Current Favourite Television Shows

Every evening if I'm not doing anything, I'll be sitting with my mum in the living room watching one of the many tv shows I've discovered while being off from work and school. So while being off from work and university hasn't been the most enjoyable time, some of the things that got me through those boredom spells were Television shows. So here are some of my current favourite television shows I've watched of late. Hopefully, there is something in here for all of you.


Television Shows

I'm definitely more of a tv show buff than movies, I think there is something I enjoy about the consistent storytelling that adds complexity to characters and furthering along development and storylines. While there are so many movies that are brilliant, there is more time given to tv shows which is something I prefer. So, here are my current favourite tv shows.


JANE THE VIRGIN
2014-
Comedy/Drama/Romance
7.8/10



You can find seasons 1-3 on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer here

A young, devout Catholic woman discovers that she was accidentally artificially inseminated. 
- IMDb

My Thoughts:
Jane the Virgin is absolute perfection, it's not only witty and funny but can be incredibly relatable. While the show's premise is completely ridiculous and over the top (although that's what telenovelas are) it can show accurate portrayals of family, love, loss and grief. From murders to telenovela stars, it is simply a must watch.

A Must Watch: 
If you want a show that will make you laugh, and will leave you with suspense and wanting more.

Standout Star:
Gina Rodgruiez won a golden globe for her role on Jane the Virgin, the only golden globe the CW network has ever won for a show on their network.

BATES MOTEL
2013-2017
Horror/Drama/Mystery
8.2/10



You can find seasons 1-4 on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer here

A contemporary prequel to Psycho, giving a portrayal of how Norman Bates' psyche unravels through his teenage years, and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is. - IMDb

My Thoughts:

Warning: This show contains Rape, Murder, Incest and other troubling themes. Please do your own research on the show. If some of these are triggers for you, you may want to skip this one.

Bates Motel is a masterpiece. The characters in this show are so complex and have so many layers to them, I think it would take a few sittings to really try and understand them. Which would be easy, considering how good this show is. It show's Norman Bates not as just a serial killer, but someone who really doesn't quite understand what is going on with him. While saying that, Bates Motel is really fucked up. Like really fucked up. So if you're able to stomach some of the themes of the show, you are in for an absolute treat. A perfect prequel to the timeless work of art that is Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

A Must Watch:
If you want a horror/drama series that explores the work of Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock

Standout Star(s):
Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore are absolutely fantastic on this show. Their acting skills are unbelievable and they truly do deserve more recognition for it. They are the backbones of this show and they have put everything they have into it.

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
 2013-
Comedy/Crime
8.3/10



You can find seasons 1-4 on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer here

Jake Peralta, an immature but talented NYPD detective in Brooklyn's 99th Precinct, comes into immediate conflict with his new commanding officer, the serious and stern Captain Ray Holt.
- IMDb

My Thoughts:
This show is a gift that keeps on giving. The actors and actresses not only have incredible comedic timing but also the cast is filled with so much diversity it's refreshing to see. While the show has moments where I'm rolling around with laughter, they also touch issues like racial profiling, homophobia and dodgy police work. Its overall tone is how to be better cops, how to be better people. This show is absolute perfection and you will not be disappointed in watching this.

A Must Watch:
If you want a lighthearted show that will guarantee you hours and hours of laughter.

Standout Star(s):
I can't list one standout without listing them all. All of the cast truly make the essence of this show. If one was missing completely, I don't think it would be the same.

SUITS
2011-
Drama/Comedy
8.6/10



You can find seasons 1-6A on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer here

On the run from a drug deal gone bad, Mike Ross, a brilliant college-dropout, finds himself a job working with Harvey Specter, one of New York City's best lawyers.
- IMDb

My Thoughts:
I just love Suits so much. The storylines, the characters are so witty and creative. I love how fast-paced the show is and how complex some of the storylines are. Not only are the characters intricate, but they are very strong and independent, especially the female characters. While it will be sad to see the departure of Megan Markle leaving the show to become a royal I'm excited to see what the show will bring next. Suits never disappoint.

