Refine Recs: Television Shows to Relax With.
By: Camillia Benjamin
Since COVID-19 has given us all a house arrest sentence, it's the perfect time to bring out the good ole’ binge-watching hat and rewatch some of your faves or start one of the thousands of new series that have premiered on both cable television and streaming services who create shows and films for the site itself. Our REFINE team gives us some of their suggestions.
REFINE’s Recs
Glee
I’ve been rewatching Glee on and off! I love it so much because I love music, and their covers are amazing but also it’s a show that never seems to die and is enjoyable at all times.
Emily in Paris
Photo Credit: Stephanie Branchu//Netflix
I watched Emily in Paris on Netflix and loved it! I know a lot of people have seen it but it really resonated with me because the main character, who is played by Lily Collins, my dream job.. I'm also planning on minoring in French, studying abroad there, and eventually moving. It is a depiction of the future life I want. ~ Nuri, writer
Succession
I absolutely love Succession on HBO. It’s one of the most interesting dramas out right now in my opinion. It makes you root for some of the worst caricatures of American capitalism while also acknowledging that everyone on the show is as terrible as they seem- it's unlike anything I’ve seen before. ~ Maggie, love editor
Normal People
My current rec is Normal People on Hulu. It's a super visually appealing show in Dublin, Ireland and you follow along with the characters as they go in and out of each other's lives from high school into college. If you want a slower love story you can really root for, this is perfect!
Camillia’s Recs
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
There are so many things I can say about this show. It’s not your traditional supernatural show as it actually shows the progression of each character within their own story. Some have a better arch than others, but an arch nonetheless. I love a good supernatural TV show so this is quite literally perfect.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
A classic! One of the best made cartoons ever. The characters are so likable and I think truly depict the different emotions within one person as multiple characters. An amazing show through and through, don’t argue with me about it.
Lovecraft Country
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris// HBO
Can you notice the supernatural trend I have going on here? This is a newer show that premiered on HBO and in classic HBO form is lowkey twisted and a very slow burn similar to succession and Game of Thrones (both of which I will always recommend to people). It takes a small portion of history and incorporates supernatural elements in a very unique way. I’ve never seen anything so odd but entertaining at the same time. Truly a masterpiece.
Living Single
For a more lighthearted feel, Living Single is a gem. If I could I would watch it all day every single day from beginning to end. The cast feels like your own family as you grow attached to them and their stories. It’s a great representation of young Black professionals and is all around an amazing show to watch to relax—and don’t get me started on the opening credits.
Gossip Girl
No matter who you ask they will tell you I have watched Gossip Girl five times too many. It’s gotten to the point where I know the script as if I’m the Blair Waldorf herself. I love everything about this show: the plot, the characters, and their respective arcs, outfits, etc. I still have beef with Dan but I digress. This show will always have a special place in my heart.
Kitchen Nightmares
I don't think this one needs much explanation. I love Gordon Ramsey thus, I love his shows. Once COVID hit and everything closed down in March, I recall watching all of the available episodes on Hulu, some of them multiple times. I think Gordon is absolutely hilarious and I admire his dedication to actually help people with their businesses. You can tell he has such a love for cooking and he wants everyone to succeed. Also, some restaurants featured are just a little crazy which always makes for good entertainment.
I advise you all to try watching one of these shows. While a lot of normal activities have been advised against, binge-watching shows will always reign supreme. Some sites have also implemented group watching platforms like Netflix Party, Groupwatch on Disney+ and Hulu. This way you can still spend time with your friends virtually. Feel free to leave some more suggestions and recommendations on our Instagram page. I know I’m always looking for new shows to watch. Enjoy and happy watching!