Thread by @AniGuha

ALRIGHT, TWITTER. Seeing a lot of show recos to get over lockdown blues. Welcome to a thread of all my favs.

A mix of some lesser-known shows, and some that have fans but could do with a wider audience. A few popular ones. All loved by me for various reasons.

1. Ófærð (Trapped)

Icelandic show about a small town that's entirely cut off by a storm, just as a headless corpse turns up. Human trafficking, arson, family feud combine in this atmospheric Nordic noir, led by the fantastic Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Streaming on @NetflixIndia.

DISCLAIMER: One recommendation each day of lockdown, starting today.

2. Togetherness

The Duplass brothers brought their mumblecore filmmaking prowess to this show about mid-life crises, sexual boredom, and the never-ending search for love. Subtle, self-deprecating humour and winsome performances by the ensemble.

Streaming on @hotstartweets.

3. The Leftovers

Grossly underrated drama about the Biblical rapture, where more than 2% of the world’s population departs suddenly. Many great TV moments over three terrific, skillfully-plotted seasons. A series that’s a mirror of the world today.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

4. CRASHING

Comedians playing comedians on screen isn’t new, but Pete Holmes gives a novel twist to the template in a show where the lead literally *crashes* at a new place every night, while struggling to break into the NY comedy scene. Bittersweet.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

5. Crashing (UK)

Also, there’s the OG ‘Crashing’ - often confused with its US counterpart. Six episodes of hysterical British humour, and an insane plot about people squatting at an abandoned hospital. The advent of Phoebe Waller Bridge. Nuff said.

Streaming on @netflix.

6. House of Saddam

Nostalgia pick. Before The Tyrant and The Spy and other shows based in the Middle East, there was HoS. It impossibly made you despise and empathise with Saddam Hussein at the same time. Tad overdramatic by today’s standards, yet a good watch.

On @DisneyPlusHS

7. Lovesick

“Guy with chlamydia gets in touch with all his exes” is a tailor-made plot for a sitcom. But even while sticking to “young people falling in and out of love” tropes, the show throws up *many* laughs and romantic entanglements to root for.

Streaming on @NetflixIndia.

FUN FACT: Before Netflix acquired ‘Lovesick’ for streaming, it was called ‘Scrotal Recall’! Wonder why they would change a title that exquisite *and* fitting.

(PS: Show recommended to me by @aparnanadig1 last year.)

8. American Vandal

The mockumentary to beat all mockumentaries. Satire at its best, while following the rules of true crime documentary filmmaking to the T. Crimes vary from dick-shaped vandalism to widespread pooping after food poisoning. Must. Watch.

Streaming on @netflix.

9. Olive Kitteridge

One of the best miniseries of the last decade, ‘Olive Kitteridge’ is a deeply moving portrait of depression being passed through generations. Stunning ensemble. Marvellous performances. You’ve probably watched it. And if not, it’s streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

10. Line of Duty

I don’t say this lightly: *Favourite* cop show ever.

Long, riveting scenes entirely made up of investigators grilling suspects for clues. Bible for procedural lovers. Gets better every season. Can’t recommend it enough, lockdown or not.

Streaming on @SonyLIV.

Here’s an anecdote to understand the impact of ‘Line Of Duty’ on British TV. I met Anand Tucker, the British producer/director at @nikkhiladvani’s office 2-3 years ago. We started talking about UK-based cop dramas, and I told him I thought ‘Line of Duty’ was exceptional.

This was at least 5 years after the first episode premiered in 2012. Tucker told me ‘Line of Duty’ changed the rules of cop dramas in the UK TV industry. They realised for the first time that audiences could care about *actual* police work if it was presented intelligently.

For the first time, procedural elements like interrogation, forensics, data, surveillance - which were only used as plot devices to further the story earlier - became the plot themselves. The more clinical ’Line Of Duty’ got, the more audiences loved it.

