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Coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic on Wednesday (March 11), meaning that thousands of people across the globe are now affected by the new virus. The UK government’s chief scientific adviser estimates that between 5,000 and 10,000 people are currently infected in Britain. Ten people have died to date [via BBC News].
Self-isolation is the advice for anyone who is suffering with a “new, continuous” cough and fever, or for those who know they’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19.
While there’s rarely a silver lining to such serious matters there is one small glint in the mire for those who are required to stay at home: the chance to catch-up on all those TV box-sets.
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Read more: ‘Friday Night Dinner’ cast on the new series: “We’re ready to say goodbye to these characters”
We’ve collated some of the best, easy-to-watch, on-demand TV shows for your viewing pleasure. There aren’t any intense or overly convoluted programmes here – just bingeable sitcoms, addictive indie teen dramas, whipsmart black comedy and feel-good format shows that will help you while away the hours.
Sex Education
What’s it about? British comedy drama that follows the life of socially awkward teenager Otis (Asa Butterfield) navigating the twists and turns of secondary school. His mother Jean (Gillian Anderson) is a sex therapist. Unbeknownst to her, Otis begins to use the knowledge imparted by her to advise his fellow pupils – but in exchange for cash. A hilarious, informative and super smart coming-of-age series with a stellar supporting cast whose characters traverse LGBTQ+ issues, addiction, absent parents, identity and, of course, the full spectrum of sex.
Number of series: 2
Episode lengths: Around 45 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
Queer Eye
What’s it about? Each episode takes ‘The Fab Five’ to a different person in the US who’s in need of a spruce-up to boost their health, happiness and confidence. Antoni (food guru), Bobby (interior design) Jonathan (grooming), Karamo (culture) and Tan (fashion) make suggestions for changes – sometimes engaging in deep conversations with the subject who has been closed-off until now. It’s a hugely feel-good and empowering show. You’ll want another serotonin hit the minute the episode finished.
Number of series: 4 (including the Japan spin-off)
Episode lengths: Typically 45 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
This Country
What’s it about? Daisy May and Charlie Cooper’s British mockumentary series charts the mundane lives of cousins Kerry and Lee ‘Kurtan’ Mucklowe in their Cotswolds village. The series introduces itself as a fly-on-the-wall BBC documentary exploring the low levels of employment in rural Britain. Hilarity ensues when you come to learn of Kerry and Kurtan’s sometimes volatile relationship. The downright bizarre, relatable and boring interactions they have with village folk are oddly charming.
Number of series: 3
Episode lengths: Typically 25-30 minutes
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Parks and Recreation
What’s it about? This political satire sitcom TV series stars Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks Department of Pawnee, a fictional town in Indiana. There’s frankly absurd behaviour from Knope and other officials as they pursue a myriad of projects to improve the city they live in.
Number of series: 7
Episode lengths: Typically 20-30 minutes
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Derry Girls
What’s it about? This sitcom explores the lives of four Northern Irish teenage girls (plus one British boy) growing up during the Troubles in the early 1990s. Expect plenty of laughs, tears and an excellent soundtrack (we hear you, The Cranberries).
Number of series: 2
Episode lengths: Typically 20-25 minutes
Where to watch: All 4 (Netflix also has series 1)
The Good Place
What’s it about? This comedy drama stars Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who’s been sent to the “good place” after her death for her excellent positive actions and contribution on earth. The issue is – she was actually a terrible person and was sent by mistake. A wildly creative fantasy show that pushes the viewer to consider the fact that nothing is black or white, or good or evil, but usually a mixture of it all.
Number of series: 4
Episode lengths: 22 minutes (save for longer opening episodes)
Where to watch: Netflix
The End of the F***ing World
What’s it about? Stylish black comedy based on the graphic novel of the same name by Charles Forsman. The show follows James (Alex Lawther), a 17-year-old who thinks he’s a psychopath, and Alyssa (Jessica Barden), James’ unruly classmate who strikes up a relationship with him to escape her tumultuous home life. Road trips, dangerous encounters, grand cinematics and a killer eclectic soundtrack all contribute to this vivid and addictive dark comedy.
Number of series: 2
Episode lengths: Typically 21-25 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
What’s it about? Five egocentric friends who run a neighbourhood Irish pub in Philadelphia try to navigate the trials and tribulations of adult life. This long-running comedy first aired back in 2005, so there’s plenty to get stuck into during self-isolation.
Number of series: 14
Episode lengths: Typically 21-25 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
Fleabag
What’s it about? Whipsmart, fourth wall-breaking comedy series that follows a dry-witted woman (known only as Fleabag) who’s trying to cope with living in London while coming to terms with a recent tragedy. The show, which started out as a one-woman stage play, is written by and stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the titular character. You’ll be hard-pressed to find sharper dialogue, more relatable references or more mind-blowing tragicomic acting from Waller-Bridge and her stellar supporting cast.
Number of series: 2
Episode lengths: Typically 25-28 minutes
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Big Mouth
What’s it about? Animated comedy series that follows friends who find their lives upended by the wonders and horrors of puberty. Expect cringe-inducing moments.
Number of series: 3
Episode lengths: Typically 25-30 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
What’s it about? Comedy show follows Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), an immature but talented N.Y.P.D. detective in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct, who must learn to work with his new commanding officer, the serious Captain Ray Holt.
Number of series: 5
Episode lengths: Typically 21-22 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
Friday Night Dinner
What’s it about? Family comedy series, which is first broadcast on Channel 4, that portrays the experience of the Goodmans’ British Jewish dinner every Friday night.
Number of series: 3
Episode lengths: Typically 22-25 minutes
Where to watch: All 4 and Netflix
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