What to watch on streaming while social distancing

TV with "What are you watching?" on the screen
Photo Credit: Brandon Oram, Photo Editor

Joanna Orban

Staff Writer

Given recent events and the CDC’s advice, most of us have probably been spending a lot of time inside. And while we could do something productive like homework, we’re probably all guilty of firing up Netflix, Hulu, or even Disney+ instead. There’s a lot of streaming services out there with a lot of content to sift through. It can be overwhelming to try and find a show to watch. To help you out, here’s some recommendations.

The Dragon Prince

Watch it on Netflix

With three seasons currently available, this show is just begging to be binge watched. The Dragon Prince was produced for Netflix by Aaron Ehasz the head writer of Avatar: The Last Airbender. If that doesn’t pique your interest, it should. The Dragon Prince follows two young princes as they embark on a quest to save their kingdom from dark magic and the corrupt humans that possess it. The dark magic has turned the magical kingdom of Xadia against the human world and unless the two princes find a way to stop it, war will break out. Along the way they team up with their would be elven assassin and learn more about the six types of magic found in Xadia. 

Gilmore Girls

Watch it on Netflix

An oldy but a goody, Gilmore Girls is perfect to watch while social distancing. Nothing will help you get your mind off of the COVID-19 situation better than the crazy antics of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. This mother and daughter duo live in a picturesque, small town where no small amount of drama and wild antics ensue. They also talk really, really fast and drink an insane amount of coffee. There’s seven seasons and a Netflix original sequel series. It’s a perfect series to start binging. 

Flirty Dancing

Watch it on Hulu

This is one of those cheesy reality TV shows that makes you wonder when and why dating and reality TV ever combined. Still, there are only six episodes and if you’re going to be inside all day, you might as well breeze through them. This show follows Jenna Dewan as she matches one person with two potential lovers. The only catch? Their first date has to be a dance and they can’t talk to each other at all. After each dance, Dewan’s match making skills are put to the test as the people have to choose which of their matches they would like to go on a second date with. It’s a bit superficial, but it’s also a good laugh, something everyone could use right now. 

Hitch

Watch it on Hulu or Netflix

Hitch follows a date doctor and a journalist as their careers and their hearts end up coinciding in disastrous ways. Hitch, played by Will Smith is New York’s best matchmaker. He takes the most undateable guys and helps them get together with their dream girl. He meets his own match in Sara, a journalist for a gossip magazine. Got in the middle of Hitch and Sara’s drama is a rich socialite and her dorky lawyer, Albert, who hires Hitch. This is one of Will Smith’s funniest movies and is definitely worth a watch. If you don’t have Hulu, it’s also available to stream on Netflix. 

The Mandalorian

Watch it on Disney+

Baby Yoda. Does anything else really need to be said about the first Star Wars TV show? Whether you’re a Star Wars junkie or just wanting to try out the galaxy far, far away, this TV show is practically perfect. Stepping away from the familiar side of the galaxy, The Mandalorian follows, you guessed it, a Mandalorian on the outer rims of the galaxy, far from the reaches of the Skywalkers and The New Republic. The Mandalorian is a fantastic character to follow, as he constantly surprises you throughout the show. Plus, Baby Yoda!

Lost Cities With Albert Lin

Watch it on Disney+

This six episode documentary series follows Albert Lin as he uses modern-day technology to uncover lost cities and their mysteries. Lin’s technology is used all over the world, from Petra in Jordan to Stonehenge in the U.K. Along the way technology and archaeology combine forces for a lot of amazing discoveries. Not only does this show teach you more about the history of the places Lin visits, but it’s a great way to “travel” while social distancing.

It’s a stressful time in the world right now, but thankfully there’s a lot of good shows and movies to keep you occupied on a myriad of different platforms. Remember while you’re social distancing to be safe and don’t watch too many episodes in one sitting.