Do you ever look in the mirror at 4PM, after having not showered for two days, and ask yourself, “What am I going to do with myself?” We all have, a month into social distancing, isolation, quarantine–whatever you want to call it. No one truly knows when work and school will resume, so we’re all looking for stuff to watch while we putter around the house. Of course, you should keep active as much as possible, do your work, all that jazz, but the fact of the matter is, we’re all looking to streaming services for content more than ever. 

I spoke to 25 women and asked for them to recommend something, a television show or movie, that is streaming right now, and I hope that within these recommendations you’ll find a new favorite, rediscover an old classic, or at least find a way to spend a few hours without losing your mind. 

And no, none of them are Tiger King. 

Emma: Outlander, streaming on Netflix

My favorite show to binge watch is Outlander on Netflix. It’s a historical romance and time travel drama rolled up into one action-packed show. With a strong female lead and interesting history lessons, it’s a home run. The books are great too!

Caroline: Love & Friendship, streaming on Amazon Prime

If you like Jane Austen but have exhausted all existing adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, try this Amazon Prime mini-series that brings to life one of Austen’s early epistolary novels, Lady Susan. It’s got classic Austen charm and period drama.

Felisha: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, streaming on Hulu

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the OG kickbutt female protagonist! She made vampire love affairs cool before Jacob and Bella and she did it in leather jackets, butterfly hair clips, and go-go boots. When times get crazy we all love a little nostalgia and Buffy delivers! There’s 7 seasons and a spin-off to keep you entertained and I personally love that it’s on Hulu so I can use the commercials to at least pretend I’m being productive.

Avery: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, streaming on Hulu

I recommend Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It’s a little dated at times, but the jokes are great and some of the special effects are truly terrifying. (Might only want to watch this one if you’re sheltering with family or a friend!)

Prentiss: Locke and Key, streaming on Netflix

I definitely recommend Locke and Key on Netflix! It’s a bit of a thriller with lots of twists and turns, and a great level of mystery. It kind of reminds me of the Goosebumps books. It’s also only one season so it’s perfect to watch the whole thing in a day. 

Jessica: Boy Meets World, streaming on DIsney+

Boy Meets World! There are 7 seasons to binge. Although it’s a classic that I already watched growing up, watching all of it now really reminds me of the amazing conservative and family values that it showcases!

Lexi: Boy Meets World, streaming on Disney+

I recommend Boy Meets World which you can watch on Disney+. It’s so much fun watching the characters grow up. There are also so many really good, real life lessons that you just don’t get in tv shows anymore.

Christina: Once Upon a Time, streaming on Netflix

Once Upon a Time because there are 7 seasons and 155 episodes in total. If you’re missing Disney then this show is for you! It’s so much fun trying to figure out who everyone is. You’ll be hooked! *pun intended* 

Carly: One Tree Hill, streaming on Hulu

One Tree Hill! There are nine seasons and around 130 episodes! It starts out as a typical high school drama and evolves into following the characters in their lives as adults. I really like this series because it shows what happens AFTER graduation and in their adult lives where many shows choose to end  

Kailee: Gilmore Girls, streaming on Netflix

Gilmore Girls – I love the relationship between Rory and Lorelei and their strong female roles. Also, who doesn’t enjoy the early 2000s with flip phones and cargo skirts? Just try to look past the few snide liberal remarks and the Planned Parenthood poster in Rory’s dorm room! 

Aryssa: Fleabag, streaming on Amazon Prime

If you like dry humor, being a woman in your 20s, and don’t mind a little sexy time and foul language, you’ll love Fleabag. There are only 12 episodes, sitcom length, and you’ll laugh, you’ll cry,you’ll want to keep watching for the Hot Priest.

Martina: Unorthodox, streaming on Netflix

I recommend Unorthodox. It’s a four part drama series  based loosely on the memoirs of Deborah Feldman and her life after leaving the Jewish Hasidic community. The lead character, Esty, provides a determined and strong female lead making a life for herself on her own. Esty’s tale is so engrossing I ended up watching all 4 hours in one night. The binge was highly worth it. 

Lucy: The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, streaming on Amazon Prime

I highly recommend “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” because it is not only visually beautiful and full of iconic characters, but more importantly it will lift your spirits as laugh through every season! It has something for everyone—comedy, romance, history, drama, and business—and is chock-full of entertainment.

Dallas: Dirty Money, streaming on Netflix

I recommend the docuseries Dirty Money! It covers various topics of, you guessed it, “dirty money” across the world including topics such as cartel money laundering, forced guardianships, and even environmental issues. It’s not necessarily for the faint of heart, but I couldn’t turn it off, it is so informative and well produced 

Leigh: John Adams, streaming on Amazon Prime

The HBO mini-series with Paul Giamatti as John Adams is streaming on Amazon Prime now! There are only seven episodes, so it’s completely do-able over a weekend, but there’s also so much rich history throughout. 

Claire: Orange is the New Black, streaming on Netflix

I recommend  Orange is the New Black, because while it leans liberal, it’s an interesting look at the criminal justice system. There are six seasons. 

Emma: The High School Musical universe, streaming on Disney+

Throw it back by streaming all 3 main High School Musical films, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, and the series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which has 10 episodes, and a special.What better way to spend a weekend than singing along? 

Meghan: Murdoch Mysteries, streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu

I recommend the CBC show Murdoch Mysteries. There are 14 seasons and it’s a formulic detective show set in late 19th-early 20th century Toronto. 

Blair: Derby Girls, streaming on Netflix

Derry Girls on Netflix. The show follows a group of catholic teenage girls (and one boy) and their lives during the troubles in Northern Ireland. It will leave you laughing till your sides hurt and shows how the girls make the best out of a bad situation. It’s honestly really relatable and hilarious if you grew up catholic or went to catholic school. 

Elizabeth: Diana: In Her Own Words, streaming on Netflix & Disney+

“Diana: In Her Own Words” is a documentary on Netflix (and Disney+) narrated by the Princess of Wales herself. For anyone with an interest in the royal family, this is a must! Each minute seems to be filled with a new revelation about her life. 

Anna: Parasite, streaming on Hulu

There’s a reason this movie swept the Oscars. This film is now streaming on Hulu, and perfect to watch when you’re stuck inside. Be prepared not to look away for the screen for over two hours, because you won’t want to miss a second. No reason not to watch it now!

Emily: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, streaming on Hulu

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist — If you love Glee, Pitch Perfect, musicals, or just music in general;  you will like this. It’s quirky, funny, and thoughtful. Plus Skylar Astin is in it so…

Sara: Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, streaming on Netflix

I recommend “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” on Netflix. It has the perfect balance of history, depth, friendship, and a bit of romance. In addition is set on a beautiful island which adds a certain charm. 

Mary: Brittany Runs a Marathon, streaming on Amazon Prime

Need a good cry but also to feel motivated to go for a run? The Amazon Prime original movie Brittany Runs a Marathon is about an overweight woman  who decides to run a marathon to give herself some purpose and drive that she’s been lacing, and I 100% cried multiple times throughout. 

Molly: NCIS, streaming on Netflix

The character dynamics are so thoughtfully written, and hold up after 17 years of air time. This show will have you giggling, exhilarated, and crying in one episode. It’s perfect for crime procedural lovers! 

Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member