It’s been literally forever since I wrote a blog post like this but it’s nearing the end of the year, nobody really gives a shit about anything anymore and everyone’s fed up so I wanted to kick back and write something a little more chill than your normal content.
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
I’m probably not the only one who’s spent a LOT of time watching Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney + and literally everything else I can get my hands on this year. Although I’ve been working throughout the whole year (and have actually had some of my busiest months ever, mid-lockdown!) I’ve also been dedicating much more time to self care.
And for me, self care means switching off from work mode and just truly chilling out. Not thinking about creating content or what’s on my to-do list. Although I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to keep busy throughout this year, I also think dedicating more time to myself was one of the best things I could have done.
Related read: 40 Winter Self Care Ideas
I’ve always loved delving into TV shows. Both alone and with my boyfriend so it’s no uncommon for me to have two, sometimes even three, shows on the go at the same time! There were SO MANY amazing series out this year and we really did nail it with getting through as many as we can.
I want to add EVERYTHING I’ve watched on this list but I won’t! So today I wanted to share my top series I watched this year for you to add to you to-watch list for 2021!
The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
Starting with this one because HOW could I not? If you’ve seen The Queen’s Gambit then you’ll understand what I’m saying. If you haven’t, then you need to watch it immediately because it blew my mind. And everyone else’s minds. And the world. Oh my goodness it’s so good. And don’t be put off by the chess element of the show!
New Amsterdam (Amazon Prime)
New Amsterdam was on my list for ages but only after reading A Rambling Reviewer’s review of season 2 did I actually knuckle down and watch it. And it’s one of those shows that I INSTANTLY regretted waiting so long to watch. I’m not even usually a fan of medical dramas but this was absolutely phenomenal.
The Alienist (Netflix)
Boy oh boy. The Alienist. Carl and I watched season 1 of this when it first came out but re-watched season 1 before season 2 this year. It was nice to have a recap of season 1. Both seasons are just incredible. But the plotline is pretty disturbing – especially for season 2! This is based on a series of books so I can’t wait to read those as well.
The Crown (Netflix)
I must have watched the damn Crown about 4 times now. Season 4 was out this year and it absolutely wowed me. I loved season 1 but season 4 really does come a close second. The addition of Thatcher and Diana in particular was what did it for me. The cast in this show are bloody fantastic too.
Godless (Netflix)
Like The Queen’s Gambit, Godless is also a Netflix Original Limited Series and it is brilliaaaaaant! If you love anything Wild West, then you will love this. Carl and I watched this straight after we’d both finished playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and just couldn’t get enough of the Wild West. Godless is a really meaty and involved series. Utterly brilliant.
James May: Our Man In Japan (Amazon Prime)
Something a little different and I probably wouldn’t usually put non-fiction series on these sort of lists (not because I don’t like them but mostly because I just prefer fiction). But James May: Our Man In Japan was a really brilliant series. I loved learning about Japanese culture in the super fun way that James presents.
Humans (Netflix)
Humans is absolutely fantastic. This is another one I’ve actually watched a few times but re-watched this year to catch up on before watching the most current series. And I loved it just as much as the first time. So unique and weird and creepy and would highly recommend for any sci-fi fans!
[…] My Favourite Series I Watched In 2020 […]
I’ve only watched Humans on this list, although it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it so I do kinda want to start over and watch from the beginning again. Ooh I’ve added The Queen’s Gambit to my list and I just haven’t got round to watching it but now I’ve read this post I’m going to start it tonight! xx
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I’ve actually not seen any of these tv shows but they are all highly on my list to watch so thank you for making me want to watch them even more!!x
So many excellent ideas Jenny. I’ve not seen any of these yet so I’ll definitely have to add them to add them to our list for next year.
Hope you enjoy!
I’ve only watched the James May one and loved it x
It was so good x
These sound like some great series. I have been loving The Crown but need to catch up on the latest series.
The latest series is one of the best IMO!
We’ve just got onto series 4 of The Crown and I’m LOVING it so far! The actress playing Diana is incredible. The Queen’s Gambit is next on my list to start, it sounds amazing! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Oh she’s bloody amazing isn’t she?
I’ve heard such great things about The Queens Gambit. I need to watch it sometime! Thanks for sharing this awesome list!
You really do!
Great list Jenny, I haven’t yet watched the latest series of The Crown, will have to add it to the list 👍
Hope you enjoy!
Eep. I haven’t watched any of these! I tried to watch The Queen’s Gambit but only got halfway through the first episode and was really bored by it. I guess I should keep going and see if that changes, but I just had other things I wanted to watch more at the time (like all the Christmas films). I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for rewatching my old favorites. I go through Gilmore Girls, Chuck, Parenthood, and Heroes a million times over – and I’m always a fan of The Office, Parks & Rec, or Brookyn Nine-Nine as well. Aside from that, I don’t watch a ton of tv. But I’ll have to look into some of these!