So, know that ‘Line Of Duty’ probably sowed the seeds for the existence of pretty much any great cop show coming out of UK post-2012. There are at least half a dozen articles validating this, which I won’t share now because they’re spoiler-filled. So watch first, then go read.

It’s a travesty that @NetflixIndia has dropped 4 seasons of ‘Line of Duty’ from its roster. May be, because there’s a deal with Sony LIV (which only has 3 of the 5 seasons 🤦🏽‍♂️). Find another way to watch the rest. *wink*

11. Yeh Meri Family

While we all celebrate TVF’s excellent ‘Panchayat’, here’s one that doesn’t get the love it deserves. Beautifully restrained, heartwarming show about growing up in the 90s. Great cast, including some guy who plays “every Indian dad” (not in pic).

On @netflix

12. After Life

Along with ‘The Good Place’ and ‘Russian Doll’, ‘After Life’ makes light of mortality and death - unusual themes for a comedy. @rickygervais refashions his style to create a wickedly funny, and surprisingly moving, dark comedy.

Streaming on @netflix.

13. The Missing

French detective Julien Baptiste investigates cold cases revolving around missing kids. Two seasons. Both play wonderfully with timelines, and provide spine-chilling plot twists. Not so much a whodunit, as a whatappened.

Both seasons streaming on @PrimeVideoIN.

What’s great about ‘The Missing’ is that, in addition to being an effective mystery/thriller, it doesn’t lack drama and pathos. Deals with survivor guilt, trauma and strained relationships between parents of lost children. David Morrissey/Keeley Hawes are a treat to watch in S02.

Given that the world is coming to an end and everything is pointless anyway, why must Indians deprive themselves of great TV just because our streaming services haven’t bought rights? Next few picks are all my favourite foreign language shows, which you *must* seek and watch.

14. Bron / Broen / The Bridge

As far as Nordic noir goes, few show have managed to replicate the brilliance and consistency of ‘Bron’. Every season is out-of-the-box, every crime investigation absorbing. And a most captivating protagonist: Saga Noren, played by Sofia Helin.

BRON also has the most fascinating buddy cop template, exploring the Swedish Noren’s complex, awkward relationship with her two Danish partners, portrayed by Kim Bodnia and Thure Lindhardt.

This show would easily be among my top 10 favourites of *all time*. Find it. Watch it.

Next pick in “Foreign language show not available on any Indian streaming service, but find a way to watch it anyway” is the OG political drama everyone got hooked on a decade ago. Quite certain half of Aram Nagar has watched it. One of the first few Scandinavian shows I watched.

15. Borgen

The Good Wife-meets-HoC in this Danish show about an underdog politician becoming the country’s first female PM. Could never watch Madame Secretary for how badly it ripped off several themes from the show. Ideal fix (fantasy?) for today’s RW-dominated world.

Sidse Babett Knudsen as protagonist Birgitta Nyborg is all sorts of awesome. Heart went “haay haay” every time she said “Hi Hi” to her kids on the show. ❤️ Might do a #Borgen rerun purely to relive the early days of discovering great international TV. Watch, if you haven’t yet.

16. Les Revenants (The Returned)

The French series that became a global phenomenon in 2013, about a sleepy town where dead residents begin to turn up at their homes. Spooky as hell, the series rewrote the rules of the zombie genre, turning it into something deeper and brooding.

17. BOSCH

Because S06 just dropped on @PrimeVideoIN!

Titus Welliver plays a hard-nosed, crabby cop working Hollywood homicide cases. The show about all the things cops do *between* investigations. Excellent characters. Plot thickens every season. 60 great episodes! Get started.

18. High Maintenance

Really quirky, funny insight into the lives of New Yorkers who share a marijuana supplier. Varied storylines. Mad epiphanies. Many laughs. Never miss the closing credits. Thank you, @prashy74, for the reco a year ago.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

19. Derry Girls

Extremely funny coming-of-age series, set against the unlikely backdrop of the Northern Ireland conflict in the 1990s. Beautifully eccentric humour. Sublime writing. Excellent set of actors. Can binge an entire season in about 2 hours (There are two).

