WISCONSIN — Whether you're choosing to self-isolate, or are being forced to, we've got your back when it comes to show recommendations.
There are very few moments when binging Netflix is socially acceptable, and the situation we are in happens to be one of those moments. So, let's take advantage of it!
We don't know how long this global pandemic is going to go on, so we are here to recommend shows of various lengths. From a few seasons to 15+ seasons, we will cover it all.
First, this list was compiled by TMJ4 employees. This is not a ranking or endorsement of the best shows on streaming services. It's just some of the shows that we like and have been binging during our own self quarantines.
Second, if you don't have any streaming services, it might be time you get one because otherwise, this self-isolation thing is going to be very rough for you. After you do that, we can get to the good stuff.
Netflix users: here are a few things to binge while stuck at home.
Stranger Things. If you haven't hopped on this bandwagon, it's time. Stranger Things is one of Netflix's biggest hits, and they continue to create episodes. It's an American Science-Fiction series with just three seasons, so it's an easy binge.
Then we've also got shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS. NCIS offers up 15 seasons of Navy based crime shows, while Criminal Minds offers up 12 seasons of creepy psychopaths. One heads up, though, the most recent seasons of NCIS are not on Netflix, so if you want to catch all of it, you'll have to get the CBS streaming service.
Also on Netflix is hit series Grey's Anatomy. Now, this too is a huge undertaking considering there are 15 seasons currently on Netflix. But, as we said before, we don't know how long this whole pandemic thing is going to go on.
If you're looking for something short, Netflix also offers Good Girls. With just two seasons, Good Girls tells the story of three moms who organize a local grocery store heist to escape financial troubles. This show is funny, witty, and an easy watch.
You could also binge a classic, and by that, I mean The Office because Netflix no longer has Friends. Now is the time, though, to binge The Office because it will soon be removed from Netflix altogether. Plus, it's only nine seasons in comparison to Grey's Anatomy's 15.
Now, we understand some people may not have Netflix, but don't worry, Hulu has some great options too.
First off, there is the classic Handmaid's Tale. We do not recommend watching this as a family, for it could lead to some awkward family moments, but it is a good one for single folks or couples. This one is relatively short with just three seasons. It is a bit unique and requires an open mind when watching, but it's definitely binge-worthy
If you are looking for a fun show from the earlier 2000s, you can head to Hulu and watch Drake and Josh. While Hulu doesn't have every episode of every season, you don't need that to get the gist of the show. This recommendation is mainly for the millennials out there. Drake and Josh was a hit in the early 2000's so what better time to go back and relive your childhood.
Also on Hulu is all 21 seasons on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. That's right, 21 seasons. Hopefully, you don't have enough time to watch the whole thing because if you did, then this pandemic is worse than any of us thought. Especially considering each episode is an hour. This show, though, is a crime classic that'll leave you wanting to watch more and more.
You can also find all Chicago shows on Hulu, which means Chicago Med, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire.
This Is Us is currently airing the fourth season on NBC, but if you're new to the show, you can catch up on Hulu. Every episode to date is on the streaming service and is almost guaranteed to make you cry. This heartfelt show will resonate with anyone and everyone, so if you haven't seen it, go watch it.
On top of Hulu and Netflix, Disney+ also offers a lot of options. From classic Disney shows like Hannah Montana and Lizzie McGuire, to nature movies from National Geographic, Disney has it all.
If you have kids, or you're a millennial looking for another dosage of High School Musical, you can check out the first season of High School Musical The Musical The Series. We aren't promising that this show won't be cheesy, but it's definitely something to see. Especially for those of us who grew up with the High School Musical movies.
While there are many many more shows out there to binge, these are just a few of the popular ones that we know to be good. If we didn't mention your favorite show, we're sorry, we were just going off of recommendations in the newsroom.
Finally, if you really can't find a show you want to binge, write something yourself. Besides, Shakespeare did write King Lear while under quarantine.