I recently got waylaid by this gnarly strain of Covid that’s been going around and was laid up on the couch for a week as a result. Inevitably, the dilemma of what to watch arose, seeing as how I was a captive audience and couldn’t do anything else; however, I quickly realized that there was a limit to my concentration and patience. I couldn’t seem to get through any kind of show that was too heavily plot driven, on account of not having the brain power to follow complicated plotlines or character arcs. I needed instant gratification, uncomplicated scripts, and pretty costumes to hold my shattered attention span. So, dear readers, here is my list of top frock flicks to watch when you’re stuck on the couch, in a cold medicine induced semi-hallucinatory state with absolutely zero braincells to commit to anything of substance.
Anything that is low effort, high reward (i.e., great costuming)
Marie Antoinette (2006) fits this perfectly because it’s mostly vibes and not a lot of plot or dialogue to have to pay attention to.
Other suggestions that fall into this category:
Ever After (1998)
Topsy-Turvy (1999)
Any Jane Austen movie/miniseries
Doesn’t matter which one, just click on the first one that comes up!
Anything with a million episodes and good eye candy
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Poirot (1989-2013)
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-15)
Downton Abbey (2010-15) plus the films
This list is just to get you started, but you can always browse our archives and find more ideas for your one person watch party!
Do you have films or TV shows you’d add to this list? Share them in the comments!
I’d add Gilded Age to the list. Even though there are fewer than 30 episodes as of now, none of the plots are terribly complicated, and it’s very pretty to look at, so it’ll give at least a couple of days of entertainment.
Ooo good one!
Horatio Hornblower series… cannonballs, sailing, shirtless British men, more sailing….
Yes! Good suggestion!
Some of those are on my ‘something for background’ while I sew!
Hope you feel better soon…
There’s definitely an overlap with sewing background shows and sick on couch shows!
I would add The Durrells in Corfu, which doesn’t have enough episodes to suit me. Cast, characters, gorgeous scenery, 30s costumes – it’s got it all.
I haven’t heard that one yet, but it sounds right up my alley!
It’s set in 1935-39, it tells the story of an English family transplanted to Greece. It stars Keeley Hawes among others. Very enjoyable.
Except for the mean, nasty characters. I couldn’t finish it.
Jeeves and Wooster?
Absolutely!
Heck yes!
Austenland is a favorite as are several of the Pride and Prejudice series…NOT the movie with pigs.
At least not when I need calm because my tendency to rant and spit nails comes out with P&P with pigs.
“A Room with a View” and “Enchanted April”, for that let’s-escape-to-sunny-Italy vibe that automatically makes you feel better!
I scrolled down to suggest these two! Beautiful and utterly relaxing. Fun and funny.
I usually go for musicals like “Sound of Music,” “Meet Me in St Louis” or “My Fair Lady”, probably because I used to watch a lot of TCM at my grandma’s house when I was home sick from school.
Absolutely Downton Abbey!! And miss Fisher!! The Durrells maybe? And All creatures great and small? Gosford Park is perfect for when it’s raining and you’re feeling awful!
Brideshead Revisited, the Jeremy Irons version
Ooh definitely! Can you believe thaey’re remaking it yet again?!