In the blog post, Songs for those Pandemic Blues, I mentioned that I often search for new music to listen to when I have nothing to do, which is fun until I get bored. That’s when I start to look for something more visually entertaining – television.

As we all know, one of the many cures for boredom lies with us watching television because when you are in need of entertainment, what better way is there than to see heroes saving the world, or a heroine getting lost in the world of vampires, or maybe you want to see four girlfriends hanging out since you probably can’t at the moment.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have endlessly binge-watched countless shows, and I can proudly say that each show took my mind off the realities that were and are happening in the world.

So, here are my top five shows that are a must-watch while we wait for this pandemic to be over. 

5. Cruel Summer

Back in July, I was looking for a show to watch on Hulu, and I stumbled upon Cruel summer, and I thought, “Hey, I like the Bananarama song, so maybe I’ll like this show.” 

By the way, the song and the show have no relation to each other. 

The show follows two teenage girls throughout the nineties as one disappears and the other pretty much takes over her life. 

It’s a gripping show with many twists, and it had me hooked from the first episode. I recommend it for thriller and mystery lovers. 

There is only one season with ten episodes so, if you have a free day as I did, you can finish it in one day.

4. Girlfriends 

I was so excited when it was announced that Girlfriends would be available to stream on Netflix. It was one of those shows that I always saw on tv growing up but was too young to understand. I was also in need of a show with a diverse cast, which is what Girlfriends offered.

The series is essentially about four friends that support each other through the ups and downs of life. 

Honestly, this show is hilarious – from the catchphrases to the running jokes, it’s the perfect show you can casually watch after a long day.

3. True Blood

I often get in these moods when I become obsessed with vampires and werewolves, most likely because I grew up being a huge fan of Twilight. So if this happens to you (or if you are a fan of the genre), True Blood is the perfect show to help you through this phase.

The plot of True Blood revolves around waitress Sookie Stackhouse and how her life became wrapped into the world of vampires once vampire Bill Compton strolled into it.

During the beginning half of this pandemic, I was addicted to this show. I loved the overall concept — the idea of vampires living out in the open and fighting for equal rights. It was just different from other shows and movies I’ve watched from the genre.

There are some over-the-top moments in this show…but I swear it’s part of the appeal.

2. The Bold Type

If you’re looking for a bold and empowering show, The Bold Type is a perfect choice. 

It’s a series that follows three friends trying to find themselves and succeed in their careers at a popular women’s magazine.

I started watching The Bold Type because the characters work at a magazine, something I would like to do, so I saw it as a way to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it could be like. Sure this is a work of fiction, but watching The Bold Type has only intensified my desire to work at a magazine. Thanks to the brilliant storylines and the chemistry between the actors.

1. My Hero Academia

Well, I have to admit I was hesitant to watch My Hero Academia because I felt like it was overhyped, but despite my hesitation, and since I was running out of stuff to watch, I caved in and gave the anime a try.

I’m so glad I did because it’s one of my favorite shows to watch.

The show follows Izuku Midoriya, who wants to be a hero even though he doesn’t have any superpowers. 

The animation of My Hero Academia is one of my favorite parts because it’s pretty similar to a comic book, which I love. 

Who wouldn’t want to watch a show that involves anime and superheroes?