Five of the best shows currently on Netflix include “New Girl”, “On My Block”, “Gilmore Girls”, “The Good Place” and “Self Made”. These shows may be funny and feel-good binge-watches during viewers’ quarantines. Illustration by Frances Thrasher
Being stuck at home doesn’t have to mean boredom. Here are five masterful and funny TV shows to keep you company during social distancing due to COVID-19.
The Good Place
The six main characters of “The Good Place” sit on a couch. The show ran from 2016 to 2020 and has a total of 53 episodes. Photo fair use of Hulu
What better time to turn to a show about the afterlife than during what feels like a current apocalyptic reality? “The Good Place”, created by Mike Schur, is a comedic masterpiece that explores human relationships, ethics and morals — all in the most hilarious way possible. The show stars Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) as a woman who, following her death, believes she made it into the Good Place as a mistake. Along with Ted Danson, who plays the role of Michael, an afterlife demon, this show contains many excellent acting performances. Viewers can find the first three seasons of “The Good Place” on Netflix, but will have to turn to Hulu for the most recent, and final, fourth season.
New Girl
Characters from “New Girl” stand next to each other. “New Girl” was nominated for multiple awards over the course of the show, including five Golden Globe Awards and five Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo fair use of Netflix
One of the best comedies on Netflix, “New Girl” is a wonderful accompaniment to long days stuck in self-isolation. “New Girl” gets up close into the lives of four extremely different, but all lovable, roommates as they each experience their own unique storylines. Whether one is looking for the humor that comes from navigating friendships and relationships, or from mischief-gone-wrong and fast-paced adventures, New Girl has it all. This is one of the rare shows that is absolutely divine from beginning to end — and one can find all seven seasons on Netflix.
Gilmore Girls
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore hug on a poster for the show “Gilmore Girls”. “Gilmore Girls” was featured in Time magazine’s 100 best televsion shows of all time. Photo fair use of Amazon.com
“Gilmore Girls” is the perfect feel-good show to turn to when pandemic-related anxiety becomes overwhelming. This classic show follows mother-daughter duo Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) throughout Rory’s adolescence and transition to adulthood. With fast-paced, humorous dialogue as well as meaningful relationships and character development, this show is sure to lighten viewers’ moods. Especially for those who are cooped up with their families, “Gilmore Girls” is an ideal show to satisfy everyone. All seven seasons of “Gilmore Girls” can be found on Netflix.
Self Made
Madam C.J. Walker, played by Octavia Spencer, stands in front of a floral wallpaper. Walker, who was born Sarah Breedlove, holds the Guinness World Record for being the first femal self-made millionare in America. Photo fair use of Netflix
Netflix original “Self Made” was recently released on Netflix on March 20. This limited series tells the story of Madam C.J. Walker, a former washerwoman who became the owner of a highly successful beauty empire selling products for Black women in the early 1900s. This series stars Madam C.J. Walker (Octavia Spencer) and Walker’s daughter Lelia (Tiffany Haddish). For those interested in an engaging and down-to-earth historical series, “Self Made” is the perfect watch. The Netflix series consists of four episodes, each running for approximately 45 minutes.
On My Block
The four main charcters of “On my Block” stand next each other in front of a highway. “On My Block” won the Choice Breakout TV Show award at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards. Photo fair use of Netflix
For students at home missing the day-to-day interactions with peers and friends, Netflix original “On My Block” may provide a much-needed social fix. The show follows a group of four funny and relatable high schoolers, each of whom brings a dynamic energy to the screen. Set in a primarily Hispanic and Black neighborhood of Los Angeles, the show reflects many characters and storylines that don’t always get featured on the big screen. The third season premiered on March 11 on Netflix, with a fourth season set to come out next year.
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