Internet TV: the best shows to watch online
You can throw out your TV right now: the age of internet TV is upon us, and, boy, are we spoiled for choice.
Well, maybe that’s a bit premature, but if you own a personal computer, a tablet PC, a phablet or a smartphone, you can access great television right now, any time you want.
Be it sitcom, political drama, animated comedy, drama, reality TV or just people buying coffee, a huge range of quality television is just begging for your eyeballs.
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Netflix was the first major internet streaming company to produce hit after hit – mainly House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The Killing – but there are numerous original internet TV series that have been so good, the networks and major online streaming services have not been able to resist.
A large range of shows can be viewed within your internet browser, but you may also find some streaming media companies with dedicated apps to access content.
Watching content on some services – like Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime or Netflix – will require you to be a little more industrious (you’ll need to ‘dubiously’ access the service via the US), Bbut most of the great shows created from international streaming companies can be accessed in Australia in one format or many.
Here are eight we highly recommend:
Moone Boy
Available on: ABC iview, iTunes, Google Play, Quickflix,
Starring, written and created by lead Chris O’Dowd (Calvary, Bridesmaids), Moone Boy is a sitcom with loads of heart and charm. Now in its third season, the Emmy Award-winning show follows the life of Martin Moone (Rawle), a young boy, growing up in the west of Ireland, who receives advice and commentary (mainly the latter) from his invisible friend, Sean (O’Dowd). Consider it a modern-day Drop Dead Fred. The supporting cast is also superb, especially Martin’s mum, gorgeously played by Deirdre O’Kane, and his best mate, Padraic (Ian O’Reilly).
Alpha House
Available on: Foxtel’s Soho channel, Amazon Prime (US)
Exclusive to Amazon comes the John Goodman helmed Alpha House. Following the lives of four middle-aged men, who also happen to be US Senators, this series is actually inspired by real-life US Senators, although the events may be (semi) fictional. Expect frat house shenanigans executed in an adult fashion. There’s even a Bill Murray cameo.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Available on: Crackle
There’s really not much to this show besides Jerry Seinfeld and a comedian guest driving around in a ‘classic’ car to get coffee. Already more of a premise than any episode of Seinfeld series ever had, the two comedians wax poetic about every day topics, riff off one another or simply shoot the breeze. It’s entertaining and extremely watchable; perfect for a quick mid-work day pick-me-up.
Between Two Ferns
Available on: funnyordie.com/between_two_ferns
Life doesn’t get any more awkward than during an interview on Zack Galifianakis’ Between Two Ferns. If you dig Curb Your Enthusiasm or Tim and Eric, you’ll love squirming as Galifianakis bumbles his way through each and every socially inept moment. Justin Beiber, Bruce Willis, Sean Penn and even US President Barack Obama have graced his fern adorned stage, and that’s just to name a few brave souls.
Emma Approved
Available on: Youtube and I Am Emma Woodhouse
Anyone who’s a fan of Jane Austen, Bridget Jones’s Diary or Clueless, Emma Approved is for you, A very popular online series of five to 10 minute vlogs (video blogs) about professional matchmaker Emma Woodhouse. Emma Approved is a very modern take on an Austen tale.
BoJack Horseman
Available on: Netflix
For lovers of Family Guy or Rick & Morty, BoJack Horseman is your new ticket to Wrong Town. A Netflix Original animated comedy definitely not for the kids; this series focuses on the life of washed-out 1990s sitcom star BoJack as he navigates his way through the vacuous world of celebrity. Starring Will Arnett (30 Rock, Arrested Development), Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy, Puss in Boots), Alison Brie (Community) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), we recommend not eating while you watch an episode, lest you laugh yourself horse (sorry) and choke to death.
Orange is the New Black
Available on: Netflix, Foxtel, Quickflix, Apple iTunes, Chromecast
If you’re looking for a reason to pipe Netflix from the US, look no further than dark comedy, Orange is the New Black. Set in a women’s prison in the US, the action plays out around newly incarcerated, Piper (Taylor Schilling), as she settles in to her new life in the big house, discovering people on the inside aren’t as strange as those on the outside after all.
House of Cards
Available on: Netflix, Foxtel, Quickflix, Apple iTunes, Chromecast
A political drama with insidious undertones, House of Cards follows the Machiavellian manoeuvres of Congressman, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), and he equally calculating wife, Claire (Robin Wright), as he climbs his way to the top of the food chain. This is nail-biting drama that will have you shouting at your TV, as Spacey luxuriates in one of his best roles to date.
Programs may be exclusive to specific service providers. A VPN service may be required to access content outside of Australia.