January’s Top Netflix Picks
As most of you know, or frankly none of you, ya girl had sinus surgery yesterday and has since been trapped in bed with the cutest bloody nose and an even cuter mini schnauzer asleep at my feet. Other than falling in and out of slumber (Thanks, narcos), there isn’t much to do except spend time with my oldest and truest love: television. Lucky for you, that means writing a completely subjective list about the top Netflix picks of the week. Whatever bullshit you’re dealing with, from seasonal affective disorder to family fallouts from the holidays, I hope these shows can get you through this difficult time. Enjoy!
Cheer
Have you ever had to live up to impossible standards? Were you dealing with INSANE amounts of anxiety and pressure as a young adult? Do you wish you would’ve had an outside parental figure to turn to when your nudes got leaked online? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Cheer is the show for you. Not to be confused with the 90s’ hit sitcom that launched Kirstie Alley’s career, Cheer is basically the real life version of Bring It On. But instead of the Rancho Carne Toros vs. The East Compton Clovers, we’ve got Navarro College vs. Trinity Valley Community College. Besides the incredible athleticism that defies all laws of physics, this docu-series introduces us to the students behind the uniforms. We learn about the trials and tribulations Navarro students have had to overcome (LA’DARIUS) and the strength (both mental and physical) that it’s taken to get them this far. By episode 2, you won’t be able to stop from rooting for them to place first in Daytona so they can finally touch the ocean. Also shout out to real life Tami Taylor: Monica Aldama, a.k.a. “The Queen”, whose tough but fair persona has made her a local celebrity and put Corsicana, Texas on the map. The team hosts an incredible cast of characters from Lexi, the reformed bad girl, to Jerry, the heart of the team, to cheer-lebrity, THE Gabi Butler. The death defying stunts these athletes are able to perform will make your blood pressure shoot up, which basically makes you an athlete too! Enjoy the 6 episode mini series and remember: “We can. We will. We must!”
2. Don’t F*** With Cats
This one is not for the weak stomached. It starts off with some pretty disturbing allusions to animal abuse and snuff films, but without giving anything away, there will be retribution. This 3 episode mystery docu-series takes a sharp left turn from funny cat videos to a hunt for a serial killer. You’ll be hooked after the first episode and out for vengeance, like Alexis Neiers after reading Nancy Jo’s article. Plus the two internet sleuths who help police solve this mystery are oddly endearing in a “we haven’t seen sunlight in months” way. Think Patton Oswalt as every character he’s ever played.
3.Sex Education
A killer soundtrack? Check. A queer person of color starring as one of the leads? Check. A hot, troubled girl with a name so pretty I need to remember to use it if I ever decide to have kids? Check. Sex Education is a British comedy series that answers all the questions teens are too uncomfortable to ask. It’s funny, heart-breaking, and like a modern Degrassi, it covers multiple issues high school students are both likely and unlikely to face. Like catching your single sex therapist mom sleeping with your girlfriend’s dad!
4. Unbelievable
This show has been on Netlifx since last September and it’s truly a travesty how little I’m hearing about it. First of all, any show starring Toni Collette and Merrit Weaver should be given ALL THE AWARDS. Unbelievable is based on an article titled "An Unbelievable Story of Rape". It follows Kaitlyn Denver, who plays a young woman coerced by police into retracting her rape allegation. As we jump ahead 3 years, we see the contrast in how rape victims are treated by police and the sensitivity that’s now been instilled in officers, specifically female officers. It’s a combination of true crime and drama that will have you on the edge of your seat as we share in these survivors’ stories.
5. You
I know, i know, i know. This show has a lot of problematic themes and subliminal messaging that when put in the wrong hands (I’m talking to you, incels and neckbeards) could be considered dangerous. But You has had me hooked since Season 1. And Season 2 brings even more to the table. We’re in L.A., meaning creepy Brett Easton Ellis vibes, which might as well be the entire undertone of the show. Plus, more Ambyr Childers (a.k.a. Randall Emmett’s ex-wife), more women of color, and more poetic justice for Joe. What’s not to LOVE?