20. The Fall

The fabulous Gillian Anderson plays a detective on the hunt for an Irish serial killer played by Jamie Dornan. Unusual exploration of the relationship between investigator and killer, plenty of heart-stopping moments and splendid performances.

Streaming on @netflix

21. The Chi

Lena Waithe - the first black woman to win a writing Emmy for Master of None - creates this show set in the Chicago south side, about five African American men connected by one fateful incident; a superbly interwoven character study.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

22. Hatufim

Nimrod and Uri are Israeli officers who return home from captivity after 17 years, to families that’ve since moved on. The quintessential drama about the Middle East conflict. Thrilling, moving, powerful. Adapted as “Homeland” in US and “POW Bandi Yuddh Ke” in India.

23. Bloodline

The Rayburns find skeletons stumbling out of their family closet after the return of the oldest son, Danny Rayburn. Marvellous performances by Sissy Spacek, Sam Shepard, Kyle Chandler and, most of all, Ben Mendelsohn. The family drama that never quite got its due.

24. Insecure

Issa Rae creates, writes and plays the lead in this show about two twenty-something besties navigating career, relationships and sex. Witty, raunchy, and hella fun. Insane OST. Perfectly breezy, binge-able watch under lockdown.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

25. Russian Doll

OITNB alumna Natasha Lyonne co-writes, and stars in, this excellent show about Nadia, whose life keeps rebooting after she repeatedly dies on her 36th birthday. Groundhog Day, with a morbid spin. Twisty, layered and deeply insightful.

Streaming on @netflix.

26. The Good Place

Another comedy that deals with themes like death and mortality, this Michael Schur show combines humour with subtle messaging. Rare series that reboots itself every season, while staying true to its core idea. Ted Danson is spectacular.

Streaming on @netflix.

27. Dead To Me

Death and laughs go hand-in-hand again in this Liz Feldman-created show that entirely relies on Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini’s splendid chemistry. Often find strains of ‘Killing Eve’. Tailored for binge-viewing. S02 out now.

Streaming on @netflix.

28. Deutschland 83

Espionage fans should freak out on this thrilling German-language drama, about a 24-year-old upstart from the Stasi who charms the family of a high-ranking West Germany officer at the height of the Cold War.

Funnily, only Season 2 is airing on @PrimeVideoIN.

29. The Game

While on Cold War dramas, get your hands on this six-part show, about a mole in the British Secret Service who could potentially bring down the government. Classic spy thriller tropes, lots of twists and turns, and the brilliant Brian Cox as MI5 chief, “Daddy”.

30. The Americans

Straight-up classic. The best drama series since Breaking Bad, easily. Enjoys a huge following already, but just in case you haven’t started on #TheAmericans yet, you’re missing out on the greatest Cold War / spy show of our times.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

Update: Both ‘Deutschland 83’ (28.) and its sequel ‘Deutschland 86’ are now streaming on @PrimeVideoIN.

Always found it odd that Seaon 2 of the show was available while Season 1 wasn’t. Been rectified now.

31. The Affair

“Bored, married author has passionate affair with attractive but troubled waitress” isn’t exactly the kind of plot you expect too much brilliance from, but the writers of this show have spun five fantastic seasons off a doomed sexual encounter.

On @DisneyPlusHS.

32. Sneaky Pete

A conman takes over the identity of his cellmate to escape his past life, only to land in an even bigger soup. Giovanni Ribisi acts the hell out of the author-backed role in this fun caper/family drama. Ripe for an Indian remake.

Streaming on @PrimeVideoIN.

