By Kayla Marie

These are bizarre times, so why not make it fun?

As someone with health conditions that classify me as high risk, I am down to “one out” a day. Meaning I get to leave (for essentials) once a day until this mess is sorted out. This means that I, someone who has covered tv and film for 5 years, have managed to consume large amounts of streaming content over the past two weeks. I strategically pick a platform every day, and I don’t stray. I stay, deeply seated, starting with one property, and listlessly moving to the next until I end up somewhere completely different than where I started. 

So, with all of that said, let’s have some fun with this concept, shall we? (You might want to bookmark this article.)

Click where you’d like to begin today:

Netflix

Hulu

Disney+

Prime Video

 

Netflix

So you’ve decided to begin with the OG streaming platform. Well played. You have quite a few options here.

Nostalgia Watches

Here lives the universal favorites: The Office, Parks and Rec, Schitt’s Creek, The Good Place.  And then those with cult-like followings: Gilmore Girls, Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Scandal, Jane the Virgin. Now is the perfect time to fall down the rabbit hole into any of these series (just a note – if you start The Office, skip season 1 for now and start with Season 2, Episode 21, “Conflict Resolution.” Trust me.)

Netflix Originals

Fortunately, if you choose this path, the Netflix originals are diverse and expansive. From On My Block, to You, to Stranger Things, to the newest favorite, Beastars, the Netflix originals have content for just about anyone. (This writer’s opinion: The Haunting of Hill House. TRUST ME.)

Hulu

You have arrived at reality and network tv paradise. Here you can lose yourself in the vanity, the obscure, and the unbelievable. 

Bring Down The Hammer

Here is where crime dramas/thrillers thrive, so tune into old favorites like NUMB3RS and Lie To Me, start from the beginning of ongoing series like Law and Order: SVU and CSI, or start something brand new like Little Fires Everywhere. (This writer’s suggestion: You literally can never go wrong with a Law and Order: SVU marathon.)

Must Watch

Hulu has an advantage over Netflix when it comes to their relationship with network TV. This means if you choose this path, all of your reality tv show needs will be fulfilled. From 90-Day Fiance to every season of America’s Next Top Model to the ever-popular Dr. Pimple Popper, there is quite literally something for everyone, if you please. (This writer’s suggestion: DR. PIMPLE POPPER!)

Disney+

For those that enter here, a wonderous journey lies ahead. Or at the very least, a day of endless binging. 

Obscure Vault

The Cat From Outer Space. The Apple Dumpling Gang. The Love Bug. These are just a few of the Disney live-action vault classics that one can stumble upon during their streaming journey. So if you are in the mood for a wild, bizarre streaming day, this is our suggestion. (This writer’s pick: nothing is quite as fulfilling as the original Parent Trap.)

Classics

Look at these movies, aren’t they neat? Wouldn’t you think the collection is… ok, you get the gist. Almost. Every. Single. Disney. Animated. Classic. You want princesses? You got it. You want magic and adventure? IT ALL LIVES HERE. This writer’s suggestion? Clearly Tangled, because we can all mostly relate right now. (This writer’s pick: the criminally underrated classic, The Black Cauldron.)

All The Feels

These are uncertain times, and sometimes you just need a really good cry. That’s where Pixar comes in. However, for every tear spilled, there is a joyous moment that will lift you back up. And honestly, we could use that right now. (This writer’s choice: you can’t go wrong with going back to the beginning, Toy Story.)

Special Viewings

There’s a secret trail one can take while pursuing the Disney+ path, and that’s indulging in the content that they are putting straight to digital streaming. For those that were not able to catch Frozen 2 in theaters, it arrived early on the platform. Pixar’s Onward was unable to have a full theater run, so it was released straight to digital for purchase and will debut on Disney+ on April 3rd. Also, it wouldn’t be a surprise if The Rise of Skywalker makes its debut in the coming weeks as well. (This writer wants you to watch Frozen 2, if only for the forest Chicago-esque love ballad.)

Prime Video

Here is where the possibilities are very much so endless. So many choices, so many paths.

Expansive Library 

Prime Video, included in the Amazon Prime subscription, has managed to nab some elusive titles. Whether you’re in the mood for a full series binge of one of their critically-acclaimed Amazon originals or diving into a classic 90s favorite, their library is sure to satisfy streamers curiosity. (This writer’s option: The Man in the High Castle, GET INTO IT.)

Add-On Fun

What makes Amazon unique and sets the platform apart from the others is the wide array of add-ons that streamers can combine with their base Prime Video subscription. Feel like re-watching every season of Game of Thrones (except the last one)? You can add HBO. In the mood to fall down a rabbit hole of Bollywood movies? There’s a subscription for those. Located under the “Prime Channels” tab, take a trip down this path and delight in all of the many options available to you.

Whichever path you decide to take while waiting out the chaos, know that there is no wrong streaming path. In times like these, an escape is needed and if that means you take solace in binging a show or having a movie marathon, know you are not alone. Plan a virtual streaming party and make the best of it. We’re all in this one together.