There are recommendations ranging from “you need an escape and need to get engrossed in something” to “you need something on constantly in the background to remind you what other humans sound like!” While people work hard on these and you SHOULD pay full attention to anything you watch, but we also should be pragmatic.
This guide is focused on tv and mini-series (and US availability), there’s a lot of choices out there and no way for me to cover them all, but here are some starters! Maybe a movies guide to come as well or you can check out the reviews page.
Good luck, stay healthy, stay safe, stay sane, stay streaming!
Parks and Recreation, The Office (for now), Arrested Development (we don’t talk about the later seasons), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Orange is the New Black, The Crown, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Mad Men, and Grey’s Anatomy.
For the More Reality TV Inclined
Did you also miss the phenomenon that was “The Circle” on Netflix? This is a perfect background watch for while you work from home. It’s also perfect social distancing watching because the contestants are physically separated/almost never get to see each other and this is literally how we are living our lives now!
Broadly, contestants are trapped in a house and can only communicate via a made up “voice activated” social media platform dubbed “The Circle.” When this first came out I compared it to a “Black Mirror” episode but now we basically live in this conceit.
Attention level suggested: Minimal, maybe pay attention to the first episode to get the show conceit.
Love is Blind
While it’s not as good as “The Circle” it’s something in a similar vein for those who watched “The Circle” when it first dropped.
“Love is Blind” is like “Married at First Sight” meets “90 Day Fiance” and some other shows thrown in the mix. Contestants are (once again) physically separated and unable to see each other, only hear each other. They then begin romantic relationships (which are intended to end rapid engagement).
Episode 1 is great, episodes 2-3 drag a little, things get VERY juicy from episode 4 onwards. Again, this is probably the perfect show to watch while you need to actually be productive.
Attention level suggested: Minimal to none, in fact it’s to your benefit to have episodes 2-3 just play in the background.
Cheer
It’s about competitive college cheerleading. It sounds like you should hate it. It is engrossing as hell.
Attention level suggested: Not a ton but you’ll probably get caught up in the drama.
The Great British Baking Show
It’s the most relaxing competition you’ll ever watch. Contestants bake things. They are insanely supportive of each other. Be careful because it will make you hungry and you don’t want to burn through all of your grocery stockpile.
Attention level suggested: Low to medium. It’s super soothing.
Slightly More Structured Pickings
Okay this one might hit too close to home right now but maybe it can be a fun humorous way to deal with what’s going on in the real world? The show centers around a zombie apocalypse that wipes out all adults, leaving only people in high school and younger to rebuild society. It’s like John Hughes meets George A Romero. Who knows it may end up also containing some relevant pointers.
Attention level suggested: Medium but you can probably multi-task
Altered Carbon
Season 2 just came out, and while it isn’t as strong as season 1, if you’re looking for a sci-fi series to get in to that doesn’t have a super high barrier to entry, or a kajillion seasons to commit to, “Altered Carbon” is an okay choice! The conceit is that our consciousnesses can be stored on a disk / digitally in the future, and therefore our meat sacks (aka bodies) are potentially interchangeable and upgradable. Season 1 is more of a whodunit, season 2 builds on the backstories of some of the characters from season 1 (and gets a little lost along the way so if you’re feeling commitment phobic go with season 1 only).
Attention level suggested: Medium to high
The Witcher
Look, I hate watched this entire series when it came out over winter break. Based on a truly excellent video game, that is based on books I have not read, “The Witcher” was positioned as ready to fill the void of “Game of Thrones” which probably did it a massive disservice. The story starts out non-linear (which was confusing to me, even though I knew the characters involved) so if you have no previous exposure to the source material you actually may be able to enjoy it more! While it wasn’t my favorite obviously I still ended up watching the entire thing, and I know many a person liked it.
Attention level suggested: Medium to high (particularly if you struggle with non-linear storytelling).
I was SUPER late to this show but gobbled the entirety of it up in about 2 weeks (which is about the amount of time quarantines are recommended if you traveled recently). The clever puns and Hollywood skewering is mixed with surprisingly meaningful storylines.
Attention level suggested: Medium just so you don’t miss the jokes!
