Our Team's Stay-at-Home Entertainment Recommendations

The COVID-19 pandemic has called for mandatory stay-at-home orders, but that doesn't it has to be boring. If you think you've watched all the TV and movies, listened to all the podcasts, and read all the books, think again! Our team has rounded up a list of their favorite entertainment recommendations to get through this tough time. So scroll through and find something new to watch, read, or listen to!

Binge-worthy TV Shows

All this extra time at home means you get to catch up on your shows and then still have time to start new ones. Do you feel like you're already out of things to watch? Check out the shows that our team recommends.

The Office

Do you miss going into work at your actual office? Jasmine recommends filling that void with this witty mockumentary that follows a group of typical office employees at a mid-size paper company. It's relatable, funny, and heartwarming all at the same time which is what makes it a hit series. 

Already seen it? Watch it again! Or check out similar style shows like Parks & Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. 

The Mandalorian

If you're a Star Wars fan, then Jacob recommends streaming this live action series. The story is set in the Star Wars universe and follows a lone bounty hunter making his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Killing Eve

Jasmine recommends this TV show if you are into action thrillers. This dark comedy drama follows a detective and an assassin who become equally obsessed with each other, leading them to play an epic game of cat and mouse all across the globe. 

Longmire

If you're looking for a new crime drama to watch, then Jacob recommends this TV series. Based on a mystery novel series, this show follows a sheriff investigating major crimes while trying to rebuild his life after his wife's death.

Other honorable mentions from our team:

• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• Arrested Development
• Black Summer
• Bloodline
• Breaking Bad
• Chuck
• Good Girls
• The IT Crowd
• Living With Yourself
• Lost in Space 
• The Mindy Project
• Nailed It!
• Ozark
• The Ranch
• You

Our Must-See Flick Picks

When every night is now movie night, you'll definitely be in need of some new movie recommendations. Here are the picks that our team has to offer.

The Fundamentals of Caring

This heart-warming dramedy follows an unlikely pair on a life-changing roadtrip. Jasmine recommends this film if you're looking for something poignant and funny.

Free Solo

Justin recommends this award-winning documentary that follows a fearless rock climber out to set a new world record. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat to see if he can conquer climbing a 3000-foot granite rock without ropes—or die trying.

Just Mercy

Michelle recommends watching this powerful, thought-provoking film that is based on a true story. Watch as a young lawyer fights for justice for a wrongfully-convicted man to escape death row.

Captain Fantastic

Can you imagine living in the wilderness then being introduced to the 'real world' all of a sudden? Jacob's movie recommendation follows the funny, yet heartwarming story of a family on that exact journey.

Other honorable mentions from our team:

• A Quiet Place
• The Big Short 
• Date Night 
• Game Night 
• Late Night
• Parasite
• FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
• Marriage Story

Our Picks for the Bookworms

Are you getting a headache from watching all those TV shows and movies? Here are some reads that our team recommends to switch gears.

Self-Improvement Reads

Why not use this extra time at home to create better habits to improve your day-to-day life? Here are our team's picks for this topic.

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Could something as simple as checklists drastically change your life? You might think so after reading this book. Michelle has implemented more checklists in her life since reading this book and recommends it to other people looking to be more efficient in their daily lives.

There Is No Good Card for This by Dr. Kelsey Crowe

Jasmine picked this book because it's meant to help us be less awkward and more helpful when bad things happen to people we love.

There is really no better time to read this book based on the current state we're living in. Whether it's suffering from the actual virus itself or losing their income and stability, we all may know someone who has been negatively impacted by this pandemic. This book can help us be there when they need us the most!

One of Jasmine's favorite parts about this book is that it's heavily illustrated by a greeting card artist, so it's not boring by any means and helps you understand the concepts more. 

Getting Things Done by David Allen

Jacob recommends this book to help you learn how to be the most productive you can be. This book is great if you have a hard time prioritizing things you need to do or feel guilty about what you're not doing. You're more likely to be productive when you're not stressed out!

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Jasmine also included this book choice. If you ever wonder why you do the things that you do—or better yet—how to improve those habits, then this book is for you. This book dives deep into both of those questions with thorough examples that can help you be more successful.

Leisurely Reads

In need of a laugh? Want to get lost in a book to escape our current reality? Here are our team's picks for casual reads.

The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo

Michelle recommends this historical fiction mystery novel to help pass the time while at home. It has everything you'd want for a leisurely read: mystery, adventure, romance, and magical realism. 

One More Thing by B.J. Novak

This compilation of short stories is one of Jasmine's go-to recommendations because it will literally make you laugh out loud. "The Man Who Invented the Calendar" and "The Comedy Central Roast of Nelson Mandela" are a couple of her favorite short stories. But with over 60 short stories in the book, you'll be sure to find your own!

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

If you're looking for a thrilling page-turner, then Michelle recommends this espionage story. What makes the story more captivating is that it is loosely based on a true story.

Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan

Jasmine recommends this book if you are in the need of a good laugh. It may seem odd to read a book solely dedicated to one person's opinion on food but since it's written by a famous comedian, it's beyond entertaining.

Podcast Picks

If you're running out of tunes to listen to, podcasts are great way to entertain yourself while getting chores done around the house. Here are some entertainment podcasts that our team members enjoy. 

Lore by Aaron Mahnke

If you're a bit of a history buff, then Jacob recommends this podcast that explores dark historical tales about tragic events, unusual places, and mysterious creatures. 

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Jasmine recommends this podcast that explores and celebrates the messiness of being human. Dax Shepard and Monica Padman interview everyone from celebrities to subject-matter experts to explore their intricate journeys in life and how they overcame some of their toughest moments. 

Camp Monsters by REI

What's the best part of sitting around a campfire? Sharing chilling stories. Jacob recommends this podcast that tells that tales of the wildest creatures seen in North America.

Office Ladies

If you're like half of the office at IIAB, then you've probably watched all nine seasons of the hit show, The Office, multiple times. You may have even competed in trivia competitions about the show. This podcast is brought to you by two of the show's main actresses who dish on fun facts and behind-the-scene stories that only they would know about. By learning even more about the show, you'll be inspired to go watch the series yet again!

UnHerd Audio Documentaries

Jacob recommends this political podcast that explores a broad range of people and subjects and stories that are under-reported. 

Well, there you have it! That is our team's compilation of books, podcast, TV shows, and movies. Hopefully something on this list caught your eye and you are ready to enjoy a new form of entertainment! We hope you stay home and stay safe.