What to Binge-Watch During the 2016 Snowstorm

Thanks to this weekend's wintry assault, there's finally time to watch all those shows everyone has been chatting about online and at work.

This weekend the forecast is for Netflix and chill. Literally.

A serious blast of winter is here, ensuring many Americans will be staying in to avoid the cold.

On the plus side, there's finally time to watch all those shows everyone has been chatting about online and at work. After this weekend spoiler alerts may be a thing of the past when it comes to addictive series such as "Making a Murder" or "Jessica Jones." It's also an opportunity to take in two of the contenders for the best picture Academy Award at this year's Oscars now "The Martian" and "Mad Max: Fury Road" are available to stream.

So forget about the snow outside and get ready to binge. 

DOCUMENTARIES

"Making a Murderer" 

Let's face it, if you have made it three weeks into 2016 without having discussed this Netflix docu-series, it's almost mandatory you avoid the inclement weather by watching it this weekend. After spending 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Steven Avery filed suit against Manitowoc County, Wis., and individuals involved with his arrest. Two years later Avery is back behind bars accused of the murder of Teresa Halbech, who was last seen on his property. Over 10 episodes directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos follow the case and keep you hooked through the verdict and beyond. [[366212371,C]]

"Noma: My Perfect Storm"

Available on Amazon Prime, this documentary movie looks into the world of genius chef René Redzepi, whose restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark has been named best in the world four times. Awaiting news of whether they have reclaimed the title once again, the camera explores the kitchen and meets the staff as they create extraordinary tastes and dishes. NOTE: Ensure fridge is well stocked ahead of snowstorm if you plan on viewing! [[366211931,C]]

"Bolshoi Babylon"

HBO takes you behind-the-scenes at Moscow's acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet as it's rocked by scandal when acid is thrown in the face of artistic director Sergei Filinby an unknown assailant. Highlighting the off-stage drama, the guilty party lurks within company ranks. [[366212231,C]]

BEST PICTURE OSCAR CONTENDERS

"The Martian"

From legendary director Ridley Scott ("Alien," "Thelma and Louise," "Gladiator") comes a tale of human endurance and ingenuity when astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is stranded alone on the planet Mars when his crew leave without him in order to escape a severe storm. With no communication to Earth and little in the way of supplies, Watney must find ways to stay alive in the hope a rescue mission is on its way. Available at Amazon. [[306530121,C]]

"Mad Max: Fury Road"

Director George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic world he created over 30 years ago, only this time Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy and Nicholas Hoult are along for the death-defying rides. A true blockbuster, this rousing action flick is B-movie perfection thanks to sumptuous production details and eyebrow-raising car stunts. [[285536891,C]]

SERIES

"Jessica Jones"

Krysten Ritter ("The Blacklist") and David Tennant ("Doctor Who") star in this 13-episode Netflix series about a former super hero who becomes a private investigator, using her powers to track down her tormentor. From the Marvel canon, "Jones" explores the darker side of being a superhero in the modern world. [[366215811,C]]

"Mozart in the Jungle"

Fresh off a win for Gael Garcia Bernal at this year's Golden Globe Awards, this comedy from Amazon follows maestro Rodrigo (Bernal) as he navigates life at his new job at the New York Symphony, where oboist Hailey (Lola Kirke) is working hard to make it to the top.  [[366223671,C]]

"The X-Files" 

With FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Andersen) returning in a new 6-episode series next week on Fox, draw the curtains on the snow outside and settle in for some creepy and thought-provoking fun from one of the longest running sci-fi series in network television history. Granted, nobody wants the bad weather to keep you inside long enough to devour the 202 episodes of the original series (1993-2002) available on Hulu, but if you stick to the early seasons you can't go wrong with almost any adventure into the unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. [[366222551,C]] 

"Narcos"

Netflix takes on Columbia's Medellín drug cartel over 10 episodes. Told from the points of view of Escobar (Wagner Moura) and a U.S. DEA Agent (Boyd Holbrook), this action-drama follows the drug battle from early days through to the global war on drugs. [[366217171,C]]

"The UCB Show"

Amy Poehler co-hosts this new sketch show on Seeso, NBCUniversal's new comedy subscription platform. Along with Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser, Poehler introduces the best character work and stand-up from the Upright Citizen Brigade's shows in Los Angeles. Five episodes so far. [[366218841,C]]

"House of Cards"

If the wackiness of the current race for the White House has you hooked and you aren't familiar with the Machiavellian machinations of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his equally power-hungry wife Claire (Robin Wright) yet, grab a ballot and be prepared to vote for one of Netflix's most-acclaimed dramas. And with season four arriving on March 4, you've got plenty of time to get through all 36 episodes. [[366222371,C]]

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