Source: Netflix
Netflix is everyone’s go-to comfort platform whether you’re in the mood for the next grand period drama or to sink your teeth into a bit of cheesy reality tv. But, perhaps wrongfully overlooked, is the plethora of strangely addictive and niche competition shows Netflix has to offer. Below is a list of hidden gems that you wouldn’t think would be binge-worthy, but I promise you, will take up your time and ruin your motivation -consider that your informal warning.
1. Next in Fashion
Now, for the past few years, I think I can speak for many of us when I say I haven’t had an excuse to make myself presentable and have fallen into cycling through the same clothes over and over again. That’s when Next in Fashion offers a brilliant escape into the world of high fashion and couture.
Hosted by Queer Eye’s lovable fashion guru and fashion designer Tan France along with designer and presenter Alexa Chung, Next in Fashion pits 18 designers against each other for the measly sum of $250,000 and the life-changing opportunity to post their designs with Net-a-Porter.
There’s something addictive about watching already fabulous designers creating pieces of art and then watching said pieces of art walk in a hypnotic rhythm down the runway. And what could be more fun than critiquing actual high fashion whilst slumped in bed wearing the same hoodie you’ve been wearing for a week…just me? Okay ouch.
2. Interior Design Masters
So now, take Next in Fashion and replace fashion designers with interior designers. Again, there’s something addictive about watching creatives do their work and create things that you personally think look great but then a technical eye ends up ripping it apart. Lead of the whole “ripping it apart” bit is creative editor Michelle Ogundehin and a weekly router of interchangeable guest judges from the different paths of the interior design industry. Host Fearne Cotton (now Allan Carr in season 2) navigates the lovable and talented group of ten talented designers from professionals with years of training and honing their craft to novices with the raw talent to succeed, as they complete weekly briefs ranging from beach huts to gourmet-style restaurants for the chance at a career-changing contract for a lake-district hotel.
This is another show that will absorb your life and your time and make you want to pick up a paintbrush and begin painting the wall in vibrant colours and patterns, or perhaps slather it in wallpaper if that’s more your thing.
3. Blown Away
So now, abandon everything above and prepare to enter the gruelling and intensely hot workshop of glass blowing. Hear me out – this isn’t a competition to make fancy glassware. Presented by Nick Uhas of Youtube fame, Blown Away follows 10 competing artisans from across the world competing for a $60,000 prize and a spot in a world-renowned glass museum. I know it sounds weird; glass blowing. I know, I know – I thought the same thing, but trust me when I tell you watching people work around molten glass and shooting fire out of blowpipes like it’s absolutely nothing is equal parts hypnotic and terrifying – not to mention the sheer fear you feel when the glass shatters. The show is a must-watch for anyone wanting to watch artists do what artists do; create, and Blown Away raises the stakes to a whole new level, whilst, as the show so punnily put sit, shattering the dreams of those who don’t make it.
I never thought I’d say glass blowing is an excellent blend of competition and dramatics, but it really is.
From glass blowing to high fashion, the shows above offer a great escape from the business of workload and who doesn’t like a competition. I hope I’ve inspired you to give one of these ago. But again, I called these shows addictive and I stand by that -consider yourself warned!
