Looking to camp out on the couch and take down a show that will keep you up way too late and help you procrastinate from doing more important tasks? Here are five shows to stream.
SALT FAT ACID HEAT
Premise: Acclaimed Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat takes you on a globe-trotting tour of the nuts and bolts that make up great cuisine in this four-part miniseries, based on her bestselling book. Breaking down the essence of cooking to its basics, Nosrat dedicates an episode to each of the four components, showing the art and science behind the passion of cooking.
Star: Samin Nosrat.
Service: Netflix.
Why it's impossible to stop watching: If you're at all interested in the crafting of cuisine, you'll be obsessed. Nosrat takes the "Chef's Table" approach to food docs, finding personal stories of renowned chefs to cut to the core of what makes them tick, as well as what makes their creations stand out. Many of the dishes she features will have you drooling.
I LOVE YOU, AMERICA WITH SARAH SILVERMAN
Premise: The iconoclast comedian's show is part political diatribe, part travelogue and all satire. In each half-hour outing, she makes an effort to reach out to those on the other side of the liberal political spectrum in which she and her friends live, resulting in plenty of awkward moments and usual nonstop hilarity.
Star: Sarah Silverman.
Service: Hulu.
Why it's impossible to stop watching: Now in its second season, the show stays topical and reactive to current events, maintaining a focus on political and cultural bridge-building rather than division. Silverman expertly uses sardonic humor to mock figures on both sides of the political aisle, as well as herself. The disarming inclusiveness keeps the show accessible despite its partisan slant.
RAY DONOVAN
Premise: Part publicist, part thug and all business, the titular character played by Liev Schreiber vehemently pursues any end to protect his business interests and crumbling family.
Stars: Liev Schreiber, Paula Malcomson, Eddie Marson, Jon Voight.
Service: Showtime Anytime.
Why it's impossible to stop watching: Now in its sixth season, the often heavy and brutal drama is one of those "just one more episode" obsessions that keeps you up way past your bedtime. Created by Ann Biderman, an award-winning writer behind "NYPD Blue," the dark, angst-ridden storylines are filled with unpredictable twists that plummet Donovan to grisly depths you rarely see coming. Schreiber's simmering intensity fuels the series.
ROOM 104
Premise: A twist on "The Twilight Zone" concept, every episode takes place in the same hotel room , with new guest stars appearing in each episode. Premises vary wildly each time out, making it so you never know what to expect.
Stars: Varies.
Service: HBO Go.
Why it's impossible to stop watching: A veritable grab bag, with themes ranging from crime dramas, romances, personal stories of loss, comedy and sci-fi, there is always something crazy going on in Room 104. The self-contained episode format allows writers to show off their creativity. While a few stinkers are sprinkled throughout, there are enough memorable episodes to keep you watching. With season two set to release Nov. 9, you have time to catch up.
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
Premise: The 1992-1995 show broke down narrative barriers, lifting the previously immature genre of superhero animation to a higher level of artistic integrity. Retelling stories from Batman's comic book past, as well as generating fascinating original tales, the series maintains invigorating action along with introspective drama.
Why it's impossible to stop watching: If you're at all a Batman fan, you owe it to yourself to binge this show in its entirety, because this is some of the finest Dark Knight storytelling you'll find in any format. Before it was available to stream, the show was available only on sporadic DVD releases. The opportunity to watch the show without commercials or disc-rangling is too exciting to pass up.
