What to binge on Netflix during quarantine

These past few days of homebound quarantine have not been particularly exciting. When the school bell chimed at 3:10 pm last Friday afternoon, excitement and anticipation tinged the air. SDA staff and students had been informed that no student was to return to school for at least two weeks, and this revelation left the student body with much to consider.

Would we still have our Spring Break? What did this mean for the rest of the school year? What does this mean for the country, that schools are being shut down left and right all over the nation? And, most importantly, what are we to do with all of our free time at home?

Well, myself and my brother can answer at least one of those questions. Here is what you should binge on Netflix during quarantine:

Disenchantment

      Created by the same mind behind The Simpsons (Matt Groening), Disenchantment centers around the rebellious, alcoholic princess Bean as she navigates her strange medieval fantasy world of Dreamland. If you are a fan of The Simpsons, Disenchantment treats its universe with the same level of sarcasm and humor. 

Victorious 

      Don’t tell me you didn’t watch this show religiously in 2011. Created by Nickelodeon legend Dan Schneider, this show features a cast of incredibly talented teenagers all trying to “make it” while still attending high school at Hollywood Arts.  Even though most of us have outgrown the overly-animated and violently colorful Nickelodeon shows of our childhood, there is nothing like taking a trip down memory lane in a time like this. All three seasons can be found on Netflix. 

New Girl

      This show follows the bubbly, sing-songy, recently-cheated-on schoolteacher Jessica Day who, in light of her long-term boyfriend’s infidelity, needs to find a new apartment. And who better to move in with than three other guys? With seven seasons, 22 minute episodes, and a generally light and uncomplicated plot, this show is perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-watch, enjoyable comedy. 

Bojack Horseman

      This show has been heavily discussed and debated, and for good reason. Bojack Horseman follows a complicated alcoholic and washed-up 90’s sitcom actor as he grapples with accepting his slow decline from fame. Bojack struggles with himself just as much as you’ll struggle with him, and with the show just finishing up with its sixth and final season, you have the entire story right at your fingertips. Oh, and keep in mind, the show is animated and the universe contains both humans and animals. Just watch the trailer.

Black Mirror

      This critically-acclaimed science fiction drama, created by English screenwriter Charlie Brooker, portrays modern society in a dark and satirical tone. Each episode is standalone and features a new cast, most presenting unprecedented psychological dilemmas sparked by the implementation of advanced technologies. Whether you are seeking disturbing or frightening content, Black Mirror is a series that can do both.  

Dexter

      Originally adapted from Jeff Lindsay’s novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter, the crime-mystery series follows the titular character as he leads a double life as a forensics analyst and murderer-targeting serial killer. Based in Miami, the Showtime original puts the viewer at a moral crossroads as the main character both prevents and causes crime throughout the series.

Twin Peaks

      This show raises many more questions than it answers. Created by Mark Frost and David Lynch, this dramatic mystery/crime show is perfect for anyone who loves the oddly philosophical nature of the Twilight Zone and happens to enjoy television shows with cult followings! 

Gilmore Girls

      Created by the incredibly-talented Amy Sherman-Pallidino, this show follows the lives of a mother and daughter pair in their small Connecticut town. Gilmore Girls is known for its fast-paced, witty dialogue and its general “feel-good” nature. If you have never seen this show before, I envy how much you’re going to enjoy it!

Grey’s Anatomy

      The popular medical drama, featuring an ensemble of interns, residents, and doctors at a Seattle hospital, follows the personal lives and relationships of these professionals as they develop into seasoned medical workers. Having run for sixteen seasons and over 350 episodes, this series may cause a lengthy binge but fans of conventional TV dramas would surely be up to the task.  

Better Call Saul

      The spin-off to the renowned crime drama Breaking Bad, this show depicts the evolution of once small-time con man Jimmy McGill into criminal lawyer-for-hire Saul Goodman. Preceding the events of Breaking Bad by six years, the prequel features many of its successors’ popular characters, including former cop turned criminal handyman Mike Ehrmantraut. A must-watch for any Breaking Bad fan, this series is also appealing to any viewer interested in the criminal underworld and law.  

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

      The Netflix original sitcom created by former SNL writer Tina Fey stars Ellie Kemper, who previously made a name for herself as Erin on The Office, as a rescued cult member who is adjusting to her new life as a nanny in New York City. Fundamental in the rise of the popularity of streaming-based productions, this show is perfect for anyone interested in a light-hearted comedy to combat the quarantine blues.   

Big Mouth

      This adult animated series depicts a fictionalized and hyper-sexual early adolescence of the show’s creator Nick Kroll, bringing the viewer along to witness his character’s adventure into puberty. Featuring an interesting cast of humans and personified objects, this show gets very sexual and very weird, great for fans of immature comedy.