Tackle Your Tech | What to Watch When There’s Nothing Worth Watching

So maybe you’re sick in bed, recuperating from surgery, or just need to chill out with a good show. Hmm…what to watch? You’ve heard good things about critically-acclaimed The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, so you decide to try that. After all, it’s a story about a 50s housewife who finds she has a flair for comedy. How bad could it be?

Ohhh, the clothes are cute! Yikes! Her standup routines are full of profanity and vulgarity. Okay, nope. Another (in a long line) of disappointments…

I recently became frustrated with my inability to find something decent to watch. What do I mean by decent? Well, that’s a tricky one, because we all have different standards. The bottom line is that what bothers you might not bother me, and vice versa. (To see what bothers me, keep reading!)

Then there’s context. Like, you can’t expect to watch a show about mobsters without some language. Right? Um, should we be watching shows about mobsters at all? Again, what bothers you might not bother me, and vice versa.

This isn’t a post about what you or I individually feel is acceptable or unacceptable to watch. Without sounding too preachy, I want to say that I genuinely think this is an issue between you and the Lord. Pray about it! This also isn’t a post where I talk about whether or not we are all addicted to our devices, and we’re watching too much when we should be doing other things. ???? That’s definitely something that we all need to consider. ????????‍♀️

Nope! This is a post about alternatives! I recently took to my Instastory to share my frustration with finding shows to watch that did not have excessive bad language. I don’t use those words, I don’t like hearing those words, and I especially don’t like it when they worm their way into my mind. For me, it’s a faith thing. (Ephesians 4:29 & Ephesians 5:3-5) I asked my Instagram followers to suggest wholesome shows, without an excess of bad language or offensive content. They came through in a big way! (#sograteful) I came up with a quick list, posted it the next day on my Instastory, and pledged to do more research and write a blog post on this very thing. ????

Disclaimer: Most of these are new to me, and I haven’t watched them yet! If I have, I’ll put a ???????? beside them, so you know they’re officially “Suzy approved.” (For what it’s worth! ????)

What to Watch: Netflix

• Anne With an “E”
• 7 Days Out
• Call the Midwife ????????
• Cheer ????????
• Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings
• Father Brown
• Gilmore Girls ????????
• Hart of Dixie ???????? (Got a few episodes into this and thought it was fine, but then started episode 4 ????????. Nope.)
• Star Trek (original series)
• The Heartland
• The Crown ????????
• Virgin River ???????? (Two episodes into this one. There’s a little language. Honestly, I find it kinda boring!)
• When Calls the Heart

What to Watch: Amazon Prime

Required Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases you might make as a result of this post. ????

The whole Amazon Prime Video situation is a little bit confusing, so I’m going to break it down for you! ????

Free on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video content includes movies, TV shows, and some original content produced by Amazon. These shows are included with an Amazon Prime subscription. To browse the list, click HERE. (Or on the Amazon Prime Video page, use the CATEGORIES drop-down menu from the navigation bar at the top of the page and click on INCLUDED.)

If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, you’re missing out on a whole bunch of benefits! It’s not just the free two-day shipping that everyone knows about, but you also get access to things like  Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and more! (I wrote an entire blog post about all of the Amazon Prime benefits that most people don’t take advantage of, and you can read it HERE.) If you don’t have Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free trial membership, which would include access to these shows that my Instagram followers recommended:

• Downton Abbey ????????
• Mercy Street
• The Royal (British medical drama—not to be confused with The Royals)

Available for Rent or Purchase on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime members are also eligible to sign up for Prime Video Channels Subscriptions, which include premium networks like PBS Masterpiece and CBS All Access. You don’t need to have cable or additional apps. Prices for each network range from $4.99/month to $14.99 per month. (You can browse available networks HERE.) These are the shows that my Instagram followers recommended that are available via one of the premium networks for an additional fee:

• Agatha Christie’s Poirot
• Doc Martin
• Jersey Girl (movie)
• Murder on the Orient Express
• Poldark
• Star Trek “Picard” 
• The Paradise

What to Watch: British TV

Several of my Instagram followers enjoy British shows and noted that they tend to be less offensive than American shows. Here are two British-based streaming services which are also available via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels subscription.

Acorn TV

Acorn TV ($4.99/mo or $49.99/yr with free 1-week trial), offers programming from the United Kingdom, as well as Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Mexico.

BritBox

The BBC and ITV created BritBox ($6.99/mo with free 1-week trial). The streaming service features British television series and films, both current and past. As a company, Britbox has decided to keep “inappropriate” series off its network.

What to Watch: YouTube

Occasionally, you’ll find some real gems that stream for free on this platform.

• Return to Me (movie) ????????

What to Watch: PureFlix

Among the responses from my Instagram followers last week, I got this DM:

Yep! She recommended PureFlix! It’s a streaming platform that provides a mix of family-friendly & wholesome entertainment. It includes movies for all ages, kid’s animated titles, documentaries, how-to’s, hobbies, educational, health & fitness, sports, outdoors and travel plus many inspirational and devotional titles. (I’d always thought it was just faith-based films, but apparently, I was wrong!)

The company prides itself on providing wholesome, family-friendly, feel-good titles that carry a great message. They offer everything from inspirational documentaries and laugh-out-loud comedies to uplifting original content. I love the idea of not having to worry (at all) about objectionable content! ???? To browse their content, click HERE and scroll down to the bottom of the page. where you see the word “Browse.” Then click on one of the subheadings to explore further.

PureFlix offers a free 1-week trial, and subscriptions are $12.99/mo or $83.33/yr. If you’re super committed to this type of programming, you can even get a lifetime membership for $1000! ????

Twist Knot Tunic | Bronze Faux Leather Leggings (30% off) | Snakeskin Print Booties | Earrings (similar)

My commitment to bringing you affordable fashion options in January continues! This twist knot tunic comes in a whopping 32 color and style options and is under $20! (Some short-sleeve styles are as low as $10.99!) I ordered an XS, which is my usual size, but it’s a little shorter than I usually like my tunics. (I have that problem a lot because I have a small chest but at 5’5″, I’m too tall to be considered a petite!) I would probably be more comfortable wearing it with my fave jeans next time, but I’d definitely pair it back with these snakeskin print booties! I’ve worn them on repeat this winter! The block heel makes them easy to walk in, and the cushy insole and flexible sole make them so comfortable. ????

I hope you loved this post! I loved researching it an putting it together for you (and for me)!

What were my hits? Were there any misses? Got any other shows I need to add? Leave me a comment and let me know, okay?

Blessings,

Photos of me by Megan Weaver.

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