Entertainment

21 TV Shows On Netflix To Watch If You’re Home Alone

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In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many people have started isolating themselves from the outside world in the hope of preventing the virus from spreading further. But while social distancing may not sound like a whole lot of fun, there are thankfully plenty of TV shows to watch on Netflix if you’re home alone and in serious need of some entertainment. Some of these shows you may have already seen before, while others perhaps have been on your watch list for quite a while, but you never got around to watching. Now is the time to finally make those marathons a reality and help distract yourself from the horrors of the real world.

From detective thrillers to hilarious sitcoms, the streaming platform has everything you need to hunker down in your apartment or house for weeks on end and immerse yourself in the joys of entertainment. Production for a lot of your favorite shows may be currently shut down for the time being, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying past seasons and reminding yourself what made you fall in love with these characters in the first place. Seriously, though, the vast selection at your fingertips is endless and enough to make time fly by during these uncertain times. So sit back, relax, and let the streaming commence!

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1. ‘Sherlock’

If the mere presence of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman aren’t enough to convince you that this is a show worth watching, then I’m just not sure we can be friends anymore. Honestly, though, it doesn’t take a genius to deduce that watching this super sleuth and lovable doctor solve crimes together is a fantastic way to spend one’s time. You’ll be doing so much swooning you simply won’t have time for boredom.

Robert Viglasky/PBS

2. 'Scandal'

Nothing will keep you on your toes and gripping the edge of your seat more so than this political drama. With Olivia Pope as your guide, you’ll gain access to all the ins and outs of White House affairs (both in and out of the Oval Office) without ever having to leave the comfort of your living room. Before you know it, you’ll be out shopping for red wine and pantsuits like the true badass lady you are. Consider this problem handled.

ABC

3. 'The Vampire Diaries'

Broody vampires… compelling storylines… epic love triangles… Ian Somerhalder — what’s not to like? This CW hit offers up the perfect blend of action and romance that will make you thirsty for more — in more ways than one. Your ‘shipping standards will never be the same.

Frank Ockenfels /The CW

4. 'Orange Is the New Black'

Again, when it comes to feelings of seclusion, it really can’t get much worse than the stressful confines of prison cells. However, this journey into the lives of these Litchfield inmates delivers such a thrilling ride you’ll be begging for a lifetime sentence of TV imprisonment. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll throw all your troubles behind bars.

Jessica Miglio/Netflix

5. 'New Girl'

Friends may have left the Netflix stream cycle, but you’ve still got a great group of fictional friends at your disposal. From Nick’s lazy (and relatable) antics to Schmidt’s douchebag jar to Jess’ iconic bangs, this Tuesday night sitcom knows how to bring the funny and immediately put you in a better mood — guaranteed.

FOX

6. 'The Office'

Michael Scott would undoubtedly give terrible advice during a pandemic, but his character and the series in general does an excellent job of bringing hilarity to your day, no matter the circumstances. Sure, things may seem scary right now, but at least you didn’t burn your foot on a George Foreman grill.

NBC

7. 'Love Is Blind'

Meeting in person isn’t exactly recommended these days, which makes this dating series all the more appealing. After all, these couples know exactly what it’s like to make a connection with someone else without ever seeing each other face-to-face. We could all stand to take a leaf out of their book.

Netflix

8. 'Cheer'

Not to be confused with the beloved '80s sitcom Cheers, this gripping docuseries provides a deep dive into the competitive world of cheerleading as the squad from Navarro College work to win the national title. Full of heart and determination, you’ll never underestimate the power of teamwork ever again.

Netflix

9. 'Grace & Frankie'

If laughter truly is the best medicine, then consider this series the cure to all your problems. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star in the titular roles of Grace Adler and Frankie Bernstein, whose friendship proves to be more powerful than any love story out there. Romance is all well and good, but nothing beats hanging with your bestie at any age.

Ali Goldstein/Netflix

10. 'I Am Not Okay With This'

Life as a teenager can be brutal, especially when you throw having superpowers into the mix. Based on Charles Forsman's graphic novel, this Netflix Original is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before while still hitting all the right notes for a classic coming-of-age story. Not to mention we could all stand to get a little more in touch with our inner-teen angst.