A Must Watch:
If you like fast-paced drama with hints of comedy and endearing characters you will love and root for.

Standout Star:
Gabriel Macht is wonderful in this show. His delivery and timing are wonderful and I feel as if he is the only person who can play Harvey Specter, he is the soul of the show.

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER
2014-
Crime/Drama/Mystery
8.2/10



You can find seasons 1-2 on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer here

A group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defence professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives.
- IMDb

My Thoughts:
This show is genius. The storyline is fast-paced, interesting and keeps you hooked, wanting to know what happened that night that the murder took place. The series is straight to the point and unlike other television shows, it gives you answers every episode instead of leaving until the finale. You will find yourself going back and re-watching, trying to find clues you may have missed before. Watch one episode and you'll be hooked.

A Must Watch:
If you want a constant feeling of "oh my god" and "what the hell just happened?' and if you want satisfying endings for confusing and frustrating storylines, this is the show for you.

Standout Star:
Viola Davis. I don't think there is anything I can say about Viola Davis that even comes close to the justice of describing her incredible acting on this show. Viola Davis and Shonda Rhimes are a match made in heaven.

VERONICA MARS
2004-2007
Crime/Drama/Mystery
8.4/10



You can find the full seasons on Stan, and you can watch the trailer here

After her best friend is murdered, and her father is removed as country Sheriff, Veronica Mars dedicates her life to cracking the toughest mysteries in the affluent town of Neptune. 
- IMDb

Warning: This show has depictions of rape, please keep this in mind before viewing or this may be a show you might want to skip. 

My Thoughts:
Okay, I know I'm late to the Veronica Mars train, but in my defence, I would have only been a child when Veronica Mar's hit our televisions. I doubt little old me would have appreciated it back then the way I do now. Veronica Mars is amazing, from the cases to unfolding the truth of Lily Kane's murder, it's absolutely brilliant. I wish I could make everyone watch this show so they could see for themselves how genius this show is. The movie to follow in 2014 was a great way to end the series conclude the Veronica Mars chapter, but I honestly wish it went on forever.

A Must Watch:
If you like murder-mystery and seeing a strong, independent and badass female lead. This show is still entertaining and interesting now, 13 years later.

Standout Star:
Kristen Bell, oh my god. I am of course quite familiar with Kristen Bells film and tv work but I truly think she shines in this show. This role could only be pulled off by her.

THE GOOD DOCTOR
2017-
Drama
8.5/10



You can watch The Good Doctor on channel 7/plus 7 and you can watch the trailer here

Shawn Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and Savant syndrome, is recruited into a surgical unit of a prestigious hospital. 
- IMDb

My Thoughts:
Freddie Highmore does it again with The Good Doctor. This show is very touching and I've had a lot of moments watching where I've cried and have found myself truly rooting for Shawn and for him to succeed in this field. Even though the first season is still airing, I am absolutely hooked and find myself waiting every week to see what Shawn does next.

A Must Watch:
If you want a show filled with a lot of love and characters you are going to love and adore.

Standout Star:
Freddie Highmore. With every role he has, he completely embodies the character. He is exceptional in this role, and I honestly have no words to really describe his acting. It's something you'll just have to witness for yourself.

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So here you have it! My current favourite tv shows at the moment. Is there anything here you have already seen or anything you now would like to see? let me know what you think through my social media above!

If you liked this post, feel free to leave a comment down below and tell me what you want to see next!

My Goals For 2018 and What I'm Leaving Behind in 2017

The beginning of a new year is always quite exciting, It's a time where you can re-invent yourself and create goals that you will hopefully try to follow. Where you try to leave the bad behind in the previous year while bringing the good with you into the new year. A new year is a new start, a fresh beginning and something to help you put that bounce back in your step to achieve the things you want to achieve. Here are some of the things I'll be leaving behind in 2017 and my goals for 2018.

