What to watch: binge-worthy shows for quarantined students

By EVE THOMPSON

Staff Writer

As the coronavirus cases continue to rise along with the urge to get out of the house, here are some top picks on three major streaming services to convince you to continue staying at home. 

Netflix

If you’ve binged every episode of “The Tiger King” and “Love Is Blind,” on Netflix, here are four more movie and TV show recommendations.

“Community” (2009-2015)

“Community” is a comedy television series that follows Jeff Winger, played by Joel McHale, as he is forced to return to community college after his law degree is found to be fake. At Greendale Community College, Jeff meets and befriends a cast of characters, including the talents of Gillian Jacobs, Donald Glover, Danny Pudi and Yvette Nicole Brown. “Community” is hilarious, and it is perfect for fans of “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.”

“The Hangover” (2009)

“The Hangover,” directed by Todd Philips, is a comedy film depicting a Las Vegas bachelor party and its hysterical aftermath. “The Hangover” stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, and is the perfect escape from watching the news all day.

“American Horror Story” (2011-2019)

Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, “American Horror Story” is an anthology horror television series which focuses on a different set of characters and a different setting each season. For example, season one, entitled “Murder House,” starring Dylan McDermott, Jessica Lange and Evan Peters, follows a family who moves into a house being haunted by its former inhabitents.

“The Politician” (2019)

“The Politician,” also created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck, is a dramedy television series centered on a race for student-body president in an elite private school in California. Starring Ben Platt, Zoey Deutch and Gwyneth Paltrow, “The Politician” is campy, overdramatic and fun, while maintaining its biting critique of American society and politics.

Amazon Prime 

Amazon Prime not only holds the world’s supply of gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, but it also holds a number of films and television shows. Here are four more recommendations found on Amazon Prime.

“The Spy Who Dumped Me” (2018)

Starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon, and directed by Susanna Fogel, “The Spy Who Dumped Me” follows two unassuming young women who become wrapped up in a spy conspiracy. This film combines the typical James Bond-style spy film and Kate McKinnon’s talents for a hilariously watchable comedy. 

“Fleabag” (2016-2019)

Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Fleabag” explores the life of a young woman, the titular Fleabag, in London. “Fleabag” is known for both Waller-Bridge’s exceptional performance as the unique Fleabag and for breaking the fourth wall to give the audience a look inside Fleabag’s mind. This television show embraces the awkwardness of young-adult life.

“A Quiet Place” (2018)

Written, directed by and starring John Krasinski, “A Quiet Place” is a critically acclaimed horror film that centers around a family attempting to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The family is hunted by alien creatures who have hypersensitive hearing. “A Quiet Place” is chilling yet surprisingly heart-warming, with brilliant acting performances.

“What Men Want” (2019)

“What Men Want” is a romantic comedy directed by Adam Shenkman and starring Taraji P. Henson, Aldis Hodge and Tracy Morgan. It explores what happens when a woman can hear men’s thoughts. While the film heavily relies on stereotypes, it makes for a hilarious and fun movie night.

Hulu

If neither Netflix or Amazon Prime are your thing, Hulu also offers some interesting alternatives. Here are four television recommendations that can be found on Hulu.

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” (2009-2011)

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” is a reality television series focusing on a competition between drag queens. Seasons 1-6 are available on Hulu, but, if you’re new to “Drag Race,” it is recommended to begin at season 5. “Drag Race” is hilarious and drama-filled, and it is perfect for a night of binge-watching to boost your mood.

“The Act” (2019)

“The Act” is perfect for true crime junkies everywhere. It is a drama television series based on the true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Starring Patricia Arquette and Joey King, “The Act” will haunt you and leave you wanting more.

“Fresh Off the Boat” (2015-2020)

Created by Nahnatchka Khan, and loosely inspired by Eddie Huang’s life and his autobiography also entitled “Fresh Off the Boat,” this comedy television series centers on the Huang family’s move from Chinatown in Washington, D.C. to Orlando, Florida. The series stars Randall Park and Constance Wu and was deemed a milestone for Asian American representation by Huang himself.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” (2017-present)

“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a drama television series based on a book of the same name written by Margaret Atwood. It is a poignant show, following the life of a Handmaid, a fertile woman forced to bear the children of rich and powerful men. Starring Elisabeth Moss and Alexis Bledel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is thought-provoking and frightening.