Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Indulge in family drama
For many of us, it’s been a few (long) weeks of staying at home and perfecting our social distancing skills. A lot of us are working from home, working out at home, and teaching our kids at home. It’s kind of like a bad “Saw” movie, only without a doll killing people every 15 minutes.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the average married couple spends two hours a day with each other, and that includes weekends. And thanks to the coronavirus, we’re all now making up for lost time. This means tensions are high, the kids are on your nerves, and you and your spouse are fighting over proper toilet paper placement (we all know it should be over). Sometimes you just need to escape your own family drama and get lost in someone elses. Here are a few family dramas worth checking out during quarantine.
‘The Sopranos’
What it’s about: New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano faces personal and professional difficulties which lead him to seek therapy.
Why you should watch: This is the show that taught us mob bosses have feelings, too. People often wonder how superheroes juggle personal and professional lives, but how do ruthless killers put that aside and go home for dinner? That’s “The Sopranos.”
Where to find it: Seasons 1-6 available on HBO GO.
‘Gilmore Girls’
What it’s about: Lorelai Gilmore is a 30-something single mom who is best friends with her 16-year-old daughter, Rory. They live in the quaint — and sometimes crazy — town of Stars Hollow, where they work towards bettering their lives and making their dreams come true.
Why you should watch: Coffee addicts and pop culture junkies unite!Come for the Gilmores and stay for Luke’s rants about how the world is going down the drain. Lorelai and Rory are strong, smart women who run on caffeine and questionable movie choices. This show has a bit of everything, including a wonderful performance by Melissa McCarthy as chef Sookie St. James.
Where to find it: The original seasons 1-7 and the revival, “Year in a Life,” are available on Netflix.
‘Parenthood’
What it’s about: Inspired by the Ron Howard film of the same name, the show explores the successes and tragedies of the Braverman family.
Why you should watch: Think “This Is Us” but an earlier version. The Bravermans are a large family with even larger hearts who battle it all all — cancer, job loss, broken marriages, adoption. The family comes together and overcomes. You will laugh, you will cry, you will wish you weren’t an only child (or is that just me?)
Where to find it: Seasons 1-6 are available on Hulu.
‘3rd Rock From The Sun’
What it’s about: A group of aliens are sent to Earth to pose as a human family so they can report on life on this planet.
Why you should watch: Imagine experiencing everything for the first time, but as an adult. The show offers us the opportunity to see how we live through the eyes of outsiders. It’s “Monty Python” meets “Abbott and Costello.” You also get to see these four aliens become a real family and fall in love with this third rock from the sun.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-6 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Fuller House’
What it’s about: The show is a continuation and slight reversal of the 1987 classic “Full House.” This time D.J. is a recently widowed mother of three boys who has found herself living in her childhood home raising her boys alone. That is until best friend Kimmy Gibbler and sister Steph come to help her, similar to the way Jesse and Joey did all those years ago.
Why you should watch: Family doesn’t have to be all drama, and this one packs a lot of fun into a half-hour episode. They have wacky adventures, heartwarming family moments and teach us some life lessons along the way. It’s good, reasonably wholesome entertainment that brings back sitcom catchphrases.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-5 available on Netflix.
‘Bluey’
What it’s about: “Bluey” is a cartoon about a family of blue heeler dogs that play elaborate, imaginative games, have adventures and teach us about life.
Why you should watch: Yes it’s a cartoon and yes it’s mainly for kids. But just give it a chance and you’ll see it’s so much more. This show consistently reminds me that slowing down is essential and shows me how to enjoy the time I have with my kids and how to enjoy life.
Where to find it: Season 1 available on Disney+.
‘Goof Troop’
What it’s about: Classic Disney character, Goofy, is a single dad raising his son, Max.
Why you should watch: Who knew parenting would be filled with so many pratfalls? Goofy takes parenting head-on as he navigates through all the issues of raising a teenage son. This show, along with the two movies, “Goofy Movie” and “Extremely Goofy Movie,” are filled with lots of emotions and laughs.
Where to find it: Season 1-2 are available on Disney+.
Steve Dassatti, special to GoColumbia
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Indulge in family drama."