the old crone the thumbs up.

Working title?

Being John’s Narky Witch.

Tagline?

Four tasks. Four scripts. Four stars? Not for this shit.

Who should direct?

John Hughes.

Who should star?

Harrison Ford, Estelle Getty and Orson Welles (as John Malkovich).

Mr B compares the stories

Spike Jonze’s Being John Malkovich is weird but wonderful as a selection of people enter the mind of John Malkovich and ultimately control him. Charlie clearly struggled with this one so instead revamped the original story with Malkovich living in the middle of a swamp (he doesn’t) and guarded by some witch (if John has security I doubt it’s an old crone). While I admire Orson Welles I do think even a legend such as him would struggle to play John Malkovich. Charlie would be better with the great man himself but from what I’ve seen of his career, John tends to pick movies that have at least an ounce of quality.

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You Only Live Twice

What happens?

James Bond goes to Japan to investigate a hijacked American satellite, there’s some ninjas and stuff, and then Bond saves the world…again.

Reason for bleaklisting?

Bond keeps changing in these movies. He sometimes looks older, he sometimes looks younger, his accents change and even his face. What’s that all about?

What should have happened?

James Bondage is sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of some rodent food from a pet shop. Humans are suspected of the theft by everyone except Bondage. He decides to use his intelligence and investigates rabbits instead because they’re usually the culprits when it comes to robbery. Assisted by the gorgeous Licky Dicky, Bondage discovers that he’s been wrong the whole time. The real villain of this piece is actually a human named Cartwheels Carly. Bondage is staggered by this revelation and the knowledge that animals just don’t really have the physical and mental capacity to pull off pet shop heists. Having wasted millions on some pointless investigations (most of it going on an Alfa Romeo that simultaneously flies, swims and can be driven on land), Bondage has his licence to kill revoked and the secret service just dials 999 to solve this mystery. They do so in less than 24 hours and for a modest fee.

Working title?

You Only Love Stealing From Mice.

Tagline?

You Only Love Stealing From Mice…Because You Clearly Have Size Issues.

Who should direct?

Gus Van Sant.

Who should star?

Benedict Cumberbatch, Kim Basinger and Mira Sorvino.

Mr B compares the stories

Sean Connery’s fifth outing as Bond undergoes a staggering amount of changes here. Benedict Cumberbatch could well be a future Bond but here he’s Bondage…James Bondage, inept and downright clueless in investigating the simple case of a pet shop robbery. I’m actually surprised that Charlie doesn’t like James Bond to be honest, but given how much he struggles with more than one actor having played 007 it’s probably not that big a shock. If you do miss out on the Bond gig, Benedict, then worry not because Bondage is waiting for you!

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Looper

What happens?

Guy kills people sent from the future but things get complicated when his next target turns out to be an older version of himself. 2 hours of mind numbing nonsense later it’s all over.

Reason for bleaklisting?

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis are not the same people so the movie doesn’t work.

What should have happened?

Moe is an assassin who specialises in killing anybody that isn’t a fan of 1980s cult classic Krull. After ten years doing the job, Moe is stunned when he kills a bearded guy only to find it is Ken Marshall, the star of the original movie. From this point on Moe becomes the hunted party but finds whenever he utters an expletive it is bleeped out by some unseen power. Moe’s former employers and Krull fans worldwide gradually close the net on our incompetent anti-hero. Moe decides the best thing to do is to destroy his DVD copy of Krull to bring down the organisation he has devoted his life to and in the hope of restoring Ken Marshall to life. Only when he has burned the DVD to ashes does Moe suddenly remember there is more than one copy of Krull out there and, even worse, that this isn’t one of those confusing time travel movies. The story ends with Moe uttering yet another expletive as the mob descends on him and he smiles as this time the vulgar word is aptly not bleeped out.

Working title?

Blooper.

Tagline?

Hate Krull? You’re screwed.

Who should direct?

Oliver Stone.

Who should star?

Marlon Brando, James Dean and Katharine Hepburn.

