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BERKELEY'S NEWS • NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Binge-watch the day away in quarantine with these 10 TV shows

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APRIL 06, 2020

With campus closed and Berkeley residents under a shelter-in-place order, we find ourselves in unprecedented times in which we’re being asked to stay home. While this is a dream for many people, spending days in the same place can prove to be challenging. However, one way to pass the time is to binge-watch TV! With streaming services still putting out episodes, we at the Clog encourage you to kick back, relax and binge-watch any of these 10 TV shows — for the sake of the world, of course.

“Tiger King” (Netflix)

Recently released, Tiger King is a limited documentary series following murder for hire in the big cat breeding underworld of the United States. With an eccentric cast of characters, the show has ultimately exploded on social media, as it has something for everyone: Tigers, murder, a gay “throuple,” a cat lady, mullets and so much more. If you’re not hooked yet, we promise it’s the perfect distraction from quarantining with one absurd event after another.

“High Fidelity” (Hulu)

Adapted from the 2000 film of the same name, this fresh and modern retelling stars Zoë Kravitz as Robyn Brooks, a record store owner in New York navigating her failed relationships as she finally embraces adulthood. With a killer soundtrack and visually appealing production, this show can appeal to anyone who feels stuck in their house. And as we already mentioned, it stars Kravitz, possibly the coolest person on Earth, so this show has the Clog stamp of approval.

“Hunters” (Amazon Prime Video)

Produced by Jordan Peele, “Hunters” follows a group of Nazi hunters in the United States in the 1970s as they discover a network of Nazi officials conspiring to create a Fourth Reich. Inspired by somewhat real-life people but also with many fictionalized aspects, the series stars Al Pacino and Logan Lerman, the team-up we didn’t know we needed. Just be wary, though — this is very different from 2012’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

“The Boys” (Amazon Prime Video)

A series about what happens when superheroes abuse their powers, “The Boys” centers around a group of, you guessed it, boys, determined to take down corrupt superheroes. A fresh take on the ever-expanding superhero genre, the series’ unique plot will keep your focus on the TV, away from all the things you’re missing outside the house. Besides, it stars Chace Crawford from “Gossip Girl” as a narcissistic Aquaman — what’s not to love?

“Grace and Frankie” (Netflix)

A meaningful and enjoyable sitcom starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie” is about two women who couldn’t be more different and learn their husbands have fallen in love with each other and want to get married. With Fonda as an uptight perfectionist and Tomlin as a rebellious stoner, the show’s so funny, you’ll forget about being quarantined! While you actually probably won’t forget about being quarantined, it’ll definitely make the process more enjoyable.

“Veep” (HBO)

A comedy starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as U.S. Vice President Selina Meyer, “Veep” satirizes the office of vice president and comedically takes on U.S. politics. While it may not be reassuring to watch a comedy about the U.S. government, Louis-Dreyfus has won six Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance, and it will definitely make you laugh. Ultimately, if you’re looking to laugh during quarantining and you’ve already binged “The Office,” this is the show for you, especially because, unlike “The Office,” the curses aren’t censored.

“Love is Blind” (Netflix)

This Netflix reality series is a show in which singles attempt to find love, all without seeing the other person, as they determine whether an emotional connection can conquer physical attraction. If you’re tired of “Love Island” or “The Bachelor” and want to see a new type of reality dating show, this is a great series to keep you busy from the outside world. It even involves dogs and wine — what’s not to love?

“The Mindy Project” (Hulu)

A sitcom created by and starring writer, actress and comedian Mindy Kaling, “The Mindy Project” follows OB-GYN Mindy Lahiri as she navigates adulthood and love in New York City. A hilarious show, Kaling builds on her success from “The Office,” leading a vibrant show filled with funny one-liners that’ll take you back to the simpler time of 2012. And considering the amount of pre-med students at UC Berkeley, this show can probably teach you about being a doctor just as well as a Zoom lecture can.

“All American” (Netflix)

A series about the competitive world of high school football, “All American” centers on high school football player Spencer James as he transfers from South Crenshaw to Beverly Hills and the events that ensue. Sure, it’s a series about high school football — something that all college students are over (or at least, pretend to be over) — but it’s reminiscent of “Friday Night Lights,” another binge-worthy show, so it’s certainly worth a watch!

“Top Chef” (Hulu)

A cooking competition series that has been on for years, “Top Chef” stars chefs from around the country who compete in challenges, and the winner is named Top Chef. If you’re tired of eating beans out of a can or frozen pizzas quarantine-style, “Top Chef” is the perfect show to binge-watch because the food looks great. In fact, it’ll probably make you hungry watching it, so you may want to grab that can of beans when you watch it.

Sometimes you just need to do nothing and get obsessed with a show. Now that we have no reason to feel ashamed for staying inside and staring at a screen, why not binge-watch one of these?

Contact Zachary Abuel-Saud at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

APRIL 06, 2020


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