Darby O’Donnell ‘22, Entertainment Editor
In a time of isolation and self-quarantine, it is important to stay distracted and entertained. Whether you are looking for something new to discuss with friends, or simply to kill time, Netflix has a show for you. Here are eight popular shows on Netflix to save you from boredom while you stay home.
- Tiger King (2020)
Everyone is talking about the true-crime documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. This Netflix series documents the story of self-proclaimed wildlife expert “Joe Exotic” and his nemesis, animal rights activist Carol Baskin, along with the tales of other big cat conservationists. Baskin accuses Joe Exotic of abusing his animals for profits, while Joe Exotic accuses Baskin of murdering her husband and feeding him to her tigers. The show has seven hour-long episodes, all of which are sure to keep viewers on their toes.
- The Witcher (2019)
Based on a book series by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher delves into the lives of three characters: contemplative monster hunter Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and mysteriously gifted Princess Cirilla of Cintra (Freya Allan). The series follows Geralt of Rivia as he navigates his way through the medieval and unstable Continent, his destiny eventually intertwining with the other characters. Sophomore Sophia Joseph said, “I really enjoyed The Witcher because I love Henry Cavill and there are only eight episodes, so there was never a boring moment. All in all, it was a very interesting and binge-worthy show that I would definitely recommend to my friends.”
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
Grey’s Anatomy has undeniably been one of the most critically acclaimed and viewed TV shows of the past decade, and it does not seem as if that popularity will be fading any time soon. Known for its depiction of strong female characters, Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama that focuses on a group of doctors as they work through their surgical residency. Sophomore Sydney Graytopp said, “You become invested in the characters and their stories more and more as the show goes on. It’s a really entertaining show.” Additionally, the show has 16 seasons, so it is ideal for anyone looking to kill a lot of time during quarantine. Grey’s Anatomy is also available on Hulu, Youtube TV, and ABC.
- Community (2009)
Community is a comedy series that centers upon an eclectic study group at a community college in the fictional Greendale, Colorado. The show has developed a cult following over the years, and with a star-studded cast including Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Ken Jeong, and Chevy Chase, it is no wonder why. Famous for its fast-paced sense of humor and oddly complex plot lines, Community has garnered quite a bit of attention in recent years and is a show that many are talking about. Community is additionally available on Hulu.
- Black Mirror (2011)
Inspired by The Twilight Zone, this Netflix original series has a dark, dystopian feel to it, and explores the potential dangers of technology to humans in the future. Featuring 22 stand-alone episodes, Black Mirror never fails to make viewers question their beliefs. Black Mirror is a cult-favorite, and has won an impressive number of awards, including two BAFTAS and nine Emmys. Sophomore Parker Frye said, “Black Mirror gives new, thought-provoking insights into what our future could look like in every episode. The people making it really don’t hold back, and every story has a difficult moral quandary that the characters have to overcome.”
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
Another Netflix original series, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a modern adaptation of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Starring Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman, a half-witch half-mortal, this series explores Sabrina’s struggle to accept herself as she is while also fighting off evil that threatens her loved ones. Many fans compare the show to Riverdale, though with a horror twist to it.
- Love is Blind (2020)
This dating reality series is currently one of the most popular shows on Netflix and is a must-watch for reality TV show fans. The show follows singles as they attempt to find emotional connections with strangers that they never get to see. Using speed-dating, 30 men and women ‘date’ without any physical contact, and the men choose which women they want to propose to. After the proposals, the couples are able to see each other and decide whether they want to go through the marriage or not, effectively deciding if love is truly blind.
- Ozark (2017)
Ozark is a crime drama series that has been praised by critics for its unique storytelling, excellent acting, and great direction. The drama illustrates the lives of financial planner Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), and his wife (Laura Linney) as they move to Ozark in an attempt to escape Byrde’s debts to a Mexican drug lord. Some viewers are comparing the series to Breaking Bad or The Sopranos, and though Ozark has not reached the same level of critical acclamation as either of the aforementioned dramas, it is easy to see where the comparison can be drawn. For lovers of classic crime dramas, Ozark may be the perfect show to binge during quarantine.
Photo courtesy of The Jakarta Post
Lyon Life 