Show Week

During O-week, watching Netflix definitely isn’t your top priority; at least, I hope it isn’t. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people! Uni is truly the beginning of something fresh. But what about those days when you’re a touch hungover… Or your social battery is drained? Our Opus Designer-and-Netflix-enthusiast has compiled a list of her current Top 3 TV shows to keep you entertained.

Maid

This one isn’t a light show: it really brings up some emotions. I think I cried at least once during each episode, sometimes because of the main character Alex’s situation, but sometimes because of how fortunate I am to have the support system I do. Maid delves into numerous aspects of domestic violence, including one that is frequently overlooked: emotional abuse. It depicts the harsh reality that many women are forced to return to their abusers (did you know it takes most women seven attempts to get out of a violent situation for good?). Alex also has her three-year-old child with her. At one point, they end up sleeping on a ferry floor because they have nowhere else to go. It made me realise how others may be affected, particularly the hidden homeless, who sleep in their cars and struggle in secret. The most heart-breaking part is that Maid is based on a true experience: a memoir written by Stephanie Land, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. I’m predicting awards for this show.

Where to watch: Netflix

Bump

Finding good Australian shows at all can be really hard, let alone on that has a good sense of humour! Bump follows two teenagers who have an unexpected baby at 17 and need to juggle parenting, friendships, and finishing school. The main Character Oly, I won’t lie, isn’t the most loveable character at first. Her attitude toward her parents and her (albeit, justified) selfishness does make her unlikable at times. However, her situation—dealing with studying while your breasts are leaking milk at school because the baby needs to be fed—isn’t the most common struggle of a 17-year-old high-schooler… I think she deserves some slack. We get to follow around Oly’s parents and friends as well, showing how a situation can affect everyone around you.

Where to watch: Stan

Ted Lasso

I had been hearing about this one on Apply TV+ for a while and I will say, if you haven’t watched this yet, you are missing out! British humour has got to be some of the funniest I’ve seen. An American football coach is hired to manage a British soccer team (not knowing anything about it, by the way). Despite the obstacles and insults thrown at Ted, his contagious optimism and determination is just so heart-warming. He might be one of the most loveable characters—unless you’re a pessimist, then he might just be annoying; but then he might be just what you need! I’m not the biggest sports fan but watching the passion and camaraderie people have for their teams does make me feel like I’m missing out on something. And I can promise you won’t be crying in this show.

Where to watch: Apple TV+