This is a compiled list of the best books, podcasts, and shows we all enjoyed in 2019! We’ve broken the results down between our team picks and your suggestions from Instagram. A big THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in with their top picks of the year! I hope this list keeps you entertained with only the very best.

Note that I (Cassy Joy) added ** to the items I’ve chosen to enjoy myself next! With a maternity leave on the horizon, I’m excited to build a quality list of entertainment for the hours when my newborn naps and Gray (our 2 y/o daughter) is at school.

Best Books of 2019

Fed + Fit Team Picks

  • Cassy Joy: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover – oh this book! This book really stayed with me. Beautifully written, bravely told, I was left equal-parts in awe of Tara Westover and also feeling a little less alone in this world. Memoirs can be a little dry at times, but her story is richly told and I couldn’t put it down. (The Last Mrs. Parrish: A Novel by Liv Constantine is a close 2nd if you’re looking for a really well-constructed psychological thriller). 
  • Amber: The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne – This book follows a gay man born in Ireland in 1945 throughout his entire life. It’s not the type of book I’d normally pick up, and I was intimidated by its size but it was so engrossing that I finished it in a matter of days. I loved that the characters in this book were all flawed in their own way, and it was an incredible look into the gay rights movement and humanity in general.
  • Lauren: The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman-This book simplified the decision-making process in my life. As an “over-thinker,” I found this book incredibly refreshing! 

Fed + Fit Reader Choices:

Best Podcasts of 2019

Fed + Fit Team Picks

  • Cassy Joy: Typology with Ian Morgan Cron – it falls into the “educatainment” category, but the graceful, tactful way IMC (a seasoned therapist) leads his guests through self-reflective conversations about the enneagram always leave me feeling comforted and inspired. It’s starkly different from the baseline enneagram “worst flaws” focus of other resources. (The Popcast is a close second for a really fun, light show that always has me laughing!).
  • Amber: Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend– While I listen to business podcasts the majority of the time, this podcast is my go-to when I want to unwind. The Mila Kunis episode had me laughing so hard I was crying!
  • Lauren: This American Life and Fun Therapy– I never miss an episode of either of these! 

Fed + Fit Reader Choices:

Best TV Shows of 2019

Fed + Fit Team Picks

  • Cassy Joy: Downtown Abbey on PBS– I know, I know, I’m late to the party! I chose this show as a nod to anyone who hasn’t watched it yet! It’s not too late. It’s fabulous, worth the hype, and was one of my comforts while I traveled for the Cook Once book tour this past spring. I couldn’t wait to get back to my hotel room so I could order a room service burger, glass of red wine, plop on a face mask, and turn on Downtown Abbey.
  • Amber: Killing Eve on Hulu– This show has drama, action, and plenty of dark humor. We binged it in just a few weeks!
  • Lauren: Call the Midwife on Netflix- I didn’t expect to be so moved by this series. It’s definitely a tear-jerker- beautifully done. 

Fed + Fit Reader Choices:

  • Schitt’s Creek on Netflix (67 reader votes)**
  • This Is Us on NBC (56 reader votes)**
  • Jacky Ryan on Amazon Prime (48 reader votes)
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime (46 reader votes)
  • A Million Little Things on ABC (38 reader votes)
  • The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu (38 reader votes)
  • The Good Place on NBC (25 reader votes)
  • Fleabag on Amazon Prime (24 reader votes)
  • Outlander on Netflix (23 reader votes)
  • The Great British Baking Show on PBS and Netflix (20 reader votes)
  • Dead to Me on Netflix (19 reader votes)**
  • Succession on HBO and Amazon Prime (19 reader votes)
  • Working moms on Netflix (19 reader votes)
  • Mindhunter on Netflix (18 reader votes)
  • Modern Love on Amazon Prime (17 reader votes)
  • Stranger Things on Netflix (16 reader votes)
  • Big Little Lies on HBO and Hulu (15 reader votes)
  • Yellowstone on Amazon Prime (13 reader votes)**
  • Atypical on Netflix (12 reader votes)**
  • Game of Thrones on HBO (17 reader votes)
  • Poldark on PBS and Amazon Prime (10 reader votes)
  • Unbelievable on Netflix (10 reader votes)
  • Jane the Virgin on Netflix (8 reader votes)
  • Peaky Blinders on Netflix (8 reader votes)
  • You on Netflix (8 reader votes)**
  • Killing Eve on Hulu (7 reader votes)
  • Chernobyl on HBO and Amazon Prime (7 reader votes)**
  • Queer Eye on Netflix (6 reader votes)
  • Ozark on Netflix (6 reader votes)
  • Greys Anatomy on ABC, Netflix, and Hulu (6 reader votes)
  • Shameless on Netflix (5 reader votes)
  • Call the Midwife on Netflix (5 reader votes)
  • The Politician on Netflix (5 reader votes)
  • Madam Secretary on CBS and Netflix (5 reader votes)
  • 90 Day Fiancé on TLC (4 reader votes)
  • The Good Doctor on ABC and Hulu (4 reader votes)
  • The Crown on Netflix (4 reader votes)**
  • The Resident on Fox and Hulu (4 reader votes)
  • Downton Abbey on PBS and Amazon Prime (4 reader votes)
  • Good Omens on Amazon Prime (4 reader votes)
  • Euphoria on HBO (4 reader votes)
  • Superstore on NBC (4 reader votes)
  • New Amsterdam on NBC (4 reader votes)
  • Derry Girls on Netflix (3 reader votes)
  • Grace and Frankie on Netflix (3 reader votes)
  • The Man In the High Castle (3 reader votes)
  • Why Women Kill on CBS (3 reader votes)
  • Lucifer on Netflix (3 reader votes)
  • Money Heist on Netflix (3 reader votes)
  • Riverdale on Netflix (3 reader votes)

About the Author

Cassy Joy Garcia, NC

Cassy Joy Garcia, a New York Times best-selling author, of Cook Once Dinner Fix, Cook Once Eat All Week, and Fed and Fit as well as the creative force behind the popular food blog Fed & Fit.

Read More About Me

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2 Comments

  1. I just recently discovered the show Suits on USA. I love everything about that show and am currently binge watching every episode on Amazon Prime.

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