As of 3.17.20, the Governor of NC has ordered that all restaurants and bars be closed until concerns about the outbreak of COVID-19 have been lifted, to promote social distancing. There will still be take-out, drive-thru, delivery and curbside options, depending on the establishment. With everything shut down, events cancelled, and panic rising, there’s only one thing to do…. BINGE shows on my favorite platforms..



I have put together a “Binging Guide” to help you make the most of your self-quarantine. I have chosen shows that should serve to help you escape today’s current climate, into a world of plot twists and character drama. No matter the platform you prefer, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 binge-worthy shows, with a few honorable mentions. We are complete TV junkies and have prepared for this moment, so grab your popcorn and favorite beverage and let’s start binging!

Honorable Mentions

100 Humans: Life’s Questions Answered (2020)

Brand new to Netflix, this social experiment follows 100 people of all ages and backgrounds. The goal is to conduct all kinds of different scientific experiments getting answers to various questions about human behavior. One experiment tests whether men with high sperm counts are better dancers. Some of these may be nonsensical, but ALL are interesting and easily suck you in. There are eight episodes, each about 40 minutes long.

Cheer (2020)

From the creators of “Last Chance U”, this new documentary series follows the world of competitive cheerleaders from the 14-time National Champions at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. The cheerleaders deal with injuries, sacrifices and personal setbacks leading up to the championship competition. This docu-series is eye-opening into the world of competitive cheerleading and heart-breaking for the cut throat world these kids live in. This series totally changed my perspective on cheerleading as both a sport and a lifestyle. Each of the six episodes are about one hour.

Top 5

5.) The Stranger (2020- )

New to Netflix in January 2020, this British thriller follows a suburban family whose secrets and lies are made public by a complete stranger. That stranger makes a shocking claim about Adam Price’s wife forcing him to become entangled in a mystery, as he looks for answers. Full of plot twists and cliff hangers, each episode will have to white-knuckling the edge of your couch. Based on the novel by Harlan Coben, each of this show’s 8 episodes are about 45 minutes long. The show’s ending leaves an opening for a 2nd season, but Coben seems to rule out returning for more.



4.) Dead To Me (2019- )

Starring Christina Applegate, this show follows a widow (Applegate) searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed her husband. People who come into her life are not who they may seem, as this show takes many unexpected twists and turns. This dark comedy explores the weirdly funny sides of grief, loss and forgiveness. There are 10 episodes, each about a half hour. Season two is in the works and is expected to be released May/June 2020.

3.) Love Is Blind (2020- )

This romantic reality show features singles who try to fall in love with each other sight unseen. Each person is on one side of a wall and they must get to know each other on an emotional level. The goal is to get engaged because that’s the only way the couples will actually be able to see each other. Once they are engaged, the wedding planning begins. Each couple walks down the aisle, not knowing whether the other party is on board with the marriage. The point of this social experiment, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, is to prove that love is actually blind; that two people can fall in love and decide to spend the rest of their lives together without ever actually seeing each other. Does this show successfully accomplish that? You decide. There are 10 episodes plus a reunion show. Episode 10 features the weddings. The show is full of twists, drama, and cringey moments!

2.) Ozark (2017- )

This award-winning drama series stars Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks. With wife Wendy and their two kids in tow, Marty is on the move after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong, forcing him to pay off a substantial debt to a Mexican drug lord in order to keep his family safe. While the Byrdes’ fate hangs in the balance, the dire circumstances force the fractured family to reconnect. This show is so full of unexpected roadblocks and cliff hangers, you’ll be craving more at the end of each episode. There are 10 episodes each in both seasons running about an hour each.

1.) Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)

This drama series from FX features single father Jax Teller and his loyalty to his outlaw motorcycle club, which is tested by his growing unease concerning the group’s lawlessness. While the club protects and patrols the town of Charming, CA, keeping drug dealers away, its activities also include a thriving — and lucrative — illegal arms business. I can honestly say this series is my favorite of all time. There are 7 seasons, each with 13 episodes per season, so this show is an investment of both your time and emotions. It’s gritty, raw, so very dramatic, and definitely a must-see.

Honorable Mentions

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The Act (2019- )

The Act is a Hulu-original anthology series that dramatizes true crime stories that are so off-the-wall, they’re hard to believe. For its first season, the show takes a deep dive into Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, Dee Dee, whose story gained notoriety following the publication of a viral, mind-boggling Buzzfeed article on the case. Starring Joey King and Patricia Arquette as the daughter/mother pair, The Act follows Gypsy’s realization that she is a victim of her mother’s abuse — a Munchausen-by-proxy situation, which might sound familiar for people who watched HBO’s Sharp Objects — and wants to escape, leading to a controversial plan. This series is chilling to to bone and will have you reeling after each episode. There is currently 1 season with 8 episodes. Each episode is about 45 minutes long. The show has not yet been picked up for a 2nd season, but true crime fans are hopeful.

