Not all of our Netflix binges are compatible with our parents’ tastes. Perhaps you’ve tried to explain the appeal of re-watching “Bob Ross” to blank stares, or you fear what they’d think if they found out you regularly fall asleep with “Curious and Unusual Deaths” on in the background.
If you’ll be visiting with mom — or the favorite motherly figure in your life — this weekend and have some extra hours to fill, or simply want to become closer with her through the magic of shared entertainment, try one of these offerings on for size. (Also, consider this your final reminder to buy her a card.)
MOVIES & DOCUMENTARIES
Oh, yeah, we’re talking about the original. The classic twin switcheroo tale from Disney offers plenty of wholesome hijinks and ‘60s nostalgia to soak up.
“Iris”
In this documentary about the then-93-year-old style icon Iris Apfel, aging is something to anticipate rather than fear. It’s a good reminder for moms and daughters of any age that with a creative spirit, the best is only yet to come.
“Tallulah”
When an uninterested mother leaves her toddler in the care of Tallulah, a vagrant type in the throes of a breakup played by Ellen Page, she ends up stealing the kid and crashing at her ex-boyfriend’s mother’s place. Unlikely bonds and police chases ensue.
When Phiona learns how to play chess — and excels at it — she can see a life beyond the poverty-stricken area of Katwe, Uganda, where she grew up. Lupita Nyong’o has a star turn here playing Phiona’s mother, Harriet.
If the current political climate has seen both you and your mom take to the streets and go toe-to-toe in news comment sections, take in this retrospective look at the founding of the modern women’s movement, beginning with the start of NOW. Pink pussy hats optional.
TV SHOWS
Queen Elizabeth II is, to put it lightly, a BAMF. This Netflix original follows her in the second half of the 20th century, as she helps a nation rebuild from WWII and takes on the tricky task of building relationships with politicians like Winston Churchill.
The Season 3 plot might make things a little awkward to talk about with mom, but hey — we’re all adults here, right? This show, which follows two older women figuring out their lives after their husbands have revealed they’ve been having an affair with each other, is a charmer through and through.
If your mom was the type to let you “get away with murder” as a kid, say thanks by sitting down with her for this juicy, dark drama led by none other than Viola Davis. The plotlines can get somewhat convoluted, but at least you’ll never run out of minute details or shocking deaths to hash over on the phone.
A period piece featuring babies, nuns, cardigans and upstart young women — what more could a mom want? This series follows a group of young midwives working in London’s impoverished East End in the ‘50s and ‘60s, which means delectable retro outfits and empowering moments in spades.
There’s nothing like a good modern telenovela to bring people together, and “Jane the Virgin,” with its charming storylines and compelling characters, is destined to become a classic of the genre.
No one can cook quite like mom, but this show is just as warm and comforting as her homemade mac and cheese. This 10-week cooking competition somehow manages to be wholesome instead of cutthroat, and the delightfully British foods and phrases will give you and your maternal figure a new slew of insider references.
Bonus Hulu Recommendations:
Netflix doesn’t have all the shows and movies, after all.
Before You Go
