During this strange time of self-isolation and quarantine, Netflix and streaming services are coming in the clutch to be your best friends whilst being stuck inside the house. Due to the global climate at the moment, many recent films have gone to streaming services prematurely, so if you have been looking forward to watching Emma (Amazon, Apple, Fandango Now), The The Invisible Man (Amazon, Apple, Fandango Now), and The Hunt (Amazon, Apple, Fandango Now), these movies are all available for your watch straight from home. Not only that, but Onward, Birds of Prey and The Gentlemen are all set to be released online very soon!
To help you out, here is a list of some of the best television shows that Netflix, and other online services, have to offer - some brand-spanking new, and some classics that we will never get tired of re-watching.
We all know that, no matter how good some series’ are right now, there will always be a special, sacred place in our hearts for the iconic television shows of the last few decades. These are usually the best ones to binge-watch, particularly with the lengthy amount of time we all now have in isolation.
Classic Series’ To Binge:
The Office - This mockumentary-style series managed to capture our hearts for a whopping 9 seasons, and still to this day stands as one of the most critically acclaimed comedy series’ of the last decade. The characters are so perfectly relatable, while still getting involved in the most ridiculous workplace scenarios. Not to mention, the cold opens are some of the greatest scenes in TV history and will leave you rolling in your chair before the 2-minute mark. Available on: Stan, Amazon Prime Video
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Will Smith has had an amazing career, but it doesn’t get much better than his first television gig in this iconic 90’s sitcom. If the flamboyant style and hilarious gags aren’t enough, the lovable characters in the Banks family provide some real tear-jerking moments. You’ll be dancing along in your room to Carlton’s unforgettably awkward moves before you know it. Available on: NetflixIn times like these, it’s important for us to be able to look on the bright side of life and think positively. These feel-good shows are sure to brighten up your days and make sure that you finish your day with a smile on your face, no matter what’s going on in the world right now.
Shows to Make You Feel Positive:
Anne with an E - This period show, based on the classic Anne of Green Gables books, follows the story of a young orphan who gets adopted into the Cuthbert family in the country town of Avonlea, in the late 18th century. The show will leave you in tears at times, but the beautiful messages about community and family are just what we need during these difficult times. And, with the third season being released only recently, the lengthy episodes are sure to keep you entertained. Available on: Netflix
The Good Place - If you haven’t already watched this revolutionary NBC comedy, - first of all, what have you been doing? - now is a perfect time! Following the journey of four individuals living in the picturesque neighbourhood of the afterlife, “The Good Place”, the show manages the perfect mix of hilarity and philosophy, to have you questioning everything while still falling in love with the insanely clever storylines. Available on: NetflixAs a universal truth, we should all accept that the United Kingdom produces some of the highest quality of comedic shows on the platform. You’ll notice that this list of comedies, made to keep you looking on the lighter side of things during your quarantine time, is made up of shows from Britain and the rest of the United Kingdom - and if these shows don’t prove to you that laughter is the best medicine, I don’t know what will.
Shows to Make You Die of Laughter:
Derry Girls - Though you may need subtitles for the first few episodes of this hilarious Irish comedy, the story of four teenage girls from the small town of Derry, and one British “fella”, during the Irish civil war in the nineties, provides a barrel of laughs that everyone can get behind. If the characters weren’t funny enough on their own, the plots of the episodes perfectly capture how dumb teenagers can really be - making it one of the most down-to-earth shows out there right now. Available on: Netflix
Sex Education - Our last comedy perfectly captures the teenage sense of humour, while still managing to connect easily to every viewer with its diverse cast. When encouraged by his intimidating classmate, Maeve, Otis Milburn uses his mother’s wisdom as a sex therapist to provide his own advice to the struggling students of Moordale High. This show, if you haven’t already heard about it, was one of the most popular and well-loved comedies of the last two years, and for very good reason! Take our word for it, this is a must-watch. Available on: NetflixWhile “trashy” reality TV has usually been just a way to feel better about our own lives in comparison to other peoples, this selection of shows is made specifically to warm your heart and to help you see the world in a much more positive light. Not only that, but they are all so entertaining, and so binge-able!
The Best Reality Shows:
Rupaul’s Drag Race - Now an international sensation this competition sees various drag performers from across America compete to win the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar”. Hosted by the incomparable RuPaul, the show has become a pop culture phenomenon, creating hundreds of infamous internet memes and kickstarting the careers of hundreds of drag performers. Audiences will laugh, cheer, cry and sashay for these queens. Available on: Stan
The Great British Bake Off - Back to iconic British shows, this feel-good, light-hearted show follows a competition for home-bakers to showcase their talents. Some of the best episodes of this show can be found in their celebrity specials, where famous UK actors, comedians and celebrities show off their own baking talents (or, in most cases, lack thereof), leading to some of the funniest cooking chaos on television. Watch from home for some baking inspiration while you are stuck inside! Available on: Foxtel Go
On top of these shows, Netflix, Stan and many other streaming services are consistently releasing new content, especially during a time where we will all be stuck at home for a while. If for some reason, none of these shows seems to tickle your fancy, there will always be plenty of old, new and interesting shows on offer for you to choose from. Stay safe and healthy, and happy bingeing!
Blog by Hayley Bannerman
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