What I'm Watching

*Some Spoilers!*

As the snow begins to fall here in Michigan this November, I'm ready to hunker down with my favorite chunky blanket and catch up on my lists. Personally, I watch Netflix and Hulu regularly. I know that there's lots of other streaming services out there that probably have a lot of options and merit, but I'm trying to simplify my life. So two streaming services it is.

Let's start with Netflix first, actually this is the only service I've been watching so far this month. This is usually my go to service. Last month, I started watching Scandal. As an avid Grey's Anatomy fan, I figured it was finally time that I check out Shonda Rhimes' second biggest show. Apparently though, I live in a hole, because I had no idea that the show had already ended.

Previous to watching Scandal, I had never been into political shows, which might have been due to the crazy drama actually playing out in our country. It must have been the romantic thread that was also present in this show, but I was hooked after only a couple episodes! After I quickly finished Scandal, and several great red wines, I looked for another political drama and came across Designated Survivor, at the recommendation of my dad.

Designated Survivor is a pretty unique show featuring Kiefer Sutherland. I had no idea what a designated survivor was before watching this. Basically, when a majority of the political leaders including the sitting president and vice president are gathered, someone is appointed to remain far from the event in an undisclosed location. That way, in the event of the presidential line of succession being wiped out for whatever reason, the designated survivor would then become Commander in Chief.

While this show is pretty cheesy, as all 'good' dramas are, but it has a pretty cool story line which I appreciate. The second season ended with a surprise when sitting president Tom Kirkland announced that he will be running for re-election. I can't wait to see how his campaign plays out, especially since he is a registered independent. There's only two seasons so far, both on Netflix right now. But, and get excited!, a third season has been picked up by Netflix and will be released sometime in 2019.

Since I finished Designated Survivor, I have started another political show, this one being more of a political thriller if you will. It's called House of Cards, and I know, I know, I'm late to this game. With excellent cinematic value, and Kevin Spacey as the lead, I'm not surprised that it has won so many awards.

I'm not in too deep yet, only having just finished the first season. But already, I'm drawn to the characters and the storylines. I have to admit, there are some episodes that I finish watching and I'm like 'What am I missing?!' This show certainly has some of the wtf-factor. I can't help rooting for Frank Underwood at certain times but I also hate him. Also, what is up with the way he is constantly talking to the camera? Seems slightly out of place, almost like they are trying an Office-esque thing here.

I was totally caught off guard with the finale of Season 1, when Doug Stamper finds out just how much Zoe knows. The beginning of the episode starts off leading you to think that Frank's ambitions are coming to a head with his possible Vice Presidential nomination. As Frank's former mistress, Zoe, begins to dig into what exactly happened to Peter Russo, we start to think that maybe, just maybe, the truth will come out. Frank's wife, Claire, is one of my favorite characters and she generally plays an accomplice to Frank's antics. Her storyline is really cool, as she is the CEO and owner of a water filtration company. The inner woman in me is happy to see this being portrayed in film. I was also surprised to see her visiting a fertility specialist in the season finale, as her and Frank never seemed to want children. When Frank actually becomes Vice President, it opens the door wide open for lots of political moves just like the ones from Season One. I can't wait to start Season Two!

If you're looking for some new things on Netflix this month, here's a couple things I have added to my list and I can't wait to dive into! Obviously, there's a new season of House of Cards on Netflix this month. I've also added Outlaw King to my list, mostly because of Chris Pine, but also because it seems like a fairly new plot-line. Also, I'm a sucker for that Scottish accent. Sixteen Candles also joins us on Netflix, which I actually have never seen. I added that to my list along with the ever classic, The Breakfast Club, which I have seen but can't help re-watching. For the sixth time.

If you're like me, you might sometimes forget the classics that Netflix has on all the time! Here's a few things that are always on my list. The Office, duh, because who doesn't love constantly re-watching this while folding laundry/doing homework. My very favorite chick-flick, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Friends, also a great background show and I'm constantly studying for a trivia night that I haven't yet found. Gilmore Girls, and the corresponding A Year in the Life which I always love watching around this time of the year. P.S. I Love You, come on, sometimes you just need a good cry!

I can't wait to see what's new next month! Also, if you're looking for a new favorite blanket, check out this Etsy shop!