Seasonal Viewing: 5 Shows to Enjoy During Autumn
I love watching movies, especially cozy or thrilling ones that fit the brisk temps of the Autumn season. I’ve seen so many over the years, but here are some picks of shows that I’ve enjoyed and recommend for anyone looking to add to their seasonal watchlist.
Bodkin
A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.
I love a good mystery and Bodkin has all of the elements of thrilling story that is suspenseful and keeps the viewer guessing. It took some time for the main cast to grow on me, but they have great chemistry with each other even though they spend more time butting heads than working together. The cinematography is gorgeous and the small town setting gives the show an immersive viewing experience. It’s more of an offbeat dark humor show than a straight mystery, but that is what gives the show its special charm.
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Ssanggab Cart Bar opens only at night on the rooftop of a building. Wol-Ju runs the mysterious food cart. Customers who visit Ssanggab Cart Bar consist of normal people and the dead. While drinking alcohol and eating dishes with Wol-Ju, the customers of Ssanggab Cart Bar talk about themselves and try to heal their internal wounds.
Netflix has been picking up more and more adaptations each year, one of them being Mystic Pop-Up Bar. This series is based on a South Korean webtoon and it’s a contemporary story with many fantasy/paranormal elements. I am a big fan of the lead actress (I’ve enjoyed many of her other dramas) and I was intrigued by the synopsis. Not only does this series features scenes with delicious foods, but it’s got an intriguing story that flips back from the past to the present. There’s romance, comedy, bittersweet stories, and lots of action-packed scenes. I like the underlying mystery elements and the chemistry of the cast. It was fast-paced, sometimes emotional, but best of all this drama had so much heart and I think that’s its charm.
Abbott Elementary
A group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do — even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.
I love how this sitcom balances highlights a serious issue (the lack of funding for US schools) with humor. All of the characters have interesting personalities that sometimes clash, but at the end of the day they all work together as a team. The humor is smart and you can tell that with each episode so much heart is put into this show. I leave each episode feeling lighthearted, waiting to laugh again for whatever awaits the characters next.
Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction
This anthology series tests the notion that truth is stranger than fiction. Each episode of `Beyond Belief’ tells several tales of events that would appear to be impossible. At least one story in each episode is true and based on real events. It’s up to viewers to determine which of the logic-defying stories, that often include supernatural elements, are factual.
An oldie but goodie! This show gives me Twilight Zone vibes even though some of the stories told were based on real events. It’s a good way to ease yourself into the spooky season without it being too scary (even though some stories are very eerie!). I like that it puts the viewers to the test of deciding which stories are real which adds to the entertainment factor of the show. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat with every episode and I honestly feel that it could come back as a reboot with the right team behind it!
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
A coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way. Kim Bok Joo is a weightlifter who has a crush on Joon Hyung’s older brother, Jung Jae Yi. At first Joon Hyung teases her and goes along with her act, but soon after that he himself falls for her.
Even though it’s listed in the romance genre, it feels like more of a slice of life drama set in college with very relatable themes. I think viewers can resonate with the characters and some of the situations they face. It also tackles some serious themes like divorce, eating disorders, bullying, cheating in sports, mental health and more. I appreciate the realness of it, even though some scenes are a bit over the top (because it’s a drama). These college athletes are trying to make their way to the top while dealing with life’s obstacles. Plus the casting is superb, I really like the main characters.
Chewing Gum
Tracey Gordon, a religious, Beyoncé-obsessed 24-year-old, is fast to find out that the more she learns about the world, the less she understands.
Chewing Gum is pure gold and Michaela Coel is a genius! She has not only done a fantastic job of writing and directing this show, but she also shines as the main actress. I was laughing my butt off the entire show! Tracey’s (the main character) klutzy nature and nerdiness are relatable to the awkward person inside of us all. I feel like the audience can see themselves in her character and be inspired by a girl who wants to achieve her dreams. Even though it’s a bit raunchy at times, this show has a lot of heart in it.
What other Autumnal-themed shows and/or shows that fit the season do you watch during the Autumn season do you enjoy/recommend watching? Comment below!
