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- 40 Titles POPSUGAR Editors Are Watching and Reading Right Now That You Should Check Out
40 Titles POPSUGAR Editors Are Watching and Reading Right Now That You Should Check Out
In the time of at-home concerts, live TV going totally virtual, and the trials and tribulations of Zoom conference calls, it’s obvious that staying at home leaves many people with more than enough time on their hands. As POPSUGAR editors, we’re always on the lookout for the “next big thing,” but we can’t deny the simple pleasure that is catching up on our favorite shows (which may or may not have aired in the early ’00s and starred Raven-Symoné) or zoning out with a really good book (or even a trashy one – we don’t judge here!)
For those of us who can stay at home, this could be the best time to finally dig into that series everyone has been talking about or explore something totally new. Instead of dreading your next video chat, make it something to look forward to by gathering some friends for a virtual movie night or organizing a social-distancing book club! And if you’re looking for the next thing to marathon, we are more than happy to provide you with some recommendations.
From classic rom-coms like You Drive Me Crazy to dramatic Netflix shows like Money Heist and Lost Girls and epic fantasy novels like the Throne of Glass series, POPSUGAR editors have your bases covered. Keep reading to see our top recommendations!
Related: That's So Raven and 15 Other Comforting Childhood Shows You Can Stream Online Now
The Bold Type
“The Bold Type is about three friends living in NYC and working for a magazine. It’s kind of like a modern spin on Sex and the City. It’s so well written with lovable characters that I am obsessed with it!” – Zara Patel, editorial intern
Watch The Bold Type on Hulu.
The Great British Baking Show
“The most delightful show I’ve watched! I’m fully invested in every contestant’s bread proving and might scream at the TV when they mess up their technical challenges. There are seven seasons (plus some spin-offs), so you’ll have plenty ‘soggy bottoms’ to watch (if you know, you know).” – Alessandra Foresto, editorial operations director
On My Block
“There isn’t a single episode of this show that I’m not cracking up at SOME point. The characters are so full of personality and unapologetically themselves, it’s my favorite show on any streaming service right now. Plus the soundtrack doesn’t hurt.” – Zareen Siddiqui, senior audience development manager
Watch On My Block on Netflix.
Lego Masters
“Super random, but my boyfriend started watching this reality show hosted by Will Arnett, and I got totally sucked in. The contestants range from partners to cosplay besties, and they’re tasked with making absolutely insane Lego creations each episode. It may inspire you to buy a box of bricks on Amazon.” – Joanna Douglas, head of native content
Watch Lego Masters on Fox.
Queens of Mystery
“If you love quirky, slightly fantastical mysteries with a touch of dark humor (where my Pushing Daisies fans at?), this British mystery show will hook you from the start. It follows a young detective who returns to her hometown in the English countryside, where she solves cases with the help of her three aunts who raised her. Oh, and the aunts are all crime writers who own a mystery-themed bookshop together. It’s the perfect fluffy series for a cozy day inside.” – Tara Block, director, growth and strategic features
Watch Queens of Mystery online.
Sex and the City
“This show has been around for years, but somehow it never gets old. Watching Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte run around the city is so entertaining, and seeing how they tackle relationship issues is amusing and sometimes even enlightening. Sex and the City is basically just one big rom-com sectioned into six seasons, and honestly, what’s better than that?” – Lauren Harano, editorial assistant, growth and strategic features
Watch Sex and the City on Amazon Prime Video.
Lovesick
“Formerly known as Scrotal Recall (bless that name change!), this quirky British comedy is both genuinely sweet and comedy gold. It follows a guy who attempts to contact all his previous sexual partners after being diagnosed with chlamydia, so humor is definitely needed. The series seamlessly transitions from a raunchy comedy flashing through one man’s sexual history into a beautiful love story between two friends, and it’s a pleasure to watch the cast make that journey over all three seasons.” – Mekishana Pierre, assistant editor, entertainment
Watch Lovesick on Netflix.
Knives Out
“Knives Out immediately made it onto my list of favorite movies when I first saw it in theaters last year. Since then, I’ve seen in four more times and I’ve loved every minute of it even more. A combination of everything Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clue, this murder mystery film is clever without being cheesy, pokes fun at itself, manages to be super relevant, and creates a narrative that has you hooked until the very last scene. Also, have you seen Chris Evans in that sweater?! 11/10 would recommend.” – Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending & viral features
Watch Knives Out on Amazon Prime Video.
