Well, it’s good to see an older woman with a younger man, for a change. It doesn’t occur very often in film. The opposite scenario is, of course, acceptable. This comedy series follows 40-year-old Liza, a suddenly single mother who tries to get back into the working world, only to find out it’s nearly impossible to start at the bottom at her age. When a chance encounter with a 20-something guy at a bar convinces her, she looks younger than she is, Liza tries to pass herself off as 26. Armed with new confidence, she lands a job as an assistant and endeavours to make it in the career of her dreams. This one has had a mixed reception from viewers, but it’s light-hearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s easy viewing. It does get bit far-fetched plot-wise at times. There area a number of seasons to binge for the holidays.

This is a light-hearted comedy drama series that follows four strangers living in New York City who attempt to navigate their lives after they each experience a pivotal loss generating a ripple effect that causes their stories to interconnect. The characters are likable and you become invested in their plight. There’s no violence or sex, which is quite a departure from the usual. But this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment.

Yet another American frontier scenario in the vein of Yellowstone. The story is set in Washington Territory in 1854. The matriarchs of two very different families – one of wealth and privilege bound by blood, the other a found family of orphans and outcasts bound by love and necessity – find their fates linked by two crimes, an awful secret, a star-crossed love, and a piece of land with silver underneath. The collision echoes the American struggle of the haves and have-nots, in a place just beyond the reach of justice. Yes, it’s all been done many times before, the exact plot, different place. The only saving grace is that Lisa Headey and Gillian Anderson are the matriarchs.

Taking internet dating to the next level, this series is set in the near future, where scientists make a momentous discovery – a way to find one’s soulmate. Each self-contained episode illustrates the potential cost of finding true love. Married? In a relationship? No problem. Ditch your partner and find your true soulmate. It’s all possible with just one questionnaire. But it doesn’t mean a blissful life will ensue? It’s an interesting concept, but I prefer the taking a chance on love method down the local pub or nightclub. There is a talented ensemble cast attached to each individual episode. It’s solid viewing, but not brilliant.

Harlan Coben certainly is reaping the benefit from his novels. They are all over the streaming services. I’ve seen his work described as junk-food TV. A bit harsh, perhaps. Do they get a tad repetitive? I believe so. What does get repetitive is James Nesbitt’s facial expressions. His puzzled frown look is very much part of his repertoire. Nesbitt stars as Simon who had the perfect life: loving wife and kids, great job, beautiful home. But then his eldest daughter Paige ran away and everything fell apart. So now when he finds her, vulnerable and strung out on drugs in a city park, he finally has the chance to bring his little girl home. But it turns out she’s not alone and an argument escalates into shocking violence that will shatter Simon’s life all over again. His search for his daughter will take him into a dangerous underworld, revealing deep secrets that could tear his family apart forever. The first few episodes draw you in, but it slows down after that… nodding off, I was.

Valentino Picone and Salvatore Ficarra write, direct and star in this amusing comedy drama from Italy. They star as two Sicilian nurses working in Milan who find a mysterious portal days before Christmas while juggling their distant family lives. The magical discovery promises life changes, but the outcome remains uncertain. It’s entertaining and amusing at times, but I could have used one of those portals at times.

As there’s a new season of Bridgerton about to drop, perhaps it’s time to go back and start again… or not. If you’ve been off the grid in wildest Africa, the Australian outback or outer Mongolia, you may not have yet had the opportunity to view what I’m led to believe is the most watched series on Netflix ever. This is a lush production of wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family and the writing of the mysterious Lady Whistledown. If you have read the Bridgerton novels by Julia Quinn, you may find it has veered slightly away from the original story at times. However, it is still highly entertaining with lavish costumes and sets, and the intriguing matchmaking that goes on with the mothers of the ladies coming out and the bachelors available. If you are left at the ball with no one on your dance card, the situation is dire. Debutantes being presented to Court was abolished by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959.

This is a superb, albeit confronting, drama series adapted from Trent Dalton’s novel, somewhat based on his own life. It’s set in 1985 Brisbane, where Eli Bell’s life is complicated: a lost father, a mute brother, a junkie mum, a heroin-dealer stepfather, and a notorious crim for a babysitter. He’s just trying to follow his heart and understand what being a good man means, but fate keeps throwing obstacles in his way, including legendary Brisbane drug dealer Tytus Broz. Now Eli’s life will get a whole lot more serious. The book is excellent and so is this series. Absolutely loved it.