Binge Watching over the Holidays and Coming Winter [OPINION]

Most of us will be spending more time indoors to avoid bad weather. Some of us have more time off during the holidays. Watch even more television!

The invention of On Demand and streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix has completely changed the landscape for television watching. No more waiting for the next episode or renting the box set at the video store. The days of hoping Channel 6 would have a good afternoon movie on during "Dialing for Dollars" are over.

Here are some of the shows I will be binging watching until we readjust the clocks:

The Americans: This is an FX original television show that is based on the Soviet Union espionage activities inside America in the 1980s. It is written by former members of the CIA and includes at least one episode co-authored by Lt. Col. Oliver North, who became famous as a member of the Reagan Administration testifying to Congress. It is important to remember this is "based" on real events, but it is more James Bond fiction than it is a documentary.

City on a Hill: This is a Showtime original series about organized crime and law enforcement and the cross over of their worlds. It is set in the 1990s Boston, and the actors are about the most believable you will find in show business. The show was created by Quincy's own Chuck MacLean.

Hill Street Blues: This classic police drama dominated the 10 p.m. hour from its perch on the NBC Thursday night lineup in the 1980s. It is not completely available in my experience, but there are lots of episodes available on YouTube now.

Baby, it's cold outside – hand me the remote.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.