By Piper Nicely
During this quarantine, it can seem almost impossible to escape bad news in the media. Because of this, many of us are turning towards tv shows as a form of escapism. But when it comes to streaming, popular shows nowaday can either be super depressing or we’ve watched them all before. I mean hey, how many times can we rewatch Friends? So I have compiled a list of five of the best (lesser known) shows on Netflix to remind us that the world isn’t such a bad place. So if you’ve been feeling the stress or are just looking for something to fill your time, check out this list and curl up for some binge watching!
The Great British Baking Show
If you want to find the ultimate height of peace and serenity, The Great British Baking Show is the show for you. I have been watching it non-stop with my mom lately. Every season, a group of Britain’s best bakers get together in the beautiful English countryside to test their baking skills and make awesome creations for the judges. Unlike most American baking competitions, the competitors are super nice to each other and form amazing friendships, the overall atmosphere is supportive and kind and, when someone gets sent home, everyone is super sweet and apologetic to that person. It eliminates all the stress that comes from Chopped or Iron Chef, and replaces it with sweet, sweet escapism.
The IT Crowd
I absolutely love The IT Crowd as it stars two of my favorite comedians of all time, Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade! This British comedy tells the story of Moss and Roy, two socially awkward friends that work as the only technicians of the IT Department in the basement of Reynholm Industries, a super famous London office building. Their life is turned upside down when Jen, their new department head, joins the IT Department despite knowing absolutely nothing about computers. The show follows all the troubles they get into, from back alley quiz games to accidentally getting involved in a bank robbery. The IT Crowd is funny, quirky, and an amazing show to binge watch!
Chef’s Table
Each episode of Chef’s Table features a different chef from around the world and how they’ve impacted the culinary world. With beautiful videography and fascinating interviews, this show is great for a little bit of escapism. From a Buddhist nun cooking at a monastery to a New Yorker making ramen in Japan to a woman using cereal milk to make cakes, this show shows creativity and perseverance all around the world. And hey, you never know, it may inspire you to head to the kitchen and get cooking?
Busted
If you aren’t afraid of watching a show with subtitles, then Busted is the show for you. This South Korean comedy show features famous musicians and comedians brought together to solve crimes. Each episode features a separate crime that they have to solve through a series of hilarious puzzles and challenges. It’s an extremely funny mystery show that I absolutely love, so much so that I binge watched the whole first season in two days! Try to solve the crimes with the bumbling detectives and watch for connections to solve the biggest mystery of all – what happened to Project D?
Travels With My Father
This show is a true laugh-out-loud reality show that my mom and I fell in love with. Travels With My Father documents a trip that English comedian, Jack Whitehall, takes his extremely posh, old-fashioned father on as a gap year trip. Tensions rise as Jack and his father’s interests and personalities hilariously clash. There are three seasons in which they travel to Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and the American west coast. The relationship between Jack and his father is extremely funny, as are the hijinks they get into abroad. So, if you’re missing being able to travel, go on a trip with Jack and his father!
I hope everyone can find something on this list to bring a smile to your face and we can all be reminded that the world isn’t always such a bad place. Happy watching and stay safe out there!
Southview Catalyst 