For the most part, January is always a pretty dull month. Coming down from the high that was silly season, throw a pandemic and 3rd lockdown into the mix and you have a recipe for declining serotonin.
However, while we have little else to enjoy around us right now, what we do have are long dark cosy nights and television entertainment. Whether you’re fortunate enough to still be in work and want to find a way to fill the evenings, or if you’re currently in between life and are looking for a way to distract yourself throughout the days which lie ahead, we have the perfect watch for you.
Below we’ve rounded up some of our favourite series that are perfect to work your way through to make this month at least 100x better.
Bridgerton
If you haven’t already sped your way through this, we’re certain you would have at least heard of it by now. The series of the moment, Bridgerton is a period drama which follows the lives of wealthy English families as they navigate life and attempt to find love, power, and money. Whats more, it also stars our very own Nicola Coughlan, who you most likely will recognise as Clare from Derry Girls, meaning that’s little not to love.
All 8 episodes are currently on Netflix, so what are you waiting for?
The Style Counsellors
Coming down from a busy December, The Style Counsellors is the perfect light entertainment to unwind at the end of a day. Perfect for any fashion lovers out there, this is the ultimate Irish makeover show, sure to give you some style inspo for when we can eventually wear something other than loungewear again!
The best news is, season two has just begun on RTE One, so tune in each Tuesday at 8.30pm to check that out! Alternatively, you can stream all episodes on RTE Player.
The Crown
Much like Bridgerton, The Crown has been the talk of the town in recent months. With season four exploring the relationship of Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher with the monarchy, it might be a good time to start from the beginning and work your way up. Or, if you have already watched it, why not start it all over again, it’s just that good!
The Cabins
Dubbed as the ‘winter Love Island’, The Cabins is the latest reality dating show to hit our screens. Beginning this month, The Cabins sees singletons enter a cabin together on a first date, spending 24 hours with one another on the most intense first date you could ever imagine.
If you missed any of the first episodes the good news is you can catch up with them all on the Virgin Media Player.
Married At First Sight Australia
If you’re longing for something to occupy your time then look no further. With many successful series of ‘Married At First Sight’ around the world, and after working our way through them all we can safely say that the Australian one is the best. Filled with drama from the get go, the reality show shows two singletons set up by professionals, meeting only at the alter on the day of the wedding.
If that sounds like a bit of you, you can get stuck into the latest season on All 4.
Normal People
If you missed the Normal People hype the first time around, no worries! Now is your second chance to get stuck in! Based on the novel written by Sally Rooney, the series follows the story of Connell and Marianne as they navigate life and love together.
Available to stream almost anywhere, we reckon your first port of call should be on the RTE Player.
The Masked Singer
Having missed out on many talent shows last year due to the pandemic and difficulty filming. January is starting off solid with The Masked Singer. A kind of guilty-pleasure type show, as you can probably guess from the title the talent show is a top-secret competition in which celebrities go head to head singing while dressed in a disguise. Dropping some hints on their identity along the way, the show will leave you guessing from begging to end.
Entertainment for the whole family, you can catch new episodes on Virgin Media One each Saturday night at 7pm.
The Mandalorian
Season two of The Mandalorian dropped late last year and fans of the Star Wars franchise simply cannot get enough. If you are yet to get sucked into the world of the Jedi, the show follows the story of Din Djarin, a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, some five years after the events of the return of the Jedi.
Stream both season one and two on Disney+ now.
Best Leftovers Ever
With many of us on a health kick after the Christmas, it’s fair to assume that there are plenty of leftovers lying around your house at the minute. If that is the case, say hello to your new favourite show! A cooking show with a difference, Best Leftovers Ever sees cooks go head to head to create the best dishes possible with kitchen leftovers.
Check it out on Netflix now.
The Fall
If there’s one face that can brighten up January, it’s Jamie Dornan’s. The Irish-UK crime drama series follows the lives of a serial killer as he is hunted down by a female detective. It’s available to stream on Netflix if you have that option, but if not never fear as you can find all episodes on the RTE Player too!