So, the world is shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the best time to binge those shows you’ve been meaning to watch. Here are 11 shows, and where they’re available, to enjoy during your social distancing. Check out the suggestions, by genre, below.
If you love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Time Travel, etc….
12 Monkeys – Entire Series on Hulu
If you’ve already watched Contagion (2011) and Outbreak (1995), then this isn’t going to scare you.
Basically all you need to know: It’s one of the best Time Travel shows around! This lovable cast is fun, the writing is clever, and you’ll be hooked from season 1.
Dark Matter – Season 1-3 on Netflix; Season 4 in tweet form on Joseph Mallozzi’s blog
This outerspace series aired on SYFY for 3 seasons before a shocking cancellation. Luckily the creator is incredible and shared stories past season 3 on his blog.
Basically all you need to know: A bunch of people wake up on a spaceship with no memories. (Also you need to know it’s a 2-part premiere).
Travelers – Entire Series on Netflix
Another brilliant Canadian sci-fi series about Time Travel, starring Eric McCormack (Will & Grace).
Basically all you need to know: Time travelers from the future comeback to our present day to stop something and course correct our future.
Future Man – Season 1-2 on Hulu
The raunchiest of Time Travel shows, this gem comes from Seth Rogan.
Basically all you need to know: Lotta dick jokes.
If you love crime dramas, procedurals, heists, etc….
Leverage – airing on Electric Now (via DistroTV and XUMO apps)
This beloved con-artist/heist series is currently streaming all over Electric Now which you can watch for FREE via the DistroTV and XUMO apps.
Basically all you need to know: A team of criminals work together to do good. “Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys”
The Rookie – Hulu, ABC on-demand
Nathan Fillion stars as “the oldest rookie” in the LAPD. This premise is quickly glossed over in favor of a quality ensemble cop show. Come for Fillion, stay for the rest of the team.
Basically all you need to know: This ensemble cop drama is a surprising winner. Give it a couple episodes and you’ll be as attached to these characters as you are for your favorite shows.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – Hulu and Netflix, plus on-demand
Currently in season 21, easily the greatest show of all time. From season 1-12 you can select any episode at random and watch a self-contained story. After season 12 some episodes do tie together and there are a few multiple-episode-arcs.
Basically all you need to know: In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
If you love comedies, easy viewing, musicals, etc….
Perfect Harmony – Season 1 on Hulu and NBC
The easiest of viewing, Perfect Harmony is family friendly fun with music and a great cast led by Bradley Whitford.
Basically all you need to know: Whitford stars as a stuck up man from the big city who helps a country Church choir. Obviously his city slicker exterior softens. It’s the ideal show to watch with children, or your old, conservative parents.
Sex Education – Season 1-2 on Netflix
While this show can lean towards a drama, this British Netflix series tackles real world issues, questions, and teen drama while being engaging and addictive.
Basically all you need to know: A british boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) is a sex therapist. He’s informed, but stunted, and becomes his high-school’s sexual advisor.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist – Currently airing; Catch up on Hulu and NBC
What seems like a dumb premise, Zoey’s actually has a lot of heart.
Basically all you need to know: This girl starts hearing everyone’s deepest thoughts, in song form, and tries to help them.
Schitt’s Creek – Netflix; Final season airing on PopTV
The comedy everyone’s been talking about, and you’ve been meaning to watch.
Basically all you need to know: A wealthy and out of touch family moves to a little town they bought (as a joke). Eventually they start to like it there.
But really, all you need to know: All your friends are talking about it. They’re constantly referencing it and making jokes. Watch it to feel relevant again.
That feels like enough to get you through the next week or two. Let me know what show YOU think people should binge while they’ve got the time (and where they can watch it!)
I’m sure we’ll provide another list in the comings weeks… now go wash your hands.
— Yael Tygiel