Netflix

11. 'Grey's Anatomy'

If you thought your life was difficult, that’s nothing compared to what the doctors of Seattle Grace face on a daily basis. From grenade explosions to complicated love triangles, these characters will inspire you to scrub in again and again. Even if you can’t be with your “person” during this national health crisis, Meredith and Cristina are there for you to help fill the void.

Michael Desmond/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images

12. 'YOU'

If there’s anyone who could give you a solid reason for wanting to stay inside it’s Joe Goldberg. His stalkerish tendencies would be rendered utterly useless during a pandemic, which may make him seem a lot less threatening. Still, you may want to keep your door locked just in case. You can never be too careful.

Tyler Golden/Netflix

13. 'Parks and Recreation'

You wouldn’t think there’s be a lot to say about the goings-on within a Parks and Recreation department, and yet Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope has a knack for making it seem like the greatest job in the world. From dabbling with Snake Juice to creating the perfect holiday of Galentine’s Day, this show offers up non-stop laughs from start to finish.

NBC

14. 'Gilmore Girls'

When it comes to classic mother-daughter bonding shows, nothing beats the story behind the Gilmore Girls. Lorelai and Rory’s relationship will not only warm your heart, it’ll prompt you to reflect on your relationship with your own mother or daughter and yearn to share the close camaraderie that these two share. If you’re looking for something to hit your right in the feels while also making numerous (and highly comical) pop culture references, the buck stops here. Where they lead, you will want to follow.

Warner Bros. Television

15. 'Schitt's Creek'

On the surface, Schitt’s Creek may sound like a typical story of a rich, upper-class family being forced to grapple with the pains and hardships of the working class. Yet as the seasons progress, you see that the characters have so much more to offer as they come to learn more about themselves and each other throughout this new way of life — and realize that they’re much better off for it. Plus, if Moria Rose’s wigs and accent aren’t enough to distract you from the real world, then nothing will.

Pop TV

16. 'Riverdale'

Why think about our own problems when the inhabitants of Riverdale have more than enough ridiculous issues to focus on? From the Black Hood mystery to the Gargoyle King fiasco, this town is a magnet for trouble and will put all of our own worries to shame. Not to mention all of the random musical numbers that take place throughout the series. This show is just chaotic enough to be downright enjoyable.

Jack Rowand/The CW

17. 'The 100'

Just in case you need any assurance about how resilient the human race can be, The 100 is here to ease your concerns. This Earth might not be what it once was, but this group of people are determined to make it their home, while meeting some friendly — and some not-so-friendly — inhabitants along the way. If you were a fan of LOST, this series will leave you just as confused and on the edge of your seat.

The CW

18. 'Stranger Things'

Great ‘80s music? Check. Remarkably talented young actors? Check. Winona Ryder delivering the performance (and wig) of a lifetime? Check, check. This gripping sci-fi tale has it all and provides so many twists that it’ll leave you feeling like your world has been turned completely upside-down. Literally.

Netflix

19. 'Queer Eye'

The outside world may seem like a dumpster fire these days, but the Fab Five will help remind you how one single act of kindness can change someone’s life for the better. Going around to people’s homes and giving them makeovers may not be proper protocol right now, but it’s definitely something to look forward once life (hopefully) returns to normal, considering that Queer Eye has already been picked up for a sixth season.

Christopher Smith/Netflix

20. 'V Wars'

The story may center around vampires, but the overall premise about a rapidly-spreading virus should hit very close to home. Sure, it’s an extreme take on the concept of an outbreak, but it’s definitely worth watching if for no other reason than to remind you why social distancing is so important right now.

Peter H Stranks/Netfliix

21. 'The Walking Dead'

True, no one has turned into flesh-eating zombies, yet, but the series casts a harsh yet potentially accurate spotlight on human behavior in the face of a crisis and how that behavior can go on to impact others. It may be instinctual to develop that “every man and woman for themselves” mentality when you’re scared, but as the recent bulk-buying has demonstrated, it can end up creating a domino effect with serious repercussions. As the show constantly teaches, zombies aren't the main source of evil throughout the show — people become their own undoing.

If you think you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, which include fever, shortness of breath, and coughing, call NHS 111 in the UK or visit the CDC website in the U.S. for up-to-date information and resources. You can find all Bustle’s coverage of coronavirus here, and UK-specific updates on coronavirus here.

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