18 Netflix Original Series to Stream in 2018 (#Ad) #Streamteam Netflix_CA

18 for 2018 

You'll want to add these Netflix Original Series to your 2018 What to Watch List. 

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Canada Streamteam I receive

special perks for my participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own. 

Limiting myself to just 18 Netflix Original series for this list was a tough task. Both the quality and quantity of the content Netflix is creating is outstanding. These 18 are sure to get you started, but don't feel you need to limit yourself when there are so many binge-worthy options. 

So much drama ...
There is literally so much great TV drama for you to watch this year! These are just a few examples of the many Netflix Original drama series currently available to stream. 
1) Atypical (2017, TV-MA, 1 season) 
Sam, a teenager on the autism spectrum has decided he's ready to date. The problem is his family doesn't seem quite there yet, about his dating or his demands for more independence.  
2) Girlboss (2017, TV-MA, 1 season)
She's quirky, creative and her own boss. Now if only she can just resist being her own worst enemy and sabotaging what she has created. 
3) Gypsy (2017, TV-MA, 1 season)
I found this psychological thriller to be disturbing on so many levels, yet I couldn't seem to look away. I think therapist Jean Holloway could use some therapy of her own. 
4) Grace and Frankie (2018, TV-MA, season 4 recently added) New Episodes
News Flash: Age Is Only A Number! And Grace and Frankie are proof. Unfortunately those around them, and sometimes their bodies, have yet to hear news.

Out of this world ... 
If you are a sci-fi or fantasy fan then Netflix has you covered in 2018. Whether you're into zombies, vampires, aliens or some other supernatural occurrences Netflix has something for everyone.   
5) Black Lightning (2018, TV-14, 1 season with new episodes added weekly) New Series
School principal and retired superhero Jefferson Piece is faced with some tough decisions about his family, school, community and his retirement status. 
6) Glitch (2015, TV-MA, 2 seasons)
People aren't suppose to return from the dead, and definitely not six of them! I think we can agree that is sure to throw anyone for a loop. 
7) The Mist (2017, TV-MA, 1 season)
It's not the fog that's the problem, so much as the terrifying visions and creatures it hides. (This series is based on a Stephen King novella.)
8) Colony (2017, TV-14, 2 seasons) New Episodes
Just how far would you go to protect the ones you love? In this near-future series former FBI Agent Will Bowman will have to answer that question, as tries to keep his family safe and all together. 
9) Van Helsing (2017, TV-MA, season 2  recently added) New Episodes
Vanessa Helsing wakes from a 5-year coma finding herself in a vampire nightmare, and to learn her vampire immune blood makes her very likely humanity's last hope. (No pressure there, I'm sure.)
10) Altered Carbon (2018, TV-MA, 1 season) Season 1 coming February 2nd, 2018. New Series
"After 250 years on ice, a prisoner returns to life in a new body with one chance to win his freedom: by solving a mind-bending murder" 

Crime and Punishment ... 
The saying goes, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time", but is it really that black and white? These Netflix Original series clearly show it's complicated, messy and grey. 
10) Wanted (2017, TV-14, 2 seasons) 
After being framed for a murder they witnessed, total strangers Lola and Chelsea become fugitives and "partners in crime" so to speak.
11) Retribution (2016, TV-PG, 1 season, recently added) Recently Added
"A dark web of secrets and lies emerges when a newlywed couple is killed and detectives question their feuding families."
12) Manhunt:Unabomber (2017, TV-14, 1 season)
FBI Profiler Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald is trying to catch the Unabomber, but in order to do that he'll need to find support within the FBI Unabom Task Force (UTF) for his new approach to profiling.     
13) Mindhunter (2017, TV-MA, 1 season)
FBI Profilers Holden Ford and Bill Tench attempt to catch murderers and serial-killers by first understanding how they think. Hoping to "get in the mind" of murders they get up-close-and-personal with some of the most notorious murders incarcerated at the time. Their work in this area of criminal science is the basis for current serial-killer profiling. 
14) Seven Seconds (2018, TV-MA, 1 season) Season 1 coming February 23, 2018. New Series
The search for the truth about the death of a 15-year-old African American boy killed by a Jersey City cop has tensions running high between the African American community and the Jersey City Police.    

