A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles

Amor Towles's second book, A Gentleman in Moscow [9], has been on my "to read" list for months now, but I only just picked it up a week before London went into lockdown. I didn't fully know what the book was about before diving in, so the fact that it's about a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest at the luxury hotel he's been living in — not able to venture outside, not even for exercise or groceries — is quite timely subject matter. The main character's resilience and positive outlook has been inspiring at a time when my normal way of life has been similarly disrupted. Plus, Towles's gorgeous, intricate descriptions of the Metropol Hotel make you feel like you, too, are roaming the halls of the decadent and historic building. — Sophia Panych, content director, POPSUGAR UK

Bordertown

I love crime dramas so much that by now, I've made it through nearly all the British and American series out there. Because of this, I turned to some of the Scandinavian options on Netflix, discovering Bordertown in the process. It's a Finnish crime show that follows detective Kari Sorjonen after he moves his family to a quiet lakeside town on the border with Russia. The move was for a simpler way of life, but what they get is anything but. In addition to a riveting plot line and strong female characters, the scenery of the northern Finnish coastline is absolutely breathtaking. There are two seasons on Netflix, but I'm pumped that the third is coming on 11th May. — Sophia Panych, content director, POPSUGAR UK

Watch Bordertown [10] on Netflix.

Unorthodox

I've been dabbling in shows that follow women living in ultraorthodox and extremist religious communities — like ISIS and the Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn. If you're also keen on a peak into these lifestyles, I'd recommend Netflix's Unorthodox and Caliphate. — Kara Kia, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Watch Unorthodox [11] on Netflix.

Emma by Jane Austen

I did high school in the Caribbean, so with the exception of Shakespeare, we only read black and brown authors. I've always wanted to read some of the British and American classics, like Jane Austen and H. P. Lovecraft. I thought I'd start with Emma [12] because Anya Taylor-Joy is one of my favourite actresses, and she stars in the Emma remake [13].— Kara Kia, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

10 Things I Hate About You

Lately, I'm all about watching nostalgic movies that make me feel like I'm being wrapped in a big, warm hug. Of course, 10 Things I Hate About You [14] is one of my all time favourite movies, firstly because Heath Ledger [15] is such a dreamboat, but also because it's so damn funny! I'd forgotten how hilarious this film was until I rewatched it last weekend, and I was cackling from start to finish. It's also one of the only movies I quote (badly) the entire way through, which was a joy for both me and my boyfriend. — Ange Law, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Watch 10 Things I Hate About You [16] on Disney+.

Sweet Home Alabama

I wasn't kidding when I said I've been on a nostalgic movie kick lately. I strongly encourage you to revisit this Reese Witherspoon [17] classic, which made you laugh, cringe, and fall in love all over again. Plus, the movie's famous line "so I can kiss you anytime I want" never fails to make me weep (in a good way).— Ange Law, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Buy or rent Sweet Home Alabama [18] on YouTube.

Coffy

Freeze! You jive motherf*ker! Haha! I had a look through Netflix's cult classics and saw the iconic '70s blaxploitation film Coffy starring Pam Grier — oh, is it a treat! It's a true time capsule of the '70s, with weave-snatching humour, subversive political commentary, and everyone's breasts accidentally falling out — spectacularly camp. — Kara Kia, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Watch Coffy [19] on Netflix.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

If you're not one of the many people who've already read (and fallen in love with) Sally Rooney's second novel, Normal People, then now's the perfect time to pick it up. It tells the story of two Irish teenagers who navigate their adolescence and early adult years together, tackling all of the heady emotions that come along with it. The novel deals with topics like sexuality, mental health, and modern class divide, and the BBC has adapted the book into a 12-part series which is dropping later in April. — Ange Law, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Read Normal People [20] on Amazon.

Moone Boy

This show is such a delight to watch, and because the episodes are just 30 minutes long, I love to put it on when I need a quick pick-me-up — which is often right now. Co-written and co-starring Chris O'Dowd (from Girls fame), the show follows Martin, a 12-year-old boy living in rural Ireland with his parents and three older sisters. Martin has a vivid imagination, resulting in an imaginary friend named Seán (played by O'Dowd), who helps him pull off all the ridiculous (and hilarious schemes) he comes up with. I don't have a NOW TV Entertainment Pass [21], but I love Moone Boy so much, I rent the seasons Amazon [22].

Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid

I am a total sucker for page-turner romance books, and Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series is exactly that. The first book, Neanderthal Seeks Human is exactly what you'd expect from a book that starts with a woman losing her job and longterm partner in the same week. But what sets this book apart is the whip-smart dialogue, clever characters, and the kinds of female friendships we all want in our lives. This series has eight books, and a spin of series with a further seven books — and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone that loves love and a bit of drama, and hates saying goodbye to characters at the end of a book. — Ange Law, assistant editor, POPSUGAR UK

Read Neanderthal Seeks Human [23]

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

"In these trying times, I find that I'm experiencing a sense of comfort from watching a network show that's airing new episodes in real time, almost like you're watching along with the world. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist isn't a perfect show, but the blend of absurd (many, many, musical numbers) and real-life issues is hitting the right notes for me — no pun intended." — Becky Kirsch, senior director, content strategy

Watch Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist [24] on Channel 4.

The Bold Type

"The Bold Type is about three friends living in NYC and working for a magazine. It's kind of like a modern spin on Sex & the City. It's so well-written with lovable characters that I am obsessed with it!" — Zara Patel, editorial intern

Watch The Bold Type [25] on Amazon Prime.

On My Block

"There isn't a single episode of this show that I'm not cracking up at SOME point. The characters are so full of personality and unapologetically themselves it's my favourite show on any streaming service right now. Plus the soundtrack doesn't hurt." — Zareen Siddiqui, senior audience dev manage

Watch On My Block [26] on Netflix.

Queens of Mystery

"If you love quirky, slightly fantastical mysteries with a touch of dark humour (where my Pushing Daisies fans at?), this mystery show will hook you from the start. It follows a young detective who returns to her hometown in the English countryside, where she solves cases with the help of her three aunts who raised her. Oh, and the aunts are all crime writers who own a mystery-themed bookshop together. It's the perfect fluffy series for a cosy day inside." — Tara Block, director, growth and strategic features

Watch Queens of Mystery [27] when Acorn TV launches in the UK on 29th April.

Sex and the City

"This show has been around for years, but somehow it never gets old. Watching Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte run around the city is so entertaining, and seeing how they tackle relationship issues is amusing and sometimes even enlightening. Sex and the City [28] is basically just one big rom-com sectioned into six seasons, and honestly, what's better than that?" — Lauren Harano, growth and strategic features editorial assistant

Watch Sex & the City [29] on Amazon.

Lovesick

"Formerly known as Scrotal Recall (bless that name change!) and formerly on Channel 4, this quirky comedy is both genuinely sweet and comedy gold. It follows a guy who attempts to contact all his previous sexual partners after being diagnosed with chlamydia, so humour is definitely a must-need. The series seamlessly transitions from a raunchy comedy flashing through one man's sexual history into a beautiful love story between two friends, and it's a pleasure to watch the cast make that journey over all three seasons." — Mekishana Pierre, assistant entertainment editor

Watch Lovesick [30] on Netflix.

Knives Out

"Knives Out immediately made it onto my list of favourite movies when I first saw it in theatres last year. Since then, I've seen in four more times and I've loved every minute of it even more. A combination of everything Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clue, this murder mystery film is clever without being cheesy, pokes fun at itself, manages to be super relevant, and creates a narrative that has you hooked until the very last scene. Also, have you seen Chris Evans in that sweater?? 11/10 would recommend." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending & viral features

Watch Knives Out [31] on Amazon.

Night on Earth

"I usually watch nature documentaries when I feel anxious — they help take me out of my head by reminding me I'm just one tiny part of something much larger. Since my anxiety has been cranked up to 11 lately, I've been watching this show to help fall asleep. It's like Planet Earth, but filmed at night with high-tech cameras. You wouldn't think a show involving lion hunts and baby seals being attacked by bats would be relaxing, but something about the darkness and Samira Wiley's smooth narration is so soothing and helps calm my mind after a day spent stressing." — Mary White, copy chief

Watch Night on Earth [32] on Netflix.

