21 Shows To Watch While You’re Recovering From A Food Coma

(Image via FX)

3. The Americans

It still seems a little strange that “period drama” shows now encompass the 1980s, but there you are. At any rate, The Americans, which features the exploits of a deep-undercover pair of KGB agents in 1981 Washington, D.C., is compelling enough to keep you glued to the couch (food coma notwithstanding).

The Americans follow spies Mischa and Nadezdha, posing as a native American couple, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings. Not only do they have to provide covert intelligence to their Soviet contacts, but they must do so in an increasingly tense U.S. that has just elected Ronald Reagan as president. Furthermore, both must hide their past and current activities from their community and their own children. Their daughter, Paige, is eventually under consideration for an even deeper spy program, in which native-born children are recruited. With their clean records, they can work directly in the FBI and CIA and pass on more sensitive information.

This show has quickly become a critical darling. Since it first aired in 2013, each season has received reliably high praise lauding the writing, direction, and acting. The tense nature of the plot and political background are enough to keep anyone watching. If you’re desperately trying to fight the sleepy fatigue brought on by too many mashed potatoes, then consider starting this riveting show.

Where to watch: Amazon