Mr B compares the stories

Looper is a challenge for slow thinkers such as myself but it’s a great movie as well. I’m utterly perplexed as to what has happened with Charlie’s alternative. He has eradicated the time travel element and instead focused on a bloodthirsty appreciation society for 1983 movie, Krull. It isn’t a great movie, in my opinion, but it’s there and you have to deal with it as best you can like Shark in Venice or Movie 43. A prestigious cast directed by Oliver Stone sounds like a dream combination to me but three great leads don’t deserve to have their names tarnished with this obscenity.

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About In Sheep's Clothing

Caught in a game of chess he didn’t know he was playing until it was too late, the President makes the only move he can, plunging Washington and the nation into chaos. Stunned and reeling, Vice President David Kendall takes the oath of office and tries to heal a nation in mourning. But what the new president doesn’t realize is that things in the White House aren’t always what they appear to be, and sometimes what looks like the best option may turn out to be the worst. When one fatal decision triggers consequences he never envisioned, President Kendall finds himself caught up in the same game that cost his predecessor his life.

Although there was nothing he could have done, Secret Service Agent Matthew Richter is haunted by the death of the man he had vowed to protect. When his girlfriend leaves him and his boss tells him that his job is on the line, he thinks his life cannot get any worse. He soon realizes how wrong he is when he finds himself fighting to save another president from the deadly forces that he has unwittingly unleashed.

One man holds the reins of power. One man vows to protect him. One man vows to destroy him.

Amazon UK Amazon US Goodreads

About L.D. Beyer

I spent over twenty-five years in the corporate world, climbing the proverbial corporate ladder, so to speak. This meant a lot of time away from my family, extensive travel, a half-dozen relocations, and the opportunity to live and work in Mexico for several years. I’ve had the desire to write for a long time but my job left little room for much else. In 2011, I decided it was time for a change—I was tired of moving every few years, I wanted to spend more time with my family and I wanted to chase my dream of being a writer.

I am an avid reader, particularly of thrillers by such authors as David Baldacci, Steve Berry, Brad Thor and Vince Flynn. For me, a few hours with a good book is far more enjoyable than a few hours in front of the TV. I live in Michigan with my wife, three children and enjoy cooking, hiking, biking, working out and fixing just about anything that breaks in the house. Three kids, a dog and an aging house mean I spend a lot of time fixing things.

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Gone with the Wind

What happens?

Some rich trollop is in love with one guy but can’t be with him so marries some other guy instead. After numerous tragedies her husband tells her to piss off, in a politer way than I would.

Reason for bleaklisting?

Frankly, my dear, I thought it was crap.

What should have happened?

Charlotte O’Bloody Hell is in love with Jeremy, who is a fireman who often poses with his shirt off and leaves many women (and men) drooling. Jeremy doesn’t feel the same and marries Charlotte’s friend Nicky just to be a bit annoying and because she’s a fan of fire extinguishers. Charlotte is wooed by the head of the fire station – Jet Scuttler – who drinks too much but is a renowned lover. The problem is that he and Charlotte seem to have a bit of trouble getting it on. These things happen. Most of the time it doesn’t work out but over time Jet realises that Charlotte is most amorous on breezy days. This improves their sex life, they have a daughter named Lonnie O’Bloody Hell Scuttler, who later dies in school from exhaustion after writing her full name 100 times on the blackboard. Jet realises that Charlotte is in love with Jeremy when he watches a YouTube video of Charlotte talking about her reading of The Tempest but instead confessing her feelings instead. Jeremy rejects Charlotte for the last time when she fails to tell him the difference between the various types of fire extinguishers. Charlotte tries to patch things up with Jet but he turns to her and says, “Listen bitch, it would be cheaper for me to get a hooker so, on your bike.” Charlotte vows to win back Jet and, failing that, give Internet dating a try.

Working title?

Moan with the Mind.

Tagline?

The lamest romance of all time.

Who should direct?

Limahl.

Who should star?

Jennifer Garner, Samuel L. Jackson, James Caan and Emma Thompson.