Big Mouth
Similar to Bojack Horseman, it’s a cartoon with an R-rating (hell even probably an x-rating) about a bunch of middle school kids going through puberty. It’s funny and surreal as hell. You absolutely could not watch this if you were at work because of the mature visual gags, so take advantage of not having to risk your manager walk by your desk at the wrong time and watch this now.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Sex Education
Another one you probably wouldn’t be able to watch while at work, it’s about a bunch of teens in a mythical John Hughes esque high school in England. It’s pretty upfront about sexuality and the sexual spectrum which is surprisingly refreshing. Plus you will never be more attracted to Gillian Anderson in your entire life.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Schitt’s Creek
Also highly bingeable and gets surprisingly emotional at times. I’m dreading when I have access to the sixth and final season. It also mirrors a form of social distancing (just not by choice by the main family the show follows). Season one can be a little bit grating because of the characters but this show is really something special, stick with it.
Attention level suggested: Pay attention! Mostly because it’s just a great show.
Grace and Frankie
You may not have given this a chance before because it stars two women in their 80s but they are some of the funniest performers out there. The “Odd Couple” dynamic can be a little stressful when you watch too many episodes in a row, but I promise you their hijinks are delightful.
Attention level suggested: Medium
True crime but set in a high school and around graffiti. They perfectly captured the tone of true crime shows/documentaries. It is very funny.
Attention level suggested: Low to medium
Crashing
Love “Fleabag” (see Amazon Prime section) and wish you could see more of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s genius? The one and only season of “Crashing” – her show that came out before “Fleabag” and that has a similar feel is on Netflix. It will make you wish there were more seasons.
Attention level suggested: High
GLOW
Follow the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling through three 10 episode seasons. It’s nice to have so many well rounded female characters on one show.
Attention level suggested: Medium
YOU
Much like “Altered Carbon” season 1 is much stronger than season 2. The show centers around a “charming” nice guy but there’s more to him than meets the eye (no he’s not a Transformer but I would pay so much to watch that show too) and it gets dark fast.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Mindhunter
Speaking of dark! “Mindhunter” follows two FBI agents who are at the forefront of criminal profiling, focusing on serial killers. David Fincher directs several episodes. Maybe not suggested if you are sheltering in place and get skittish after watching things.
Attention level suggested: Medium to high
What if the Justice League existed and were managed by a mega corporation. That’s the premise of “The Boys” – which comes from Seth Rogen. Those two sentences should tell you if the show is for you or no. If you’re on the fence I highly recommend it, and Season 2 is supposedly going to drop this year.
Attention level suggested: Medium to high
Fleabag
Hot. Priest. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of the funniest and best performers / writers out there. Love having an imperfect protagonist. Get ready and enjoy this in a non judging environment!
Attention level suggested: High because it’s amazing.
Good Omens
It’s about the apocalypse! It’s from Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett! It’s really interesting I swear! At a tight six episodes it’s low commitment, high reward.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Catastrophe
Fear not, it’s not about the type of catastrophe we’re currently experiencing, it’s about everyday catastrophes. If you’re cooped up with a significant other this might be a gamble but overall the show is fantastic. It’s about a one night stand that leads to a marriage and kids. Carrie Fisher also eventually shows up and who doesn’t love that?!
Attention level suggested: Medium
Lorena
About Lorena Bobbitt (who if you’re too young to know who that is and reading this, she sliced of her husband’s penis after years of abuse). It’s a 4 part docu-series and a tough one to watch but worth it.
Attention level suggested: Medium
In case you were somehow living under a rock when this came out, now is the time to catch up. You don’t even have to be a hardcore Star Wars fan to appreciate it. Baby Yoda will be a welcome and adorable distraction.
Attention level suggested: Medium to High
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Want to watch Jeff Goldblum just be Jeff Goldblum and learn about random things? Cool. Here’s a perfect show for you. I picked up some random interesting fun facts while watching the show, and it would make for excellent background noise right about now.
Attention level suggested: Low
The Imagineering Story
I can’t personally vouch for this one yet, but I’ve been told it’s a pretty interesting documentary on the history of Disney Parks.