Made me laugh ... 
Sometimes all you can do is laugh at life and all it throws all you. These are just a sampling of the Netflix Original comedy series that will keep you in stitches in 2018.
15) The End of the FxxxING World (2017, TV-MA, 1 season, dark comedy) Recently Added
Be warned this is not a lighthearted comedy, and definitely not appropriate for younger viewers. It is a story about what happens when two teens -- James a self-diagnosed psychopath and Alyssa the rebellious new girl at school -- decide a road trip to find Alyssa's real father is a good idea.    
16) Friends from College (2017, TV-MA, 1 seas0n)
A group of friends who met at Harvard reconnect as they approach their 40's only to find that their complicated and interwoven relationships aren't any less so 20 years later.  
17) American Vandal (2017, TV-MA, 1 season, dark comedy) Recently Added
This true-crime satire begins after someone vandalizes 27 Hanover High School faculty members' cars by spray-painting phallic images on them. Dylan Maxwell, who claims he's innocence is expelled for the crime, prompting a student-filmmaker to investigate the controversial crime, suspect and penalty.  
18) Disjointed (2018, TV-MA, 2 parts) New Series
Ruth Whitefeather runs a medical marijuana dispensary called Ruth's Alternative Caring with the help of her 20-something son, and a security guard. As you can imagine the three of them get up to all sorts of "high" joints jinks. 

This year I plan to add shows not in my usual or go-to genres to "My List". For me that includes adding more shows from the psychological thrillers, and sci-fi/fantasy categories. How about you? What's on your "What to Watch" list for 2018? Will you be considering shows from genres or with themes you may not have in the past? 

If you want to stay up to date on the latest news and content available on Netflix Canada be sure to follow the them on twitter and facebook. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about learning this year.  

2017 - A Year of Outstanding Streaming (#Ad) #Streamteam @Netflix_CA

A Look Back: 12 Months and 12 Netflix Original Series 

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special 

perks for my participation, posts, and sharing. All opinions are my own.

As 2017 comes to an end, I thought I'd take the time to highlight some of the Netflix Original series I had the pleasure to watch over the past year. This is by no means a complete list, but it does give you an idea of the quality and quantity of content created by Netflix. 

My Year of Bingeing in Review:

January: Riverdale (Season 1) TV-14 

February: Santa Clarita Diet (Season 1) TV-MA

March: Marvels Ironfist (Season 1) TV-MA

April: 13 Reasons Why (Season 1) TV-MA

May: Girlboss (Season 1) TV-MA

June: Unbelievable Kimmy Schmidt (Season 3) TV-14

July: Friends from College (Season 1) TV-MA

August: Atypical (Season 1) TV-MA

September: Marvels The Defenders (Season 1) TV-MA

October: Mindhunter (Season 1) TV-MA

November: Argon (Season 1) TV-MA (subtitles)

December: The Crown (Season 2) TV-MA

If you haven't had the pleasure of watching the shows listed above be sure to take some time in the new year to check them out.  

Wishing you a Happy New Year and Happy Streaming in 2018!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about a year of streaming.

She's Back! Season 3 of @KimmySchmidt on @Netflix_CA #Streamteam #Ad

Mommy is going to need some "Me" time because Kimmy Schmidt is back!

That's right people! Season 3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt will be here May 19th!

Disclaimer: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts and sharing. 

All opinions are my own. 

What does this Mom want for Mother's  Every Day? 
Uninterrupted Netflix time to stream my favourite shows and movies. So fold your own socks, and make your own meals cause this Mom is otherwise engaged. 

But feel free to bring me coffee and snacks ...
Because I'll be too busy binge watching all the shows I'm midway through streaming to make it for myself. I want to be fully focused on Kimmy when May 19th comes around! 

If for some bizarre reason you haven't watched the first 2 seasons of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt might I suggest you get cracking! That means HURRY! Like go NOW! RIGHT NOW! NOW!

