We all know I am a sucker for a good round-up post, and since the weather hasn't been the best and things have only just begun to re-open, I've been watching a lot. So today's post sums up five things I've been watching recently, that you might enjoy watching too!
Hamilton
Disney+
If you follow me on Twitter, or know how much I love theatre, then it will come as no surprise that when the Hamilton film dropped on Disney + I was all over it quicker than the words-per-minute in some of the raps in the show. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton aka the guy who helped establish the US' first two central banks (Bank of North America and the First Bank of the United States), founded the New York Post, was the first Secretary of the Treasury for George Washington, wrote 51 out of 85 Federalist papers, basically started a revolution and is one of the founding fathers of America. All his history but told in song with some nods to other parts of American history, uhhh yes, please!
From my previous post you might've seen I adore National Treasure, which covers some of the other Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, so I'd always had Hamilton on my radar but the elusiveness (and price) of the tickets meant until now I'd never managed to see it in full glory, and oh boy was I missing out. The staging, the music, and that exceptional cast and costumes have my heart a-singing, not to mention the songs - special shout out to my current faves Helpless, Satisfied, Wait for It and the icon that is King George III's You'll Be Back complete with that shoulder shuffle.
Love Island Australia
ITV2 / ITV Player
It comes as no surprise that I am one of those people who adores the drama that you're guaranteed in a 9pm showing of Love Island, and since the UK one wasn't going ahead, I have been sinking my teeth into the Australian counterpart. Whilst there's not quite as many dates or games - I'm looking at you the baby challenge - there is drama aplenty. Shock re-couplings, a hot Australian cast and a truth bike that is just basically a bike that gives you an excuse to be savage - GENIUS TELEVISION. Whilst I am aware of how superficial the concept is, not to mention the lack of representation and diversity, I am a sucker for a trashy reality show about love. I am so sad that it finished on Tuesday but you can bet I'll be watching the next season of Love Island, and yes I am excited about it. If you've never watched it before, get yourself onto the ITV Player to catch up - it's binge-worthy.
Dynasty
Netflix
If the level of drama in Love Island wasn't obvious, it's nothing compared to the trashy delights that surround the lives of the Carrington clan in Dynasty. Based on the characters from the original 80s show, Netflix's title follows the life of socialite and aspiring businesswoman Fallon Carrington, and her family's escapades. There's everything from covered up deaths, missing siblings, a businessman Lothario father who's done some dodgy dealings and his endless rota of new wives (who all seem to be called Crystal) a brother-in-law turned gay best friend, and family staff that have more secrets than a Poirot suspect. The over-the-top scenarios, picture-perfect cast and bizarre occasional-musical episodes mean it's a perfect form of escapism entertainment.
Hannibal
Netflix
Last but not least, and in complete contrast to the other things I've been watching, I've recently delved into the TV series and psychological thriller that is Hannibal. My lovely friend Emily had recommended me this in the past and its one that had remained on my 'to watch' list for a while, and after reading my way through a more chick-lit lately, I wanted to get my thriller fix through the screen rather than the page. The show follows Will Graham, a criminal profiler who's recruited by the FBI to help investigate a serial killer in the Minnesota area. Whilst working, Will is asked to be supervised by forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and each episode follows a different case. Learn from my mistake, this is not one to watch with your dinner - but it is a gripping and fascinating show, and you really see Will empathise with the murders. It's an interesting view into the psyche of killers and the reasoning behind their actions so if you're after something suspenseful and a crime orientated thriller, this one might be for you.
Bake Off: The Professionals
Channel 4 / 4 On Demand
Another thing you've likely seen me raving about is my love of a good baking and cooking show. I deliberated between including Celebrity Masterchef here too but since we're only a few episodes in, and I've committed more time over the past few weeks watching Bake Off: The Professionals (sorry Masterchef I still adore you). Much like The Great British Bake Off, the professionals version pits baking hopefuls against one another in a set of challenges, the only difference is the contestants are duos of professional chefs from the world of patisserie. Challenges included making different variations of sweet treats, big bakes or petit gâteau aka the tiny cakes you see in fancy bakeries, to making chocolate centrepieces that wouldn't be amiss on a Hogwarts banquet table. There's usually drama - smashed sugar elements, under-baked components and even the occasional argument between team members - and the beloved OTT presenters to make it teeth-achingly saccharine viewing - magnificent. Top tip, make sure you have something to eat whilst watching otherwise it will make you ravenous!
And there we go, five things I've been watching that you might want to watch too! If you've got any recommendations, do let me know
Kisses
Chlo