Mistresses (2013-2016)

Mistresses follows Savi (Alyssa Milano), a successful lawyer, while she and her husband try to start a family. Her sister, Josslyn, depends on her as the bulwark she can lean on between parties and dating. The sisters share a best friend, April, who recently lost her husband, and is trying to rebuild her life. The group rounds out with Karen, a psychotherapist who reconnects with her friends after a relationship with a patient got out of hand. The four girlfriends rely on one another for support as they each face the journey of self-discovery in this steamy soap opera. There are 4 seasons, each with 13 episodes that are about 45 min long. Mistresses was cancelled unexpectedly in 2016, so the season finale definitely sets us up for a Season 5, only to let us down hard. Other than a compulsive need to find out what the writers intended for Season 5, this guilty pleasure did not disappoint.

Top 5

5.) Community (2009-2015)

Community focuses on a lovable study group of misfits played by both comedy veterans and those then just on the brink of breaking out — including consummate cool guy, Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), lovable ditz, Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs), TV-obsessed, Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi), anxious genius, Annie Edison (Alison Brie), tough-but-firm mother, Shirley Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown), high school jock, Troy Barnes (Donald Glover), and the baffling, bored, former CEO, Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase) — as they navigate their way through Greendale Community College. It’s a sitcom that’s goofy and delirious, but forever a lesson in how to become a better person. Community gained a cult following during its 6-season-run, probably due to the fact that it makes you want to be friends with the motley crew of characters, and it’s just down right hilarious. There are 6 seasons with 13 episodes in each season. Each episode is about 30 minutes long.

4.) Atlanta (2016- )

Atlanta is a rare species: a deeply funny show offering pointed social commentary. Whether it’s casting a black actor as Justin Bieber,harshly criticizing social media obsessives, or just making a great rap song, show creator, Donald Glover’s massive endeavor manages to feel effortless, capturing a specific mood and experience with wit and precision. Atlanta shines a light into the life of an emerging rapper in Atlanta, GA and gives us a glimpse of the hurdles a rapper must clear in order to make it big. Atlanta manages to capture the nuances of everyday life, without losing sight of the global message. There are 2 seasons with 10 episodes in season 1 and 11 episodes in season 2. Season 3 is scheduled to air some time in 2021, as production was delayed due to COVID-19.

3.) Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

High-school football serves as the perfect medium to explore the 21st-century American experience with sentimentality, outright conservatism, and cheap melodrama. With knockout performances from Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, it’s almost too easy to get sucked into the Dillon Panthers’ football life. This series is an adaptation from a TV movie of the same name, which was an adaptation of the H.G. Bissinger book Friday Night Lights. There are 5 seasons with 13 hour-long episodes in each. I grew up in a small football-obsessed town, so this show made me nostalgic about my high school days. It’s a bit of a time investment, but I believe it is well worth it.

2.) American Horror Story (2011- )

The horror anthology that is Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story continues to surpass expectations with every passing season. Each season essentially functions as a self-contained mini-series, focusing on a consistent cast of characters and a storyline that features its own beginning, middle, and end. Each season — whether it revolves around a coven of witches, an insane asylum, or a haunted house in the middle of Los Angeles — features lavish set pieces and campy aesthetics, both of which add to sterling performances from the likes of Lady Gaga and the award-winning Jessica Lange. Many of the seasons even take a jab at current social issues, and they often leave a weird and wonderful impression, as well as an awful taste in your mouth. There are 9 seasons, with 9-10 episodes in each season, so this show is a great choice for extended binging sessions!



1.) Letterkenny (2016- )

“There are 5,000 people in Letterkenny. These are their problems,” so begins every episode of this Canadian comedy. Co-created by Jared Keeso, who stars as the small town’s resident tough guy Wayne, this web series-turned-comedy/Hulu original focuses on best friends shooting the breeze about goings-on in their hometown of Letterkenny, Ontario. This show amazingly portrays a lot and nothing at all, at the same time! The series has also developed its own language over the course of its 8 seasons and is known for its speedy exchanges and relentlessly recurring inside jokes. The attention to detail and expertly crafted dialogue makes Letterkenny a must-watch sitcom. There are 8 seasons with 6-7 30-minute episodes in each. Hulu has not confirmed whether there will be a season 9. (But I sure hope so!) After binging this show, don’t be surprised if you start saying “Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er” when you want someone to hurry along; or responding to the question “How are ya now?” with “oh, not so bad?”. I know from personal experience!

