A new baby means many hours spent feeding, snuggling and burping my little one on the couch and the bed. The bath robe has become my new uniform, spilled milk my only consistent outfit accessory. 

Over the summer and fall as I watched my daughter grow, I also watched a lot of television, and distilled down the series I think are most worthy of your time.

The Serpent Queen

Follow the story of Catherine de’ Medici as she uses her web of spies and ladies in waiting to scheme her way to ruling France for 30 years. Played by Samantha Morton and based on the book “Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France” by Leonie Frieda, the show is a modern take on the life of Catherine, who learns to play politics after getting a chance at royal life.

This historical drama, set in the 16th century, has stunning sets and locations that rival Game of Thrones and take the viewer through historic castles and stone palaces in Italy and France. Despite being canceled in spite of phenomenal reviews, there are two full seasons to binge. 

Watch it on STARZ.

The Hour

Set in the 1950s, a new show premieres on the BBC anchored by handsome actor Hector Madden (Dominic West) produced by the ambitious Bel Rowley (Romola Garai) and rebellious journalist Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw). The three are soon tangled in a love triangle and pulled into an international scandal involving murder and blackmail.

The sets and wardrobe completely transport the viewer decades into the past down to the last details, like an ashtray in every room. Old cars, clouds of cigarette smoke and fabulous clothes add atmosphere to a period piece with a stellar story that keeps the viewer wanting more. 

Watch it on Acorn via Prime.

Shōgun

How much does it cost to recreate 17th century feudal Japan? Apparently $250 million. Based on the 1975 best-selling novel by James Clavell, Shōgun centers on a British explorer and his crew as they sail from England in the hopes of finding Japan. After washing ashore and being taken prisoner by the Japanese, John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) saves his life at the cost of being caught up in a political struggle for power between tribal leaders.

The stunning sets recreate this period of history down to the finest details. The cast is almost entirely Japanese, who speak the language throughout the film. The story centers on Blackthorne and Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful leader with fearsome lineage who rules as lord of the Kanto region. Anna Sawai stars as Toda Mariko, a highborn woman harboring secrets amid her complicated loyalty to Toranaga and affections for Blackthorne in the most expensive international series ever produced by FX.

Watch it on Hulu.

Scavengers Reign

This sci-fi story follows the crew of a deep space freighter marooned on an unknown planet. The story flips between crew members on their individual journeys as they struggle to find their ship and reunite, all while trying to stay safe in a strange and beautiful world.

The planet’s environment is captivating, colorful and dangerous. A truly modern show in that if you swapped out any character for any race or gender, it would work just the same. Even a robot stars in the series, allowing for questions about what it means to be human. 

Watch it on Netflix.

Minx

If you ever fantasized about what it would be like to run a magazine in the 70s, now is your chance. An uptight, educated feminist named Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond) teams up with a porn mag producer (Jake Johnson) to create an erotic magazine for women. Get ready for photo-shoots, parties, a run in with the mafia and a whole lot of full frontal nudity.

Set in Los Angeles, California and based around real historical events of the 1970s, these fully fleshed-out characters (in more ways than one) have fantastic chemistry in this fun series that feels like a good romp in the sheets. 

Watch it on Starz.

English Teacher

The self-professed “terminally online” Brian Jordan Alvarez stars in his new show, English Teacher. The series follows high school teacher Evan (played by Alvarez) as he navigates teaching the new generation of students, demanding parents and his personal relationships. 

Aside from being a funny show with great characters, English Teacher weaves heart and sincerity into each episode, perfectly capturing many of the main struggles in modern education.

Bonus: follow along with Alvarez on his Instagram and TikTok to see the meme he has created to advertise his new show.

Watch it on Hulu.

As the holidays approach, hopefully there is time for everyone to dive into some of these new shows and get some much needed rest and relaxation. I might do a part two of this blog, as I continue to devour more media in this golden age of television.