Four “Must-Watch” TV Shows for the Quarantine
As we await the end of Colorado’s “stay-at-home” order in the coming weeks, time seems to be travelling unbelievably slowly. This, partnered with many students’ worries about final exams, may be adding to a shared rise in stress levels. Thankfully, there are dozens of different tools and resources out there to help reduce personal stress, one of which is, for many of us, Netflix. Below are four Netflix shows that can either be a unique escape from your worries or a catalyst for your next spontaneous binge session. Or both.
4. The Witcher (2019 – )
Oftentimes, a mystical universe filled with creatures and legends galore can be highly immersive. The Witcher is no exception. This show follows the journey of one Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) as he explores the vibrant lands of an unnamed Continent, encounters various beasts, and builds relationships with both friend and foe. Producing such a fantastical narrative is no easy feat, but the visuals and host of actors execute it beautifully. There is love, there is action, and there are innumerable twists and turns; its adventurous atmosphere may be enough to melt away one’s apprehensions at the end of a long day.
3. Ozark (2017 – )
For a more grim show, there is Ozark. This unraveling story encapsulates the dangers of drug-money laundering and narrates it all from the perspective of a small family. The plot resembles that of a classic criminal drama, however, its unpredictable nature has kept viewers on the edges of their seats for three seasons and counting. If you are looking to invest in a tumultuous story of fiction and brush aside the worries of reality, then look no further. In its darkest moments, Ozark may serve as a reminder to stay grateful and positive on a daily basis, because it could always be worse. Just ask the series’ lead character, Marty Byrde. He sure knows.
2. Bojack Horseman (2014 – 2020)
Unlike the two previous shows, Bojack Horseman is a comedic gem. A highly popular Netflix Originals animated series, this show shares with us the everyday life of its main character, Bojack Horseman. Bojack is a troubled “Hollywoo” (a fictional stand-in for Hollywood) star that finds himself in and out of fame. When he is not engrossed in his career, he is either dealing with his mental health or carefully navigating his relationships with a number of other characters in the show. Bojack Horseman‘s comedic flair comes from the plot’s goofy scenarios and irrational logic. That being said, the show also offers an important commentary on fame, our nation’s shifting social and economic structures, and depression and mental health. For those of us who are struggling through hard times, solace may be found in Bojack’s story. Its truthfulness. Its wholesomeness. All of it.
1. Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (2020)
Would it even be a valid list if Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness wasn’t included? Although this series is a seven-episode documentary rather than a long-running television show, its eccentricity is enough to keep you engrossed. It not only dissects the complexities of illegal big cat breeding and trading in the US, but also introduces a variety of outlandish individuals (Joe Exotic, Bhagavan Antle, and Carole Baskin, to name a few). Witnessing the graceful power of big cats in this series is thrilling enough; add in the lunacy and feuds of big cat owners and it quickly dissolves into, well, mayhem. At times, it may feel like too farfetched a story to be true, but the classic, one-on-one dialogues between the documenters and interviewees assures us that this story really did happen. If anything, the absurdity of this TV mini-series will draw you in and keep you entertained until the ending credits.