This was pretty tough for me to watch having worked in games, but also somewhat amusing at times. Think HBO’s “Silicon Valley” but not as high quality, and focusing on games. What’s interesting to note is the show is co-produced by an actual gaming studio.
Attention level suggested: Low to Medium
Little America
I haven’t finished this anthology yet, but so far these stories of Immigrants in America have reminded me that things could be worse, and hope is important.
Attention level suggested: Medium
For All Mankind
I normally am not sure if I’d recommend this show, but desperate times call for desperate measures. It takes place in an alternate timeline where Russia landed on the moon first. Episodes are pretty uneven, they tend to have slow starts, one medium idea, drag along for about 40 minutes, and then a crazy and amazing cliffhanger at the end of an episode. I’m not sure why they couldn’t control the pacing better, but overall the concept was interesting enough.
Attention level suggested: Low to Medium
One of my favorite shows of 2019. You don’t have to be familiar with the comic book to pick this up, and I actually potentially recommend against watching the 2009 film version. This show is so full of twists and turns and well hidden plot points it will be a welcome distraction if you’re looking for something to pay attention to and drown everything else out.
Attention level suggested: High
Barry
Bill Hader is incredibly watchable as a hitman turned wannabe actor. There’s comedy and drama, fun for the … don’t show this to little kids.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Silicon Valley
Every once in a while I re-watch this anyway. While their turmoils may be stressful, it may scratch that “I miss an office” itch/make you appreciate not having to work in person right now.
Attention level suggested: Medium
Flight of the Conchords
Part show, part surreal musical numbers, all amazing. One of my favorite shows of all time, and it still holds up. Follow New Zealand duo Bret and Jemaine in New York.
Attention level suggested: Low to Medium
Westworld
Season 3 just began (and I still have no idea what’s going on) but for those of you who were intimidated to catch up… now is the perfect time.
Attention level suggested: High
I mean hell watch the movie too, but the TV show took a hilarious original movie concept and successfully translated it to television. From Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), and based off their film of the same name, it’s a documentary that follows vampires. It’s funny I swear.
Season 2 premieres April 15.
Available on Hulu
Attention level suggested: Medium
Killing Eve
Have you noticed a pattern? I just really want everyone to watch Phoebe Waller-Bridge shows! This show is engrossing, smart, dangerous, and funny. You’ll get obsessed.
Season 3 starts April 26 on BBC America
Seasons 1 and 2 are on Hulu
Attention level suggested: Medium to High
Four Weddings and a Funeral (The TV Show)
It’s the premise of the original movie, but spread out over a tv show and with new and ethnic characters! It’s from Mindy Kaling so I was already gonna be in. It’s cute, it’s lighthearted, why not?
Available on Hulu
Attention level suggested: Low to medium.
The Mindy Project
While you’re at it/if you have Hulu, you could always give “The Mindy Project” a watch or re-watch. Centering around Mindy Kaling as Dr. Mindy Lahiri, the show is funny and perfect for all those not perfectly put together women out there.
Attention level suggested: Low to medium
90 Day Fiancé
Look we don’t know when they’re going to end social distancing, so if you’re feeling super ambitious and love garbage television, have I got a show for you!
The premise of the show is relatively straightforward, it follows an American and their possible future spouse who has been brought to the US on a K-1 Visa. The K-1 Visa stipulates that you must get married within 90 days of them entering the US or they’ll be deported.
There are multitudes of spinoffs that include recurring characters. We’ve got “Before the 90 Days” which explores couples before they’ve met in person (this is probably my second favorite of the franchise). “90 Day the Other Way” about Americans moving abroad. “Happily Every After?” (yes the question mark is part of the title) which tends to follow couples who actually say “I do.” And finally “What now?” which follows individuals who’ve made an impression on audiences but didn’t actually get married.
I almost envy reality tv addicts who get to experience these stories for the first time. An additional important thing to note is that while many reality shows (i.e. all of Bravo’s fare which I unabashedly love) tend to be divisive in households with couples, a surprising number of people I know’s male significant others get pretty wrapped up in the drama of this show pretty easily.
Airs on TLC, many seasons are available on demand or online.
Attention level suggested: Low
