18 TV Hidden Gems On Netflix To Watch While Quarantined
There are plenty of great shows to watch while social distancing.
If you're currently ~social distancing~ in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, thank you! I'm so proud of you!
I know how tough it is to entertain yourself while quarantined. You've already watched Love Is Blind and The Circle, and the new season of Stranger Things still isn't here.
The silver lining is that Netflix has tons of hidden gems you should watch that'll be entertaining enough to make you momentarily forget that the world's a scary place right now. These are the ones you should check out.
1. Elite
If teen dramas are your thing and you wish there was a show that combined Gossip Girl with Big Little Lies, you need to watch this Spanish Netflix original ASAP. It's a wild ride that'll make you want to watch all three seasons in one sitting. If you want to learn more about Elite and why you should watch it, click here.
2. Lovesick
If you've already watched Lovesick, you have great taste! If not, you should put it on right after reading this! The premise is a bit ridiculous, but I promise there's more to it than you'd think. Emma's Johnny Flynn (one of my top celeb crushes right now) stars as Dylan, a guy who is diagnosed with chlamydia and has to reconnect with all his past loves to tell them. It's hilarious, sweet, and everything you need in a TV show right now.
3. The Circle Brazil
Miss The Circle? Well, you're in luck! Netflix added the Brazilian version and it's just as messy and entertaining.
4. Episodes
For those who can't wait for the Friends reunion to see Matt LeBlanc but would never watch Joey, this is the next best thing. It's a very meta show where Matt plays himself and is offered a role in a sitcom by an English couple who moved to Hollywood to create an American version of a hit British TV show. And yes, some of his former Friends costars make cameos. You'll have to watch to find out who!
5. Crashing
If you love Phoebe Waller-Bridge and haven't watched Crashing, what the hell are you doing? Before Fleabag, Phoebe created this short-lived series about people who live in a communal space that used to be a hospital. Her character, Lulu, unexpectedly decides to live there after reconnecting with a childhood friend she has a crush on, who is engaged. Though it's very different from Fleabag, it still has all the relationship mishaps and awkward moments you loved in her hit show.
6. Crazyhead
If you loved Misfits during your Tumblr days, you'll be into this show by the same creator. In this supernatural sitcom, Amy (Cara Theobold) discovers she has the power to see demons, but tries to hide it from everyone she knows. She teams up with socially awkward Raquel (Chewing Gum's Susan Wokoma), who shares the same powers, to kick some demon butt.
7. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Calling all former theater kids: if you haven't watched Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, what are you waiting for? Rachel Bloom (who co-created the show) stars as Rebecca Bunch, a successful New York City lawyer who drops everything to move to West Covina, California, to follow an ex-boyfriend from her childhood. It's hilarious, it has some of the horniest songs I've heard in any musical, it tackles mental health issues in a very accurate way, and it's a pure joy to watch.
8. Dancing Queen
If you're a RuPaul's Drag Race fan and love Alyssa Edwards, you should watch her reality show. You get to see what a day in the life of the iconic Drag Race queen is like, with plenty of vulnerable, heartwarming moments — and, of course, tongue pops.
9. Tuca & Bertie
This show by BoJack Horseman producer Lisa Hanawalt was sadly canceled after just one season, but deserves your attention. If you love BoJack and Broad City, you'll be into this TV show about best friends Tuca (voiced by Tiffany Haddish) and Bertie (Ali Wong) as they navigate dating, sexual harassment, work, and other very relatable issues.
10. Lady Dynamite
If you enjoy off-kilter comedies, you'll be into Lady Dynamite. Comedian Maria Bamford stars as a fictionalized version of herself who attempts to rebuild her career after spending time receiving treatment for her bipolar disorder.
11. Dating Around
Now that you've most likely watched Love Is Blind, it's time to watch Dating Around. Each episode features one person going on five blind dates, and then they have to decide who they feel the strongest connection with. The great thing is that it isn't limited to young, straight people going on dates, offering a different perspective from typical dating shows.
12. The Boulet Brothers' Dragula
If you love Drag Race and are too bored to wait around for it to be Friday again to watch new episodes, give Dragula a chance. This one focuses on spooky queens, with 11 competing for the title of Dragula — the World’s Next Drag Supermonster — and, of course, a cash prize.
13. Derry Girls
This is in my top five Netflix shows list, and if you haven't watched it yet, please treat yourself during these trying times. This Irish comedy about a group of teenage girls and their one guy friend getting up to trouble in Catholic school will make you pee your pants laughing.
14. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
If you love Elite and need another show with the cast after watching season 3, you'll enjoy Money Heist, featuring Jaime Lorente, María Pedraza, and Miguel Herrán. As the title suggests, this is a crime drama, about a criminal mastermind referred to as the Professor who recruits eight people to carry out a huge heist.
15. Chewing Gum
Chances are you've heard of Chewing Gum already but maybe haven't watched, and now's the time to do so. The show's creator Michaela Coel stars as Tracey, a 24-year-old virgin raised in a strictly religious household who sets out to experience everything she's been restricted from — especially sex.
16. Love
If you loved how accurate You're the Worst's portrayal of relationships was, you'll be into this Netflix series. In case you haven't watched Love yet, Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust star as a couple who navigate how to be in a healthy relationship after not having much luck with love in the past.
17. Dark
Looking for something more intense? Then this German Netflix original is right up your alley. I won't spoil anything, but it's a time travel thriller and will leave you feeling mind-blown.
18. Kim's Convenience
If you watched Schitt's Creek and need another lighthearted Canadian sitcom, Kim's Convenience is the show for you. It centers around a Korean Canadian family who run a convenience store.