Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Set your sights on the supernatural
With so many decisions being made for us these days and so little under our control, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that there is more going on here than meets the eye. And I’m not talking about “Transformers.” I’m talking about back door deals, shady people in authority, vampires, demons and other unworldly beings.
Is COVID-19 from bats or something released from the Upsidedown? Most likely it’s from bats, but how cool would it be if all this could be solved by a group of prepubescent kids on bikes?
Unfortunately, it won’t be, but it’s still fun to pretend. Here are some shows that give us the believe that there might be more going on than what meets the eye.
‘The X-Files’
What it’s about: Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder (the believer) and Dana Scully (the skeptic), investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.
Why you should watch: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson helped make this show a phenomenon. Their characters Mulder and Scully made us believe that the truth is out there and the truth is that Fox Mulder and Dana Scully belong together. This show draws you in with its weird cases, but you stay because of the character’s chemistry.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-11 are available on Hulu.
‘Supernatural’
What it’s about: Two brothers follow in their father’s footsteps fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds, including monsters, demons and gods that roam the earth.
Why you should watch: Combine two charismatic guys and a cool classic car and you have the making of a classic. Just look at “Dukes of Hazard” and “Starsky and Hutch.” The show really has everything — family drama, comedy, demons, angels. The show is completing its 15th and final season, so I’d say it’s worth a watch.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-14 are available on Netflix.
‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’
What it’s about: A young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other creatures, deals with balancing life and fighting evil.
Why you should watch: This is a show that really lives and dies by the main characters’ friends. Don’t get me wrong, Buffy is great, but she is also unattainable. Willow, Xander, Oz and even Cordela on the other hand are the people you went to high school with. The monsters who are constantly saving the world from the apocalypse are great, but it’s everything else that makes this show a classic.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-7 are available on Hulu.
‘Vampire Diaries’
What it’s about: The show follows the lives, loves, dangers and disasters happening in the town of Mystic Falls, Va. Creatures of unspeakable horror lurk beneath this town as a teenage girl is suddenly torn between two vampire brothers.
Why you should watch: What sets this show apart is how aware of itself it was. In episode four of the first season, Damon (vampire bad boy) is found reading and criticizing “Twilight.” Sure the show probably got pick up because “Twilight” was so popular at the time, but I’m a fan because in every season the gang tries to right some wrong, only to make things even worse. We’ve all been there. I’m looking at you, IKEA, with your wordless directions.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-8 are available on Netflix.
‘Grimm’
What it’s about: A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of hunters who fight supernatural forces.
Why you should watch: This is a procedural cop show mixed with Grimm’s Fairy Tales. What makes this show stand out is the character development, in particular the character arcs of Juliet and Adalind. Just watch. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-6 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Stranger Things’
What it’s about: When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief and his friends must confront terrifying supernatural forces in order to get him back.
Why you should watch: Imagine if Steven Spielberg made a Stephen King movie. The result is pure genius. You essentially have the “Stand By Me” kids saving the world from creatures from another dimension (The Upside Down) with all of Spielberg’s signature cinematography. Also the show is set in the 80s which, being an 80s kid myself, makes it more appealing.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix.
‘Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia’
What it’s about: An ordinary boy finds a magic amulet that chooses him to be a Trollhunter, a guardian that defends the world of humans and the secret world of trolls.
Why you should watch: This cartoon is great for adults and kids. If you enjoy “Buffy” or “Grimm” then chances are you’ll enjoy this one, too. This show is made even more poignant because the lead actor, Anton Yelchin, died before it was finished, and how the creators handled that is a beautiful allegory.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix.
‘Wizards of Waverly Place’
What it’s about: The Russo family may be an ordinary family with an average restaurant, but behind closed doors all three children must compete to be the next family wizard.
Why you should watch: Is it a little silly? Yes. Is it kinda cheesy? Yup. But that doesn’t make it bad. The younger kids will probably enjoy it. Fun fact: the theme song is inspired Billie Eilish’s hit song “Bad Guy.”
Where to find it: Seasons 1-4 are available on Disney+.
‘Super Monsters’
What it’s about: Preschool kids whose parents are the world’s most famous monsters try to master their special powers while preparing for kindergarten.
Why you should watch: This is a super cute show for the kids to enjoy and learn life lessons.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix.
Steve Dassatti, special to GoColumbia
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 5:44 PM with the headline "Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Set your sights on the supernatural."