Night on Earth
“I usually watch nature documentaries when I feel anxious – they help take me out of my head by reminding me I’m just one tiny part of something much larger. Since my anxiety has been cranked up to 11 lately, I’ve been watching this show to help fall asleep. It’s like Planet Earth, but filmed at night with high-tech cameras. You wouldn’t think a show involving lion hunts and baby seals being attacked by bats would be relaxing, but something about the darkness and Samira Wiley’s smooth narration is so soothing and helps calm my mind after a day spent stressing.” – Mary White, copy chief
Watch Night on Earth on Netflix.
Killing Eve
“I know, I know – I’m late to the game here. I’d heard a million good things about Killing Eve for years, and watched it sweep award show after after show, but somehow let it slip out from under my radar. Now I’m in full-blown binge mode and could not be more entranced by the Eve-Villanelle storyline. What everyone says is true: this series cannot be missed.” – Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, beauty
Watch Killing Eve on Hulu.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
“It’s a classic epic quest with a sprawling imaginary landscape that eased my shelter-in-place claustrophobia. And although good ultimately wins out, this series doesn’t back down from tragedy and heartbreak, in a way that resonated with everything I’m feeling right now.” – Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, fitness
Buy The Lord of the Rings trilogy on Amazon.
Grace & Frankie
“This is just the ultimate feel-good show, no matter your age! Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are PERFECT as Grace and Frankie. Every character on this show is lovable and flawed, and their antics crack me up like very few shows have. While most of the episodes are just delightfully entertaining, the show doesn’t shy away from some raw and emotional moments that really allow you to connect with the characters.” – Stacy Hersher, director, social & partnerships
Watch Grace & Frankie
Chopped
“I used to watch Chopped late at night on the Food Network in college, and this time at home has brought it back into my life. It’s easy to watch and mindless, so it curbs my anxiety and means I can be doing other things like cleaning or exercising while watching if I’m also trying to burn some pent-up energy. The competition aspect makes it fun to watch with someone else – try to guess who’s going to advance to the next round until a winner is crowned! My fiancé has taken to watching it to a betting level – an incorrect guess means the loser has to get the next round of fresh drinks or a snack from the kitchen. Also, it’s given me a few dinner ideas, which is maybe the best part because man, am I getting sick of thinking up things to make for dinner! – Alessia Santoro, editor, family
Watch Chopped on Hulu.
Drive Me Crazy and Get Over It
“I’ve been watching some of my favorite early 2000s movies lately and they’re bringing me so much joy. This week I watched Drive Me Crazy and Get Over It, and it just feels like spending time with an old friend. They remind me of simpler times with butterfly hair clips, high school dances, and Shane West crushes, and they make me completely forget about the outside world for a bit. I’m a sucker for anything nostalgic, and right now it’s the perfect thing to turn to.” – Caitlin Gallagher, senior voices editor, living
Watch Get Over It and Drive Me Crazy on Amazon Prime Video.
The Invisible Man
“I’m admittedly a huge scaredy cat and avoid horror movies at all costs, but when my roommate rented The Invisible Man after it dropped on Amazon Prime early, I couldn’t help but get sucked in. Elisabeth Moss is incredible in it, per usual, and Aldis Hodge’s bulging muscles provided me with plenty of courage to continue watching through even the most scream-inducing moments. There are some pretty wild twists that I definitely didn’t see coming, so I’d say it was totally worth the $20 rental cost. And I surprisingly haven’t had any nightmares yet!” – Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending and viral features
Watch The Invisible Man on Amazon Prime Video.
Lost Girls
“Lost Girls is a gut-wrenching true story about a mother’s search for her missing daughter and the lengths she’ll go to get answers. It’s a dark story about sex workers, female relationships, and how going through similar trauma and loss can create a forever bond between strangers.” – Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features
Watch Lost Girls on Netflix.
Hunters
“Jordan Peele‘s new series on Prime is a striking look at ‘Operation Paperclip’ and the presence of Nazis in America after WWII. Al Pacino and his diverse group of hunters (Josh Radnor, Logan Lerman, Tiffany Boone, Carol Kane, and more) are on a mission to expose them and take them down at any cost. It’s by no means a light watch, but you’ll be strapped in and intrigued by the backstories and secrets of each of the hunters, and the lengths they’re willing to go for The Hunt.” – Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features
Watch Hunters on Amazon Prime Video.
New Girl
“This show is hysterical! I watched it when it was airing live and was obsessed; I’ve recently returned to it and fell back in love. The writing is so good, and the actors bring the characters to life perfectly. I’ve laughed at least once during every single episode, and I can’t recommend it enough.” – India Yaffe, assistant editor, shop
Watch New Girl on Netflix.