Happy Streaming People! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Kimmy. 

Inside Minds of Teens: Common Ground & Conversation #Streamteam #Ad @Netflix_CA

Ever feel like Parents are from Mars and Teens are from Venus?

Gaining Insight into the Minds of Teens, Finding Common Ground and Starting Conversations with a little help from Netflix:

 Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation. All opinions are my own.

I have to admit there are times when it seems like my kids and I are speaking different languages, or worse not speaking at all. I'm not sure if having boys and our differing gender plays any part in the degree of awkwardness involved in some of our conversations, or if it's merely a parent-child generation gap thing. I do know as a parent it's important to have open lines of communication with my kids, and to find ways to make our conversations two way and meaningful. For that to happen I need my kids to feel comfortable(ish) opening up to me and their father, and to know we are here and available to talk about anything, even if "anything" is awkward and hard to talk about. I need my kids to know we'll always try to keep and open mind, and be supportive. They need to know that even if we're not thrilled about what they have to say, we love them and that won't change.  

Having said that I won't say no to a little help along the way gaining insight, finding common ground, and finding ways to help segue into some of the more challenging conversations. Turns out that watching some of your kids' favourite shows with them may just be the conversation bridge you're looking for. 

Watch what happened when Netflix brought some parents and teens together before and after watching 13 Reasons Why. 

Parent Cheat Sheet (because who doesn't need some cheat notes sometimes?)

Other Resources:

• 13 Reasons Why Talking Points (created by SAVE.org and JED Foundation)
• Beyond the Reasons (Netflix - after show and discussion with the cast, producers and mental health professionals)
• 13 Reasons Why Global Resource Website

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about connecting with our teens.

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts, and sharing. All opinions are my own.

Netflix-Cheating Excuse #46: "I was liaising between you and the show" #Ad #Streamteam @Netflix_CA

I wasn't cheating! I was acting as liaison between you and that show. 

... and Other Netflix-Cheating Excuses.

As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for my participation. All opinions are my own.

Who? Why? Where? When?

The above infographic clearly shows if you're a cheater cheater netflixing pumpkin eater, you're not alone. And really is a "lie by omission" really a lie, or merely a tiny oversight on your part to disclose you accidentally watched a show you promised to watch together? 

Sometimes a well executed apology is your best approach: 

Since realistically the majority of Netflix-Cheaters can expect to eventually get caught, brushing up on a heartfelt apology before hand just makes good sense. As can be seen by Michael Bolton's video there are many ways in which to personalize your apology. 

Hypothetically (don't hold your breath) these Netflix-Cheating excuses might also work:

• I derived no pleasure from it, but as liaison it's my job. 
• I'm a Netflix gigolo and currently looking into rehab options. 
• It's not my fault, it was an accident. 
• The devil made me do it.
• You can trust me ... honest.
• Did I? That's weird because I don't remember watching it? Are you sure?
• I'll never do it again.
• I DID NOT! PROVE IT! PROVE IT! PROVE IT! 

But chances are they will be met with this type of response:

• Your position as liaison as been rendered redundant, and your services in this regard are no longer needed. 
• I heard you're a player. Well hello player player, I'm the coach and you're benched! I'm looking for a Netnogomous* relationship, and clearly this isn't it.
• An accident?! An accident is falling off your bike. Nobody trips and accidentally hits play on Netflix for an entire episode. 
• Then you should be in a Streamationship** with the Devil not me! 
• Just because you didn't tell me, doesn't mean I won't find out. I have spidey senses.
• Now you're just insulting my intelligence pretending you didn't do it. Who are you? Shaggy? What's next a personal rendition of "It Wasn't Me"?
• That's what you said last time, and the time before that. I grow bored with your lies. 
• "Some people create their own storms and then get mad when it rains." and to clarify by some people I mean you.

*Netnogamous: A monogamous streaming relationship. 

**Streamationship: A close relationship between two people based on and related to viewing streaming and watching Netflix together.

Hacks for Netflix-Cheating:
Having said all that, if you're still intent on Netflix-Cheating the video below may be helpful since it's filled with hacks and tips for successfully Netflix-Cheating. 

