The Best TV Shows On Netflix To Binge Watch | Ladies Edition

I rarely have time to watch tv anymore since having my girls, but the much-needed streaming convenience of Netflix means that I can binge watch a full tv series whenever I like, without wasting time on commercials or missing key scenes because the kids decide they don’t feel like going to sleep when mama says to.

If you enjoy romance, comedy and drama, here are some of the best tv shows to binge watch on Netflix that are female-led and will make you laugh, cry, swoon and most of all, relax!

 

The Good Wife (Romance/Drama)

I’m not sure how I decided to get into this legal drama, but somehow I came  upon it and never looked back. The Good Wife chronicles the life of wife and mom Alicia Florrick (played by Julianna Margulies) who must support her son and herself after her husband is put in jail after a very public and humiliating sex and corruption scandal.

Alicia decides to take up law again and starts at the bottom at a law firm to pay the bills. Oh, and this law firm is run by her ex-boyfriend from college….While there’s a lot of courtroom action and legal jargon, this show isn’t just for lawyers or the law-inclined, but follows Alicia as she works her way back to the top as a lawyer while courting the complications of having a husband in jail and a crush on your boss and former boyfriend – such a tangled web!

 

Outlander (Romance/Drama)

My favourite from this list – I admit I am obsessed with this show.

Based on a series of fantasy romance novels by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander being the first book), this series tells the story of Claire Randall, a married English World War II nurse vacationing in Scotland with her husband.

While there, she accidentally gets transported back in time from 1945 Scotland to the Scotland of 1743. Trapped in the past, she encounters a band of Scottish highlanders who believe she is a spy for the English and capture her.

Struggling to fit into her new life in 1743 while she tries to find a way back to 1945, she is unexpectedly forced to marry and falls in love.

This series has everything: romance, war, jealousy, murder, revenge, adventure. It also doesn’t hurt that Claire’s Scottish love interest is very easy on the eyes. I’m also addicted to the historical setting and costumes, which give you a glimpse of what life in the 18th century might have looked like (p.s. I would die in 18th century Scotland; no skin care? no makeup? no SPF? God no!).

Netflix Canada has seasons 1-4 available and I’ve finished all of them. The only problem? What the hell do I do while I’m waiting for season 5 to be released? #droughtlander

You can check out the trailer for the first season below.

RELATED READING: 4 Shows I Recently Watched On Netflix

 

The Mindy Project (Comedy/Romance)

Created by and starring Mindy Kaling, it follows Mindy Lahiri, an obstetrician/gynecologist, who tries to balance her work life with her personal life, alongside her group of quirky co-workers. 

Easily one of the best comedy tv shows to binge watch on Netflix, the writing in this show is witty and ultimately hilarious and Mindy’s fun-loving, self-deprecating character is never boring. Full of pop culture references and celebrity guest stars, The Mindy Project is the perfect show to binge watch when you need to decompress and laugh your pants off (the first two seasons are especially hilarious).

Netflix has all the seasons available. You can get a taste of Mindy Kaling’s humour below.

Scandal (Thriller/Drama/Romance)

Does Shonda Rhimes ever have a bad show?

This political drama follows Olivia Pope, the head of a crisis management firm, and her staff, in Washington D.C.

Cleaning up everyone else’s mess and finding the truth is Olivia’s job. As if she weren’t busy enough, she’s also involved in the political scene of the White House, led by U.S. President Fitzgerald Grant III (who Olivia had an affair with while heading up his presidential campaign – awkward!).

This show has intricate story lines that pull you in and keep you guessing, although I found the first few episodes to be a bit slow. Give it time. While I’m not a fan of the Olivia Pope character (she’s one of those know-it-alls that gets on my nerves), I do enjoy the drama and plot twists that ensue. Woven into the story is Olivia and Fitzgerald’s scandalous affair, (think Meredith and McDreamy in a political setting).

In true Shonda Rhimes fashion, this show can get a little over dramatic at times, but is addictive and binge-worthy nonetheless.

Netflix Canada has seasons 1-7 available.

 

The Crown (Drama)

Love historic drama? The British monarchy? Or are you just a great lover of tv shows based on real life stories? Netflix’s The Crown is probably what you need in your life.

The Crown goes through different periods of Queen Elizabeth’s life in each season, starting with her marriage to Prince Phillip and her unexpected coronation upon her father’s death. Each season progresses to a different period of the Queen’s life, and different actors are then cast to play the Queen and her husband as the show progresses (and the Queen ultimately gets older).

There are a number of life events, political changes, family challenges and unexpected turns that are highlighted in this series, included the eventual marriage of Charles to Diana after his romance with Camilla Parker-Bowles is foiled by the royal family. If you love period pieces based on true events, The Crown will keep you engaged through all 4 seasons.

 

Downton Abbey

Another period drama based in England, Downton Abbey follows the trials and tribulations of the Grantham family within their stunning English estate and their staff of hired help, whose lives all inevitably intertwine throughout the show.

As with any English drama set within a wealthy family, you can expect lies, love, snobbery, tragedy, scandal and heartbreak at every turn while the servants work in the background and get a front row seat to all the gossip and news within the household. This show makes it really easy to fall in love (and sometimes hate) with the characters and will pull at your heartstrings all the way through. 

If you fancy a deeper glimpse into the happenings of a wealthy family during the period of 1912 to 1926 and love all pomp and circumstance that come with that era, you will love Downton Abbey.

 

 

What do you recommend as some of the best tv shows to binge watch on Netflix?

Looking for more Netflix favourites? Check out:

• 3 Binge-Worthy Crime Thrillers on Netflix