33. Euphoria

The coolest, hippest (teen) series of 2019. Marvelous camerawork, and a kickass OST. The use of BGM is exemplary; always reflecting the state of mind of the show’s characters. Fronted by the most exciting, talented young actor: Zendaya.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

34. Love

Gus and Rachel are chalk and cheese, but unexpectedly attracted to each other. This predictable one-line idea turns into a sparkling, fun journey, built upon character quirks and some intelligent narrative choices. Easy-peasy viewing. By Judd Apatow.

On @netflix.

35. The Good Fight

Sure, ‘The Good Wife’ was great, and Julianna Margulies was one of the main reasons why. And could a spin-off really match upto the original?

It does, and more. Tighter plot-lines, better character arcs, and a clearer, more political voice.

On @PrimeVideoIN.

We have to talk about the gorgeous opening credits on ‘The Good Fight’.

The Kings made cuing in credits on ‘The Good Wife’ an art form (doing away with the cliched ‘teaser’ format; sometimes cutting to credits as late as the end of Act One), and that tradition continues here.

36. Schitt’s Creek

Can do a whole thread outlasting this one on #SchittsCreek alone. The show that‘s been a friend during lockdown; moved me to tears with laughter and emotion; my new “happy place”. Like with ‘Friends’ in the past, reset to Ep1 as soon as it ended.

On @netflix.

37. Barry

A hitman, who leaves behind a trail of bodies wherever he goes, stumbles upon an acting class in LA that transforms his life. Deadpan humour, combined with some fine moments of soul-searching. If nothing else, watch it for Henry Winkler.

Streaming on @DisneyPlusHS.

38. Shameless (US)

One of the longest-running shows that somehow hasn’t run out of good ideas. The Gallaghers are a glorious mess, and the family’s misadventures have made for entertaining TV for over a decade. Favourite go-to show between series.

Streaming on @PrimeVideoIN.

39. Ray Donovan

Fixer in LA gets premium-paying clients out of trouble, but can’t “fix” his own family. An assortment of quirky characters, who always unify against external threats. The Sopranos (lite). Writers make brave choices in S06, which pay off nicely.

On @DisneyPlusHS.

40. OJ: Made In America

For anyone tripping on #TheLastDance, here’s another terrific docu-series by ESPN Films. Even if you’ve watched “The People V OJ Simpson”, this 5-part show is an enthralling, addictive piece of investigative journalism you don’t want to miss out on. (YKW)

41. Luther

Ideal monsoon pick. Gritty, thrilling, dark. Where the city of London is an imposing, captivating character. A gruff, intense Idris Elba. A marvellous, wicked Ruth Wilson. Five seasons of “howcatchem” procedural, rather than “whodunit”.

Streaming on @PrimeVideoIN.

42. Byomkesh Bakshi

Like most Basu Chatterjee creations, this too was a trendsetter. Rajit Kapur and KK Raina share excellent chemistry as Byomkesh and Ajit, and each 40-minute episode is beautifully-crafted and taut. Binge-watched them a few years ago.

Available on @YouTube.

43. Unbelievable

Rare women-led buddy cop drama. Could endlessly watch Merritt Wever and Toni Collette sharing life lessons while they drive around, solving crimes. A stomach-churningly brutal pilot gives way to a thrilling, smart investigative drama.

Streaming on @netflix.

44. Billions

Four solid seasons of Machiavellian antics and power tussle between New York’s DA (Paul Giamatti) and billionaire Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis). Fast-paced, witty. Brutal. First show to feature a prominent non-binary character (Asia Kate Dillon).

On @DisneyPlusHS.

45. Happy Valley

In the mood for British shows.

[Trigger alert!]

Created by the formidable Sally Wainwright, this is a bare-knuckled, relentlessly grim procedural about a cop dealing with the rape and subsequent death of her daughter. Cast led by the awesome Sarah Lancashire.

46. Last Tango in Halifax

Found this 6 years ago when I went looking for Sally Wainwright’s work. About lovers reuniting after 50 years. As different from ‘Happy Valley’ as ‘True Detective’ is from... ‘This Is Us’. Heartwarming and real. Straddles various themes. Superbly-acted.