Embarking on an adventure and in need of new flight entertainment to save you from rewatching Friends for the fifth time? Turn your hours in the air into a productive binge session with our recommendations of top TV series and podcasts to obsess over while your responsibilities are miles away on the ground. Before switching to flight mode don’t forget to download a few episodes by taking advantage of the free Brisbane Airport Wi-Fi and charging stations around the terminals.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime to keep you on the edge of your seat, or hilarious comedy shows that have you laughing out loud in the middle of your row (sorry neighbours), this handpicked line-up of audio and visual delights will ensure your journey is as exciting as the destination itself.
What to watch
Ted Lasso
11 Emmy-winning Ted Lasso (2020 - present) has charmed audiences with its light-hearted comedy, inspired by NBC’s English Premier League coverage. Jason Sudeikis plays the hilarious character of Ted Lasso who coaches a British soccer team despite knowing nothing about the sport, relying on his optimism to carry the team.
Watch on Apple TV.
White Lotus
The 10 time Emmy-winning White Lotus (2021 - present) follows the exploitation of guests and employees of luxury resorts as bad intentions become exposed and love is betrayed. With the first season set at the tropical and sunny Four Seasons Maui, and the second season set at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Domenico Palace, this is the perfect series for someone daydreaming of their next holiday destination. The star-studded cast, including Aubrey Plaza and Jennifer Coolidge, will have your hand over your mouth in shock and your cheeks burning from laughter. With two seasons to binge, you’ll have one season for the way over and one for the way home.
Watch on Binge, Foxtel, YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Heartstopper
Debuting in 2022, Heartstopper beautifully adapts Alice Oseman’s webcomic turned book series, selling millions of copies worldwide. The heart-warming comedy-drama explores young love’s joy and challenges. With its sweet narrative, the series brings smiles to faces through a refreshing representation of LGBTIQA+ struggles, fostering growth and understanding.
Watch on Netflix.
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House (2018) is a captivating horror-drama limited series spanning 10 one-hour episodes – hello long haul flight entertainment! This contemporary adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s classic merges horror jump-scares with deeply relatable characters forging a chilling and thought-provoking experience.
Watch on Netflix, Google Play, and YouTube.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us (2023-present) has translated the iconic video game into a much-loved series so good your seat neighbour will be peering over your shoulder to get a glimpse of the drama. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, this adaptation delves into themes of love and loss within a devastating post-apocalyptic world dominated by a fungal virus.
Watch on Foxtel, Binge, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.
What to listen to
Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie, by Ashley Flowers, debuted in 2017 and remains a true crime sensation. With a new crime tale weekly, the podcast’s fun and casual style has garnered over 500 million downloads, consistently ranking high on charts. Listen in to join the journey into a world of mysteries and investigations.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible.
Las Culturistas
Hosted by the dynamic duo Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang of SNL fame, La Culturistas is a comedic listen delving into pop culture’s hot topics and nuances. With over 380 episodes brimming with humour and wit, it’s the perfect companion for both long-haul journeys and quicker domestic trips.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible.
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things addresses challenging conversations and burning questions, featuring her sister, wife, guest experts, and “podsquaders”. To get started, listen to the fan-favourites; Redefining Family with Craig (episode 11), and Kelly Clarkson: Red Flags, Divorce & Starting Over (episode 218).
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible.
The Habitat
The Habitat, hosted by Lynn Levy, offers a blend of psychological experiment and reality drama with six contestants simulating a year-long Mars mission and recording thrilling daily audio diaries for your entertainment. With eight episodes and a total of 212 minutes, this is a perfect binge for a domestic trip.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and IHeart.
No Such Thing as a Fish
No Such Thing as a Fish, from the comedic minds of QI, delivers weekly doses of unrelated, random, yet incredible facts to add to your trivia knowledge. Launched in 2014, it now has more than 400 million listeners and was even honoured as a Spotify top podcast of the decade.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, IHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible.
If you’re looking forward to getting into a binge session and realise you forgot your charger or headphones, avoid the impending disaster and head in store to Lotte Duty Free or Tech2Go for any last-minute tech upgrades. Happy flying and safe travels.
CREDITS
Feature Image: International Terminal, Brisbane Airport