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Staff picks: what to binge while you’re stuck at home

NEWS CENTER Maine staff gives binge-watching recommendations to help you through 'social distancing'

Editor’s note: You are starting to hear the term ‘flattening the curve’ as a way to stem the tide of coronavirus cases. The above video explains what that means. 

Self-quarantining and social distancing can take their toll mentally. To preserve some sanity while home—and please, stay home—we recommend taking a break from reality every now and then.

NEWS CENTER Maine staffers are in the same boat at you. As you may have seen, most of the staff is working remotely to ensure the safety of others and practice social distancing. 

Reporters like Hannah Dineen and Sean Stackhouse, meteorologists like Todd Gutner and Ryan Breton, and even anchors Lee Goldberg and Lindsey Mills share their home set ups and “live from my living room” reporting. 

And behind the scenes, digital producers, sales and marketing, and everyone in between has been working from their couches—and most likely even in their pajamas—to bring Mainers the news during this unprecedented global event.

We all need a break sometimes, too. Luckily, there’s plenty of binge-worthy TV at your fingertips.

Here are some shows we recommend:

Credit: HBO

Lee Goldberg, anchor

Show: The Sopranos

Reason: “If you have not seen it…you need to. If you have, you’ll want to watch it again.”

Seasons: 6

How to watch: HBO Go

Rachel Wingrat, producer:

Shows: The Wire, The Good Place

Reason: The Wire-“It’s called the best show of all time for a reason. The characters are so dynamic and complicated, and I’ve never been so invested in a story.” The Good Place-“It’s funny and light, but still smart and well-written. There are also a lot of plot twists for a comedy, so it keeps you on your toes. the message is really good too, especially during a time like this!”

Seasons: The Wire-5; The Good Place-4

How to watch: The Wire-HBO Go; The Good Place-NBC, first 3 seasons available on Netflix

Myk Albert, marketing producer

Show: Better Call Saul

Reason: “Because it's better than Breaking Bad in every way. You don't need to have seen [Breaking Bad] to enjoy it, but it certainly helps the enjoyment level.”

Seasons: Currently in its fifth season

How to watch: Netflix and AMC on demand

Credit: NBC

John Blunda, photojournalist

Show: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Reason: "It’s aged well and only gets better as the seasons progress"

Seasons: 7

How to watch: Available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime

Credit: HBO

Chelsea Bard and Gabrielle Mannino, digital content producers

Show: Westworld

Reason: Chelsea- “Nothing is quite as it seems in the Westworld universe. It's definitely an in depth show that requires attention, but if you're looking for an escape from reality, this show will take you there.” Gabrielle- “Chelsea said it best. Although the third season just kicked off last week, you’ll want to watch episodes more than once to pick up on the nuances and details you will certainly miss the first time around, so this show can fill a lot of time. And if you were into Game of Thrones, the production value is on the same level, and you’ll be in for a fun Easter egg when you make it up to season 3 episode 2, which aired Sunday…”

Seasons: Currently in its third season

How to watch: HBO Go

Credit: Netflix

Jackie Mundry, reporter

Show: Tidying up with Marie Kondo

Reason: "You're spending a lot of time at home anyway, might as well get motivated to tidy up. It'll bring you joy."

Seasons: 1

How to watch: Netflix

Zach Blanchard, reporter

Show: Big Little Lies

Reason: “There’s nothing like some Meryl Streep, Laura Dern and a whole lot of drama to distract from reality RN.”

Seasons: 2

How to watch: HBO Go

Lindsey Mills, anchor/reporter

Show: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Reason: "You will quickly find someone to root for. The costumes and comedy- spectacular."

Seasons: 3

How to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Credit: Amazon

Griffin Stockford, digital content producer

Shows: Warren Miller movies

Reason: "The YouTube Channel 'Echoboom Sports' has a bunch of free Warren Miller ski movies available. The next best option to actual skiing."

How to watch: YouTube

At NEWS CENTER Maine, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus

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