Binge Battle
By Peyton Schultze
The constant laughs from The Simpsons makes it one of the better shows to stream while you’re still at home (via The Verge).
Bored at home and ready to binge watch a new television show? Maybe you’ve already gone through Breaking Bad once again, or are finally ready to move on from another re-watch of Modern Family. Or maybe you just need some kind of entertainment spark with time seeming to move at such a fast pace. Boredom is quite a relatable characteristic at this point with everyone stuck at home, so it’s understandable that some people may be looking for answers. With that in mind, and with a television craze flowing throughout the world right now, here’s some TV show suggestions for your next binge-watch at home while stuck in quarantine.
The Office (Netflix)
If you’ve never had time to watch the hit NBC classic, now is a perfect time to be introduced to the inner workings of Dunder Mifflin (via HowStuffWorks).
Arguably one of the funniest American television shows in history, NBC’s The Office almost never misses when given an open shot. With memorable characters such as Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute, in addition to some truly iconic lines over the course of its nine seasons, The Office is the perfect show to watch in the midst of this somewhat saddening time. Painfully awkward at certain points and sensationally witty at other times, the show is a true masterpiece in comedic television and still stands up very well in the present-day. Make quick to Netflix sometime before the end of 2020 (the show is moving to Peacock in 2021, NBC’s own streaming service), because this is truly one of the most memorable shows in recent memory.
Best Episode(s): S5, E 14+15, Stress Relief, Parts 1 & 2
Mad Men (Netflix)
Mad Men’s suspenseful brilliance makes it a must-watch drama to stream in Netflix’s vast collection (via Esquire).
Mad Men is one of AMC’s greatest hit shows, which alone makes it a great thing to watching during the time. Detailing the life of Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm in the title role, the drama piece takes place in the early 1960’s in the midst of New York City’s controversial advertising rise. Featuring several breakout roles, along with perfect time period settings and plenty of major twists along the way that give further insight into Don’s true intentions in his life, Mad Men is a great show to take a swing at on Netflix during this time of quarantine.
Best Episode(s): S2, E5, The New Girl
The Last Dance (ESPN+ or ESPN)
The Last Dance is a perfect relief for any major sports fan during this time at home (via What’s on Netflix).
With live sports completely out of the picture at the moment, The Last Dance has taken the world by storm and become a unifying event for the country each Sunday. Engaging in the behind-the-scenes story of the 1990’s Chicago Bulls, the documentary series gives an enhancing retelling of what made those Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, so great and popular during their time in the spotlight. With plenty of captivating storylines and interesting soundbites from athletes, politicians, and celebrities alike, the show has soared to massive numbers since its debut in mid-April. With four episodes left to go in the series, this is a must-watch show that will surely remind anyone of what made Air Jordan and the Chicago Bulls so great in the first place.
Best Episode(s): Episode 5
Veep (HBO Go)
Veep follows the journey of Vice President Selina Meyer in her quest to secure the spot in the Oval Office in this wild comedy series (via Hollywood Reporter).
Veep may have flown significantly under the radar during its runtime while sharing the same network with Game of Thrones, which makes it an exceptional show to watch during quarantine. Displaying Selina Meyer’s rise from Vice President of the United States into her bid for the Presidency, the comedy shows just how crazy politics can get at the center of the country. Whether there’s bizarre similarities between the characters in the show and the current state of the administration is completely up to the viewer, but it’s nonstop pace makes the show revolutionary in its risk-taking. Whatever the case may be,Veep is a ridiculous comedy that is surely worth your time
Episode(s): S5, E9, Kissing Your Sister
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO Go)
Good luck finding any other show on television as utterly ridiculous and constantly ironic as Curb Your Enthusiasm (via The Forward).
Shows like The Office or Parks and Recreation may be known for its absurdities in nearly every episode, but even those shows don’t come close to some of the nonsense that happens in Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the show about the daily life of Larry David, the show offers some unique storylines that follow the odd adventures of the former Seinfeld creator. Featuring minor characters such as Jeff Garlin and J.B. Smoove, Curb consistently walks the line and has some of the edgiest humor of any show in today’s age. Try to watch any one of the ten seasons; each one offers some unique comedy that you can rarely find anywhere else.
Best Episode(s): S8, E3, Palestinian Chicken
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
The Mandalorian became a worldwide phenomenon over the past year since its debut in fall of 2019 (via CNBC).
A couple a months ago, a certain show debuted on Disney+ that instantly set the entertainment world on fire. Maybe you’ve heard of it? Well, if you haven’t had the time or were hesitant about watching it at first, now is a great opportunity to stream the first season of The Mandalorian. Jumping right into the Star Wars universe following the events of Return of the Jedi, the show follows a ruthless bounty hunter who finds himself in the middle of some sticky situations with a certain prized possession. There may be some major surprises that have been spoiled due to social media at this point, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tune and watch one of the most popular shows of the past year.
Best Episode(s): S1, E8, Redemption
The Simpsons (Disney+)
Even more than 30 years since its original first season, The Simpsons remains one of the greatest shows to have ever braced the small screen (via Vox).
Well, everyone has plenty of time on their hands right now anyways, right? If you’re looking for 30+ seasons worth of hilarious content, then The Simpsons may be your best bet on Disney+. Without really any sort of explanation required due to being one of the most popular television shows of all-time, the comedic animated show is one of the most notable examples of pop culture over the past three decades, and has a massive fanbase behind it. From Homer to Krusty the Clown to Ned Flanders, everyone has their favorite characters in their absurd outings in one of the most popular shows ever.
Best Episode(s): S6, E25 & S7, E1, Who Shot Mr. Burns? Parts 1 & 2
The World According to Jeff Goldblum (Disney+)
Jeff Goldblum’s wacky insight into various topics makes his show an interesting thing to binge watch at home (via Hollywood Reporter).
In a mood to learn more about some fascinating topics without any sort of in-person schooling happening right now? Even though it may be focused more on non-essential topics, Jeff Goldblum gives some very captivating insight into some of the most interesting things found in our daily lives. From ice cream to coffee, and from cosmetics to denim, The World According to Jeff Goldblum teaches the audience about the history of certain items and how they play such a key role in some of our lives. Throw in the wacky, yet engaged attitude of Goldblum and you’ll get one show that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of anytime soon.
Best Episode(s): S1, E1, Sneakers
The Imagineering Story (Disney+)
The Imagineering Story is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at what lies at the center of Walt Disney Imagineering (via Explosion Network).
With the Disney Parks around the world closed, maybe you’re interested in some personal nostalgia to sweep you back onto Main Street, U.S.A. Luckily, Disney+’s The Imagineering Story is a fantastic documentary series that is sure to bring a smile to your face. With plenty of strong interviews with employees at Walt Disney Imagineering and many lesser-known secrets constantly revealed to the audiences, each hour-long episode is a tasty treat for all serious Disney fans. So From 1955 to the present-day, The Imagineering Story is sure to bring a smile to your face as you live and learn about the action that brought Walt Disney’s creative vision to life.
Best Episode(s): S1, E1, The Happiest Place on Earth