Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Lost in space
Bond did it. Jason Voorhees did it. Even the Leprechaun did it. Now we’re taking binge watching to the next level. We’re going to space!
The stars have drawn us to them since the beginning of time and now it seems to be even more inviting. I mean can COVID-19 even survive in space? And if it did, we’d all be wearing space suits, which is way cooler than these face masks and rubber gloves. I could see social distancing being a problem without gravity though, but I’m no space expert. I’m just a guy who spends why too much time on IMDB.com.
With that said, here are some great shows that take us out of this world and far from social distancing.
‘For All Mankind’
What it’s about: The series explores what would have happened if the global space race had never ended.
Why you should watch: This show reignites my passion for outer space as well as an interest in the actual history of space travel. When is it historically accurate? When does it deviate. It also reminds me of one of my favorite books by Mary Robinette Kowal titled The Calculating Stars.
Where to find it: Season 1 is available on AppleTV+.
‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’
What it’s about: Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk’s five-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers set off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on their own mission to go where no one has gone before.
Why you should watch: Riker’s beard. Let’s face it guys, the first season of “Next Generation” was pretty weak, but come season two, Commander Riker lets his face follicles fly and the final frontier was never the same. Also any episode with Q is pure gold.
Where to find it: Seasons 1-7 are available on Netflix.
‘Firefly’
What it’s about: Set 500 years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.
Why you should watch: There is only 1 season of this show and to watch it is to forever wish for more. Alas, that most likely never happen. The strength of this show actually comes from the show knowing it was fighting a loosing battle to stay on air. Everyone involved put forth their best efforts. The result is this quirky, heartwarming story about fighting the good fight.
Where to watch: Seasons 1 is available on Hulu.
‘Farscape’
What it’s about: Thrown into a distant part of the universe, an Earth astronaut finds himself part of a fugitive alien starship crew.
Why you should watch: A bad guy that looks like Lin-Manuel Miranda, and aliens created by Jim Henson Studios, what more could you ask for? Something this show offers is references to our culture. The one earthling has watched “Close Encounters” and “Animal House.” I can’t picture anyone on the Enterprise quoting John Belushi, on “Farscape” that could happen. The other great thing is nonhuman-like aliens.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-4 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘The Expanse’
What it’s about: A thriller set 200 years in the future, “The Expanse” follows the case of a missing young woman who brings a hardened detective and a rogue ship’s captain together in a race across the solar system to expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.
Why you should watch: This show feels like an extension of “Bladerunner.” It’s very stylistic. Also, Thomas Jane is in it.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-4 are available on Amazon Prime.
‘Lost In Space’
What it’s about: After crash-landing on an alien planet, the Robinson family fight against all odds to survive and escape, but they are surrounded by hidden dangers.
Why you should watch: This is a family friendly-ish SciFi show. There is no cursing or nudity in the series, but there are some gory sequences. This is a great choice for people who have little ones around but who still want to have an out-of-this-world journey.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-2 are available on Netflix.
‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’
What it’s about: Jedi Knights lead the Grand Army of the Republic against the droid army of the Separatists.
Why you should watch: People love to talk about “Star Wars.” Whether it’s complaining about the last three films or lamenting about the prequels. But people seem to really enjoy this series almost as much as the original trilogy.
Where to watch: Seasons 1-7 are available on Disney+.
Steve Dassatti, special to GoColumbia
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 1:28 PM with the headline "Binge-worthy shows for the self-quarantined: Lost in space."