WHAT I'M LEAVING BEHIND IN 2017

Doubts In Myself

I will be attempting to leave behind the attitude that I won't be fully healthy and normal. In 2017, I was convinced I would live with severe back pain for the rest of my life, or that it would be years till it was gone. To my surprise, it has completely stopped. I thought I would have to solely rely on walking aids, shower chairs, pain medication, etc to help me live a normal day, but I've been able to stop using/taking all of that and live relatively pain-free.

While I know I have achieved so much in the past year, there is still this voice telling me I'll never get to what I used to be. It's very hard imagining myself being completely healthy and happy, but the more mental blockage I put up, the longer it will take to get to where I need to be. I've proved myself wrong so many times in 2017 and it's time I start approaching things more positively.

For that reason, I'm leaving doubts I have in myself back in 2017

                                      
                                           September 2017 England (main support: crutches)

October 2017 Halloween (no crutches)

   

MY GOALS FOR 2018

University 

This year I will be going back to university to continue studying my Bachelor of Psychology. I haven't been at uni since 2015, and even then it was a struggle trying to complete a semester due to my condition flaring from the stress, so this semester I'm approaching uni a little differently. I plan on only studying part-time with two units instead of full-time studying with four units.

My condition is very stress related, so easing back into university will be the best thing for me health wise and study wise as it's been a long time since I've been back to the books. I'll be doing my units online and I cannot express how excited I am to finally hit resume on education.

So, my first goal is to actually go back to uni and try to achieve high grades. Something I've learned over these past few years is that I need to pace myself. While I'm not going full speed ahead, I'm trying to have some normality and give 150% of effort as opposed to half of that by taking on too much.

my attempt at trying to be organised

Work

Every day I am working on my fitness, since working with an exercise physiologist I've improved a tremendous amount. I'm going on daily walks and doing multiple exercises and stretches that my ex-phys kindly set up for me.

This is why a goal of mine this year, is to return back to work. My work has been amazingly supportive of everything I've been going through with my health and I cannot wait till I'm back working at a job I love, surrounded by amazing people and getting back into the groove of things.

My lovely ladies: Lauren and Cassie 

Some of the #1207 dream team: Gill, Jess and Lauren

Weight Loss 

As some of you may know, thanks to some of my medications I've gained a lot of weight. While I understand that these medications were there to help, which they are helping, it's been hard accepting how much I've changed from the slim girl I used to be.

Thankfully, the medication that I'm taking is starting to reduce, to the point I will (soon!) no longer need to take them. While I've been reducing, I've also been eating better and so far I have lost 10.5kgs since October 2017. Once I'm off the medication completely, a lot of the weight will just drop off on its own, but, it is so motivating to see the roundness of my cheeks go down, and to see my clothes fitting me better.

Aug 2017

Jan 2018 (taken whilst writing this... procrastination, ha!)

Regular Blog Posts

I can admit that I've posted fairly irregularly this year with not too many blog posts. If I'm being honest, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted this blog to be for me. I know now that I want to write regular blog posts and I want to continue writing in general. This blog is quite therapeutic for me and helps me be motivated with all the downtime I have, helps me work towards something.

So in 2018, I'm going to continue writing at least 2 blog posts a month. While I know it may not seem like a lot, I am going back to university and I'm not sure how it will affect my free time. Until I figure that out, I feel as if 2 blog posts a month are doable and something I can achieve. Hopefully, with time, I can continue to post more but its all about pacing myself and living within what I can do.

my current blog look

GOODBYE 2017, HELLO 2018

So here it is, what I'm leaving behind in 2017 and what I'm working towards in 2018. For the first time in a long time, this new year truly does feel like a fresh start for me. It is a time where I can put my head down and truly work hard to get to where I need to be. What are you excited for 2018 to bring you and what are you leaving behind in 2017? Let me know in the comments below or contact me through my social media!


If you liked this post, feel free to leave a comment down below and tell me what you want to see next!