Kim's Convenience
“As the child of immigrants, I love watching family comedies that highlight the unique experience that is growing up between two (or more) cultures. Kim’s Convenience follows a Korean-Canadian family who runs a convenience store in Toronto and is the perfect slice-of-life series to suck you in. The Kims aren’t super dramatic or broody, they’re just an average family that happens to be hilarious. Their dynamic is not only relatable, but heartfelt and authentic. If you don’t fall in love with Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), Umma (Jean Yoon), Janet (Andrea Bang), and Jung (Simu Liu) after the first season, I’m going to recommend you watch it again. Obviously, you missed something the first go around!” – Mekishana Pierre, assistant editor, entertainment
Watch Kim’s Convenience on Netflix.
That's So Raven
“There’s something very comforting about rewatching shows from my childhood, and That’s So Raven still holds up. Not only is the show super funny, but I always get nostalgic over all of the cameos from Disney Channel stars.” – Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment
Watch That’s So Raven on Disney Plus.
Schitt's Creek
“My boyfriend and I have been watching a lot of serious, nerve-racking shows that make us feel anxious before bed. We decided to start Schitt’s Creek as a mood lightener and see why everyone loves it so much. I have to admit it took me a few episodes to understand the characters, but now we can’t stop watching it. We’ve completely abandoned our serious shows and watch Schitt’s Creek back to back, every night.” – Krista Jones, associate editor, shop
Watch Schitt’s Creek on Netflix.
Money Heist
“This show has been on my list for ages, and after finishing Elite, I figured I’d continue on the Spanish drama track. I’m halfway through, and it’s one of those shows that just has it all: a gripping storyline, incredible and complex characters, romance, and it makes me laugh (somehow) to boot! I keep trying to find holes in it, but it’s airtight.” – Charisandra Perez, coordinator, social & partnerships
Watch Money Heist on Netflix.
Mr. Right
“I’ve been soaking up any and all rom-coms I can find on streaming networks, and I was surprised I’d never heard of 2015’s Mr. Right, starring Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell. The film, which follows the story of a woman who unknowingly falls in love with a hit man (and then finds out she’s SUPER into his dangerous lifestyle), is hilarious, surprisingly charming, and terrible in all the most feel-good ways. I never thought I’d find the idea of juggling knives with your date romantic, but this movie makes it work.” – Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending & viral features
Watch Mr. Right on Netflix.
Elite
“This is a controversial statement, but I’m going to say it anyway: Elite is the show Gossip Girl wanted to be. The show is just doing things the other girls can’t! Sure, it’s highly unrealistic that a top-tier private school would have a murder mystery every year, but we’re not tuning in for realism. We’re exclusively here for dramatics, good-looking adults playing teenagers, and fabulous gowns!
The Spanish-language series mainly focuses on the culture clash that erupts between the school’s rich students and the handful of attendees on scholarship, but it also covers teen pregnancy, religion, grief, drugs, and everything in between. It’ll make you laugh at adolescent foolishness, admire how the characters recklessly fall in love with each other, and constantly question why Lu is the only one to break out in random English phrases. How on earth these teens manage to graduate amid all their drama is the real mystery, but when they’re this fun to watch, who cares?” – Mekishana Pierre, assistant editor, entertainment
Watch Elite on Netflix.
Tiger King
“Tiger King might be one of the most unhinged pieces of content to ever hit Netflix – and this is the streaming service that brought us Love Is Blind! Each episode brings with it unforeseeable twists, changing opinions on every person involved, and . . . music videos? It’s a lot, and it’s what we need right now.” – Kelsey Garcia, editor, trending and viral features
Watch Tiger King on Netflix.
Justified
“I am FINALLY getting around to watching Justified, a show that has been recommended to me by so many people over the years. If looking at Timothy Olyphant’s face doesn’t give you a glimmer of hope, I can’t help you.” – Maggie Panos, senior editor, voices
Watc Justified on Hulu.
Little Fires Everywhere
“I loved this book and could not wait to see Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington bring these characters to life on the small screen. Hulu released the first three episodes at once, and it has done a great job delivering on the storylines. As much as I love the A-list actors, it’s the next gen that are keeping me interested. The clothes and music are also really fun, and an added bonus for Joshua Jackson as Reese’s husband!” – Lisa Sugar, president
Watch Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu.
iZombie
“My husband and I are huge fans of Veronica Mars, so when we realized we had some time on our hands to binge, we turned to another series created by Rob Thomas: iZombie. It’s clever, slightly spooky, and light enough to raise our spirits (from the dead) at the end of the day.” – Maggie Panos, senior editor, voices
Watch iZombie on Netflix.