Best TV Shows to Stream When Bored at Home
As the coronavirus continues to spread, it has become vital that we stay home if possible and socially distance ourselves. With that, of course, comes an influx of free time with little to do. Whether you're off from school for the semester, stuck in online classes, or now working from home, boredom comes quickly during this time of self-isolation. Thankfully, there's no lack of shows to catch up on or binge-watch once again to pass the time.
Television is the perfect escape during these uncertain and anxiety-inducing times, allowing you to imagine yourself in a different world — one where you're not stuck inside your house for the foreseeable future. Whether you prefer comedies, romcoms or feel-goods, there's no shortage of quality entertainment out there to stream.
So to ease you through the next few weeks, here are 21 of the best shows to stream right now.
All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Sex Education
Easily one of our favorite Netflix original shows, Sex Education is an entertaining, powerful look into the complex lives and sexual discoveries of a group of teens. Whether it's talking about consent, intercourse, masturbation or another taboo topic, this series tackles it all in an honest way that you won't learn in health class.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Bold Type
Freeform's hit series The Bold Type is more than a feel-good look inside the magazine industry: It's a forward-thinking, progressive story about three best friends making it in New York City. The show tackles topics like reproductive justice, sexuality, harassment, and much more — all intertwined through the lens of fashion and beauty. There's nothing stopping these three women from succeeding, even if they have to overcome some roadblocks and patriarchial white men along the way.
Where to watch: Freeform, Hulu, and Amazon.
Little Fires Everywhere
Once you start Little Fires Everywhere, you truly won't be able to stop. This drama starring Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, and newcomer Lexi Underwood is a cinematic masterpiece.
Where to watch: Hulu
On My Block season 3
On My Block
This coming-of-age dramedy follows four friends as they navigate the inner city of South Central Los Angeles. If not for the leading love story, the action and hilarious dialogue make it a must-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
If you are a die-hard High School Musical stan (like I am), then you'll absolutely love this spinoff series. It's fresh, it's moving, it's diverse, it's filled with bops — there are truly no flaws. And yes, we get a mix of both the original HSM tunes and brand new hits.
Where to watch: Disney+
Elite
Now in its third season, Elite is a modern version of Gossip Girl that will have you screaming for the tea.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Glee
Few shows are iconic as Glee. Throughout the shows many seasons, it pushed the limits on television, all through the lens of song and dance. Where would you be today without Rachel Berry, or without Kurt Hummel's questionable fashion choices, or without Santana Lopez's iconic rants? So in this period of self-isolation, do yourself a favor and rewatch this classic series from start to finish, allowing yourself to laugh, cry, and feel like a Gleek once again.
Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon.
The Society
This modern take of Lord of the Flies follows a group of teens who discover that their parents and all adults have gone missing. Suddenly, they're in charge, and chaos ensues.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Younger
Imagine a mix between The Bold Type and Sex in the City, but make it about the book publishing industry and you have Younger, TV Land's smash comedy starring Hillary Duff and Sutton Foster. When a 40-year-old mom pretends to be 26 to land a job, her life changes forever. Love, heartbreak, millennial issues, and office antics ensue, making Younger a show you won't be able to turn off.
Where to watch: Hulu.
Encore
Theater kids — no matter how old — have an energy that drives them together. Whether they're still performing or not, put on any song from Wicked and suddenly you'll be able to tell who in the crowd is an Elphaba and who is a Glinda. If you fit that bill, then Encore is for you. The Disney+ series — hosted by Kristin Bell — follows former drama kids as they return to their high schools after decades of being away to perform their high school shows once again. You'll cry, laugh, and want to tap dance all at the same time.
Where to watch: Disney+.
Schitt's Creek
Easily one of the most popular comedies of today, Schitt's Creek is the definition of a feel-good comedy. The Rose family, with their antics and Moira's wigs, never serve a dull moment. And with season five coming to Netflix soon, now is the perfect time for a good old fashioned binge-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon.
One Day at a Time
Although we almost lost it, One Day at a Time is back and better than ever, following a Cuban-American family as they navigate strong topics and issues that we can all relate to.
Where to watch: Netflix
Daybreak
This post-apocalyptic teen drama follows a group of misfits just trying to survive their Zombie-filled world. Although short-lived on Netflix, it's one season will long live in our memories and in our queues.
Where to watch: Netflix.
Looking for Alaska
Based on the novel by Josh Greene, is a meaningful teen series about grief, friendship, and uncovering the truth.
Where to watch: Hulu.
Chapter Three: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted
Katy Keene
If you're a Riverdale stan but have a passion for fashion, then Katy Keene — the show's new spin-off — is for you. Starring Lucy Hale, it follows four friends as they navigate life in the city, from Katy trying to launch her design career to her roommate Jorge finding his voice as an upcoming drag queen.
Where to watch: The CW and Amazon.
Boy Meets World
If you're looking for a nostalgia-packed hit, Disney+ has you covered. Among the throwbacks available to stream is Boy Meets World, the popular show that practically raised a generation.
Where to watch: Disney+.
America's Next Top Model
You wanna be on top? America's Next Top Model is all about serving looks and will without a doubt have you voguing in your bathroom mirror after each episode.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon.
That's So Raven
Raven Baxter may not have been able to predict a global pandemic, but she sure did make us a lot of fantastic memories. That's So Raven served us a diverse, hilarious cast, and showed us the power of being true to yourself every single day.
Where to watch: Disney+.
The Mandalorian
Star War fans couldn't get enough of this new Disney+ series, and there's a reason why: It's so darn good.
Where to watch: Disney+.
Lizzie McGuire
Although the long-awaited reboot has been put on hold, Disney+ has blessed us with the original Lizzie McGuire series, and it's the perfect reminder you need of Hilary Duff's excellence.
Where to watch: Disney+.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things
If you're looking for something a bit scarier, the kids of Stranger Things have you covered. And what's a better binge-watch than Millie Bobbie Brown as Eleven?
Where to watch: Netflix.
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