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Honorable Mentions

Hannibal (2013-2015)

In this surreal psychological thriller based on characters from the best-selling Thomas Harris novels, FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) struggles to catch serial killers while teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown. Unbeknownst to him, his therapist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelson), is himself a serial killer with dark designs for Will. As their friendship deepens, Will finds himself at the center of a symphony of violence. Hannibal was one of the goriest shows on network TV when it first aired on NBC, but the direction and set design transform the violence into some of the most exquisite images you’ll see on the small screen. If you are a fan of the Hannibal Lecter franchise, you will love this show! There are 3 seasons with 13 episodes in each season. Each episode lasts about 45 minutes.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000- )

Like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm centers on a protagonist, Larry David (creator of Seinfeld) as himself, who finds himself in mundane, often hilariously awkward situations. David is a consummate performer, and the largely improvised dialogue gives him and the rest of the cast a chance to show off their comedic chops. After a six-year hiatus, the series returned for a well-received 9th season in 2017, and aired episode 1 of the 10th season on Jan 19, 2020.. This show is genuinely hilarious and serves as a much-needed break from today’s climate. Warning: binging this show may cause your sides to hurt! There are 10 episodes in all 10 seasons, with the season 10 finale scheduled to air on March 22, 2020 on HBO. Seasons 1-9 are available with your Prime Membership, but the HBO add on is needed for Season 10, since it is still a currently airing show.



Top 5

5.) The Wire (2002-2008)

One of the best-reviewed cop shows in its day, The Wire casts a wide-eyed gaze at the war on drugs and its effect on modern society. Set in Baltimore — the “murder capital,” as many a character refers to it — the show begins as a police procedural following a group of detectives hoping to bust one of the biggest drug lords in the city. However, the show expands its outlook with every season, gradually revealing a city in which everything is interconnected and every action has far-reaching consequences. The Wire is unique among cop dramas in the extreme attention it pays to the lives and minds of its criminal element. The show never loses sight of the fact that all of its characters — cop or criminal, politician, or lawyer — are members of a society and are thus shaped by the world around them far more than they shape it. As a huge consumer of cop dramas, I found The Wire to be one of the best. The complex story lines and riveting characters had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning several times! There are 5 seasons with 10-13 episodes in each season. Each episode is approximately an hour long.

4.) Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017- )

If you want to watch a star being born, stop what you’re doing and immerse yourself in Rachel Brosnahan’s work as Miriam “Midge” Maisel on the 1950s-set comedy Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Midge is a housewife who pursues a career in standup comedy after her husband, Joe Maisel (Michael Zegen), unexpectedly leaves her. After a drunken, impromptu, and mile-a-minute standup set that ends with Midge being arrested, hard-nosed venue employee Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein) takes Midge under her wing in hopes of molding a diamond in the rough. The show took home the Golden Globe for best comedy or musical series for its debut season, and Brosnahan took home the statue for best actress in a comedy or musical. There are 3 seasons with 8-10 hour-long episodes in each season. The show has been renewed for a 4th season and is scheduled to air late 2020.



3.) Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

An exemplary British period drama, Downton Abbey is an examination of the politics and personal lives of an aristocratic British family in the early 20th century. As they navigate the touchy social circles of high society, the Crawley family also reacts to the impact of seismic historical events such as the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of World War I. The show also examines the complex and interconnected relationships between the family and the house staff. Downton Abbey provides a close and examined look into the lives of a class of people that previously had been a closed book. The 2019 movie, based on the series, was a surprise hit, and there’s never been a better time to catch up with the Crawleys! There are 6 seasons with 9 episodes each, with approximately hour-long episodes.

2.) Deadwood (2004-2006)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series ever made, this Emmy-winning Western HBO drama follows the inhabitants of Deadwood, South Dakota both before and after its annexation by the Dakota Territory. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane led the series’ impressive ensemble cast, portraying real-life historical figures Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen. The pair alternate between enemies and reluctant allies as the town grows from a rough camp settlement into a full-fledged town, attracting all manner of historical figures looking to stake a claim on its future. Show creator David Milch based the series on diaries, newspaper stories, and other historical records of the time. There are 3 seasons with 12 episodes in each season. Each episode is around 45 minutes long.

