Okay, okay so we know the sun is shining now (how we are grateful). But, sometimes, all we really want to do dedicate an evening entirely to catching up on our favourite TV series or ‘Recommended Film’ just added on Netflix.
Do we care that a six-hour telly marathon may not be the most ‘productive’? No. Is it bad to make up an elaborate excuse not to go out just so you don’t have to ‘fess up to the truth? Definitely not.
And next month, the masterminds at Netflix will be making it pretty hard to leave our sofas altogether. From cutting-edge documentaries decoding the porn industry to highly anticipated comedy series - hello, GIRLBOSS – here’s our pick of the best new (and retro) releases coming to Netflix in April. Blankets and snacks at the ready, and play...
1st April
War & Peace - (2015, BBC adaptation)
Even those who did not read Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 classic (well, it’s hardly an ‘easy’ read at 1,400 words), will be hooked on this epic TV adaptation starring Lily James, Happy Valley star James Norton and Paul Dano. Both romantic and tragic, 'War and Peace' follows the story of five aristocratic families in Russia during the the Napoleonic Era. Period drama at its very best (sorry, Downton Abbey).
**Why you should watch it...**Paul Dano’s performance alone.
Last Tango in Halifax - Series 1,2 and 3
The TV version of hot chocolate – warm, comforting and worth staying in for. Loosely adapted from writer Sally Wainwright’s second marriage, Last Tango in Halifax focuses on former childhood sweethearts – Alan and Celia – who reunite in their 70s via Facebook. AW.
Why you should watch it... Sally Wainright, also wrote TV hit Happy Valley. Need we say more?
Call the Midwife - Series 5
A funny and thoughtful portrait of midwifery and family life in 1950s East London. PS. Make sure you have some tissues nearby, there is usually at least one tear-jerking storyline each episode.
**Why you should watch it...**Jack Ashton aka vicar Tom. The feminist dialogue. And outfit envy from Nurse Trixie.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
After a two-year break, the Mystery Inc. gang are back together again and have a crime to solve on Spooky Island. Zoinks!
**Why you should watch it...**Velma’s Gucci vibes wardrobe. Geek chic dah-lings.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s ground-breaking film, based on the untold story of Nazi member and unsung hero Oskar Schindler in German-occupied Poland during World War II. It is widley considered one of the top rated movies of all time.
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
A rom-com starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Clearly, it’s going to be brilliant.
Why you should watch it... Keaton and Nicholson have major on-screen chemistry. And there’s, er, an interesting cameo from Keanu Reeves.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
In a nutshell: It's about a group of actors who are making a fictional Vietnam War film – starring Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black. LOLs aplenty.
Why you should watch it... Tom Cruise’s hands. Trust.
Cool Runnings (1993)
A ‘90s comedy about four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.
Why you should watch it... Nostalgia factor.
4th April
Chewing Gum: Season 2
Meet 24-year-old Tracey - Beyoncé obsessed, desperate to lose her virginity. Funny women? Awkward sex? Adolescence in your twenties? It’s all there. We dare you not to laugh…
Why you should watch it... Every time Michaela Coel [Tracey] graces the screen.
7th April
The Get Down: Part 2
The Get Down: Part 2
Get into the groove with Baz Luhrmann’s second instalment of hip-hop-centric drama The Get Down, which follows the life and struggles of a group of young teens growing up in the Bronx in 1978.
Why you should watch it... The bell bottoms. Jaden Smith. And, the tunes, obvs.
11th April
Kevin Hart: What Now (2016)
Comedian, Hollywood star and unlikely crush - Kevin Hart performs in front of a crowd of 50,000 people at Philadelphia's outdoor venue, Lincoln Financial Field. The show is part spy film part comedy performance. Seriously.
Why you should watch it... Gem lines. Example: "How the hell do you wake up dead?”
Better Call Saul - Season 3
The prequel to the immensely popular Breaking Bad is back for a third season, which follows the twists and turns of small-time attorney Jimmy McGill, hustling to make a name for himself in the big, bad world.
Why you should watch it... An early review at We Got This Covered reveals: ‘The dots that link the events of Better Call Saul to Breaking Bad are slowly but surely being joined.’
13th April
Magic Mike
Synopsis: Male strippers and Channing Tatum mostly.
Why should watch it... C-H-A-N-N-I-N-G
14th April
Chelsea: Season 2
If Graham Norton is your thing, be sure to stream Chelsea Handler’s hilarious chat show, this time shifting to hour-long episodes every Friday.
Why you should watch it... The A-lister's on Chelsea’s couch (last season Chelsea caught up with JLaw and Cyndi Lauper).
19th April
Matilda (1996)
Matilda was the BFF we all wanted as a kid (and also the reason we read books without our parents prompting us too). Hard to believe it’s been over 20 years (!) since the fantasy film, based on the Roald Dahl, classic was released.
Why you should watch it... Feel-good factor. Oh, and to revisit the finest teacher there ever was: Miss Honey.
21st April
Bill Nye Saves the World: Season 1
With the help of ‘correspondents’ from Joanna Hausmann, Nazeem Hussain, Emily Calandrelli and Derek Muller – Bill Nye 'the Science Guy' will be discussing the impact science has had on everything from religion, culture to politics.
Why you should watch it... A cool cameo from supermodel and self-professed ‘nerd’ Karlie Kloss.
Girlboss: Season 1
Inspired by the New York Times best-selling book #Girlboss, by Sophia Amoruso (founder of the fashion brand Nasty Gal. The buzzed comedy series centres on Amoruso (Britt Robertson), who began selling vintage clothes on eBay and, by the age of 28, had built the multi-million dollar fashion empire. Do not miss this.
Why you should watch it... Want to work in fashion? Or build your own business? This show is your go-to career guide. Watch, listen, learn.
Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On: Season 1
The six-part anthology series, based off the acclaimed feature documentary Hot Girls Wanted in 2015, will explore how porn has gone mainstream, decoding the intersection of sex and technology.
Why you should watch it… Episodes like ‘Women on Top’ - following Suze Randall and her journey from in-house Playboy photographer in 1975 to owning an adult film empire.
28th April
Dear White People: Season 1
An upcoming American satirical TV series based on the award-winning 2014 film of the same name. At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a diverse group of students navigate various forms of racial relations and discrimination.
Why you should watch it... Cutting edge social commentary.
READ MORE: The Netflix Documentary Everyone Will Be Talking About Next Month