I feel like I’ve been watching a ton of TV lately. Here’s the thing, though: even taking into account the final episodes of LOST and the new Doctor Who series, a very small fraction of the TV I’ve been watching has actually been sent to my cable box. The rest has been thanks to Netflix Instant.
I was an early adopter of Netflix; my queue began in 2001. I can’t remember the last time I got a DVD, though – I’ve been getting more than my money’s worth just using Instant. In recent months, I’ve switched from primarily watching movies, to taking massive doses of TV shows. And, luckily for me, every week seems to bring the entire catalogue of a great show I never got around to watching, or one I’ve seen and loved.
In the past few months, I’ve watched:
LOST – I may be watching the new episodes live on TV, but until a few months ago I had never seen a single episode of LOST. Thanks to Instant, I caught up in no time. This is really the show that got me going on watching entire series at once.
The X-Files – Okay, I love The X-Files. Big time. But I’ve actually never seen the last few seasons, and the DVDs were always pretty expensive. Now that the ENTIRE nine seasons are available, I intend to rectify that situation. But first, I’m going to watch the whole enchilada. I’ve only re-watched the pilot so far, and it was still awesome.
Torchwood – Despite my love for Doctor Who, I never got around to watching Torchwood. I really like it, much more than I thought I would. I’m in the middle of the second season, now.
Jekyll – Because I’m a Moffat fangirl, I decided to try Jekyll, a miniseries that I had never heard of. LOVE IT. And apparently the version I saw (which would be the version released to DVD) was a little more scary and violent than when it was broadcast on TV.
The Dresden Files – I’m not sure what was going on when this show was on TV, but it completely slipped me by. I heard more than one positive review of it since it’s been canceled (not to mention all the positive stuff about the books) so when I saw it pop up in the “New TV” section of Instant, I decided to give it a shot. So far, not bad! It kind of reminds me of Charmed, actually.
Other shows I’ve noticed but have not re-watched (yet): Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Roswell, Robin Hood. I’m trying to keep the re-watching to a minimum because that’s an impressive X-Files backlog, but I might give in and watch the first season of Roswell again.
Since Netflix Instant can be watched in a variety of ways – on the computer, XBox Live, even an iPad app – I’m sure some of you out there use it as well. And I’m looking for suggestions for new shows and movies to watch. So, is there an old (or new) TV series or movie I should look up?
Three cheers for Netfix instant viewing! It’s what’s allowed me to catch up on Lost. I just started season five, so I should be up to speed for the finale. I’m even planning a Lost party for the 23rd, friends are coming over and we’re dressing as characters from the show. I’ve got dibs on Locke.
I do get tempted to watch other shows that Netflix offers, like Buffy or 24. But so far I’ve been able to resist and have stayed true to Lost.
Oh, and it kinda goes without saying, but Firefly is available on Netflix instant viewing as well. If for some unknown horrific reason you haven’t seen it, do so. Like, now. Right now.
Well, just because it needs mentioning, Dr. Horrible is on Netflix, as is The Guild, I believe.
But as for TV shows, definitely The IT Crowd and the British versions of just about any of the imports: The Office, Coupling, etc.
@Ken @Dean Thanks guys! Funnily enough (because I always seem to be last in the know when it comes to TV lately) I have the DVDs for Firefly, IT Crowd, BBC Office. And I’ve watched The Guild and Dr. Horrible online, though I will surely rewatch The Guild at some point since they’re working on the new season. But good suggestions, all! Another good one that I happen to own but heartily recommend: Red Dwarf.
Ah yes, you should try “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.”.
@cpanthersfan – It’s available?! I LOVED that show when it was on TV, SO sad when it was canceled. That will definitely be a rewatch.
Yeah, I love that show also. I don’t know if it’s available or not. Heard it was a go but…
Y’know what’s evil? The way Netflix helpfully puts that “Play next episode” button up when you finish watching a show. Too many times I’ve clicked on that when I should be doing something more productive.
Torchwood was pretty good, but Jericho is awesomely great!
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