1.) The Sopranos (1999-2007)

The Sopranos, hailed by some critics as “the most influential television drama ever,” is, at its core, a family drama, and an examination of the man at the head of that family. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is a tragic figure, as the position of power he creates for himself in the Mafia brings with it pressures that threaten to break him. The Sopranos became a household name in the early 2000’s even though it was housed on TV premium channel, HBO. This is a feat no show before, and few after, have managed to achieve. The show features a large cast of interconnected characters, and all the scheming and violence you can handle. There are 6 seasons, with 13 or so episodes in the 1st 5 seasons and 21 episodes in the 6th season.

Honorable Mentions

The Imagineering Story (2019)

Disney demonstrates its reach with Disney+ in this 6 episode docu-series delving into the history of the vast empire, while showing how some of Disney’s most iconic attractions are brought to life. This series has even found a way to bring the Disney theme parks into the mix. Each episode is about an hour long. There are currently no plans for a 2nd season of The Imagineering Story.

Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Disney+ visits Mr. Feeny’s classroom with this long-running coming-of-age sitcom from the 1990s. Millions of viewers (myself included) were glued to the onslaught of life lessons faced by teen Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his friends. All 7 seasons are available on Disney+, along with its 2014 spin-off, Girl Meets World, with 22-23 episodes in each season. Each episode is about 25 minutes long, so this show will keep you occupied for quite a while!

Top 5

5.) The World According to Jeff Goldblum (2019- )

Each themed installment of this riveting National Geographic docu-series features a mix of science, history and unlikely connections, all served with a generous sprinkling of Jeff Goldblum. Each episode is centered around something people love– like ice cream and BBQ. Jeff pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections that are both surprising and exciting. Through fascinating science and history, amazing people, and a whole lot of big ideas and insights, Jeff Goldblum provides an interesting take on the world.There are currently twelve 30-minute episodes with a 2nd season on the way.

4.) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008- 2020)

The long-awaited final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars has begun – the result of a years-long fan campaign. This show kept the Star Wars fire burning between the prequels and Disney’s Lucasfilm buyout, and even though it’s set in the prequel timeframe, it corrects everything those movies got wrong, with weighty stories and artfully crafted characterization. The Clone Wars is the galaxy far, far away at its best, action-driven and packed with enough Star Wars story to fill the Millenium Falcon. There are 6 full seasons with 20 episodes in each season. The 7th season is currently being uploaded to Disney+ weekly. You will get your fill of Star Wars content on Disney+, with seven seasons of this show to make your way through.

3.) The Simpsons (1989- )

One of the crown jewels to come out of Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox, all 30 complete seasons are available on Disney+. Springfield’s best days may be two decades behind it, but at its best (seasons 3-9, and some of 10), The Simpsons was as good as TV has ever been (IMO). Experience all the shenanigans the Simpson clan and the friends get into with short 25 minute episodes that will give you all the nostalgia feels from the 90’s and 00’s. There are a total of 643 episodes, so watching this series in full will take you a huge chunk of time. However, to be able to say that you have watched every episode of the longest running animated series of all time, will give you huge bragging rights.

2.) Marvel’s Hero Project (2019)

While we’ll have to wait for the TV debuts of Marvel big-hitters like Loki, the House of Ideas is represented at launch by this uplifting factual series. Each unscripted episode showcases a real-life young hero who’s made a positive impact on their communities across the country. These extra-ordinary, inspiring kids have dedicated their lives to a variety of remarkable efforts, and now Marvel celebrates them as the true Super Heros they are, immortalized in their very own comic book. There are currently 20 episodes that are approximately 30 minutes long of pure heart-warming story-telling. In today’s current climate, this is the perfect show to binge for an escape. There are no plans for a 2nd season at the moment.

1.) The Mandalorian (2019- )

The Mandalorian is Disney+’s breakout hit, and deservedly so (IMO). This show has unleashed Baby Yoda upon the world, a true gift indeed. Jon Favreau created this series, starring Pedro Pascal (from Game of Thrones) as a lone gunfighter making his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy as a bounty hunter. The Mandalorian differs from the other Star Wars content, in that it does not require prior knowledge of the Star Wars saga. There are Easter eggs and nods to the epic story, however, that can be enjoyed by avid Star Wars fans as well. There are currently 8 episodes that are approximately 45 minutes long. Season 2 will begin airing weekly in Fall 2020.

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**HBO GO is available to current HBO subscribers as an add-on to their service. HBO NOW allows users to stream HBO content without subscribing to the channel. The content on both platforms are exactly the same.

