5 Older TV Shows to Rewatch While in Quarantine

As much as we are bombarded with new releases, with the downtime that the lockdowns are providing, maybe it's time we step back and watch some shows from a simpler time, before TikTok and Netflix became the primary sources of entertainment. Here are five TV shows to rewatch while you’re in quarantine.

Community

If you’re sick of online college and severely missing campus, then Community is the show for you. Taking place in a community college, with an ensemble cast that features the likes of Donald Glover/Childish Gambino and Ken Jeong from the Hangover series. The series originally ran from 2009 to 2015 and has finally made its way to Netflix.

The series is made by Dan Harmon, the co-creator of Rick and Morty, and the Russo Brothers, directors of Avengers Infinity War and Endgame, so you know you’re in for a ride. In fact, if you watch the Marvel movies directed by the Russos, you’ll notice a lot of the cast from Community making all kinds of cameos throughout the movies.

Tiger & Bunny

Before the likes of One Punch Man and My Hero Academia made the rounds as the premier superhero animes, there was Tiger & Bunny. The story stars washed out hasbeen hero Wild Tiger and a rookie hero named Barnaby Brooks Jr. (a.k.a Bunny), as well as a handful of other superheroes in the city of Sternbild.

In this universe, superhero antics are filmed as a reality/game show, with heroes being sponsored by real-life brands like Pepsi and Bandai. In between the heroes getting points on TV, they uncover a larger conspiracy at play involving superpowered beings. What makes Tiger & Bunny unique is the blend of Japanese and American superhero staples, which truly makes it stand out. The series takes place over the course of 25 episodes and two movies.

Avatar: The Last Airbender/ The Legend of Korra

A modern classic, Nickelodeon’s premier martial arts cartoon is always worth revisiting or watching for the first time if you missed out on it when it was still on TV. The show tells the story of Aang and his teenage friends, who must save the world from a hundred-year war and prevent a fascist regime from taking over the world. Oh, and they all can bend one of the four elements of the world to their will.

If watching the adventures of Aang left you wanting more, don’t discount the sequel series, The Legend of Korra. She is the Avatar after Aang, basically the chosen ones in this world, who can bend all four elements. Korra’s story takes place in a modern world, and deals with the aftermath of the world Aang left behind. These two shows are essential and a must-watch for sure.

Sherlock

For those who remember when Sherlock first began, each episode was like a worldwide event, with everyone eagerly anticipating the next major mystery. The series also served as a launching pad for Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who both appeared and starring in the Hobbit trilogy and several Marvel movies.

For the most part, the series still holds up, especially the earliest episodes from ten years ago. This modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes had a huge following, though that has died down since the show concluded. Maybe someday we’ll see a return of this show, but for now, the 13 mini-movies we got are pretty sufficient, especially during these times.

Freaks and Geeks

Judd Apatow’s short-lived 1999 teen drama-comedy is still pretty relevant, especially with 80s-tinged shows like Stranger Things and Sex Education being all the rage on Netflix. It really is a blend of those aforementioned shows, with a sprinkle of Superbad for good measure. It also tells a heartwarming coming-of-age story set in a suburban, American high-school.

While it may have been short-lived, thankfully the story had a conclusion. Granted, it was a little abrupt but at least it gives us a decent ending to the show. It’s also great to see where actors like James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Linda Cardellini get their start before they became the superstars we know today.