The Lamark List of Ultimate Binge-Worthy Series

If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that since the beginning of the pandemic television and streaming services have taken on a new role in our lives. While we all have our favorite television shows and series, the past seven months have provided more opportunity to binge-watch. At Lamark, we’re deeply interconnected and find that as teammates we often bond over simple pleasures such as these. We love the laughs and excitement of discussing our favorite weekend watches with co-workers who are also enthralled in the same shows. And, throughout the quarantine period, it turns out that our team watched quite a few.

We compiled The Lamark List of Ultimate Binge-Worthy Series with input from the entire office. These are the shows that had us on the edge of our seats, that made us cry, and that gave us the belly laughs we all need. We also know from experience the sense of disappointment you may feel as soon as a much beloved series comes to a conclusion, and the dedication that goes in to hunting for your next great show. Check out the lists below to find your new favorite.

New Releases

We’re all about staying up to date on the latest trends, and checking out new releases is part of the deal. Whether it’s an entirely fresh series or scoping out the latest season of an existing favorite, we’re always excited to watch the latest episodes of the best shows. Here are the new releases we’ve been talking about recently.

1. Schitt’s Creek. At the beginning of October Netflix gave us all the surprise we’ve been waiting for and released the sixth and final season of Schitt’s Creek earlier than anticipated. An absolute gem in the comedy genre, this final season was nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit quirky and a whole lot of fun, check it out.
2. For Life. Making its primetime debut earlier this year, For Life on ABC and Hulu is thought-provoking and emotional. The second season is set to premiere in mid-November so catch up on the first season now and tune in just in time for the continuation. A legal drama, the series follows the story of a wrongfully convicted and imprisoned man as he receives his law degree in jail and fights to prove his innocence and gain release.
3. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father. The fourth season of this acclaimed travel documentary and comedy series debuted just last month, and we’re loving the adventure. Since so many of us are home right now due to the pandemic, catching a glimpse of far and away places on our television screens is the next best thing to traveling abroad. Satisfy your wanderlust with this hilarious series.
4. Ratched. This brand-new release on Netflix is a psychological thriller that you’re bound to love if you’re into shows like American Horror Story. Following the life of asylum nurse Mildred Ratched in the 1940s it’s a little bit spooky with a little bit of suspense and drama mixed in.
5. The Murders at White House Farm. A true crime drama based on events that unfolded in Essex, England in 1985, this HBO mini-series is a must-see for those who can’t get enough murder-mystery in their life. Follow the investigation and court case surrounding the tragic murder of five family members at the British farmhouse.

Dramas

Everyone loves a good drama series now and then. You know the ones that have you glued to the screen, feeling like you have a personal relationship with the characters. You’re invested in their success, devastated by their losses, and totally there for all the emotional baggage and dramatic events that are sure to unfold. Check out one of these five drama series next time you’re looking for a show to binge on.

1. Mad Men. As a marketing agency, it’s no surprise that AMC’s Mad Men makes it to the top of our list. With a whopping 92 episodes over the span of seven seasons, there’s no shortage of drama and excitement as you follow lead character Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) through the world of advertising in the 1960s. Acclaimed for its historical accuracy and complex plot line, Mad Men received 16 Emmy Awards and 5 Golden Globe Awards.
2. Downton Abbey. The critically acclaimed historical drama takes place in the early 1900s and follows the lives of the wealthy Crawley family and their staff as they live on their Yorkshire estate. Depicting accurate events of the past, including WWI, the sinking the Titanic, the outbreak of the Spanish Flu, and more, Downton Abbey enthralls viewers in a world of years past, with relationship and family tribulations that are still relatable in present day.
3. The Sopranos. A cult hit of the 1990s, The Sopranos follows the namesake mafia family and associates as they navigate the criminal world and everyday life. Running for a total of six seasons, viewers watch as characters evolve and progress through life- or as they are cut from the mafia forever. Loaded with elements of surprise and suspense, you can’t help but get attached to the Soprano family and those in their circle.
4. Game of Thrones. If you’re looking for a show that’s action-packed, with a little bit of fantasy, and whole lot of adventure, we recommend checking out Game of Thrones. Based on a series of novels by author George R. R. Martin, the show received 58 Primetime Emmy Awards- the most ever won by a drama series.
5. Deadwood. Another historical drama, Deadwood takes place in the Wild West. Centered on a real town in South Dakota that boomed during the Gold Rush, the series follows residents and historic figures as Deadwood itself grows from a lonely camp for passing travelers through the annexation of the Dakota Territory. Filled with gun fights, relationship drama, and intriguing characters, Deadwood is a show that is well worth the watch.

