TV

From ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’ To ‘Dietland’: These Are The Shows You Need To Know

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The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
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These days, the options available to us when it comes to TV are endless. Gone are the days when you were at the mercy of whatever happened to be on primetime TV – now you’re able to kick back in your own bed and browse the massive library that is the world wide web for whatever it is you feel like watching.

It’s awesome, but the choice can be overwhelming – what if you miss out on something great?

Luckily for you, we’re here to help. Here’s your must-watch list of unmissable shows that have been hidden to Australian audiences – until now.

#1 The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

Image: Amazon Prime

It’s 1958 in New York City. After her struggling stand-up-comedian husband announces he’s had an affair and is leaving her, Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel, a Jewish housewife, discovers she’s got a bit of a knack for stand-up herself.

Part-drama, part-comedy, this whip-smart fish-out-of-water series – created by Gilmore Girls’ Amy Sherman-Palladino – is fresh, funny, fierce, and feminist, as we see Midge transform from subservient wife to boss lady (the season one finale is chock-full of emotions).

Not to mention the stunning cinematography of it all. There’s plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and rooting for Midge – flaws, triumphs and all – the whole way.


#2 Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation

Image: NBC

One of the most quotable sitcoms of the last decade, Parks and Rec is a must for anyone who loves their humour weird and their characters lovable. Follow the adventures of local councilwoman Leslie Knope and her motley crew of friends and foes in the small town of Pawnee – this is a show that really gets to the heart of issues, but is also wacky and wonderful in the way it approaches comedy.

There’s a lot of social commentary here too, especially in the plotlines involving elections (and Leslie’s best line: “You’re ridiculous, and men’s rights is nothing!”). Get ready for a lot of GIF-able moments.


#3 The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour

Image: Amazon Prime

One of Prime’s big drawcards, this one’s a must for the rev-heads. Top Gear’s Holy Trinity – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – return to the screen together in this motoring show, which sees them travel the world to take their wheels out for a spin. From Johannesburg to Nashville, they film their antics inside their giant traveling tent, and the show is a thrilling mash of live-action sequences and pre-recorded TV segments.

If you were a Top Gear fan, this one’s an essential watch– just make sure you’re prepared to be hit right in the feels in the first episode when you see the gang all back together.


#4 Dietland

Dietland

Image: AMC

If you’re into satire, revenge, and feminism, Dietland is for you. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the brand-new US series is darkly hilarious, sending up the publishing industry and also rallying fiercely against the litany of issues facing women today: fat-shaming, patriarchy and misogyny, to name just a few.

In 1970s New York City, protagonist Plum Kettle is a ghostwriter for a fashion mag, not conventionally attractive, and constantly at war with her own image – so she looks into weight loss surgery and finds herself caught in a feminist battlefield. It’s wild to think about how much and how little has changed for women in the four or so decades since the time this show is set in, but it’ll leave you lots to ponder, put a fire in your belly and give you a couple of dark chuckles, too.


#5 Funny or Die

Will Ferrell in Funny Or Die

Image: Funny Or Die

A whole bunch of Funny or Die skits and shows are available for streaming – perfect for a quick pick-me-up lol. With over a decade of material to draw from, there are best-of sketches and holiday-themed skits to keep you entertained for an afternoon or two, as well as specials from some of our favourite funny folks like Kristen Bell and Will Ferrell – and, of course, Zach Galifianakis’ classic show, Between Two Ferns.

They’re all in the one place, so what are you waiting for? Grab a bucket of snacks, settle down somewhere comfy and get stuck into it.

(Lead image: Amazon Prime)

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