Stream: 6 Shows to Watch this Weekend

Last week, as we all began social distancing, working from home or sheltering in place, I shared a list of six shows to stream over the weekend. It was so well received, that I've decided to publish a new list each week of quarantine. 

For this week's installment, I'm making recommendations based on your current mood.

If you wish we had a different President 

Hillary (Hulu) - I was nervous to watch Hillary, the four-part documentary about Hillary Rodham Clinton, because I was worried I would feel depressed. Depressed about what could have been. But you know what? The only thing I felt was inspired.

The documentary is directed by Nanette Burstein, who also serves as the primary interviewer with Hillary herself. Those conversations are spliced with historical footage of her college days, Bill Clinton's many runs for public office, their time in the White House and her two campaigns for President. There is a scene where Hillary takes the stage for the first time as the Democratic nominee for President and I am telling you, I had chills.

After you watch it, read this fantastic article in The Atlantic about the director's goal for the project. 

The West Wing (Netflix) - If you have never watched The West Wing (you know who you are!), now is your chance. The entire series, all seven seasons, is available on Netflix.

The show was created by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin. Martin Sheen plays Jed Barlett, the President of the United States. His staff is full of characters - Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), CJ Craig (Allison Janney) and Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff). 

My parents watched the show during the George W. Bush presidency and my mom always used to say, "Jed Barlett is my president!" 

If you've already watched every Hallmark movie and still need more 

Virgin River (Netflix) - This 10-part series has all the elements of a quintessential Hallmark channel movie. Young woman moves from the city to a small town, works for a curmudgeon, falls in love with a local bartender - you get the point. 

In Virgin River, Alexandra Breckenridge (Sophie from This is Us) plays Mel Monroe, a nurse who leaves Los Angeles after two personal tragedies. She arrives in the rural town of Virgin River to discover the cabin she's supposed to be staying in is falling apart and the doctor whose practice she's supposed to join isn't actually the one who hired her. 

She finds comfort with a local bar owner, Jack, played by Martin Henderson (who used to play Dr. Riggs on Grey's Anatomy). They have great chemistry and you find yourself honestly rooting for them. 

Watching this show was like eating a bowl of mac and cheese. Pure comfort.  

If you miss Friday Night Lights 

All American (Netflix) - I have already re-watched all of Friday Night Lights at least five times, so I was ecstatic to discover All American, which stars Daniel Ezra as Spencer James, a high school football player adjusting to life in a new town, on a new team.

His football coach and father-like mentor is played by Taye Diggs, who I've had a crush on since How Stella Got Her Groove Back. 

As you'd expect, there is school drama, team drama, family drama and of course, romance. Did I mention Taye Diggs? 

Season two was just released on Netflix this week. 

If you read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and didn't realize the show is now out

Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu) - This week, Hulu released the first three episodes of the television adaptation of Celeste Ng's book, Little Fires Everywhere. Here is my original book review if you missed it! 

The series is produced by Reese Witherspoon's company, Hello Sunshine, and she also co-stars as Elena Richardson, the model suburban housewife. Kerry Washington plays the new mom in town, Mia Warren.

I wasn't sure about Kerry Washington's casting when I first heard about it, but after watching the first two episodes, I totally get it now. 

I'm excited to continue watching as Hulu releases more episodes! 

If you wish you could go to a comedy show, but you know you shouldn't leave the house 

Homecoming King with Hasan Minhaj (Netflix) - I have to be honest, I'm not really into comedy specials. I keep trying, because people keep recommending them to me, but I never laugh. That is until I watched Homecoming King with Hasan Minhaj. 

This particular act takes about 45 minutes to set up the joke, but when he delivers that punch line, dear lord. Prepare to laugh so hard you cannot breathe. I actually had to press pause, collect myself, then keep going. 

There you have it, this week's streaming list. I'll be back next Friday with another round of suggestions! 

*Homepage image courtesy of Unsplash. Other images courtesy of Yahoo!, TODAY.com, Netflix, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and The New Yorker.