Binge Worthy Suggestions
What to do when you’re stuck at home? Binge watch of course! Here are some series you should definitely give a chance.
Anakin and Ahsoka in Season 7 of Clone Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Disney+
Candace’s Pick
The 2008 series was canceled after Disney bought Star Wars in 2012. However now like the end of Rise of Skywalker, they have brought it back to life. So if you enjoyed any of Star Wars this is definitely a show to give a chance to.
I’m currently rewatching since it's the first show that came to mind when I realized I would be living the life of a hermit. Since the first time I watched it was when it was on Netflix before Force Awakens came out and I had walking pneumonia.
All those years ago I honestly had no desire to watch it after seeing the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie in theater with my best friend Amy. However I shouldn’t have judged the television show by the movie. The film was just the first few episodes meshed together and sent to theaters. (it is the lowest grossing Star Wars film, having grossed $68.3 million worldwide against an $8.5 million budget.)
The Clone Wars is first mentioned in Episode 4: A New Hope. Obi-Wan tells Luke he fought with his father during the war. However even in the extended universe, now Legends the Clone Wars is barely touched on. The movie and television show take place in the three years between Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005). And it fills in the gap and answers a lot of questions. It’s definitely a must watch for Star Wars fans of all ages!
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist on NBC
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist - Hulu
Vanessa’s Pick
Ok, so there are only a few episodes out so far. But maybe you are looking to ease into binge-watching until you figure out your quarantine situation - and either way, I recommend scoping out this show!
I don’t know who decided original film and television musicals were back in, but whoever it is, THANK YOU! We have seen these pop up more lately - La La Land, Glee, and Crazy Ex Girlfriend, for example - where, even if you are not a fan of each particular one, if you love musicals you are likely in agreement that the more these are accepted as the norm, the better.
So, that brings me back to the show at hand. The catalyst for the plot of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist hits very quickly and requires a lot of suspension of disbelief (really like any musical), and shifts immediately into random song and dance that can occur at any moment (yay!).
I won’t get too into details so as not to spoil anything - however, if you are that person who has always thought it would be fun to have a soundtrack to life, you will probably really enjoy this. There are definitely some sad moments, some bittersweet moments, a good handful of very awkward moments - but overall, this show is just fun. I am excitedly awaiting more to come.
Supernatural - Netflix
Vanessa’s Pick
Now, if you want a longer investment, and want a show to last you through even the longest of quarantines - Supernatural is there for you. It is in its final season - SEASON FIFTEEN. That’s right, fifteen. Normally shows that make it that far are just soap operas - which, I guess, at times it can get a bit drama-y on you (and Jensen Ackles WAS in a soap opera for a time). However, this show, like any other awesome show, is deliciously unique. Sure, there’s some melodramatic aspects - but there is also suspense, world-building, intriguing storytelling, fun one-off episodes, humor, deep character-building, and unique relationship building. Plus, ghosts and stuff.
Fourteen seasons are on Netflix. I have likely watched all of them 5 times through. I will warn you, that there are definitely scary moments and disgusting moments - but I am not someone who is really into either of those, and I still love this show. Each episode is a mini-adventure, and usually somewhat of a mystery too; sometimes you get a cool monster explanation or ghost story that is all explored in one episode, and sometimes you get longer journeys built into the season or even a few seasons. Either way, there’s always something crazy going on to draw you in.
Don’t get me wrong, not all of it is perfect. There are some episodes or seasons that feel a little wonky or repetitive. However, like any good relationship, there are ups and downs - but you know that deep down, it is always worth it, as long as you have TRUST in it. So trust me, and trust Supernatural, that it will continue to pull through. In the meantime, enjoy the long road ahead in a ‘67 Chevy Impala with Sam and Dean Winchester - who, if nothing else, are excellent eye candy.
Adventure Time - Hulu
Bri’s Pick
Yes, it’s a cartoon. Yes, technically it was geared for children since it was on Cartoon Network. (Candace would like to note that her pick is also a cartoon, for children and was on Cartoon Network, but she doesn’t care.) But let me tell you one thing - it is more than just a show for children. To start off there are 10 SEASONS. 10! You won’t get bored and you can have something to feel the void, instead of just staring off into space. Yes, I’m reading myself to filth with that last line.
Adventure Time, created by Pendleton Ward, is about two best friends, Finn the human and Jake the dog. They live in the land of Ooo, a post-apocalyptic land that was ravaged by a cataclysmic nuclear war a thousand years before the series' events. They have adventures, help their friends, and even save the day. It’s inspired from Dungeons and Dragons - the role playing game, so the fantasy of it all is heightened. However, it’s not just all fantasy. It’s a surprisingly insightful show - that really deals with a lot of different topics, that everyone needs to learn or be reminded of.
Adventure Time has some truly serious moments - it makes one think. There is power in the dialogue and situations that Finn and Jake go through. But, not only them, there is Marceline, the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, and even the patoot - the Ice King.
Once you start to binge watch, you won’t want to stop. It’s a journey that you end up going on with the characters - you’ll start off childlike and end up changed for the better.
The songs are catchy, the characters are lovable, you will fall in love with BMO, and it teaches lessons of empathy and more that’s extremely important. Speaking of this show, I think it’s time to watch it again. Especially before HBO Max drops 4 new Adventure Time specials - something I am looking toward so, SO, much!
Please Like Me- Hulu
Bri’s Pick
The Australian show, created by Josh Thomas, is one of the most beautifully tragic shows I’ve ever watched.
It’s quick witted, dry humor meshed with the realism of relationships and mental health are done so well that it feels like you’re there experiencing everything. Not many shows tackle mental health and get it right - I would say it’s this show and BoJack Horseman that really showcase it in a way that doesn’t make fun of mental health - but just shows it as it’s raw truth.
I don’t want to give too much about this show away - because it’s one of those shows that you just have to experience for yourself. It’s moving, it’s funny, and it’s just real. It has the style of an Indie movie - something that feels better than most blockbusters because it’s just presenting truth in an honest manner mixed with comedic moments. It doesn’t present any stereotypes - gay or mental health.
Josh Thomas, who also created the show Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, is brilliant. In his acting, writing, comedy (he’s a comedian) - he really just creates special shows. I recommend also watching Everything’s Gonna Be Okay which can be found on FreeForm.
The cast is great - have tissues when watching this show, you’ll need them. Unless you don’t have a heart, which, in that case you’ll be fine. Please Like Me is honestly perfect. It’s four seasons - found on Hulu. Enjoy.
The Great British Baking Show - Netflix
Bri’s Pick
If you haven’t already seen the show - what have you been doing? Known as The Great British Bake Off in England - this show is MAGICAL. I don’t care if you don’t like baking, cooking shows - this show really is a treat for all. I know someone people don’t like all the changes the show has made - the hosts and new judge, but honestly, I have found everyone to be charming. Plus, I personally adore Noel Fielding - he is a goth after my own heart.
It’s all home bakers competing for a cake plate - no prize money, no cut throat competition - just a cake plate.
But that’s part of the magic, people are nice on this competition show. Shocking, I know. It’s charming, it has humor, and you can learn about baking all the while sitting on your couch and watching these amazing home bakers (not professionals at all) making these intricate desserts.
It never fails to put a smile on my face. There are 7 series (what the British call seasons) on Netflix, along with some Holiday show editions, and The Great British Masterclass - where they teach you more about the bakes and how to make them.
I love this show so much - I have purchased things to learn how to laminate dough while in my time during quarantine. Also, I may have just worked in casting on the newest season of the American version..
After you binge this show, you’ll be wanting to get a Paul Hollywood handshake of your own.
