Length: 1 season, 10 episodes Why you should watch: Although the series won't return until next summer or fall, lapping up this hilarious, dry, sad, and sometimes even joyous family dysfunction might be just what you need to stay sane as you take on your own during the holidays. Sam Fox is a divorcee/actress/voice-over artist/mother of three girls (Max, Frankie, and Duke) who is constantly juggling auditions, recording sessions, school functions, dog walking, dance lessons, household chores, and her own insane British mother, who lives across the street — all while trying to figure out how to find her flavor of porn on the Internet or go on an occasional date. It's as much a portrait of single working motherhood as it is a realistic look at aging and women in Hollywood. Louis C.K. and his constant collaborator Pamela Adlon, who plays Sam, created the show, and there is a definite "call it like you see it" tonal similarity to Louie, although Better Things adds heaps of female perspective. And also tons of cameos from the likes of David Duchovny, Lenny Kravitz, Julie Bowen, Constance Zimmer, Danny Pudi, and Zach Woods. Don't think you have to be a parent to appreciate this comedy either. As much power as it has to make viewers feel like they are not alone in the struggle, the show is equal parts an argument for holding off on reproduction or choosing to live child-free. Where you can watch: The FXNow app, iTunes, and Amazon Video. —Carrie Bell
(Credit: Colleen Hayes/FX)
By now you’ve probably heard how good The Crown and Black Mirror are, so we won’t bother telling/reminding you. But if you find yourself looking for a show to binge on over the holidays, here are the ones we’d suggest that may need that extra push. Perhaps you’ve been told how great they are, but you’ve always had something in the queue ahead of them. Or maybe they’ve gone entirely under your radar. Either way, it’s time. Press Play. They’re worth it.