Killing Eve

"I know, I know — I'm late to the game here. I'd heard a million good things about Killing Eve for years, and watched it sweep award show after after show, but somehow let it slip out from under my radar. Now I'm in full-blown binge-mode and could not be more entranced by the Eve-Vilanelle storyline. What everyone says is true: this series cannot be missed." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor

Watch Killing Eve [33] on BBC iPlayer.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

"It's a classic epic quest with a sprawling imaginary landscape that eased my shelter-in-place claustrophobia. And although good ultimately wins out, this series doesn't back down from tragedy and heartbreak, in a way that resonated with everything I'm feeling right now." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, fitness

Buy The Lord of the Rings trilogy [34] on Amazon.

Grace & Frankie

"This is just the ultimate feel-good show, no matter your age! Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are PERFECT as Grace and Frankie. Every character on this show is loveable and flawed, and their antics crack me up like very few shows have. While most of the episodes are just delightfully entertaining, the show doesn't shy away from some raw and emotional moments that really allow you to connect with the characters." — Stacy Hersher, director, social & partnerships

Watch Grace & Frankie [35]

Drive Me Crazy

"I've been watching some of my favourite early 2000s movies lately and they're bringing me so much joy. This week I watched Drive Me Crazy and Get Over it, and it just feels like spending time with an old friend. They remind me of simpler times with butterfly hair clips, high school dances, and Shane West crushes, and they make me completely forget about the outside world for a bit. I'm a sucker for anything nostalgic, and right now it's the perfect thing to turn to." — Caitlin Gallagher, senior living editor

Watch Drive Me Crazy [36] on Amazon.

The Invisible Man

"I'm admittedly a huge scaredy cat and avoid horror movies at all costs, but when my roommate rented The Invisible Man after it dropped on Amazon Prime early, I couldn't help but get sucked in. Elisabeth Moss [37] is incredible in it, per usual, and Aldis Hodge's bulging muscles provided me with plenty of courage to continue watching through even the most scream-inducing moments. There are some pretty wild twists that I definitely didn't see coming, so I'd say it was totally worth the £16 rental cost. And I surprisingly haven't had any nightmares yet!" — Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending and viral features

Watch The Invisible Man [38] on Amazon.

Lost Girls

"Lost Girls is a gut-wrenching true story about a mother's search for her missing daughter and the lengths she'll go to get answers. It's a dark story about sex workers, female relationships, and how going through similar trauma and loss can create a forever bond between strangers." — Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features

Watch Lost Girls [39] on Netflix.

Hunters

"Jordan Peele [40]'s new series on Prime is a striking look at 'Operation Paperclip' and the presence of Nazis in America after WWII. Al Pacino [41] and his diverse group of hunters (Josh Radnor [42], Logan Lerman, Tiffany Boone, Carol Kane, and more) are on a mission to expose them and take them down at any cost. It's by no means a light watch, but you'll be strapped in and intrigued by the backstories and secrets of each of the hunters, and the lengths they're willing to go for The Hunt." — Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features

Watch Hunters on Amazon. [43]

Black Lightning

"One thing you can never take away from The CW is the knack for hitting all the right cues with its DC TV shows. Black Lightning has been batting a thousand since its first season and continues to thrill fans with its unique mix of superhero lore, real-life references, and gritty authenticity. Being a Black superhero family is badass enough, but the cast brings nuance to characters that can seem outlandish and beautifully tackle a myriad of subjects like mental health care, religion, institutional racism, and police brutality. You won't regret getting sucked into this one." — Mekishana Pierre, assistant entertainment editor

Watch Black Lightning [44] on Netflix.

Kim's Convenience

"As the child of immigrants, I love watching family comedies that highlight the unique experience that is growing up between two (or more) cultures. Kim's Convenience follows a Korean-Canadian family who runs a convenience store in Toronto and is the perfect slice-of-life series to suck you in. The Kims aren't super dramatic or broody, they're just an average family that happens to be hilarious. Their dynamic is not only relatable, but heartfelt and authentic. If you don't fall in love with Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), Umma (Jean Yoon), Janet (Andrea Bang), and Jung (Simu Liu [45]) after the first season, I'm going to recommend you watch it again. Obviously, you missed something the first go around!" — Mekishana Pierre, assistant entertainment editor

Watch Kim's Convenience [46] on Netflix.