A final note to Netflix-Cheaters:
If you're going to Netflix-Cheat make sure it's with a show that's truly worthy. Close your eyes, and just for a minute imagine your netnogamous* partner gave you a 24 hour "hall pass" ... what one show above all others do you consider binge worthy enough to use that "hall pass" on? That one show passes the "hall pass" test and is truly worthy. Personally I'd use my "Hall Pass" on Sherlock or Spotless.  

 Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Netflix and "Hall Passes". 

Disclosure: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive special perks for my participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.

New CEO (Candy Endowment Officer) effective Oct 31st @Netflix_CA #streamteam

Important Human Resource Announcement!

To Whom It May Concern: 

After many years as CTOL's CFO (Costume Fabrication Officer) Ms. Canton will be stepping down from this role to assume the position of CEO (Candy Endowment Officer) at CTOL effective October 31st. Please join us in thanking Ms. Canton for all her many years of devoted service in the position of CFO, and wish her luck in her new role. 

As the new CEO, Ms. Canton's duties will include (but are not limited to): managing the acquisition and distribution of all candies, treats and pumpkins, as well as quality control of all tricks and Jack-O-Lanterns. In addition Ms. Canton will take on the responsibility of synopsizing streaming options for October 31st deemed most advantageous for specific viewer market segments.

Appendix #1: Report on Streaming Options by Market Segment:

*Note: These streaming options are deemed appropriate for viewing during as well as pre and post the October 31st streaming period. 

Appendix #2: Recommended Viewing for CEO position:

Various studies found streaming some of Netflix recently added series listed below help to dramatically improved several key Adult CEO skill sets, resulting in enhanced overall professional development. 

• GLITCH

• Stranger Things
• Frequency 
• Grinder
• Jamaica Inn

Once again please join us in congratulating Ms. Canton on her new position, I know we can rely on everyone to fully supporting her streaming initiatives, thereby helping to ensure all have the happiest of Halloweens. 

Sincerely, 

CTOL HR Department 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for #Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.

Family Movie Night & Older Kids - Adapting to the Now #streamteam @Netflix_CA

Carving out Family Time With My Young Adult Kids:

Life as a parent is ever evolving, and requires an ability to adapt to the realities of now while keeping an eye on the end goals. It use to be easy, but as my kids get older connecting as a family has become increasingly more challenging, yet more important than ever in my opinion. 

As teens and young adults I think my kids actually need more family time and opportunities to connect and have important conversations about life, school, relationships or just hang out with Mom and Dad. I believe this regular casual bonding time while growing up leads to connections and trust that will make even the hard conversations of the future possible. Having said that I'm really struggling this year to try to carve out some family and/or one on one time with my kids. My eldest is in college and my youngest is in residence at university with vastly different schedules, but I refuse to let go of at least the occasional family movie night (or afternoon). Nothing beats hearing my kids' spontaneous belly laugh while watching a comedy, or their audio effects made while watching an action flick. 

Streaming With Your Young Adults:
Shows:

• Luke Cage
• Spotless
• Arrested Development 

Movies:

• Ride Along
• The Fundamentals of Caring
• RED and RED 2
• Jump Street 21 and Jump Street 22

Our family has a long tradition of Friday Family Movie Night that started when my kids were toddlers and continued until they were well into high school. So for those of you with younger kids here are some options to start or reboot your family movie night tradition. 

Streaming With Younger Kids:
Shows:

• Kazoops
• Kulipari: An Army of Frogs
• Veggietales in the House

Movies:

• Maleficent
• Planes: Fire & Rescue
• Zootopia
• Tangled
• The Princess and The Frog
• Treasure Planet
• Oceans
• Cool Runnings
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Even though it may be a bit trickier to schedule, it's well worth the effort to grab some snackages and watch a movie with the kids regardless of how old they are. 

HAPPY STREAMING! 

Use the #StreamTeam hashtag to follow all the Netflix StreamTeam adventures, and Netflix on twitter and facebook for updates and info.

