By Kara Sandoval
Looking for a new binge to help you get through a flare? We recently polled the 20k members of the Fibromyalgia Memes Support Group on Facebook and asked them what they are currently binging. With over 50 programs mentioned across several genres, we’ve decided to share their top ten.
- Vikings (2013-) Action, Adventure, Drama
TV-MA, 69[1] Episodes
Available on: Hulu, Prime Video, iTunes, HISTORY, fuboTV[2]
“Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore-and raid-the distant shores across the ocean.”[3]
It’s easy to see why Vikings is on this list. While the show is not exactly historically accurate, it’s smartly written, features incredible performances, and there are some pretty epic battles to keep you pushing the “next episode” button.
- Outlander (2014-) Drama
TV-MA, 55 Episodes
Available on: STARZ, Prime Video, iTunes
“An English combat nurse from 1945 is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743.”
Based on the wildly popular book series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander is an addicting binge. The breathtaking cinematography, beautiful writing, and outstanding actor performances make it worth watching one more episode. You don’t need to sleep, right?
- Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014) Crime, Drama, Thriller
TV-MA, 92 Episodes
Available on: Hulu, iTunes, PlayStation Vue, fuboTV, FX+
“A biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.”
SOA features an incredible ensemble cast and brilliant writing. The story lines are gripping, jaw-dropping, and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve stopped watching.
- Call the Midwife (2012-) Drama, History
TV-PG, 69 Episodes
Available on: Netflix, iTunes, Prime Video
“Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London in the late-1950s to mid-1960s.”
CTM is based on the memoirs of a young woman who left home to become a midwife in London’s East End. This is a show that can make you laugh and cry in the same episode with it’s likable cast, great writing, and beautiful cinematography.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-) Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
TV-MA, 23 Episodes
Available on: Hulu, iTunes
“Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine under a fundamentalist theocratic dictatorship.”
Based on the award-winning, bestselling novel, this show gives us a look of a dystopian society that subjugates its women in various roles and leaves no room for mercy to those who don’t comply. THT is an incredibly addictive binge that isn’t always easy to watch. Elizabeth Moss’s Emmy-winning performance as Offred is downright haunting. Season 3 premiers in June.
- Stranger Things (2016-) Drama, Fantasy, Horror
TV-14, 17 Episodes
Available on: Netflix
“When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying forces in order to get him back.”
Stranger Things is a fun weekend binge. Set in the 1980s, this show features an amazing ensemble cast, clever writing, and some genuinely scary moments. Season 3 premiers in July.
- NCIS (2003-) Action, Comedy, Crime
TV-14, 374 Episodes
Available on: USA, Netflix, Prime Video, DirecTV Now, iTunes, CBS, PlayStation Vue, fuboTV
“The cases of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service’s Washington, DC Major Case Response Team, led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.”
In its 16th-and possibly final-season, NCIS is a long-haul binge. A spinoff of JAG, NCIS is a procedural drama that has created three of its own spinoffs. The ensemble cast has a great chemistry and each episode gives you the predictability you crave with formulaic dramas.
- The Walking Dead (2010-) Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
TV-MA, 131 Episodes
Available on: AMC, Netflix, DirecTV Now, iTunes, PlayStation Vue, fuboTV
“Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins, and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.”
Currently in its 9th season, TWD has a huge fan following. Based on the comic books created by Robert Kirkman (who is also a writer on the show), TWD will have you sitting on the edge of your seat because you just HAVE to know what is going to happen next. TWD’s cast feels like family and the writing really focuses heavily on the human connection, this show is also known for its cliffhanging endings and deliciously gory special effects.
- Game of Thrones (2011-) Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
TV-MA, 73 Episodes
Available on: HBO GO, Prime Video, iTunes, PlayStation Vue
“Nine noble families fight for control over the mythical lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for thousands of years.”
It’s no surprise that GOT is in the top ten. Fans of the show have been waiting since August of 2017 for season 8; the final chapter in the series. If you have yet to watch the series based on George RR Martin’s best-selling novels, now would be a great time to get caught-up before the season premier on April 14, 2019.
- The Umbrella Academy (2019-) Action, Adventure, Comedy
TV-14, 10 Episodes
Available on: Netflix
“A disbanded group of superheroes reunites after their adoptive father, who trained them to save the world, dies.”
Given the recent premier of this new Netflix series, it’s not surprising to find The Umbrella Academy at the top of this list. Based on the award-winning comic book series, this show gives the viewer a fun, new spin on the superhero genre. While there is plenty of intrigue and plot-twists, TUA never seems to take itself too seriously and is a refreshing surprise from an oversaturated genre.
[1]All counts may include unaired episodes
[2] Format info from TV app by apple.com, based on US markets