Comedies

If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, our list of best comedy series is just what you need. We can’t be serious all the time, and this light reprieve will get you through the weekend. From generational and coming-of-age storylines to workplace humor that every professional is bound to appreciate, there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Insecure. Not suitable for the kiddos, but sure to give the grown-ups a laugh, follow creator and lead actress Issa Rae and her on-screen best friend Molly (played by Yvonne Orji) as they navigate their daunting late 20s. The storyline follows the young women as they forge their way through their careers, experience relationship turmoil and find love, and struggle with their inner identities as well as their friendship. Rae makes the awkward, confusing, and sometimes frightening time of just starting out in life entirely relatable and utterly hilarious.
2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. A Prime Video exclusive, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is comedy by design. In fact, it follows main character Midge Maisel as she embarks on a brazen journey to become a standup comedian in the 1960s, a career virtually unheard of for women at the time. With bold jokes about her recent divorce, her parents and family life, as well as womanhood, Midge gives everyone a good chuckle.
3. Entourage. Nothing says let’s have a good time like a 20-something Hollywood movie star and his closest buddies living it up in Los Angeles. Laugh along with main character Vincent Chase as he blunders his way through the movie scene and watch for the countless cameo appearances from big industry names such as Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, Mark Cuban, Tom Brady, Larry David, Eminem, LeBron James, and more.
4. Shameless. A comedy-drama series that follows the infamous Gallagher family on the South Side of Chicago, Shameless is a must-see. It’s the longest-running original Showtime series, with numerous awards to its name.
5. Parks and Recreation. With 125 episodes spanning seven seasons, if you’re looking for a binge-worthy comedy Parks and Recreation is for you. A political satire that includes references to many real-world events with a hilarious twist, the series earned 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, as well as a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy).

Reality Television

The love-to-hate it genre of television, once in a while we can all use a little binge session on Reality TV. From cooking shows to dating shows, our team didn’t leave anything out when asked about their favorite series.

1. Magic for Humans. Who doesn’t love a good magic trick? This Netflix original features three seasons with comedian and magician Justin Willman. Willman performs magic tricks for people on the street, aweing them with his illusions. See if you can spot his tricks, or if you are left scratching your head wondering how he does it.
2. 90 Day Fiancé. Getting married is both exciting and stressful, and it’s a little more of both when you only have 90 days to complete the ceremony. That’s the case with each relationship on 90 Day Fiancé which follows couples after one member files for their K-1 Visa. A K-1 Visa is only available to foreign soon-to-be-spouses of American citizens and is issued after the couples sign paperwork with the United States Immigration Service stating that they plan to marry. This TLC network series follows couples in the weeks leading up to the big day.
3. Chopped. Watch as four chefs appear each episode to compete against each other, and the clock, in the kitchen. Every competition contains three rounds where chefs are prompted to “wow” the judges with culinary creations crafted from a pre-determined list of ingredients that remain unbeknownst to them until the start of the segment. The challenge? Combining all the ingredients isn’t always easy as the series often chooses foods that aren’t commonly paired. Leave one out and you might get Chopped.
4. Queer Eye. Originally airing on Bravo, with a 2018 Netflix reboot that followed, each episode of Queer Eye features a makeover from the “Fab Five.” The Fab Five is a team of gay professionals known for their work in the fields of fashion, design, entertainment, culture, and grooming. Watch as they transform lives, and looks, throughout the series.
5. Making the Cut. Available exclusively on Prime Video, Making the Cut is hosted, and created by, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. Judges on the show include Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Chiara Ferragni, Carine Roitfeld, and Joseph Altuzarra. But this isn’t just any reality competition. The contestants are all professional designers who will have their skills put to the test, as well as their ability to run a business challenged as they each try to win the prize.

Honorable Mentions and More

If you talk to our team, we could go on for hours about the best television shows. Working in the world of media, we like to stay on top of current pop culture trends and hits, as well as pay tribute to classics from the past. Honorable mentions to check out if you’re looking for more binge-worthy series include Succession, Brooklyn 99, Peaky Blinders, Billions, 30 Rock, Ozark, The Man in the High Castle, Umbrella Academy, Vikings, West World, New Girl, Love Island, The Amazing Race, Homeland, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Little Fires Everywhere, Dead to Me, Dexter, Handmaid’s Tale, and White Collar.