During a time where we don’t have places to go or people to see, TV is always a reliable source for distraction and escapism. This time should be used for shameless relaxation, thus a list of 8 TV shows to watch during this isolating time was essential to making.
Gossip Girl (2007)
I wanted to start off with a timeless classic that incorporates all the dramatic storylines from love triangles to best friend wars, Gossip Girl covers it all. Watching all the drama go down with a beautiful New York city backdrop in addition to an amazingly nostalgic soundtrack to match, makes Gossip Girl a show you simply can not pass up the opportunity to watch at least once. I have definitely seen it a lot more than once, but that’s simply because this show has a great re-watch ability factor that makes it perfect for quarantine.
Victorious (2010)
My favorite Nickelodeon show of all time follows a group of talented teens at a performing arts high school, Hollywood Arts. Although I was obsessed with the show when I was ten I love it just as much as a twenty-year-old. While it is a “kids” show it doesn’t feel childish, it follows teenagers that go through truly wacky and entertaining situations. The show’s success stems from the fact that it makes the audience wish they went to Hollywood Arts with these characters. Each character is so unique and talented in their own right you can’t help but find something you like about each of them. The soundtrack is fantastic and unforgettable, so much so that a song like “Best Friends Brother” is famously used on Tik Tok and when “Give it Up” was performed at one of Ariana Grande’s recent concerts the crowd was singing along. With Victorious conveniently being put on Netflix, there is no excuse to not check it out.
The Office (2005)
Another classic on the list, The Office remains one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. I was one of those people that never understood the hype behind this show until I got to season two. Season one was definitely a trial period, trying to find its tone which was established in season two. With the show almost being canceled after the first season, it was essential season two needed to make some more changes. This was demonstrated the most through the character change in Michael Scott, he became a lot more likable after the first season and felt like someone you can root for. With that change, in addition to hilarious interactions between the vastly different characters in addition to a unique mock-documentary filming style, The Office is a great option when you need a light-hearted distraction.
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018)
With a more dramatic and suspenseful take on the 90s sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this version truly brings a new life to the show. It follows Sabrina Spellman, half-witch half-mortal, trying to balance two different worlds. The show’s coloring and cinematography display an overall eerie and enigmatic tone which makes for a very intriguing show. I’m truly impressed with how the writers come up with very interesting storylines while maintaining an unpredictable factor. The romance and comedy on the show also help the audience relate to the characters considering the majority of the storylines are based around supernatural factors.
Shameless (2011)
Following a dysfunctional family of six kids with an absentee mother and alcoholic father on the south side of Chicago, Shameless showcases a realistic portrayal of what it’s like to be a struggling, low-income family in America. At the heart of this show, it’s about family and the lengths they will go through for each other. Starring Emmy Rossum as the eldest sibling, Fiona who is only twenty-one in the first season having to raise her siblings taking on any job that will help pay the bills. This show is definitely a reality check for viewers, displaying relevant world issues through the lens of an abnormal family dynamic. What makes this show so enjoyable is the characters, each one has a unique quality about them, yet they all work so well together. Throughout the ten seasons, the family is tested time and time again and the best part is watching how they overcome their struggles or succumb. This show will leave your jaw on the floor while making you laugh uncontrollably at the same time. While it can get very dark and heavy at times, Shameless is truly one of a kind.
Dynasty (2017)
A reboot of the classic 80s soap opera, Dynasty has all the same campy drama as the original, but with a much better representation of what America looks like today. With a diverse cast, amazing fashion, and outrageous catfights, this show is simply one of the best forms of escapism there is. Liz Gillies’s portrayal of Fallon Carrington is unbelievably entertaining and showcases what it looks like to be a cunning, intelligent businesswoman. This show revolves around money, power, and romance that makes for a very entertaining watch. The lavishness and opulence of the Carrington family really make for a great escapist show similar to the qualities Gossip Girl obtains. I can whole heartily say Dynasty is one of the most unpredictable shows I’ve ever watched in addition to one of the most underrated ones.
Supernatural (2005)
Last summer I binge-watched all fourteen seasons of this show on Netflix in a month, to say it consumed my life at one point would be an understatement. Supernatural follows two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester who hunt monsters. While that sounds very vague and simple so much builds off that and this show is so much more than the title. What enticed me to keep watching was the strong bond between the brothers, their connection and how they are always there for one another is extremely heartwarming and amazing to watch. No matter what crazy monster or supernatural being they were faced with, the brothers always conquered every obstacle together. With fourteen seasons on Netflix, Supernatural will keep you occupied for a while with scares, laughs, and a lot of heart.
Glee (2009)
A show I’m currently binging has become all I can think about for the past week. I never thought I would watch this show because while I love a good musical number I didn’t think I could deal with the amount Glee showcases in every episode. After finally giving it a chance, I realized I truly judged a book by its cover with this show. Yes, there are a lot of musical numbers which are expected since it’s a music TV show, but it’s also hilarious, dramatic, and a tearjerker at times. I have fallen in love with several characters on this show, sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. There is not one season I haven’t liked, each one brings something unique and special while maintaining its authenticity. Glee, for the most part, is a light-hearted, feel-good show that will put a smile on your face if you give it a chance.
Being in quarantine can be a very isolating time, but I truly believe finding positive distractions like TV, movies, and music can really make this entire experience less depressing. This is a time where we should be able to watch as much Netflix as we want and not feel an ounce of guilt over it.
Thanks for reading, V