Today is a silly departure for my usual repertoire of design inspiration, tips, and recipes.  Today I’m admitting to my guilty pleasure of the lazy summer nights…binge watching.

So, in case you all like to unwind with some mindless fun once in a while, here’s the list of what I’ve watched lately…

You might presume, given my career choice, that I like to watch the litany of home improvement and real estate reality shows. And while some have some inspiration sprinkled in, I find them contrived, repetitively bland, and completely misrepresentative of reality.

They tend to mislead the public about both budgets and timelines in a big way, which just makes me mad. They also ushered in the interminable era of gray we are only just now emerging from, and that is a crime against humanity.

And while I do love a good cooking show, I get most of my inspiration for that favorite pastime from blogs now.

For pure mindless entertainment, mostly I like happily ever after romance and comedy, preferably together.  But I also love great set design and period costuming, soooo…here are my top 5.

Please Note: I’ve included links to the listed streaming services. Some are affiliate links meaning I may make a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Bridgerton on Netflix

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Bridgerton is a fantasy take on Regency Era London society that follows the love stories of the Bridgerton family. It is based on a series of historical romance novels by Julia Quinn, but has taken some creative departures from the original books.

Season 3 dropped this spring/summer in two halves and we can’t get enough of the costumes and sets.  There are some priceless lines, and the plot is fun too, if a bit thin at times and predictable.  I mostly appreciate that every season ends with a HEA moment.  I appreciate predictable.

Yes, I am the girl who will read the end of the book first to make sure the main characters end up happy (or at least okay) before I invest the time in reading it.  

I also check out the spoiler alert/synopses on most TV shows and movies for the same reason.  I’m VERY attached to things working out well. 

You can watch the Bridgerton seasons independently as each features a different main character from the Bridgerton family, but all the threads make more sense if you watch them in order.  Also, the male lead from season 1 is not-to-be-missed eye candy IMO.

The next season likely won’t be out until 2026 so you’ve got plenty of time!

And while you are waiting, you can check out Queen Charlotte. This is the back story/prequel to the queen from Bridgerton.

True confessions,  I’ve only watched about half of it because I stopped during some particularly disturbing sequences.   I hear it turns out okay, so I may fast forward and press on…

The Gilded Age - on HBO Max (available through Amazon Prime)

A historical drama set in late 19th century NY society where old money and new money clash.  This features a lot of fictional characters {some based on real people} alongside historic names like the Astor family. 

It is a very well written story line and the sets and costumes are unparalleled.  Definitely worth watching!   There are currently two seasons out and I can’t wait for the third!  It is predicted to come out in 2025 (or possibly late 2024).

My Lady Jane - on Amazon Prime

Another romantic historically set piece, My Lady Jane, on Amazon Prime, is an alternate telling of the story of Lady Jane Grey (circa 1500’s) who very briefly ascended the throne, but promises a divergent outcome from actual history with a much happier ending, thus it makes my list.  

It also veers into a fantasy genre with people that can transform into animals and back.  It offers a bit of social commentary as well as the epic costuming and sets from the era. 

There is only one season, but the ending has left plenty of room for more of the story to be told.

Vanity Fair - on Amazon Prime

Looking for another historically set piece, I just finished the 7 episode season of Vanity Fair on Amazon Prime.  Not bad, and a fairly accurate representation of the Thackeray novel, but a little less compelling than these others.  Still, fabulous for costuming and sets. 

Jet Lag: The Game on YouTube

And finally, in a total departure from all the historical/romance, I’ve been addicted to keeping up with this YouTube reality show.  

My son got me hooked on this - it is a series of travel adventures-meets-game theory.

Think The Amazing Race only much less contrived (no manufactured drama or annoying personalities) and much more entertainment value AND everyone is competitive but still a good sport.

Each ‘season’ is a particular three or four day game like “Tag across Europe” or “Hide and Seek across Switzerland or “Capture the Flag across Japan, or Connect 4 across America…

The personalities are entertaining, the game design and editing is brilliant and self aware, and you see some epic scenery in the process. 

The show first aired in May 2022 and the10th season was released in May 2024. Seasons vary in the number of episodes, but average around 6.

Episodes are released weekly when a season drops and always end on a cliffhanger until the end of the season finale.  SO, if you can’t stand the suspense, just binge watch a season at a time :)

 BONUS

Any Nancy Meyers movie is a study in fabulous interiors and can be counted on to have a reasonably happy ending.  My friend and fellow design blogger, Linda Merrill, recently wrote about Nancy Myers-core design HERE and referenced all the movies.  I had seen all but two, so of course I hunted those down and got caught up! 

Of course, Downton Abbey (on Amazon Prime) would also be a good one to binge if you haven’t already - I seem to be the last one.  I’ve never finished all the seasons and I’ve missed some intermittent episodes. The costumes and sets and Maggie Smith zingers are always a win.

And if you’ve never watched Ted Lasso on Apple TV, (you can get a 7 day free trial) it is an all time favorite. Highly amusing with great character development, clever repartee, and a wholesome message about being a nice human.

I was a little disappointed the end didn’t tie everything up for all the characters as nicely as I’d hoped, but it is still worth watching!

Happy Binging!

What is your favorite binge watch lately?? I’m always looking for recommendations with a high HEA quotient!