TV for a Snowy Week

So our last week looked like this:

Which means if we weren't at work, my roommate and I were snuggled in by the television.  Which got me thinking.  Someone should write a list of snow day tv shows!

1. House of Cards

The best part about starting this show now, is that the new season (season three) will be released on Netflix on February 27th! This show has everything you need to keep you enthralled for the entirety of your snow day, intrigue, scandal, love, lust, and best of all suspense. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright portray their characters perfectly, as does the whole cast for that matter, a definite go-to.

2.  Game of Thrones

This show hardly needs an introduction. I've gotten all but one person hooked on it – and quite frankly I think she didn't give it a fair shot. Just give it the first two episodes, and you’ll be an addict. If you’re anything like me you’ll have watched the whole series (four seasons so far) seven times through before season five drops in April. Unfortunately this show is not available on Netflix, but it’s totally worth the extra monthly fee for HBO. Not only is the production both phenomenal and believable, the acting is beyond compare. I've never watched a show that makes me feel pride, hatred, and exuberance all at the same time. But just remember, in the game of thrones, you either win – or you die.

3. Parenthood

So if you’re a glutton for soul shattering pain and all-encompassing love all at the same time, then you’ll be a sucker for a show that has had me and the roommate beaming and weeping all at the same time. The love and connection that this show saps from you knows no bounds, and the trials and tribulations that the family goes through will make you feel closer to their family than to your own, nothing will warm you up on a chilly snow day than a swollen heart and swimmy eyes. But that’s okay, because their family is beautiful. And guess what? It’s on Netflix (although, not in entirety the series finale only just aired last month).

4. Friends

I can’t tell you how happy I was when this show dropped on Netflix. It’s the perfect show to put on when you want a little break from snow fights, and sledding (each episode is only 20 minutes long!) but oh the nostalgia, it’s never ending. Not only did my Mom have it on the TV when I was a kid, I can remember sitting on the phone for an hour every school night from 7-8 with my best friend loving every minute of Ross and Rachel’s love story, and can we please talk about Monica and Chandler, swoon; definitely worth a spot on your watch-list.

5. Mad Men

Now I can’t lie to you, I haven’t made my way all the way through this series, but the show is so beautifully done it’s hard for me to not include it on this list. A warning though, the episodes are heavy, and thick and at times it’s a trudge to get through the episode, but it’s absolutely worth it. From what I've seen (so far, the first two seasons), it’s absolutely worth some of the slow spots. It’ll make you ache for scotch and swooshy 50’s style dresses. And can we please talk about the delightful sexism, if this show won’t make you feel like an accomplished woman, I don’t know what will. So grab your single malt and a cushy blanket and dive in.

6. The Office – The American version

An oldie but a goody, and the roommate’s special request for a list. Another delight from Netflix, this show has the perfect episode length (twenty minutes), it has just the right about of spawning romance, side-splitting humor, and character development. Special guest stars like Will Ferrell, keep the show fresh and the jokes coming. And the best part is, you don’t really have to watch the episodes in order, especially if you've seen some before. We regularly skip around to our favorite reels when we need a good laugh on a gloomy day.

7. The Walking Dead

Alright, I admit it. My number one fear, however irrational, is zombies. Hate them, regularly have nightmares about them. But for some reason, I keep coming back to this show. I’m proud to say that I can now watch two or three episodes in a row and manage to go to sleep that night. Nothing says cozy quite like hiding behind your significant others arm when brains are being eaten.

8. Downton Abbey

This one isn't available on Netflix either, but if you have an Amazon Prime membership, then this show is available to watch instantly. Another gorgeously done show, this one was suggested by my Nina and Poppy who happen to have excellent taste in television series (they got me hooked on Game of Thrones). I love a good period piece, and this one is brilliantly done and is yet another show that will send your spiraling through an emotional cyclone. Try it and tell me you’re not totally hooked, I bet you won’t be able to.

9. Death Comes to Pemberley

Speaking of period pieces, this is a short three part series that is based on the books by P.D James (2011). While certainly not as good as Jane Austen’s, Pride and Prejudice (my very favorite just behind Persuasion, ((which coincidentally has a b-e-a-utifully done film version by the same title directed by Adrian Shergold – you should totes check it out if you like this kind of story))). Anyways, this show is perfectly enthralling, but short enough that you will still have time to build a snowman after you get it started.

10. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

I know, I know. It’s not a TV show but without a doubt this is my go-to snow day distraction. I don’t care if I know every single line and action scene by heart (by the way, I’m talking extended versions here people). I can’t tell you how many hours my little brother and I have wasted curled up under fluffy blankies, popping popcorn and falling into Middle Earth. Recently, I've added the new Hobbit movies to the whole LOTR experience. I love everything about all of it.

Alright, that’s it. Now fire up the TV and get to watching, but don’t forget to set aside some time to get out there and enjoy the snow that’s keeping you trapped in the house to begin with.