“Seriously, you have to watch this show,” my friend assured me. “You’re going to love it.” And immediately, two years later, my husband and I sat down to watch the first episode. It didn’t take long before we were hooked and devoured all eight seasons.

If you enjoyed “The Americans,” you owe it to yourself to check out “Homeland,” a fast paced, heart-pounding story-twisting spy thriller starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and a constant churning cast of good guys and bad guys who flip sides without notice.

But make no mistake, this is Danes’ show, and as we get to know her character, Carrie Mathison, a top-notch CIA agent battling bipolar disorder, we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride as she takes us across the world and in and out of death-defying adventures.

Oh, and may I say, best ending EVER! Especially for a show that causes you to say, “This can’t end well.” And for those of you who have watched “The Americans,” actor, Costa Ronin (AKA Oleg) once again proves to be a worthy charismatic opponent. Catch all eight seasons of “Homeland” on Hulu. Yeah, I know… another streaming service. Make Hulu a 3-month buy and enjoy your winter binge. Fair warning – you will experience an eclectic whirlwind of feelings after the binge.

Heidi McCrary is a writer and author of the novel, Chasing North Star – available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.netand facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor