A couple of days ago, I was reading about the algorithm, or the computer code that Amazon and Netflix use to round up recommendations for their users. They’ve constantly been updating their algorithm, in order to provide better recommendations, and the algorithm they use now is called Pragmatic Chaos. I found this fascinating — imagine engineers poring over complex mathematical equations to help you find the best way to burn another 10 hours of your life, watching television. Pragmatic Chaos determines 60 per cent of what is being watched/rented on Netflix, which is a ridiculously large number for sales that’s generated by a piece of code. In the hope that this will contribute towards the remaining 40 per cent of viewing choices, here are my recommendations for what you should be watching.
If you like Sherlock , you will love Broadchurch : If you were to pinpoint the reason for the appeal, and at times, frenzy behind the BBC’s contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes, it would be Benedict Cumberbatch’s version of Sherlock. His accent, his lack of empathy and his cheekbones make him a character who is hard to ignore and dislike. Broadchurch , also produced by the BBC, has a similar emotionally unavailable protagonist (with high cheekbones) in detective Alec Hardy, played by David Tennant. Much like Sherlock , Broadchurch has a wonderful working-partner chemistry between the leading pair (Olivia Colman who plays Ellie Miller).
( Broadchurch is presently telecast on Colors Infinity.)
If you like Friends , you will love Grace and Frankie : Most of my generation grew up on Friends , and I can’t remember anyone who disliked the hilarious and heart-warming (and part bawdy) coming-of-age comedy. Most of my generation is also now all grown up and facing existential crises every other day, which is why I recommend Grace and Frankie , a show about two women in their seventies, whose husbands leave them for each other, and now have to navigate single life by themselves. This show is just as heart-warming and hilarious as Friends . While Friends saw a lot of us wanting to become adults overnight, Grace and Frankie will make you feel a lot better about ageing.
( Grace and Frankie is on Netflix.)
If you like House of Cards , you will love Veep : If you enjoy House of Cards and Francis Underwood’s takeover of the American government, it’s probably because you either have a twisted mind that’s similar to Francis’, or because you enjoy fast-paced, and entertaining shows based on American politics. If it is indeed the latter, then you will enjoy Veep , a political comedy that is as sharp as it is silly. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is excellent as Selina Meyer, the Vice President (Veep for short) of the United States, who has startlingly little power. Veep is the light to the dark that House of Cards brought to politically-themed shows, and although it is funny, do not expect it to be as entertaining as the actual American elections that are going on right now.
( Veep is being telecast on Star World Premiere HD.)
