11 Binge-Worthy Netflix Shows to Watch While Social Distancing

For once, that pesky “Are you still watching?” ask doesn’t feel like a judgement

Life is a little offbeat at the moment. Self-isolating is the new going out and social distancing means we’re looking for distractions to switch off from real life dramas. But with all the chaos unfolding, at least we can count on feel-good sitcoms, gritty dramas and sassy reality shows.

Here are 11 Netflix recommendations to watch without feeling guilty… 

1. The Stranger

Based on the book by American writer Harlan Coben, who already has seat-gripping British dramas like Safe and The Five on his repertoire. The Stranger follows family man Adam Price (Richard Armitage) on a quest to uncover the secrets and lies of those he loves most. This seven-part series is filled with mystery and suspense, and it all starts when hidden pasts are made public by, you guessed it, a stranger.

2. The Goop Lab with Gwyneth Paltrow

Whether your knowledge of Gwyneth stops at Shallow Hall, or your devotion (and curiosity) goes as far as purchasing the This Smells Like My Vagina Candle, we’ve all heard of the actress, author and business-savvy modern lifestyle brand creator. And her latest venture, The Goop Lab, proves to be just as intriguing and unusual as expected. Alongside her goop team, Paltrow dives into the world of psychedelics, energy work and other… unique wellness topics. Each episode brings something different, and a perspective you may, or may not, have been looking for.

3. Gilmore Girls

This wouldn’t be a well-advised list to binge without a few classics thrown in, and Gilmore Girls serves up all things loveable, witty and feel-good. Following independent, thirty-something mom Lorelai, and her teenage daughter Rory, this mother-daughter best friend duo navigate their way through the torment of family dramas, prep schools and romantic entanglements. This dramedy is guaranteed to give you all the feels and home comforts you’re after.

4. RuPaul’s Drag Race

Whether you’re late to the game or just need a dose of fabulous queens to boost your spirits, RuPaul and his family of queens are sure to give you all the TLC you deserve. In search of uniqueness, nerve and talent, contestants battle it out through hilarious challenges and fabulous catwalks as they strive to be crowned the next drag superstar. Loaded with positive messaging and uplifting stories, RuPaul’s Drag Race will have you sissying that walk to and from washing your hands. Can we get an amen in here?

5. Mindhunter

Set in the late 1970s during the early days of criminal psychology and profiling, Mindhunter see’s FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench attempt to understand and catch serial killers by delving into the minds of those already imprisoned by interviewing and studying their distorted psyches. This American crime-thriller is based on a true crime book making the monsters in this drama all too real, yet captivating.

6. Call the Midwife

Adapted by Heidi Thomas from the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, this BBC period drama set in the 1950s follows newly qualified midwife Jenny, as she becomes part of the lovable community of nuns who are nurses at Nonnatus House. Between dealing with medical issues in East London and with around 100 babies being born each month, the days are never short and the drama’s are forever unfolding. Touching, poignant and often heartbreaking, Call the Midwife is a delight to watch.

6. Derry Girls

Navigating the highs and lows of teenage life can be hard, but trying to do so during the end of the “Troubles” in northern Ireland, whilst attending a Catholic all-girls secondary school can prove to be slightly more difficult. Derry Girls is a heart-warming story of five friends and is as equally charming as it is comedic. (Tip: For those less accustomed to the Irish accent, subtitles may come in handy.)

8. Shameless

Six children, an alcoholic father and a dead beat mum… Meet this South Side Chicago’s own Brady Bunch of sorts, the Gallaghers. The story of this dysfunctional, feisty, yet incredibly lovable family see’s eldest daughter Fiona, take on the parental role of her five younger siblings, while balancing her own life. Addict father Frank Gallagher does everything and anything to avoid responsibility. Making no apologies, the compelling, raunchy dramedy of Shameless will leave you wanting more, and dare it be said, to be a part of their family?

9. Sherlock

Because, quite frankly, we’ll watch anything Benedict Cumberbatch lightly touches, let alone a four-part series in which he stars. While we’re all familiar with the classic PI tales by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the 21st century Sherlock sets out to solve various and sometimes baffling murder mysteries in modern-day London… as well as competing with Holmes’ nemesis, the criminal genius Moriarty.

10. The Good Place

The Good Place offers security and comfort in its quirky, comical heaven-like afterlife, and well, we’ll take it! Eleanor Shellstrop (the beloved Kristen Bell) is dead. Tragic. And due to a slight mix up, the morally corrupt saleswoman (who was due to spend eternity in “the bad place”) has ended up in “the good place.” Seeking help from a new friend, Eleanor must earn a spot in her new home.

11. The Order

When student Jack Morton sets out to avenge his mother’s death, he’s unexpectedly thrust into a world of mystery, magic and monsters. With an underground battle between practitioners of dark magic and werewolves to keep you entertained, you’ll sink your teeth right into The Order. And B.C. native Katharine Isabelle rules the roost as Chancellor Vera Stone… with major attitude.