Firstly I hope all of you reading this are doing well under the current circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. As a large percentage of the population are currently self-isolating I thought I'd share my recommendations on what media to consume during your quarantine. The atmosphere about the earth is peculiar at the moment, to say the least, everyone feels like they're a part of some dystopian horror film or television show (something akin to The Walking Dead or Shaun of the Dead). One solace, of course, is Netflix and escapism, others, however, may prefer to address the issue full-on. Therefore, I hope my mixture of TV shows holds something for everyone.





Stay safe, wash your hands, respect people still at work and don't be the dickhead stock-piling bog roll.





Limmy's Show

(Brian Limond, BBC, 2009-2013)

Available on: Netflix

Having recently been introduced to Limmy by friends I can tell you, from experience, that his style of humour is a slow burner. Once you are multiple episodes deep, however, you can't get enough of the highly original sketch show. A hybrid between the stupidity of Dick and Dom in da Bungalow and classic wacky sketch shows such as Monty Python's Flying Circus, Limmy will have you rolling in laughter.

"It is time to begin your quest, traveller."





Cheer

(Greg Whiteley, Netflix, 2020)

Netflix Exclusive

An unexpected gem for me this year. Cheer follows the Navarro college (Texas) cheerleading team as they battle it out to win the NCA National Championship. We follow closely, the progression of five cheerleaders as they develop through the season, as well as getting background in cheerleading and the college's previous accolades. The series offers viewers a peep into a world which is potentially far removed from the world they live in. The cinematography and direction are highly engaging and, no spoilers, but when the team make mat at Daytona you'll be on the edge of your seat willing them on.





The Twilight Zone

(Rod Sterling, CBS, 1959-1964)

Not available on any UK streaming services.

The cold war version of Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone kick-started a television Sci-Fi revolution. It's thought-provoking storylines, eerie atmosphere and nostalgic vibe accumulate in superlative form. The classic intro is a classic pop-culture reference and has influenced a multitude of more contemporary TV show introductions. A must watch for any Black Mirror or general Sci-Fi fans.









Glee

(Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk & Ryan Murphy, 20th Century Fox, 2009-2015)

Available on: Netflix

It may be overly camp, extravagant and predictable but if you’re after wholesome content it doesn’t come more welcoming than Glee. From high-school relationship drama and coming of age realisations, Glee has everything needed from a teen TV series. The musical numbers can be viewed as excessive but if you accept these quirkier moments you will undoubtedly be singing along.









Kim’s Convenience

(CBC, 2016- )

Available on: Netflix

Another wholesome watch, Kim’s Convenience follows the Kim family who are Korean Canadian convenience shop in Toronto. Generational and cultural differences between Mr and Mrs Kim and their daughter Janet and Jung provide comedy but also the emotional heart of the series. The show also makes humorous contemporaneous minority-minority frictions; an element missing from the majority of current productions, that aim to be inoffensive but ultimately become bland because of this. An easy wholesome watch.









Russian Doll

(Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne & Amy Poehler, Netflix, 2019- )

Netflix Exclusive

This Groundhog Day, inspired Netflix original sees Nadia reliving her same party over each time she dies. The Groundhog Day comparisons stop there, however, as Russian Doll edges more on a darker plot path. That is not to say the show is void of comedy, in actuality, Nadia’s character becomes increasingly witty as the series progresses. A dark and humorous exploration of the time-loop concept. Plus it has some really great music in it and a fantastic trailer.









Lovesick

(Tom Edge, Netflix, 2014-2018)

Available on: Netflix

Emerson’s review:

Watched it four times, fella. Mint!











