What to binge watch during quarantine

As the nation tries to get ahead of COVID-19, more people are working from home, completing online classes and generally limiting time spent physically socializing with others. That leaves some people with plenty of binge-watching time. The list below provides a few of the many shows and movies that are available on some of the most popular streaming platforms.

Netflix, touted as the first TV streaming service, has a variety of shows and movies available. It carries both Netflix Originals and content that was first available elsewhere. Usually, content is added a season at a time but some Netflix Originals release episode by episode weekly or monthly.

The first show on the list for Netflix is “The IT Crowd,” the capitalization was intentional. The British comedy follows the work-life of two IT guys and their less-than-qualified supervisor, who are far from in the “it crowd.”

“Spencer Confidential” is a dramatic comedy movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Post Malone. Wahlberg plays a New York police officer just released from prison who sets out to crack one final case, but now without a badge.

“The Haunting of Hill House” is a thriller series that is definitely binge-worthy. It chronicles the lives of the Crane family and the life whilst living in Hill House, a mansion they were hoping to flip, and in the aftermath of their move out. Only one season is currently available but a second series is rumored to be released later this year.

Hulu is a streaming service that is similar to Netflix on a basic level, offering both shows and movies but focuses on shows that are currently available for broadcast or via cable. Episodes of shows are generally released a day after their original air date on their home network. It offers viewers a way to keep up-to-date on their favorite shows without having to have a cable subscription.

To begin Hulu’s list, “Superstore,” which comes on NBC on Thursday nights at 8, tackles some current issues in today’s world while weaving in compelling romances and providing laughs the whole way. The chaotic lives of retail workers in a big box store depicted in this show are both relatable and eye-opening.

“The Good Doctor,” comes on ABC on Monday nights at 10 p.m. and currently in its third season, brings a new angle to the “medical drama” genre. This show about autistic medical resident Shaun Murphy and his colleges at the hospital will tug at your heartstrings. Shaun faces many challenges as he pursues his dream of becoming a surgeon.

Bob Ross is more than a meme, he is a professional painter, and in his show, “The Joy of Painting,” originally broadcast on PBS, he shared his talents with the world. This show provides a way to pass the time by following along with the tutorials or by just enjoying Ross’s well-known commentary and soothing painting.

Amazon Prime Video is a little different from the other streaming services. Not everything available on this platform is free with your membership. There is some content that is only available for digital renting or purchasing, however, there are plenty of shows and that is included.

“The Report,” starring Adam Driver, best known for his role as Kylo Ren in the latest Star Wars trilogy, is a movie based on the real-life investigation into the CIA torture tactics used after 9/11 and one senate staffer’s personal mission to bring the truth to light and to the American people.

Rewinding a bit we have the period comedy, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Female comedians in the 50s were unheard of, but Midge Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, finds herself beginning such a career as a newly single mom in this Amazon Prime Original.

Disney+ has a variety of Disney favorites for viewers of all ages. Now, of course you can browse the lists that come up on the main page or search for something specific but by clicking on the search icon but not typing anything in, a list comes up of “collections.” Packaged bundles of content that include shows, movies, shorts and more that are all based around the same “universe.”

Some of the collections include “Star Wars,” “High School Musical,” “Frozen,” “The Lion King,” Disney Channel original movies and television series and more. It is an efficient way to narrow your search without having to sift through all of the different menus on the main page.