By Leela Gallucci, LiveGirl Program Intern, Sacred Heart University ‘20
COVID-19 has brought on many new changes in our lifestyle. As a result, everyone has been laying low and staying home. There are several activities that we’ve been participating in at home to help us pass the time, but it’s safe to say that everyone has been watching TV a lot more than usual.
I’m constantly looking for new shows or movies to binge watch on all of my streaming services, especially now. For anyone who is also looking for some new content, here’s a list of some movies and TV shows that have kept me occupied these last few weeks.
TV shows:
Explained
I love a good documentary, but sometimes, I’m not in the mood to watch ones that are too long, because I feel like I’m getting too much information at once. This Netflix series is perfect, because each episode is only about 20 minutes long, and the topics are SO interesting. The narrators use language that’s compelling yet easy to understand, and the graphics are very well done and intriguing. There’s even an episode that’s all about pandemics! Some other episode topics include “The Future of Meat,” “Animal Intelligence,” “Coding,” “Pirates,” and much more. It’s rated TV-MA because some episodes may not be suitable for those under 17.
The Bachelor
Much like many Americans, I am a huge fan of the bachelor. Now that we’re in between seasons, and production for The Bachelorette is postponed, I’ve been watching some old episodes. Netflix has season 13 with bachelor Jason Mesnick. This season is from the early 2000s, so it’s interesting to see how much the show has evolved since then. I like to have this on in the background as I get some work done throughout the day. This season is rated TV-14.
This is Us
This is Us is one of my favorite shows ever! It’s so emotional. Every single episode makes me cry. What I like most about this show is that you get so emotionally invested into each character. The transitions from past to present are so seamless. I admire the writers and producers tremendously because each episode is so genius. You can stream all seasons on Hulu! I definitely recommend this binge if you’re prepared to cry! Rated PG.
Grey’s Anatomy
I’ve never really been interested in watching this show, mostly because I feel like I have SO much to catch up on. However, my roommates, who are health science majors are obsessed with it to the point where they basically know every episode by heart. Since we have been quarantined together, Grey’s Anatomy has been playing in our living room a lot, and I have to say, I’m starting to get hooked. It’s amazing how they’ve been able to keep this show running for so long, and the fan base is incredible. I feel like I have been learning so much about the medical field as well! The first 15 seasons are available on Netflix, and it has a rating of TV-14.
The Circle
This show has been getting a lot of hype recently, so I’ve decided to give it a try and I loved it! It’s a social media competition where by the end, the participants have to decide who’s the most popular. The catch is that the players can only interact with each other through online chats. They only get to know them through their profile pictures, nothing else. Some players compete as themselves, while others are catfish. It’s such an interesting concept, especially now as social media continues to dominate our lives. This show is rated TV-MA.
Movies:
Lost Girls
This movie was under Netflix’s top 10 most watched movies of the week! It’s based on the true story of a mother’s determination to find her missing daughter when the police seem to care less. Shannon Gilbert and several other young prostitutes are victims of serial killings in Long Island. So much went wrong in this investigation, and these crimes are so chilling. This movie is perfect for someone who loves true crime and a little bit of thrill. Rated R.
Spenser Confidential
Who doesn’t love a movie with Mark Wahlberg? This is another true crime film, mixed with a good laugh as well. I loved this movie because it featured several strong characters, as well as a ton of action throughout. Spenser is on a mission to take down some dirty cops and bring order back into his town. Clearly I like crime movies! Rated R.
Inside Out
I think this film is a stroke of genius! Not only is it absolutely adorable and fun for the whole family to enjoy, but it’s also a great way to explain all the different emotions that we have going on in our minds! I know that as a young girl, emotions were really hard to understand sometimes. Every single time I watch this movie I SOB. It’s such a beautiful film, and one of Disney’s best!
Frozen 2
I’ve really started to binge Disney+ recently as well! Frozen 2 definitely has to be one of my favorite Disney movies of all time. This is one that really encompasses female empowerment, and also highlights how important for men to express their feelings as well. I love it! I also loved how Olaf’s anxiety and uncertainty with the future is highlighted in this film as well. This is what so many young people are feeling, especially during this global health crisis. I think it’s important for everyone to know that they are not alone in these feelings, and that many of us are scared of the future as well. There are so many amazing things about this movie! Rated PG!
The Game Plan
I recently revisited this Disney movie that came out about 12 years ago! I think it’s the perfect family film. Dwayne Johnson plays a famous football player who abruptly finds out that he has an 8 year old daughter, and must learn the responsibilities and the pure joy that comes with that. What I love most about this movie is that it shows how special a bond between a father and a daughter could be, and how the love that they have for each other is so strong. Rated PG
These are just a few of movies and shows that I’ve been watching throughout this quarantine. I’ve also learned that Amazon prime and several other On Demand networks are now allowing people to access in-theater movies at home! For a small fee, the whole family can get their movie-going experience from their living room! This is a great way to get people to stay in their homes, keep others safe, but to still get the entertainment that they would have gotten if they went out. There are so many ways for us to stay entertained during the quarantine! I’m happy that I get this time to catch up with some shows and films that I’m always meaning to watch! So sit back, relax, and happy binge-watching!
