It’s hard to believe that we’ve been social distancing for over a month now. As strange as it is to think of the days when “zoom” was just a verb meaning “to move quickly,” that was then and this is now — we’re in this new normal for the foreseeable future. While consuming news nonstop and constantly scrolling through social media are certainly ways to pass the time and stay informed, they are not always the most conducive to bettering your well-being. If you’re looking for a distraction, here are some TV shows to binge-watch while you practice social distancing. If TV shows were comfort foods, these would be the equivalent!

“This Is Us”

Stream it on Hulu.

This show begins by introducing us to Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) who live in Pittsburgh and are expecting triplets. Using flashbacks, the show goes back and forth between the present and past to follow the couple and their three children: aspiring actor Kevin (Justin Hartley) who’s tired of his hedonistic way of life, Kate (Chrissy Metz), who’s ready to make some changes and successful businessman-slash-suburban-family-man Randall (Sterling K. Brown), who’s just uncovered a shocking secret. Could it be that these siblings have more in common than they think? You’ll have to watch to find out. Nominated for numerous television awards, “This Is Us” is a masterfully crafted show that is sure to make you shed tears of both sadness and joy — maybe even at the same time.

“Sex Education”

Stream it on Netflix.

Awkward teenager Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield) isn’t too experienced in matters of the heart, in spite of — or maybe because of — his mother Jean (Gillian Anderson) being a renowned sex therapist. So, when he and his smart, sarcastic classmate Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) decide to open an underground clinic at school to give their fellow students advice about sex and relationships, what could possibly go wrong? Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny and other times look-away cringey, this hilarious yet heartwarming show covers important subjects with the cinematographic color palette and aesthetic of a classic 80’s high school film.

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

Stream it on Amazon Prime.

In New York in the late 1950s, Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) leads the perfect life: a loving husband, two adorable children, a beautiful apartment and a close-knit family. When her world is upended by a devastating discovery, she finds comfort and fulfillment in a hidden talent she didn’t even know she was hiding — stand-up comedy. The creator of “Gilmore Girls” (another great, lighthearted pick!) brings this whimsical world to life, taking viewers with Midge on a journey of self-discovery, fame, faith and empowerment as her newfound gift changes her life forever. This show is a delight, and like a good joke, it will surely have you smiling, laughing and sharing it with everyone you know.

“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”

Stream it on Disney Plus.

It was a phenomenon that took the world by storm — a trilogy like no other. Let’s face it, we all know them, love them, and probably spent hours as kids re-watching them. What is it, you ask? The “High School Musical” movies, of course! And now, it’s a series! This part-mockumentary, part-musical TV show takes place at East High School, where a group of students are preparing for their upcoming musical–which is none other than “High School Musical” itself. Drama abounds on and off stage as exes Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) are cast as romantic leads Troy and Gabriella. Friendships, romances and rivalries — both old and new — are tested on the road to opening night! The nostalgia of the old films is revisited, but thanks to its talented cast, this series is definitely the start of something new (I had to).

“The Bold Type”

Stream it on Hulu and Freeform. 

Inspired by the life of longtime magazine editor and executive (who is also an executive producer on the show!) Joanna Coles, this witty, feminist series follows journalistic Jane (Katie Stevens), stylish Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and keen Kat (Aisha Dee) — three best friends who work for the famous, New York-based women’s magazine “Scarlet.” As they collaborate on making the publication the best it can be every month, outside of work they’re finding themselves and falling in love. This show addresses a variety of topical issues, with the strong, genuine friendship among them at the heart of it all. If this show were a magazine, you wouldn’t want to wait as long as a month for the next issue!

“Atypical”

Stream it on Netflix.

This sweet family dramedy centers around Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a teenager with autism who is on the search for romance. However, it’s about so much more than just one kind of love. Familial, platonic and romantic relationships are explored and examined with depth, nuance and heart. Viewers dive into the lives of Sam, his strong-willed younger sister Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine), their overbearing mother Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and earnest father Doug (Michael Rapaport). Along the way they all learn what it truly means to be “normal,” and whether “normal” itself even exists.

So, what are you waiting for? Let the binge-watching begin!

words_samara smukler design_lauren maingot