It’s a slow burner at the beginning but you have to keep with it it’s so good.
Ohhhh! Most of these shows are also on my to watch list! Seems like our tastes are quite similar. 🙂 Great list!
Yay! Hope you enjoy!
I’m still not over Virgin River – it was amazing! xx
That’s on my to-watch list!
I haven’t watched any of them yet but I do have my eye on The Queen’s Gambit and The Crown. Unfortunately, I’ve been a little preoccupied with my cheesy Holiday romance films, but I can’t wait to watch your recommendations very soon! x
Haha fair enough! Maybe after Christmas you can delve into some of these.
I really need to get into The Queen’s Gambit and The Crown, I can’t get away from them! Definitely going to give them a go when I get some time off and see if they live up to the hype. Great post 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Haha you really do!
I love New Amsterdam, I wish they would hurry up with more episodes as I’m all caught up x
Oh same! I’m dying for the next season!
I don’t know if I am weird for this but I haven’t seen the Queen’s Gambit haha. But would love to watch it soon.
Watch it! It’s so good.
Some great series here, I’m going to watch the Crown soon as I’ve heard so many good things about it! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Hope you enjoy!
I watched just The Alienist from this list and raved about it for months! Can’t wait to watch the second season! WIll have to add the rest to my to be watched list for Christmas holidays! Thanks for sharing xx
So glad you loved it! The second series is amazing too!
Ooo so many shows on here I haven’t seen! Thanks so much for sharing!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
You’re welcome 🙂
I haven’t watched any of these! I haven’t actually heard of most of them 🙈 I’m more of a sitcom/lighthearted series person but I feel like I should watch The Crown since everyone’s talking about it so much x
Haha I’m absolutely not a light-hearted person xD
I loved The Queen’s Gambit – it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen this year too!
Absolutely amazing wasn’t it!
I haven’t watched any of these but will make a note of them.
The ones I’ve enjoyed this year are
Why Women Kill ..not to be confused with Women who Kill
Very funny
The Last Kingdom ..my favourite
Unorthodox ..absolutely brilliant drama about a young Jewish girl
Roadkill ..just watched, don’t bother
The Undoing ..not bad but the book was so much better
“You should have known”
Have you watched any of those?
I haven’t watched any of these!
More for your list!
Of all of these I’ve only watched The Alienist. Looks like I have some catching up to do!
You sure do!
I adore the Crown, In fact that doesn’t do it justice. It is one of the best things I’ve ever watched. Thatcher in particular was immense, Gillian Anderson really did so well with that one.
I started New Amsterdam but never got time to finish it off, Rob won’t watch it and I rarely have time alone, I might make time over the holidays.
The Queen’s Gambit is next on our watch list x
I totally agree. She absolutely nailed it. Ah definitely make a point to watch it, it’s SO good. Like I can’t get over it kinda good haha!
The Crown is one of those shows that I never get round to watching! I’ve almost finished series 3 but after work I always opt for something light and short- I need to get started on series 4 soon 🙂 thank you for sharing x
Fair enough, The Crown definitely isn’t that light-hearted so you definitely gotta be in the mood for it!
I started New Amsterdam but my fiance couldn’t get into it. He’s not one for medical dramas. I started Grey’s Anatomy in May and I am addicted. It’s the best thing I’ve watched this year!
Rosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
Oh no! My boyfriend isn’t either, he’d see certain scenes that I was watching and like almost faint hahaha. But it’s worth continuing on your own!
I’ve just started to watch The Queen’s Gambit and am liking it so far but it’s not blowing my mind but maybe I just need to get more into it. I loved The Crown!!! And Humans is on my to-watch list too!
Tash // A Girl with a View
It’ll blow your mind the more into the series you get! Humans is brilliant.
Great list! I loved the new series of The Crown. Will definitely be adding some of the others to my list to watch over Christmas 🎄
Sooo good wasn’t it!
I’ve definitely heard a lot of good things about The Queen’s Gambit. At one point my Facebook feed was full of people praising it. So it’s been added to my list of shows to watch. My favourite that I’ve watched this year is Schitt’s Creek. I was hooked from the first episode! Every character is hilarious and cleverly written x
Haha I know everyone’s gone a bit mad for it!
Thanks for sharing Jenny! Some great watches for over the festive period 🙂
Emma | http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk
Thank you x
The Crown and The Alienist were so great! Totally worth the spots in your list. I haven’t watched the rest yet so I’m looking forward to those now. Thank you for sharing!
I agree! So so good!
I love The Crown. The Queen’s Gambit is next on our list x
Beautylymin
Hope you enjoy!