TV | 10 Shows we watched that aren't Netflix

Nowadays when someone recommends you a movie or a tv show you can already anticipate they have just one source to consume content.

We open social media and the suggestions for cool things to watch are always from the same platform: Netflix.

We have nothing against Netflix, it has provided us with amazing content through the years.

But we feel it narrows our minds to be watching the exact same thing at the same time, all the time. So here are a few shows my husband and I have enjoyed and that you might have not watched yet:

Disclaimer (2024)

Where to watch: Apple TV

This miniseries just shook us both to our core especially in the last few episodes. In this alternating timeline, it takes us back to a couple, the power of the past in our present and how hastily we make decisions based on perception. If only we looked more closely into things and listened a bit more carefully...

It wasn't the easiest one to watch but the cast is just the most scrumptious delight. Cate Blanchett is the most unnerving character ever, Kevin Kline is out-of-this-world obsessed and Sacha Baron Cohen is a dapper yet clueless man. A must, signed by Alfonso Cuáron.

Patria (2020)

Where to watch: Max (former HBO)

Patria is a Spanish drama television series based on the eponymous novel by Fernando Aramburu. Set in the Basque Country during the final years of ETA's separatist terrorism, the series follows the lives of two families over several decades. The story begins with the end of ETA's violent campaign and revolves around the emotional and social aftermath of the conflict.

Central to the narrative are Bittori and Miren, two women whose friendship falls apart when Bittori's husband, Txato, is murdered by ETA. The series explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the deep scars left by political violence. It juxtaposes personal stories with historical events, shedding light on the impact of terrorism on everyday life and relationships.

Through its complex characters and emotional storytelling, Patria delves into the pain and resilience of a community torn apart by ideological strife, offering a poignant look at the search for peace and reconciliation.

A special mention to the incredible actress Loreto Mauléon, who plays Arantxa, the most poignant of characters that we've ever encountered.

Your Honor (2020)

Where to watch: Max (former HBO)

The original show is from Israel (called Kvodo) and there is also an Indian adaptation also from 2020. Two seasons in, we can say the first one was our favourite yet we cannot stop watching how immense these actors are, such as the Bryan Cranston who turned from a respectable judge in New Orleans into a man who will do anything to protect his son. Even if it goes against his core values and society's.

Do not watch this tv show if you are looking to watch something light and jolly: it is serious, dark and set in a permanent chiaroscuro mood. It's really not for the wicked! If you have watched it, tell me which season did you like best and if you think it should have stopped at being a single season miniseries.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Where to watch: Max (former HBO)

It has been a delight having big A-list actors in tv shows and Mare of Easttown graces us with the stunning yet demure presence of Kate Winslet.

In the fictional suburb of Easttown in Philadelphia, police detective Marianne "Mare" Sheehan (Winslet) investigates the recent murder of a teenage mother while trying to keep her own life from falling apart.

Mare, our tortured hero, has also been unable to solve the case of another missing young girl for a year, leading many in the community to doubt her detective skills.

Her personal troubles include a divorce, a son lost to suicide, and a custody battle with her son's formerly drug-addicted girlfriend over Mare's grandson.

Cross (2024)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

This one was launched just a few weeks ago and it is inspired by James Patterson's books about tortured detective Alex Cross, played by the sexiest Aldis Hodge. Alex, a homicide detective who is also a forensic psychologist, just recently lost his wife in a senseless attack.

He now needs to juggle single parenthood of two young children - supported by his grandma, who raised him -, an astute intuition at work whilst on the trail of a mysterious murderer that emulates serial killers and murderers from the past.

It's not the easiest show to watch - the crimes are a bit prolonged and gruesome - yet it tackles a superb character who evolves before our eyes as does the investigation. A major kudos to Ryan Eggold ("What can I do for you?" from New Amsterdam!) who plays an incredible character throughout the series.

Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime

Something that doesn't happen that often: I had read the book before watching the show. I usually read the book after watching it on the screen or I read the book and never watch the adaption. Regardless it was a brand new story and setting for Bruno and we both enjoyed it a lot.

Nine strangers (some of them are family) check-in into a special resort in the middle of nowhere in Australia where they are hosted by the mysterious Masha, played by Nicole Kidman. Masha used to be a former executive who did a U-turn in her life and when from the board room to a wellness resort and programme to make people get away from their lives and reconnect with themselves and each other.

Yet the resort is not what it seems to be at all and their lives do not seem to be turning for better, on the contrary. It has deep moments yet it is also a dark humour tv show to watch when you just want to take your mind off.

I just read there is a second season? Curious about that!

Only Murders in the Building (2021)

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+

This one might just be our favourite! Bruno and I are avid podcast consumers and this is one of the first shows we have watched that truly showcases what it is to be a podcast afficionados.

Meet Charles, Oliver and Mabel - Steve Martin, Oliver Putnam and Selena Gomez respectively - 3 neighbours of a grand and historical building complex in New York City. Charles is an actor, Oliver is a failed musical producer and Mabel is an unemployed young woman seeking her own path in life.

And their lives become enthralled into getting behind a murder that occurs amongst their neighbours.

The show is a major success and you can feel it from season to season as A-list actors and performers appear as guest actors or in cameos.

The White Lotus (2021)

Where to watch: Max (former HBO)

Just two seasons in, The White Lotus has already become a cult tv show that is not only watched by millions of people around the world, it is also changing world travellers wants and desires around their travels. Produced by Mike White, both seasons on what was supposed to be just a miniseries also brought back to light the immense talent of actress Jennifer Coolidge. It is also very refreshing to see older women's storyline on the big screen. As we get older, our wants and desires do not need to be shoved and her character, even if a bit juvenile at times, showcases just that.

First season's location is in Hawaii where several families and couples are holidaying and... their supposed rest is interrupted by a murder!

The second season - and I think that it became even more iconic than the first - is set in Italy, more specifically in Sicily, which has since become even more flooded with inquisitive tourists than ever before.

Other than the disrupted holidays we also follow the staff's life and aspirations, as they live a life of service to indifferent travellers who only prioritise their own wants and desires. A must watch!

I hope they never do a The White Lotus in Scotland, I love the peace we find there and never want it to be spoiled with overcrowding!

Shrinking (2023)

Where to watch: Apple TV

Shrinking was both emotional and a riot: we have only watched the first season so far but cannot wait for the second one that is already out. Shrinking is about the group of colleagues that tend a psychology private practice and how they truly face life and clients, on the backstage of things. We encounter Jimmy Laird (played by Jason Segel whom I had not seen since How I Met Your Mother days!) who just lost his wife and is trying to reconnect with his teenager daughter Alice.

Then we have Gaby Evans (played by Jessica Williams) who is Jimmy's delightful colleague and a voice of reason at the practice and is dealing with her own things yet she always has time for others. And finally Paul Rhoades (by Harrison Ford) who is (or should be) the sage old shrink his fellow would look up to - and they do - yet is in denial about his own capabilities health wise.

Moreover we also deep dive into Jimmy's neighbourhood and his drama with daughter as well as him trying to get into the dating pond again. The show made me think a lot about Scrubs' pace and I was right in that feeling: it was created by the same and only Bill Lawrence (Christa Miller's husband, who is also in Shrinking and was also on Scrubs)(will she always portray herself tho?). A must watch!

Under the Bridge (2024)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

This is miniseries is very unfortunately based on a true story. A daunting one about a young teenager called Reena Virk (played by Writika Gupta) who never felt like she truly fit into but did everything to feel a sense of belonging. And in doing so, she attends a party which she never comes back home from.

In this series inspired by a book from journalist Rebecca Godfrey (portrayed by Riley Keough) we deep dive into coming of age dilemmas, racial and class issues, what it really entails to belong and that power games come from all sides of society.

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