It’s not uncommon to become restless during quarantine. Many people spend their free time watching movies and TV shows. Here are some of the best shows people should watch that will allow them to explore new worlds and new problems.
1. avatar the last airbender and The Legend of Korra.
In a world at war, join Avatar Aang and his newfound friends as he masters the art of waterbending, earthbending, and firebending to stop the Fire Nation from taking over the world. Then you can watch LOK, years after ATLA, deal with the tension between masters and non-masters. As soon as you see the first episode, you’ll be so hooked on the lore and the story that you’ll never stop watching. After hearing all the hype about the show, I decided to go ahead and give it a try, and loved it. The world of Avatar is full of East Asian, Buddhist, and Inuit influences, which, given that it first came out in 2005, is pretty impressive.
ATLA cast: Zach Tyler Eisen (Aang), Mae Whitman (Katara), Jack de Sena (Sokka), Dante Basco (Zuko), Jessie Flower (Toph Beifong), Gray DeLisle (Azula)
With LOK: Janet Varney (Korra), Seychelle Gabriel (Asami Sato), JK Simmons (Tenzin), David Faustino (Mako), PJ Byrne (Bolin), Kiernan Shipka (Jinora).
Where to stream: Netflix
2. Sing.
It’s a singing competition like no other. Contestants sing karaoke-style songs to add money to the overall jackpot, then they vote for the one they thought was the least phased. Each episode has a different theme that has many hits to sing along with the contestants. If you’ve completed the US version, there’s also a Spanish and German version you can watch with subtitles. I started with the Spanish version (the others weren’t out yet) and I remember waiting for the premiere of the next series to be able to watch it.
Cast: Tituss Burgess (US host)
Where to stream: All versions on Netflix
3. The circle
At the start of the year, The Circle US dropped off and it’s safe to say they’ve become quite popular. If you’ve seen it before, it’s worth watching it again now that we’ve experienced a bit of what the contestants have (the isolation part, not the Covid worry part). However, if you don’t want to rewatch, there are Brazilian, French, and UK versions to browse while you wait for the second season of the US version. I was addicted to the series since its inception.
Cast: Michelle Buteau (American host)
Where to stream: US, Brazilian and French versions are on Netflix, UK version is on Youtube
4. Brooklyn 99
This hilarious comedy is so funny you’ll be laughing for weeks. Although it’s a comedy, the show also deals with topics like racism, homophobia, and sexual assault in the workplace, and they’re amazing for mixing it up with the comedy. My parents introduced me to the show during season 4, and we’ve been watching together ever since. I still can’t get the cold “I want it this way” out of my head.
With: Andy Samberg (Jake Peralta), Stephanie Beatriz (Rosa Diaz). Melissa Fumero (Amy Santiago), André Braugher (Captain Raymond Holt).
Where to stream: Hulu in the US, Netflix everywhere else
5. Julie and the ghosts
Directed by the legendary Kenny Ortega, Julie and the Phantoms is about Julie rediscovering her love of music after her mother’s death, with the help of some ghosts. This show has both moments that make you smile and moments that make you cry (looking at you Not said Emilie). I fell in love with this series both because of the music and the fact that it was different from the type of shows I normally go through.
With: Madison Reyes (Julie), Charlie Gillespie (Luke), Owen Joyner (Alex), Jeremy Shada (Reggie)
Where to stream: Netflix
6. Forensic files
If you’re up for it, this classic true-crime TV series shows how forensics has been used to solve some of the toughest crimes. This show will get you hooked, I know that. I haven’t gone a day without watching it since I started watching it.
Cast: Peter Thomas (narrator)
Where to stream: Netflix
seven. Nailed it!
The show looking at Pinterest failed and was like, “Let’s make it a show!” I remember laughing my ass off when season 1 premiered and every season I watched after that was full of the same laugh as the original. There are also plenty of international versions to watch when you’re done.
Cast: Nicole Byer (US host). Jaques Torres (US Chief Justice)
Where to watch: Netflix
8. The Masked Singer
This show wore masks before anyone else. A series that initially seemed a little out of the ordinary, is now a phenomenal success. I mean how many times have you logged into Twitter and seen it trending? I’ve been watching since the first season and loved every minute of it. My mother and I are constantly guessing who is under the mask. The best part, though, is listening to Ken Jeong’s (mostly) ridiculous guesses and explanation for each one.
Cast: Nick Cannon (host). Robin Thicke (panellist), Jenny McCarthy (panellist), Ken Jeong (panellist), Nicole Scherzinger (panellist).
Where to watch: Hulu with new episodes added as they come out.
9. Emily in Paris
A show that shows my dream of living in Paris. Join Emily in her new job in Paris, as she tries to earn the respect of her colleagues and learn the language. Personally, I haven’t seen it yet, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a great show to binge-watch. Although I have also heard that it is not so precise in terms of living and working in France.
With: Lilly Collins (Emily), Ashley Park (Mindy), Lucas Bravo (Gabriel).
Where to watch: Netflix
ten. weird eye
The world needs a reminder about kindness and Queer Eye is the perfect show for that. I personally watched all the seasons as soon as they came out and loved them all. You can feel the kindness of the guys through the screen. If you’ve seen it before, it’s worth rewatching.
The Fab Five: Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France.
Where to watch: Netflix
11. What we do in the shadows
This hilarious mockumentary about old world vampires in New York will have you wanting more. Whether they’re trying to take over Staten Island or dealing with a cursed hat, you’ll be on your knees laughing. I got into it because I needed something to watch during quarantine and found myself tuning in weekly to see what nighttime adventures they were going to have.
With: Natasia Demetriou (Nadja), Kayvan Novak (Nandor), Mark Proksch (Colin Robinson), Harvey Guillen (Guillermo)
Where to watch: Hulu
Any other shows you would recommend? Comments below!
