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Okay. What is this TIDBITS for you?
This is a series on the newsletter where I spill the beans on TV shows, books, movies, K-dramas and everything in between(including trash tv-there’s a certain joy in them). Wheyou'reur looking for something to watch on Netflix or your next read. I got you!
This is edition is for those times when you want some laid-back entertainment and escape into a good story without the commitment of a full length series.
Basically a bunch on miniseries that you can watch that one weekend when you want to unwind and escape into a good story without commiting to a full length series. I personally don’t really like movies because I normally feel like there is so much left to be explored in the story. This is where mini-series came to the rescue!!
They are concise, have a clear beginning and ending, and still give us time to explore. Sometimes with shows that have multiple seasons a show can drag and the characters keep making weird decisions (Rachel and Joey dating) that was super weird!!
Without further ado, let's dive into our top picks – because sharing is caring, and I’m here to share the love for some feel-good TV. Let's get started!”
1. The Innocent
I watched this show with my sister, we thought we would just watch one episode, and then suddenly a Saturday was over. This is a Spanish adaptation of one of Harlan Coben’s unending list of mystery novels(I could make a separate list of his books’ adaptations).
It starts off in a nightclub where Mateo gets into a fight that leads into an accidental homicide. 9 years later, he is taking over the family law firm and rebuilding his life with his wife. Then he receives a phone call which challenges his perception as he tries to search for the truth behind his missing wife. It is told from different characters’ POV( I love it when subplots are well fleshed out). And the one thing they all have in common is that nobody escapes their past and even the smallest encounters can be meaningful. The twists and turns will keep you at the edge of your seat.
P.S: if you’ve watched Spanish movie The Invisible Guest the main character is the same for this series.
2. ClickBait
Yes, I watched this show because of the title. I had no idea what it was about but it so bingable. It also has 8 episodes with outlandish endings and will leave you satisfied, but you still remember what you watched.
The show follows a family in Oakland and the bizarre mystery. Nick Brewer appears in a viral video holding a series of signs that say:
“I ABUSE WOMEN” “AT 5 MILLION VIEWS, I DIE”.
Clearly this show is well-named. The story also unravels as we learn who Nick through his sister, mother, confused wife and their two sons. It received bad reviews because it’s not ‘deep enough’ and doesn’t explore cancel culture, catfishing etc. But, I was just looking for entertainment.
3. Unorthodox
I think this show is so underrated. It does have a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes but I have never met a single person who has watched it. This miniseries is adapted from Deborah Feldman’s 2012 memoir Unorthodox:The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.
Etsy, a 19 year old Hasidic Jew flees from the constrictions of an arranged marriage and the ultra conservative community she was raised in Williamsburg New York to berlin.
I was surprised that there is a small ultra-conservative Jewish community New York!!. This is the beauty of stories though, you learn new things.
I digress, this is a story of rebellion and freedom that takes place on the backdrop of her husband and cousin arrive and try to take her back to New York as she might be pregnant. Who is she outside her community? How will she survive? I will just leave you with a quote from the show. When she asked why she fled she says:
“God expected too much from me. Now I need to find my own path.”
4. Behind Her Eyes
I feel like everyone’s watched this show, but I will recommend it anyway. If you are reading this then you a probably into baffling TV trainwrecks. I initially thought it was a show where these three bored people were trying to make their lives interesting, the couple dissatisfied with their marriage(at least the husband), and the lonely single mom. I have never been more WRONG!!The show starts off as a gripping thriller, gradually morphs into something quite peculiar and eccentric, and ultimately descends into a realm of sheer madness, teetering on the edge of fantasy.
And that ending…..
5. Unbelievable
This show unfolds slowly and without melodrama and the eight episodes take time to show the true cost of sexual assault. This story is split in two time periods Marie in 2008 as she lives through being accused of lying about her rape and in 2011 where two detectives are investigating a serial rapist. This true crime drama is based on a true story on the shortcomings of law enforcement when handling sexual assault cases.
This show stands out as one of the most empowering crime dramas I've ever watched. It reimagines a tale of injustice with a remarkable sensitivity towards portraying the topic of sexual assault, which sets it apart from other TV series in its approach.(Remember Sansa Stark??).
6. Celebrity
I could not end this without recommending a K-Drama! Honestly, this show surprised me. I did not expect to love it as much as I did. This story begins on a ‘murderously glamourous day’. Seo Ah-ri our main character delivers a live stream where she threatens to reveal the cheat codes to her and her ‘friends’ rise in social media. Except she’s supposed to be dead.
We follow the rich and famous online, marvelling at their lives while knowing they are fake. It portrays how we are all equally facinated by the power of social media and disgusted by it.I couldn't help but get hooked on this particular show, especially because it delves into the fascinating world of influencer culture.
It felt like a captivating insider sharing all the juiciest secrets, making it impossible to look away. I was clearly here for the tea!! My only issue with this is that I HATE the main love interest!!!
PS: I heard that even though the show was exposing influencer advertising, when the show ended, everyone was asking where to get the clothes, me included.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, six mind-bending mini-series that are about to give your 'chill' time a thrilling twist. I must admit, I was just pulling these out of my head and I thought I would have a comedy one but alas turns out; I lean more toward spine-tingling mysteries and intense dramas.
Now, all that's left to do is hit play, relax, and let these mini-series transport you to their pulse-pounding worlds. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or simply looking for your next obsession, I hope these recommendations bring you as much suspense and drama as they've brought me.
Stay tuned for more 'TIDBITS' in the future, where I’ll keep uncovering those hidden gems and sharing the best of the thrilling side of the entertainment world.
Until then, happy binge-watching, my friend! 🍿📺😱" If you liked this feel free to share with a friend.