Whether social-distancing or self-isolating, it is likely that we’ll all collectively be spending a bit more time at home for the foreseeable future.
It’s a serious business, and a troubling time. Whether you’re looking for some light relief, some time away from the social media chatter or just a new show to share with your partner, family or housemates, we’ve pulled together some of the most bingeable and enjoyable watches that are currently available on Netflix and elsewhere.
Netflix
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
If you’re yet to check out this American comedy, now would be a great time. The show revolves around Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a Die Hard superfan and NYPD detective in the fictional 99th Precinct in Brooklyn, New York. It’s lighthearted and chuckle-inducing, but it also hits some real topical notes.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine has proven something of a cult hit among fans, and with the recent announcement that season seven has finally been given an air date in the UK (E4, March 26, in case you’re wondering) you might want to spend some time catching up on seasons one to five, which are available on Netflix.
Élite
This popular Spanish-language original has a growing legion of fans and, as one of the best shows on TV right now for LGBTQ+ content, we’d urge everyone to check it out if they haven’t already.
The glossy teen thriller is set in an exclusive private school in Spain and, while this isn’t the first time we’ve seen rich kids tear each other apart with sex and murder, there’s a lot that sets Élite apart from other shows. Even better, there are currently three whole seasons ready to sink your teeth into on Netflix.
The Good Place
We’d be quite surprised if you’re yet to check out this delight of a series, but we would also file this one firmly under ‘comfort blanket’ shows you can watch again and again.
Also, considering Eleanor and her friends spent four seasons teaching us all how we can each make each other’s lives just a little better, it feels particularly relevant right now.
Tuca and Bertie
Netflix stirred quite the fan backlash when it axed this animated series back in July and, sure enough, the outrage-fuelled headlines only spurred on more people to discover the charms of Tuca and Bertie.
The series follows two female bird best friends (voiced by Ali Wong and Tiffany Haddish) and its depiction of the struggles of being a young female adult, as well as its deft exploration of sensitive topics, has been widely praised.
Sex Education
The Netflix Original’s very first outing in 2019 became an instant breakthrough hit for the streaming giant, with season two building on this to become even better (we didn’t think it was possible, and yet here we are).
Despite being set in a high school and including many comedic moments, Sex Education does not shy away from exploring darker and more difficult topics too. Both seasons are available now, and they can keep you busy until season three arrives.
Stranger Things
Well, OBVIOUSLY.
Widely accepted to be one of the biggest and best shows to have come out of Netflix, we’d expect you have likely checked this out by now. But if not, now is as good a time as any.
A bright and visual ’80s feast for the senses, Stranger Things has action, adventure, a lot of love and a teeny bit of horror. Oh, and a sing-a-long, which is always fun.
Above all though, it’s just rather bloody good.
GLOW
Despite being almost cancelled by Netflix after its first season, GLOW is three seasons strong, with a fourth on the way.
The American comedy focuses on the world of women’s professional wrestling, through the lens of the aftermath of the 1970s Woman’s Liberation movement. As well as providing some much-needed empowerment, the retro soundtrack is pretty awesome too.
Back with the Ex
If you’re fresh off a Love Is Blind marathon, here’s another reality show on Netflix that’s worthy of your eyeballs (and Twitter memes).
The seven-part series first aired on the Seven Network in Australia, and it introduces viewers to four former couples who are trying to work out whether to get back together, or finally draw a line under things and move on for good – all while in full view of the cameras. Yup, it’s everything you’re imagining right now, and then some.
