Whether you watch television shows on the sofa in the living room, like families have been doing for more than 50 years, or you stream your favorite content on the device of choice while commuting on the train in the morning, there are some great TV shows debuting and returning this season.

Still suffering withdrawal from Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and just aren’t sure if anything can top that? Think again. While it might be debatable about whether anything good is coming out of the mainstream networks, cable, and other outlets, are producing the content that we most excited about. We do recognize that so much of what appears on the small screen is complete drivel, there’s just no bones about that, so we thought we’d share some of the TV shows we think are worth catching this fall. Binge watch away, my friend.

TV Shows Worth (Binge) Watching

1. “Halt and Catch Fire” (AMC)

While this show already got under way in August, it’s still worth watching. It tells a riveting story about the early days of the computer industry. It’s deliciously full of 1980s fashions and pop culture and stars Lee Pace, who is great to watch in everything he does.

2. “Insecure” (HBO)

Starring Issa Rae, the series focuses on two friends navigating the tricky professional and personal terrain of L.A. This is one of the shows we are most looking forward to enjoying.

3. “Westworld” (HBO)

This may be one of the most anticipated series of the season. It’s a sci-fi western thriller that is based on a 1973 film by American novelist Michael Crichton by the same name. It’s all about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin.

4. “High Maintenance” (HBO)

Yes, we realize that we are sharing another HBO series debut, but they are the masters after all. This new show, which is based on a web series by the same name, follows a Brooklyn pot dealer as he delivers to clients with neuroses as diverse as the city.

5. “Atlanta” (FX)

Starring Donald Glover, the series chronicles two cousins navigating their way in the Atlanta rap scene. It’s billed as a comedy-drama.

6. “One Mississippi” (Amazon Prime)

Tig Notaro reveals her deadpan comedy and the ups and downs of her life in this new series that is based on real events in her life. It’s addicting and infectious.

Related on EcoSalon

5 of the Best Original Online TV Series You Haven’t Seen Yet
5 of the Best Podcasts You Should be Listening To Now
The 7 Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

Woman Watching Television Image via Shutterstock

The post 6 (Mostly New) Fall TV Shows Worth (Binge) Watching appeared first on EcoSalon.

Love indie movies, but not sure what to watch next? 

You all know about the Netflix genres, right? In its attempt to serve up the perfect content for each individual user, Netflix has developed a pretty thorough classification system for movies. You probably figured as much since your feed always seems to be full of content you want to watch. What you might not know is that a lot of those sub-categories are searchable via a browser. From “Dramas Based on Books” to “Classic Foreign Films” and everything in between, Netflix has a category for it. Simply visit netflix.com/browse/genre/#### and replace the #### with a 4 or 5-digit number to select a category at random, or check out a list of the categories.

I recently explored category 7077, which is where you will find “Independent Movies” to see what indie movies I might have missed. I was surprised to find a healthy mix of newer titles and some oldies, but goodies. Here is a list of some of the must-watch indie movies that are currently streaming on Netflix. Watch these indie movies before they are shuffled off–it does happen.

5 Indie Movies to Stream on Netflix

“There Will Be Blood” (2008)

Inspired by Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!,” this film tells the story of an ambitious prospector who turns a town into a boomtown and strikes a nerve with the town’s preacher. The acting is superb. Image via Miramax

“Tangerine” (2015)

Fresh out of jail, a transgender prostitute and her friend take on her fickle pimp and the streets of LA. This film is hilarious and compelling. Image via Magnolia Pictures.

“Band of Robbers” (2015)

A modern-day retelling of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” of a group of buddies looking for buried treasure. Image via Band of Robbers.

“Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (2008)

A movie about debt, making a porno, and friends falling in love. Stars Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen and from director Kevin Smith. Image via Weinstein Company.

“Beginners” (2001)

A funny and poignant story of a son and his dying father who decides to reveal his truth before he dies–that he is gay. Starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer. Image via Focus Features.

Related on EcoSalon

6 Streaming Crime Drama TV Shows to Binge Watch this Week

6 Streaming Movies with Iconic Female Characters: From ‘Harold and Maude’ to ‘Kill Bill’

5 of the Best Original Online TV Series You Haven’t Seen Yet

Movies Streaming Image via Shutterstock

The post 5 Indie Movies to ‘Netflix and Chill’ or Actually Watch appeared first on EcoSalon.

Forget “Orange is the Black,” watch these original online TV series instead (or after you binge watch OITB).

While OITB’s upcoming fourth season might be getting all the recent attention, there are plenty of other original online TV series to stream. Cut the cable cord and whether you are hanging out by the pool this weekend, laying in bed on a Friday night, or in the bathroom at work, watch one (or all) of these best original online TV shows this summer.

1.”Happy Valley”

Netflix

Even though this online TV series could be more accurately called Unhappy Valley, that won’t keep you from binge watching it this weekend. While investigating crimes in a small British town, a female police Sergeant protagonist deals with personal tragedies that are somehow often intertwined with the crimes she is investigating. The acting is phenomenal in this series.

2. “Bloodline”

Netflix

While the second season of this riveting dramatic series isn’t as good as the first, this is still a must-watch series. Set in contemporary Key West, the series documents the secrets of the Rayburns, a local family who are well-regarded in the community. The series starts off with the eldest brother saying, “We’re not bad people, but we did a bad thing.” You can’t even imagine how bad things get. The acting is somewhat clunky; with the exception of that by Ben Mendelsohn, who plays Danny.

3. “Man in the High Castle”

Amazon Prime

An alternative history, loosely based on Philip K. Dick’s book by the same name, the series chronicles the world after World War II and documents what the world would be like if the Axis powers had won. While the plot is terrifying and riveting, the acting can be somewhat lacking. It is safe to say, though, that this sci-fi/fantasy series is worth the watch because it is so novel.

4. “Transparent”

Amazon Prime

Another Amazon original show, “Transparent” chronicles the highly-dysfunctional Pfefferman family as the patriarch shares that she is transgender. This show is one part comedy and one part drama and is superbly acted–Jeffrey Tambor as Mort and Maura is simply the best.

5. “11.22.63”

Hulu

This miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “11.22.63″ is part sci-fi and part alternative history. The plot centers around the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and what if it was possible to stop it from happening. There are plenty of twists and turns in the series; it is based on a Stephen King story after all. It does feature the unlikely Jame Franco as the lead, but he does actually seem to pull it off.

Related on EcoSalon

5 of the Best Podcasts You Should be Listening To Now
The 7 Best TV Shows to Binge Watch
9 Hot Online TV Shows that Aren’t on Cable: Have You Cut the Cord Yet?

Girl With Tablet via Shutterstock

The post 5 of the Best Original Online TV Series You Haven’t Seen Yet appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s cold, it’s dark, and you don’t feel like going to the mall to finish your holiday shopping. Instead, stay home and binge watch these holiday movies and specials available this month on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime. Each one is available for free, as long as you subscribe to the service.

Hulu Holiday Movies & Specials

1. “Doctor Who Christmas Special” (2014) – Apparently, this is the Doctor Who Christmas special to watch–at least according to my husband. It’s on my watch list, but I haven’t gotten to that season of the Doctor yet.

2. “A Very Brady Christmas” (1988) – The series “The Brady Bunch” went off the air in 1974, but this special featuring the original cast (excluding Susan Olsen, who played Cindy) debuted in 1988. I remember it fondly. Get your kitsch on this season.

3. “Christmas Fireplace” – And because most of the movies featured here are really bad (excluding a few award-winning classics), you may want to just snuggle up on the couch with some eggnog, a virtual fireplace, and some Christmas music.

Netflix Holiday Movies & Specials

4. “White Christmas” (1954) – Hands down the best Christmas movie ever, but I am quite fond of musicals so I may be biased. This is a must see every year, and I like to watch it while I wrap presents–it helps get me in the spirit. If you haven’t yet watched it, give it a try. The story is lighthearted, heartwarming and features fabulous costumes, sets, dancing, rom-com elements, and more!

5. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) – I’m not a fan of animated films all that much, but Tim Burton’s animated classic is one exception. It’s a fantastical cross between Halloween and Christmas that shouldn’t be missed!

6. “A Very Murray Christmas” (2015) This debuts on December 4th, so I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but I’m pretty sure this is one Christmas special that we are going to want to see.

7. “Ernest Saves Christmas” (1988) – This is just goofy fun. When Santa retires, Ernest must step in to save Christmas. Jim Varney (Ernest) was a comic genius who wasn’t given enough credit.

Amazon Prime Holiday Movies & Specials

8. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970) – Every year this is a must watch–the original classic animated film featuring the voices of Bing Crosby and Mickey Rooney.

9. “A Bush Christmas” (1983) – No, it’s not a movie about the Bush family, but it’s actually an Australian film featuring a young Nicole Kidman. It’s available exclusively on Amazon Prime.

10. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) – “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and you can watch him in this classic heartwarming tale about a little girl and her dream.

Related on EcoSalon

From ‘Heathers’ to ‘Ghostbusters’: 6 of the Best ’80s Movies Now Streaming Online

6 Streaming Movies to Get You Ready for Fall: From ‘October Sky’ to ‘Scream’

The 7 Best TV Shows to Binge Watch

Image: Watching TV with Tree via Shutterstock

The post The 10 Super Best Holiday Movies to Stream This Month! appeared first on EcoSalon.

I don’t hate Taylor Swift.

As far as her music goes, I can’t say it’s moved me really. Although, I have shaken it off on a few occasions. As a forty-something working mom, pop music is not a priority (unless it’s a duet with Elmo), and truthfully, it just isn’t all that relatable anymore.

