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