Schitt's Creek

"My boyfriend and I have been watching a lot of serious, nerve-racking shows that make us feel anxious before bed. We decided to start Schitt's Creek [47] as a mood lightener and see why everyone loves it so much. I have to admit it took me a few episodes to understand the characters, but now we can't stop watching it. We've completely abandoned our serious shows and watch Schitt's Creek back to back, every night." — Krista Jones, associate editor, shop

Watch Schitt's Creek [48] on Netflix.

Money Heist

"This show has been on my list for ages, and after finishing Elite I figured I'd continue on the Spanish drama track. I'm halfway through, and it's one of those shows that just has it all: a gripping storyline, incredible and complex characters, romance, and it makes me laugh (somehow) to boot! I keep trying to find holes in it, but it's airtight." — Charisandra Perez, social & partnerships coordinator

Watch Money Heist [49] on Netflix.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

"I need TV that makes me cry laughing right now, and Larry David [50] is one of the only people capable of that. If you've never seen it before, it's worth binging every season this comedy where LD (aka Bernie Sanders on SNL and Seinfeld co-creator) plays a fictionalised version of himself creating problems everywhere he goes. This season is particularly hilarious, poking fun at the current political climate, calling out b*llshit, rolling eyes at absurd social niceties, and taking spite to a whole new level. Just watch!" — Joanna Douglas, head of native content

Watch Curb Your Enthusiasm [51] on NOW TV or Amazon Prime [52].

Mr. Right

"I've been soaking up any and all rom-coms I can find on streaming networks and I was surprised I'd never heard of 2015's Mr. Right, starring Anna Kendrick [53] and Sam Rockwell. The film, which follows the story of a woman who unknowingly falls in love with a hit man (and then finds out she's SUPER into his dangerous lifestyle), is hilarious, surprisingly charming, and terrible in all the most feel-good ways. I never thought I'd find the idea of juggling knives with your date romantic, but this movie makes it work." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending & viral features

Watch Mr. Right [54] on Netflix.

Elite

"This is a controversial statement, but I'm going to say it anyway: Elite is the show Gossip Girl [55] wanted to be. The show is just doing things the other girls can't! Sure, it's highly unrealistic that a top-tier private school would have a murder mystery every year, but we're not tuning in for realism. We're exclusively here for dramatics, good-looking adults playing teenagers, and fabulous gowns!

The Spanish-language series mainly focuses on the culture clash that erupts between the school's rich students and the handful of attendees on scholarship, but it also covers teen pregnancy, religion, grief, drugs, and everything in between. It'll make you laugh at adolescent foolishness, admire how the characters recklessly fall in love with each other, and constantly question why Lu is the only one to break out in random English phrases. How on earth these teens manage to graduate amid all their drama is the real mystery, but when they're this fun to watch, who cares? — Mekishana Pierre, assistant entertainment editor

Watch Elite [56] on Netflix.

Tiger King

"Tiger King [57] might be one of the most unhinged pieces of content to ever hit Netflix — and this is the streaming service that brought us Love Is Blind [58]! Each episode brings with it unforeseeable twists, changing opinions on every person involved, and . . . music videos? It's a lot, and it's what we need right now." — Kelsey Garcia, editor, trending and viral features

Watch Tiger King [59] on Netflix.

Justified

"I am FINALLY getting around to watching Justified, a show that has been recommended to me by so many people over the years. If looking at Timothy Olyphant's face doesn't give you a glimmer of hope, I can't help you." — Maggie Panos, senior editor, voices

Watch Justified [60] on Amazon.

Little Fires Everywhere

"I loved this book and could not wait to see Reese Witherspoon [61] and Kerry Washington [62] bring these characters to life on the small screen. Hulu released the first three episodes at once and it has done a great job delivering on the story lines. As much as I love the a-list actors, it's the next gen that are keeping me interested. The clothes and music are also really fun and an added bonus for Joshua Jackson [63] as Reese's husband!" — Lisa Sugar, president

Watch Little Fires Everywhere [64] on Hulu.

iZombie

"My husband and I are huge fans of Veronica Mars, so when we realised we had some time on our hands to binge, we turned to another series created by Rob Thomas: iZombie. It's clever, slightly spooky, and light enough to raise our spirits (from the dead) at the end of the day. — Maggie Panos, senior editor, voices

Watch iZombie [65] on Netflix.