If you’ve been looking for something to spruce up your screen, look no further. Below is a list of shows, movies, and documentaries from across streaming platforms. There is something for everyone, whether you want to watch something with diversity, comedy, romance or even mystery.
TV Shows
On my Block
On my Block is a brilliant coming of age story about a tight knit group of friends: Monse, Ruby, Jamal, Cesar and newbie Olivia. The group lives in a rough inner-city LA neighborhood. These teens become involved in so much beyond the normal issues of starting high school. Cesar is looped into the Santos gang under the leadership of his older brother Oscar “Spooky” Diaz. Due to this Cesar is another player in the gang wars of the neighborhood. This puts a major stress on the group of friends, especially Monse and Cesar who are (sort of) in a relationship. Olivia has to live in a whole new place without her parents due to them being deported. Ruby tries really hard to get close to her while still being respectful of everything she’s going through. Also, there is an epic subplot, in which Jamal, along with Ruby’s grandmother, try to find the treasure from a decade’s old robbery. Season 1 left off with a major cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for season 2!
One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time is such a beautiful and heartwarming show following the life of Penelope, a newly single Army veteran-turned-nurse, with deep ties to her Cuban heritage. Penelope is learning to raise her teen children, Elena and Alex, on her own. Though she receives a lot of support from her mother (played by famous Latina actress, Rita Moreno) and – oddly – her, rich bachelor landlord, Schneider. Through the first two seasons the Alvarez family is able to get through a lot. They overcome issues involving racism, deportation and citizenship challenges, sexual identity, and so much more. Watching the Alvarez family stay so close through everything really shows how you can be comfortable with yourself no matter who you are.
Brooklyn Nine Nine
A cop show unlike any other cop show, Brooklyn Nine Nine boasts a wonderfully diverse cast. Each character is well developed and has their own story arc. No character is simplified to the stereotypes of their race or identity. The jokes are funny without poking fun at who someone is. Also, despite being a comedy, it covers serious topics so well. There have been episodes covering racial profiling and coming out, for example. Brooklyn Nine Nine was thankfully saved by NBC after initially being being canceled by Fox, so the cast is currently filming the sixth season.
Guilty Party
Guilty Party is similar to American Horror Story, in which each season centers around a different story. The premise of the show is that a group of young adults work together to figure out a major secret while have their own secrets revealed along the way. Each season of the show brings together some of the best Youtubers; including Kian Lawley, Miles McKenna, Gabe Conte, and Tiffany Alvord. Though what is really cool about this show is that, since it’s on Youtube, there are other videos along with the main episodes. Viewers can follow along by watching vlogs made by the characters as well as other content, which gives unique perspectives to the story. This is a great show if you love mystery!
Movies
The Kissing Booth
This is one of Netflix’s new movies for their rom-com revival. This movie details the lives of best friends, Elle and Lee. Lee often lives in the shadow of his older brother, Noah. The only thing that Lee has to himself is his best friend, Elle, until she isn’t anymore. Elle and Noah develop a fun and flirtatious relationship, though this movie doesn’t fall into the love triangle trope where the female protagonist is in love with both her best friend and another man. Elle is a strong-willed character who is confident and stands up for what she wants. Elle and Lee have a great friendship that is only a friendship. This is great movie for the rom-com lovers out there!
Listen to your Heart
Oof, if you watch this movie make sure you have a box of tissues on hand. This is a traditional Romeo and Juliet story. Poor musician, Danny, meets rich girl Ariana, while he’s working in a small restaurant in New York. The two quickly fall in love, but there is so much that divides them. Danny tries hard to have Ariana experience his music and the world despite her being deaf. Also, Ariana’s mom keeps them apart since Danny is poor and Ariana comes from a rich family. They fight so hard to be together. Now, you would think in a great love story there would be a happy ending? Well, a major plot twist will have you needing those tissues.
Big Hero 6
*Fist bump* Ba-la-la-la-la
Big Hero 6 is one of Disney’s cutest animated movies. The movie’s setting takes inspiration from both San Francisco and Tokyo to create futuristic San Fransokyo. This city is a hub for technological innovation which leads to the creation of Baymax, the world’s best healthcare provider. The relationship between Baymax and Hiro is so honest and cute. Also, the group of superhero friends is hilarious and amazing. It’s great to see a group of friends band together, not only to save the city, but to support their friend after an incredible loss. This movie makes you feel all the feels and I definitely recommend it if you love animated movies and great friends (or a lovable health care robot).
Nonfiction
Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj’s Patriot Act is pinned as a “woke Ted talk.” As new episodes come out every Sunday on Netflix, Minhaj is able to keep his viewers up to date on current global issues including the crisis in Yemen and the lawsuit against Harvard that could potentially end Affirmative Action. The way the information is presented through comedy keeps you engaged in something that you may not otherwise find interesting. Minhaj keeps everything simple and understandable so that everyone can get the most out of what is being presented.
RBG
The Notorious RBG is one of the biggest feminist icons of our day. This new documentary covers her exceptional life and career as the second woman on the US Supreme Court. A. O. Scott of The New York Times wrote, “Those qualities resonate powerfully in the dissents that may prove to be Justice Ginsburg’s most enduring legacy, and RBG is, above all, a tribute to her voice.” The documentary has a light touch that highlights Justice Ginsburg’s life and amazing accomplishments. If you want to experience the amazingness and power of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, you should definitely watch this film.
Buzzfeed Unsolved
Duo, Ryan and Shane, investigate many different unsolved cases, both true crime and supernatural. The two men find themselves in haunted houses or searching forests for treasure. Though what is really great about this show is the dynamic between Ryan and Shane. They are such good friends and it’s evident in the way they bicker and joke around. This show goes in depth into many cold cases across the globe and also involves viewer input during Q&A episodes after every regular episode. If you are a true crime or supernatural buff, this is a great show for you.
Now that you’ve found your next binge, get cozy and grab a snack or a fuzzy blanket. Get ready to spend the next few hours watching some great tv!
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