Honorable Mentions

Silicon Valley (2014-2019)

From the creator of Idiocracy and Beavis and Butthead,Silicon Valley is essentially Office Space for the tech worker of the 2010s. The show is set in a home office and instead of bosses, there are investors. Nominated for 22 Emmys (winning two), the HBO series follows the ups and (mostly) downs of a group of 6 friends trying to get a start-up off the ground. It works as both a scathing takedown of the tech industry as well as a traditional comedy. Through 6 seasons, Silicon Valley has also remained one of the most consistently funny comedies on TV to both the “code monkeys” who understand the intricacies of Silicon Valley and laypeople who appreciate smart writing and unforgettable characters who are fun to hang out with. There are 7-10 episodes in each of the 6 seasons, with episodes lasting around 30 minutes.

Band of Brothers (2001) / The Pacific (2010)

The adaptation of Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book, Band of Brothers, follows the “Easy” Company from training through its participation in several major battles in World War II through the Japanese surrender, ending the war. Band of Brothers is the best fictional account of World War II ever recorded (IMO), in that it captures the violence of war, as well as the heroism — and flaws — of its soldiers. It’s a harrowing series, and it’s hard not to come away with a better appreciation of the men who served in that war. The Pacific, meanwhile, is a similar mini-series, offering an account of the United States Marine Corps’ actions in the Pacific Theater of Operations. There are 10 episodes in each mini-series, with each episode lasting about an hour.

Top 5

5.) Veep (2012-2019)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series every year the show ran since the its 2012 debut, a testament to how consistently funny HBO’s Veep has been over its six-season run. Louis-Dreyfus plays the self-centered yet lovable loser, Selina Meyers, as she hilariously works her way through the bureaucracy of the federal government, initially as vice president. A primary source of the show’s raucous humor are the malicious comments thrown around with such inventiveness you’ll often fall back cackling as you applaud the creativity. For you to binge arguably the finest comedy series of the last decade, would not be a waste of your time. There are 7 seasons with 10 episodes in each season. Each episode runs around 25-30 minutes.

4.) Rome (2005-2007)

Before Game of Thrones and Westworld, there was Rome. This sprawling historical drama made all kinds of noise (and won its fair share of awards) when it first premiered. With a large and talented cast, the series took on some of history’s most notable characters — think Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Brutus, and the like — while also managing to craft a narrative around the struggles of two low-level Roman soldiers. The real draw of this series, aside from some superb acting and an intriguing narrative? The combat! If you thought GoT battle scenes were ambitiously planned, wait until you watch this show. There are 2 seasons with 12 episodes in season 1 and 10 in the 2nd season.

3.) Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

Nominated for 57 Emmys (winning 20), Boardwalk Empire takes a simmering novelistic approach to storytelling, portraying historical fiction at its best. Brilliant acting and meticulous plotlines, Boardwalk Empire can be a slow burn while we wait for the pieces to come together, but they always do with near-perfect execution.Loosely based on the life of Nucky Johnson (played by Steve Buscemi), Boardwalk Empire examines the bootlegging industry in Atlantic City during Prohibition, bringing in a host of familiar names including Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Arnold Rothstein. This series is fascinating from an historical standpoint, as it tracks the rise of the modern mafia. Boardwalk Empire is incredible from start to finish and deserves every bit of acclamation it has received (IMO)! There are 5 seasons, with 12 episodes in all seasons but the last (8 episodes). Each episode is approximately 75 minutes.

2.) Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

The series, based on George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire book series, is an intricately woven fantasy drama that’s more than just about political gamesmanship, dragons and war. (Although it’s about that, too.) The series sees dozens of characters representing the seven kingdoms of Westeros vying for the Iron Throne, but there’s also a supernatural outside force — an army of the dead — threatening to topple them all. Game of Thrones works for both those who love fantasy and those who don’t, because the universe is so intricately built, the characters so vividly drawn, the relationship drama is so complex, and the plot twists are so shocking. Game of Thrones is more than just a show; it’s a provocative, immersive, unpredictable event that effectively helps you escape the world’s current climate. There are 8 seasons with 7-10 episodes in each season. Each episode is about an hour long.

1.) Westworld (2016- )

With a most intriguing storyline, an A-list cast, and roots in the sci-fi genre, it was clear early on that HBO was banking on Westworld to fill the hole that would be left when Game of Thrones eventually ended. Not only does this show offer a plot full of twists, turns, strange mythologies, and moral dilemmas, it’s got a talented cast of colorful characters and it’s premise — a robot uprising at an amusement park where adults can indulge in their basest desires free of consequence — is the kind of stuff great TV series are made of. There are 2 full seasons with 10 episodes in each, and the 3rd season is currently airing. Once this series sucks you in, there’s nothing you can do but hold on and enjoy the ride!

Whether you prefer drama, comedies, sci-fi, or a little of it all, this guide has something for you. We hope you are able to make your time at home a little more bearable, by escaping the current climate through the best TV has to offer.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!