Mr B compares the stories

One of Hollywood’s most loved movies, Gone with the Wind, is unrecognisable in this alternative directed by 80s pop star Limahl and swapping Clark Gable for Samuel L. Jackson. While I admire Charlie’s ambition with what looks like a great cast I’m just worried a distinct lack of plot and purpose will just undermine any hopes this nonsense has of getting the green light.

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Lost in Translation

What happens?

Middle aged guy and young woman meet in Tokyo; they drink, they karaoke and then go their separate ways.

Reason for bleaklisting?

I didn’t hear what Bill Murray said at the end of the movie. Rude.

What should have happened?

Nob is a washed up reject from the X-Factor who lost his position on the show because he appeared on stage with a tape recording of the song rather than offering his own rendition. Nob has spent the next 30 years since that 2 minutes of fame trying to reclaim the limelight. He carries the same tape recorder and plays the same song which is, incidentally, Engelbert Humperdinck’s Release Me. Nob’s long-suffering manager sends him to Romania where it is believed he may be able to make use of his song in a proposed advert celebrating the gorgeous scenery there. Nob, armed with the tape recorder, ends up lost but finds a kindred spirit in Carlotta who is half his age but also can’t find her way back to the hotel. After being chased by vampires, goblins, minotaurs and Keith Richards, Nob and Carlotta make it back to the safety of the hotel. The movie ends on a sad note when Nob realises his tape recorder is broken and Engelbert’s song no longer plays. Carlotta buys Nob an iPod with all of Engelbert’s songs on it before she is arrested for looking offensive.

Working title?

Lost in Transylvania.

Tagline?

Everyone wants to listen to Engelbert Humperdinck. If they don’t then they’re stupid.

Who should direct?

Ridley Scott.

Who should star?

Bill Paxton and Olivia Wilde.

Mr B compares the stories

Charlie, why would you desecrate one of my favourite movies like this? Lost in Translation isn’t for people looking for lots of action but the script and the bond between the two leads, not to mention the fantastic backdrop of modern Japan makes it an exquisite piece of cinema. Charlie has delved into the realm of X-Factor rejects still in search of fame and sent them to Romania for a random meeting in the middle of nowhere with a younger woman. Smooth. Bill Paxton and Olivia Wilde for this one? Possibly. I might even favour Ridley Scott helming this horror show if it means he doesn’t proceed with that sequel to Blade Runner.

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It Happened One Night

What happens?

Some rich tart runs away from home, hooks up with a struggling journalist and they have numerous adventures before the inevitable soppiness sets in.

Reason for bleaklisting?

The migraine I had for the next week.

What should have happened?

Selfie is a rich broad who decides to annoy her family by running off with P. Meter, a parking meter who has secreted away a large amount of change. Hot on their heels is a policeman named PC Palindrome who happened to be at the car park at the time of the elopement. When the money runs out after the first night, Selfie sets her lover up as a parking meter and while he makes some dosh she does her best to remain inconspicuous despite repeatedly sitting in parks and reading a newspaper which features Selfie on the cover with the words, “Have you seen this woman? She’s probably in a car park reading this newspaper.” PC Palindrome arrests P. Meter and then catches up with Selfie. He informs her she is such a fine piece of ass that they can either run away together or she can go back home. Selfie opts to go home, citing her preference for inanimate objects, her life of crime having lasted about 36 hours.

Working title?

It Happened One Night…and Some of the Day After.

Tagline?

A love like no other…before or since…probably because it’s not legal and it’s a bit weird.

Who should direct?

Richard Attenborough.

Who should star?

Jane Fonda, Bill Maher (as the voice of P. Meter) and John Thaw.

Mr B compares the stories

The first movie to bag the elusive five major Academy Awards, It Happened One Night is a classic romance of its time. Charlie has chosen to get rid of the rich girl’s forbidden lover and replace him with a parking meter. Instead of a struggling journalist we just have a cop doing his best to catch the runaway woman and her inanimate lover. It sounds like the sort of tripe you might find in a concrete bunker but thanks to Charlie’s insistent nature it is here for all eyes and ears to suffer. An unusual cast and a director that deserves better are just the icing on this awful cake.

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