The 9 Best Shows to Binge Watch While On Maternity Leave (PART II)

There’s nothing like a slew of new, buzzy shows to get me excited. As a parent, it’s often difficult to find the time (or energy) to actually binge as thoroughly as I’d like. But the postpartum period is one of those special, hazy, living-outside-of-time-times, that so many of us finally get to slow down long enough to bond with our babies, eat everything in sight, and dive into a hearty binge-watch. I’m so looking forward to this time and to catching up on some new shows. And I’m not the only one.

In all that I’ve written and posted on my blog, The Thirteen Best TV Shows to Binge Watch While on Maternity Leave, is my highest read post. Since it’s been a few years, and my own baby # 2 is on the way, it feels like time to make a part two. I still very much stand by my previous list so check it out if you’re looking for a variety of shows, but this way you’ll also have more current options.

As in the last post, I’m keeping these recommendations to somewhat lighter fare. I’m all for a deep, dark dive into Westeros (Game of Thrones), Hawkins (Stranger Things), or 18th Century Scotland (Outlander), but bloody violence is not my preference after living it in birth. Besides, the postpartum period should be one of tender coziness. You have enough to worry about than stressing over the fate of Soviet spies (The Americans). (But if hardcore dramas are your THING, then do watch all of those shows because each of them is excellent in its own way; especially The Americans.)

The Good Place

My love for The Good Place is well-documented. Equal parts funny, heartwarming, clever, and innovative, this show is really everything you need to fill those early baby days. It takes several episodes to find its groove, so give it the requisite five to get into this kooky world. You will not regret it! The first two seasons are currently on Netflix, with the third sure to be added once the fourth (and final) season kicks off this Fall, 2019.

Derry Girls

I cannot say enough about how much I love this show about a group of teen friends in 90’s Ireland. This is the first show in a long (ever??) that features teen protagonists with almost zero romance. It’s about odd-ball friends navigating the weirdness of Catholic 90’s adolescence and you will howl with laughter. With the new season now out, you have two six-episode seasons to dive into. It’s not too much of a commitment, and it is a TRUE delight. Available on Netflix.

Queer Eye

Like you need me to tell you to watch Queer Eye, one of the most popular break-out shows in the past year. But just in case you’ve been waiting until you have weeks of baby time to dive into a show like this, go forth! Queer Eye is all about radical self-love, a message we all need, and maybe especially in the postpartum period. 4 Seasons available on Netflix.

PEN15

If you’re a new mama right now, chances are you are around my age. Which means, you grew up in the time of AIMing, BOP magazine, gel pens, and The Spice Girls. Thus, you will love this show. The central love between the two best friends took me back to my middle and high school days on a visceral level. Hilarious and gutting, PEN15 fearlessly explores female adolescence in a way that no other show has. It’s so true, it hurts. One season available on Hulu.

Fleabag

I (clearly) watch a lot of TV, and Fleabag is my favorite show of 2019. I’ve been telling everyone I know to watch Fleabag. My husband and I finished watching it months ago, and I’m STILL thinking about it. Written and starring playwright Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this show has deep roots in theatre. Funny, dry, emotional, BRILLIANT. Fleabag explores a woman’s inner world in the context of a bizarre external one so deftly and with such careful attention, you can’t help to fall in love with the flawed, strange, deeply human characters. I love this show so much, I bought the jumpsuit from season 2, episode 1 and am counting the days until I can wear it (is the literal day my baby is born too soon?) Two seasons available on Amazon Prime.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

If you’re looking for a clever, summery, visually rich and well-written show, this will be your jam. Set in the late 1950’s, it follows a young mother finding herself as an up and coming comedian. Midge Maisel is a delight of a character, and a real inspiration for when you’re looking to get back to yourself after those early days of motherhood. The cast is glorious, the writing is fast and funny, and the costumes are so delicious, you’ll wish there were more than two seasons. First two seasons available on Amazon Prime.

Atypical

As a former therapist, I avoided this show for a long time, despite it looking right up my alley. I thought it would be all therapy-y, pandering, and maybe even sanctimonious? I was TOTALLY wrong and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. Atypical follows a teen boy on the autism spectrum and his family as he navigates first love and the challenges of late adolescence. While it doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, it is a really sweet and joyous show. First two seasons on Netflix.

Insecure

I’ve written a bit about Insecure before, but if you haven’t watched, I mean, now is the TIME. It’s one of the most relevant and insightful shows about love, friendship, and work in your twenties. Each season gets better and better. With three seasons available on HBO, go enjoy!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Fast, funny, light, and one of those shows that’s easy to pick up and put down when you’re inevitably interrupted by the cries of a hungry baby. With a lovable cast of characters and non-stop jokes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is great for a binge-watch. First five seasons are available on Hulu.

Go forth, and binge, beauties! And let me know which shows I should add to my list, since I’ve seen all of these already!