We sing cheery folk songs to our daughter at bedtime—the same ones my dad sang to me when I was a little girl. We’re also steeping our daughter in Edith Piaf’s collection. The Velvet Underground. Bjork. Howlin’ Wolf. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Fela Kuti. I assume when she’s old enough to buy her own music she’ll be the one teaching me about artists who were influenced by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. Well, that is, if artists are making music for sale anymore.

And this is where Taylor Swift—regardless of whether or not we’re fans of hers—has just made history.

If you haven’t heard by now, Ms. Swift penned an open letter to Apple on her Tumblr page (“To Apple, Love Taylor”). The letter, I imagine, if handwritten, might have come on pink paper with scented ink and adorned with pretty stickers.

In her sweet-yet-fiercely-confident way, Ms. Swift explained to the mega-technology corporation why she’d be withholding her album “1989” from the new streaming Apple Music service, just as she did with Spotify. The reason, she explained, is the program’s three month free trial period (for consumers) won’t pay artists who are streamed during that time. Ms. Swift says, and many agree with her, this is unfair to artists who are considerably less profitable than Ms. Swift herself. As she explains:

This is not about me. Thankfully I am on my fifth album and can support myself, my band, crew, and entire management team by playing live shows. This is about the new artist or band that has just released their first single and will not be paid for its success. This is about the young songwriter who just got his or her first cut and thought that the royalties from that would get them out of debt. This is about the producer who works tirelessly to innovate and create, just like the innovators and creators at Apple are pioneering in their field…but will not get paid for a quarter of a year’s worth of plays on his or her songs.

These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call.

Some critics are calling Ms. Swift’s bluff on this—that her motive is more selfish than it is in solidarity with lesser-known artists. While she insists she is able to pay herself and her massive staff, certainly she wouldn’t be taking this stand if she didn’t have concerns over the long-term viability of selling music. She may be transparent, but she has a point.

And it seems, Apple has listened.

Apple’s senior VP of internet services, Eddy Cue, spoke with Ms. Swift over the phone after her blog went viral and told her, in essence, that Apple would be immediately changing its policy and paying artists during that trial period. This is kind of huge.

Not only does it cement Ms. Swift’s power as a voice for her generation (Proof we’ve evolved: nasaly-awkward-looking-kinda-grumpy Bob Dylan was the voice of his generation just fifty years ago. You can suddenly see the parallels between “Blowing in the Wind” and “Shake it Off’, right?), but it also validates the struggles of real musicians, those who are often willing to give away their music for free in hopes that sooner or later, it will help them earn a livable salary doing what they love.

I know quite a few people in the music business (my writing career actually started at a world music magazine). Most of them don’t make very much money at it. Some of them have other jobs while making music when they can. Some prefer to live with less so they can make music full time.

According to author, professor and a failed professional musician himself, Timothy Caufield says the average musician makes about $7,000 a year (in Canada), “that is less than half the amount the Canadian government has set as the poverty line for single people and thousands less than the average income threshold for poverty for single people in the United States,” he wrote in his latest book “Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? How the Famous Sell Us Elixirs of Health Beauty and Happiness”. There are no all-night hotel room parties for most working musicians—more like unrelenting touring, usually in cramped, hot vans, and lots of couch and floor sleeping. Caufield says that according to music industry expert Moses Avalon, more than 40,000 submissions go to major music labels annually, with only about two thousand of those ever being offered record deals. And just because a musician or band gets a record deal doesn’t mean they’re going to sell a significant amount of records. Those chances are significantly slim, especially in today’s low-record-sales music industry.

But as any artist knows, to limit self-expression by say, having a day job, can be more painful than skipping a meal because the budget won’t allow for it. Starving for art may be the only legitimate reason for starving in this world.

Taylor Swift may never have had to experience this type of sacrifice herself, but that doesn’t matter anymore. What does matter is she’s helping to remind us that most musicians do struggle to work, struggle to provide us with this quintessential facet of the human experience. And even if Ms. Swift’s motivations are transparent, it’s still something worth recognzing.

The point is we really don’t know where the music industry is going—it’s scary and a little bit exciting at the same time. But like Ms. Swift has reminded us, music has tremendous value. It’s critical to the human spirit, to help us make sense of and participate in the world around us. And that is worth something–anything–even if it’s just a few pennies for a few months while Apple tries to steal Spotify customers. Music is a craft, yes, but it’s also a legitimate service like any other we willingly pay for. Just try to imagine a world without it.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Breaking into the Boys Rock Music Club (Girls Can Like Rock, Too)

Can I Listen to Sexist Music as a Conscientious Person? The Cognitive Dissonance Two-Step

Animal Rescues Get Celebrity Love: 7 Musicians Who Really Love Animals

Image: Eva Rinaldi

The post Can Taylor Swift’s Apple Victory Really Save the Music Industry? appeared first on EcoSalon.