Top 5 Shows to Binge During Quarantine

So 2020 has certainly offered a lot of free-time to most people. Furloughed from your job? Working from home? Stuck in quarantine? Either way, you have the perfect opportunity to binge all the shows on your must-watch list. Here are some to add to the mix. A few oldies, a few new, and all of them fantastic.

Peep Show

It should be said that British comedy is, generally speaking for Americans, an acquired taste. Whereas American comedies have a brashness, there is a bleakness in their British counterparts. Those socially awkward moments that make us cringe, that’s what British comedy is ALL about. So, with that being said, Peep Show is the peak of British comedy. Two guys are living together in London, opposite in personality and yet also incredibly alike. They are extraordinary screw-ups in every way and yet at the same time shockingly relatable. Jez is searching for fame and glory as a rock-star and Mark is on his never ending quest to find "the one." To add to the awkwardness of social situations, the show has stream of consciousness narration and is shot through POV cameras, making it remarkably unique. This is a comedy unlike any other. We all need a laugh in 2020. Treat yourself. (All seasons available on Hulu)

Queen’s Gambit

Probably the best show of the year. An incredible character study as well as a brilliant period piece. It’s about a young woman struggling with addiction on her path to becoming a chess champion. As the main character, Beth Harmon, struggles with her own demons and self-destruction, it quickly becomes apparent that the only thing standing between her and greatness is herself. Anya Taylor Joy gives a stellar performance as a woman on the edge, delivering to us a character who is delightfully layered and complex. Beth Harmon is not just a chess wiz or an orphan girl, but a character whose cracks and flaws feel impeccably real. I couldn’t recommend this show anymore. Once you start, you can’t stop, making it the perfect show to binge during quarantine. If you just watch one show this year, let it be this one. (Available on Netflix.)

Americans

So this isn’t a new show either. But, if you haven’t seen it—stop now and go watch! Six full seasons of political intrigue and exhilarating spy drama are at your disposal. A married couple living the American dream with a house in the suburbs, a travel business, and two children are in fact secret undercover Russian spies. Set in the 80’s during the Cold War, it is an exciting period piece full of action, sex, and drama. It also happens to be one of those rare gems that retains its quality throughout all six seasons. What more could you want from a television program? (Available on Amazon Prime.)

A Very English Scandal

This is another fun period piece, set in 1960’s London. 2020 sucks so much, it’s nice to take a break escaping to another era, right? This is the real story of a British MP who engages in an illicit affair with a young stable boy and goes to great lengths to keep this secret. With incredible performances from Hugh Dancy and Ben Whishaw, this is a delightful blast from the past—scandalous, salacious, witty, and all too easy to devour all three episodes in one sitting. (Available on Amazon Prime.)

Inbetweeners

Refer to my description of Peep Show above. Inbetweeners is pretty much the same thing, but instead of being about two middle-aged screw-ups in cringe-worthy situations, it’s about a group of teenagers. Full of many laugh out loud moments and plenty of cringe, the social awkwardness abounds. Easy to burn through episode after episode without even realizing how much time has passed. An absolutely necessary addition to any binge-list. (Available on Netflix.)