The world of video streaming is hotting up in India like never before, and there is a plethora of awesome content just waiting to be watched right now. While there are many streaming services offering your typical saas-bahu sagas, we will focus on two of the most popular streaming services, Netflix & Hotstar, for streaming some really cool English TV shows. From sci-fi to horror, and some good old action, these are 10 show you need to binge watch right now.
1. The Americans
Platform: Hotstar
Genre: Drama, Thriller
If you are looking for some sizzling spy action, The Americans is the show you should watch. A period drama/thriller starring real life couple Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, The Americans is the story of two KGB spies, who live in the US as spouses to collect confidential information, while living next door to an FBI agent. The drama unfolds as the couple is forced to go on a killing spree, all this while hiding their true identities from everyone, including their own children. They even start a legitimate travel agency as a cover to disguise the real reason behind their constant absence from home. What happens when the FBI starts closing in on their operations? Watch the 4 seasons and find out.
2. American Horror Story
Platform: Hotstar
Genre: Horror
American Horror Story is not your typical horror show, with ghastly faces and obnoxious sound effects. Instead, the show takes up different spooky themes for each season. Season 1 tells the story of an ancient haunted house, with ghosts that manifest themselves physically, while season 2 is an eerie plot that develops inside a mental asylum. The first two seasons are undoubtedly the best of the 5 season strong series. The best part about the show is that even though the stories change with each season, the cast remains the same, and actors adorn different roles in each new season. With some riveting performances from Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson, AHS is not only addictive, but extremely well directed.
PS: Be ready for some spooky dreams if it’s the last thing you watch at night.
3. Silicon Valley
Platform: Hotstar
Genre: Comedy
If you are hooked to the startup buzz right now, you would love Silicon Valley. The hilarious story of 6 entrepreneurs and their startup journey, Silicon valley is highly addictive and fast paced. The most interesting part about the show is that it gives viewers a taste of real life startup events, such as TechCrunch Disrupt, and also introduces audiences to startup related concepts, trends that are otherwise jargon for the uninitiated. The show has had 4 successful seasons, with the fifth releasing in 2017, making it the best time to catch up on previous seasons.
4. The Newsroom
Platform: Hotstar
Genre: Drama
Ever wondered exactly how thing work in a leading news channel? If yes, then The Newsroom is just the show for you. From breaking news to investigative reporting, the series brilliantly captures the fast paced drama of a news organisation. If you are looking to learn the nuances of news production or need a taste of the high-pressure environment that defines news gathering, Its time to binge watch all 3 seasons of The Newsroom.
5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is an excellent watch for that laid-back Sunday. The Netflix Original sitcom created by the queen of comedy, Tina Fey, UKS is the story of Kimmy, a 29 year old woman, rescued after being held captive in a bunker for 15 years. The comedy series unravels as Kimmy adjusts to single life in New York, with her bizarre roommates, an odd landlady and a vain, high-society boss. With all of 2 season in the bag, UKS is a must watch for lovers of the eccentric.
6. Star Trek
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Sci-Fi
Star Trek needs no introduction. The only reason its here in this list is because Trekkies can now stream the 700+ episodes of this cult show. So, if you are a true Trekkie at heart, you can start binge watching Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: First Contact, and even Star Trek: The Animated Series, on Netflix right now. What’s more? Well, Netflix has also bagged the rights to stream the upcoming 2017 Star Trek series, making it the perfect time for a super trekkie recap!
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Comedy
Unlike any other cop show you have ever seen, Brooklyn Nine-Nine showcases the lighter side of a police precinct. Winner of two Golden Globe awards, Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s star character is Andy Samberg (of the SNL fame). Watch as Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg) and his unconventional team of colleagues hilariously take down New York criminals in this riot of a series.
8. Orange Is The New Black
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Drama
If you are in the mood for something serious and moving, check out Orange Is The New Black. A prison drama with some extremely emotional performances, OITNB is the ultimate fix for those looking to binge watch a long-drawn out series. Although it can be admitted that season 4, the latest in the series, was quite a mood dampener, the first 3 seasons are quite intriguing. Each episode is an hour long, so if you are planning to spend the day watching the show, you better keep some snacks handy.
9. Penny Dreadful
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Horror/Drama/Thriller
One of the most well made shows to watch on Netflix right now, Penny Dreadful explores the classic tales of Dracula, Dorian Grey, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and more such dark characters, set in Victorian London. The lead of the show is former Bond Girl, Eva Green, in an avatar you could have never imagined the actress portray. All 3 seasons of the show are as gripping as can be. Unfortunately, there is no new season in the series, going forward.
10. Sense8
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Sci-Fi
Created by The Wachowski’s of The Matrix’s fame, Sense8 is a twisted take at telepathy. 8 people from completely different parts of the world are connected to each other telepathically, and experience the same physical, emotional conditions as each other. The action picks up when the 8 realise their abilities and compensate for the shortcoming in each other. Season 2 is already filming as we speak, so it’s time you catch up on season 1.