Note: As a Netflix StreamTeam member I receive special perks for my #streamteam participation posts and sharing. All opinions are my own. 

Discovering Magic of Music: @Netflix_CA #BeatBugs #streamteam

All you need is love and maybe a couple of Beat Bugs.

Music is the perfect way to show and share that love with your kids! Since our kids were very young we've shared a variety of types and genres of music with our kids. Everything from Kiran Ahluwalia's collection of Ghazals and Punjabi Folk Songs of India to Japanese Monks Playing Drums to the soundtrack from The Big Night. 

There are certain songs (most from the 80's) that my kids associate with being toddlers and car rides with their mom. Many a spontaneous dance off to Mambo Italiano from The Big Night soundtrack have taken place in our livingroom. And who says Green Day isn't perfect breakfast sing-song music? 

There's a magic to music that goes way beyond the melody and lyrics.  
Netflix's new original kids series Beat Bugs is inspired by the music of the Beatles and a wonderful way in which to share with your kids the magic of music. 

Music can create bonds, connections and memorable moments. It can inspire and get creative juices flowing. Music has the power to build confidence, express emotion, and teach empathy and understanding. And music is the perfect way to share a message such as:
"All you need is love" or "There is nothing you can do that can't be done".

Use the hashtag #streamteam to follow all the adventures of the Netflix Streamteam, and follow Netflix on twitter and facebook for updates and info. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about music, love, and Beat Bugs. 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for my streamteam posts and sharing. All opinions are my own. 

Summer Streaming with @Netflix_CA #StreamTeam #NetflixSummerPreview

Starting the summer with friends, family, a BBQ and Netflix!

Gotta love that! 

I was lucky enough to receive an invite to the Netflix Summer Escape - Summer Preview BBQ

There's lots for everyone to enjoy this summer. Thing 1 and I got a sneak peak of what's streaming now and what's coming soon at a Netflix hosted BBQ at Archeo in the Toronto Distillery District.

Family... 

My eldest son (aka  Thing 1) joined me for this event, and I loved that my friends had a chance to meet him in real life. He makes an excellent runner for food and drinks, and unlike his mother can take a selfie without cutting off half of anyone's head. 

Friends...

Always great to see friends and fellow #StreamTeamers IRL (in real life) and to meet new ones. Good food, yummy cocktails, and friends makes for a winning combination.

Shows to Stream...

There's a great selection of shows and movies to stream for all interests and age groups. With more added all summer long, you're sure to find just the right mix of summer streaming.

Inside the Guide:

For the Adults:

Bloodline

(streaming now)

The Do-Over

(streaming now)

OITNB - Orange Is The New Black - New Blood, New Rules

(Premieres June 17th)

Stranger Things

(premieres July 15th)

Not in the Guide but some I recommend you add to your streaming list:

The Ranch 
(Netflix Original Series)

Spotless 
(Season 1)
Grace and Frankie - Season 2 
(Netflix Original Series) 
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Season 2 
(Netflix Original Series)
RAKE
(season 1-3)
Daredevil - Season 2 
(Netflix Original Series)

The Divide
(season 1)
Doctor Foster
(season 1)

For the Kids:

Voltron: Legendary Defender

(premieres June 10th) 

Lego Friends: The Power of Friendship

(season 2 - premeires June 10th)

All Hail King Julien 

(season 3 - premieres June 17th)

Dragons: Race to the Edge

(season 3 - premieres June 24th)

Jim Henson's - Word Party

(premieres July 8th)

Lego Bionicle: Journey to One
(Season 2 - premieres July 29th)

Beat Bugs

(premieres August 3rd)

Project Mc2

(season 2 - premieres August 12th)

The Get Down

(premieres August 12th)

Don't forget you can use the #StreamTeam hashtag to follow along on the Netflix Stream Team adventures. And follow Netflix on twitter for up to date news about shows and movies streaming, recently added, and coming up. 

Happy Summer Streaming! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about summer streaming.

Note: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive Netflix and a streaming device free of charge for the purposes of my Streamteam posts and reviews. All opinions are my own. 

Netflix show and movie images courtesy of Netflix.