1. Pride and Prejudice (BBC 1995)
Judging by the screech of joy I let out upon seeing that BBC P&P was now on Prime, Sean thought we had won a large pot of money. But make no mistake: Having all six episodes of glowing Jennifer Ehle, moody Colin Firth, and that big pond he climbs out of is reason to celebrate. Each episode runs about an hour, so this Austen love fest can be spread out over a few nights or binged on a Saturday. Delightful.
2. The Amazing Race (Seasons 17-20)
Whenever Sean and I realize that a new season of TAR has begun, two or three episodes have already aired, and we pass on watching the rest. Once we discovered some seasons were on Prime, though, we watched each one, start to finish, on our own schedule. With little offending content (other than occasionally the relationships of some participants), it's fun watching the dynamics of pairs under stress (and success).
The most recent season premiered this past Sunday night AT THE SAME TIME AS ANOTHER IMPORTANT SHOW, but we agreed (read: Sean kindly gave in) to watch the Downton finale instead. Luckily, CBS has it available to watch online, so now we're all caught up.
3. Cranford (BBC 2007)
Two spinster sisters (one played by Dame Judi Dench) and a town in the 1840s that thrives on petty gossip--what's not to love? Full disclosure: Both the first episode and the last contain two medical scenes involving bones and, well, the fixing of them, that I had to fast forward (thinking of them still makes me wince). But those small scenes aside, the five-episode season has sweet humor and lovely relationships. BONUS: Mr. Carson makes an appearance, and is much less buttoned-up than he is at the Abbey.
4. Chopped (2010-2012)
It's 5 p.m. You look inside the refrigerator for something to make for dinner and find only ketchup, pickles, lamb shanks and wonton wrappers. Can you make a meal with that? SURE! Or at least if you watch enough Chopped, you might. There's only so much Chopped you can watch before burning out, and some of the dishes look downright disgusting, but the fun is knowing the judges have to taste what's put in front of them (sometimes to their dismay).
One celebrity edition of Chopped featured Anne Burrell making street tacos with haggis. Girl's got skills.
5. Restaurant: Impossible (2011)
Simple premise: Chef Robert Irvine visits failing restaurants and whacks the owners upside the head (figuratively), then guts their kitchens, staffs and menus (literally). The whole thing supposedly plays out in roughly two days, and the drama of "We're not going to finish in time! AAAAAHHH!" gets a little old. But everyone likes a success story. Fresh food, good service and revitalized decor always result from his intervention. Downside: Seeing the filthy and health-code violations that often turn up in the restaurants. But it strengthens my resolve to just cook my own damn dinner.
Or get take out from Chipotle. That place always looks spic and span.
Happy viewing!
Linking up with Hallie and the Favoriteers, and.. (I'm writing seven posts in seven days this week. To check out other bloggers who are doing the same, see the list here.)
I did not know P&P was on Amazon Prime! YAY! My husband will be gone on work trips for several days in March... now I know what I'll be doing to entertain myself once the girls are in bed. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, enjoy your Pride and Prejudice Fest! And I forgot that Mr. Carson was on Cranford. I was too busy watching Mr. Bates on North & South and Lark Rise to Candleford. :-)
ReplyDeleteAH! I'm so excited to know that P&P is on prime!! Last year, a certain little baby scratched my DVD of it and now it starts skipping horribly right when Elizabeth comes to dinner at Pemberley. (so right when its really getting good obv). My idea of a perfect indulgent day since high school has always been the same: P&P with a plate of nachos and a diet coke. :)
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