What To Watch While Stuck At Home
Life as we know it is on hold for now, and you might be wondering how in the world you’re going to keep yourself sane as you hunker down in your home. No worries - this week, I’m going to be sharing with you some movies, tv shows, books, music, and podcasts to keep you entertained and distracted from the insanity going on in the world right now. Today, I’m sharing what to watch while staying home - the best movies and tv shows to replace your endless viewing of the news. Staying informed is important, but at a certain point it’s okay - and good for your mental health - to shut off the news and switch to a feel good movie.
Truthfully, I’ve been spending a lot of my time at home so far sleeping and scrolling through social media. Nothing wrong about indulging like this every once a while, but doing it everyday tends to be draining for me. Next week, I’m going to try to attempt some normalcy and routine by waking up at the same time everyday, exercising regularly, and being more mindful of my consumption of social media. However, I still plan to use some of my time watching old favorite movies, reading some new books, and listening to music and podcasts that I haven’t gotten around to yet. I’m not trying to force myself into productivity mode, even though I do hope to slowly increase my blog content during this time, because I know that in a stressful period such as this one, staying productive can be difficult. I don’t want to set an unachievable goals for myself, so I’m just taking it day by day. So, I advise the same to you; of course we should all stay on top of our work and schoolwork, but it’s alright to use your free time to just relax. Here are a few of my recommendations for what to watch in these next few weeks while we snuggle up in our homes. Tomorrow, I’ll be back with my recommendations of what to read while stuck at home.
WHAT TO WATCH
Netflix is a familiar streaming service for most of us, so I’m going to share all of my favorite Netflix picks for when you just want to shut off your brain and veg out in front of the TV.
MOVIES
Valentine’s Day - I’m a sucker for a good romcom, and this one is adorable.
About Time - Speaking of romcoms, this is my favorite one of all time. It manages not to be cheesy, stupid, or cliche even while being a love story involving time travel - yes, I know, but just trust me.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - Most of you have probably already seen this classic, but if you haven’t, this is your quarantine homework. Watch it now. And if you’ve already seen it - just watch it again. You know I’m right.
Love, Rosie - Okay, this list is leaning towards just being a list of romcoms so I apologize if they’re not your cup of tea. But I believe a good romcom is perfect for when you need a little distraction. I’ve watched this movie 3 or 4 times and it really never gets old.
Murder Mystery - If you like mysteries and comedies, this is the perfect intersection between them. Imagine an Agatha Christie novel but Adam Sandler is the main character.
Stepbrothers - If you just want a good laugh, this is your best bet. And after watching, maybe you and your roommate will be inspired to bunk your beds so you have more room for activities.
TV SHOWS
Gilmore Girls - I just finished rewatching Gilmore Girls, and I had forgotten what a feel good show it is. Just ignore how badly Rory Gilmore sucks at being a journalist.
You - If you haven’t jumped on board the You train yet, now is your time to binge the whole series. I promise, it’ll only take you two days and you’ll be riveted for every single second.
New Girl - Out of all the comedy sitcoms out there, I think New Girl might be the funniest of all. (The best episode? Season 4, episode 6. Watch it if you want to cry laughing.)
Grace and Frankie - Thank goodness there’s another season coming out next year because I’m not ready for this gem of a show to be over. It’s heartfelt, funny, and wildly entertaining. One of the most underrated shows on Netflix.
STAND UP COMEDY
John Mulaney - John Mulaney has three standup comedy specials on Netflix, all equally amazing. He is my favorite stand up comedian of all time and I highly recommend his specials to anybody.
Iliza Schlesinger - Iliza will quickly make a fan out of you after you check out her most recent Netflix comedy special, Elder Millennial.
Billy on the Street - Not exactly stand up comedy, but more like run around New York screaming at people on the street comedy. Billy on the Street is the most ridiculous show and I love it.
HULU AND AMAZON PRIME
I use Netflix more than any other streaming service, but I have also used Amazon Prime and Hulu in the past. My favorite shows on Hulu are How I Met Your Mother (one of the greatest comedy sitcoms), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (my guilty pleasure; if you want monsters and 90’s nostalgia, please check it out), and Veronica Mars (one of the most underrated shows of all time - EVERYONE should watch immediately. First watch the original three seasons, and then watch the revival they released last year. Perfection.)
As for Amazon Prime, my top picks are Fleabag (an absolute revelation. Plus, short enough you could binge in a day or two) and Sex and the City (I didn’t think I would be into this show, but it’s so funny and relevant even today. After you watch the tv show, head back over to Netflix to watch the Sex and the City movies!)
What have you been watching lately?