The Ultimate Digital Entertainment Guide For Days At Home

With “Shelter In Place” orders in full effect, we’ve all had more time at home – often isolated – than ever before.

While it’s easy to feel like we need to embrace maximum productivity, it’s proven to be very hard! Especially for those trying to balance a family, homeschooling, and trying to work when possible (Raising my hand over here!), doing even simple tasks like showering can be difficult. We’re behind on pretty much everything, and ahead on nothing, so productivity for us is actually at an all time low. At the end of the day, Doug and I are absolutely exhausted.

With all that in mind, it’s so important to give ourselves a frickin break every day — it’s important for mental health — and for us, that means turning on a great TV show, movie, or mindless digital entertainment in order to turn off our frenzied brains. With that in mind, Doug and I thought it’d be fun to share our personal suggestions for the ultimate digital entertainment guide for days at home.

So, adults, gather around! Bookmark this post and refer back to it when you need something new to turn on and view. (If you need suggestions for kiddos, swing by “Our Family’s Favorite At-Home Activities For Toddlers!”) From TV shows and movies, to email newsletters and websites, the below suggestions have made us laugh, cry, kept us informed, held our attention, and entertained our frazzled brains when we’ve needed it the most. So I hope they’re able to give you a much-needed and welcomed brain break, too.

Ultimate entertainment guide — True fact: When I’m lounging, my computer and phone are often close by! Outfit details shared in the first image. Home decor details can be found in this post.

You need a reliable digital connection, of course!

Can you imagine getting to that sweet time of the day when the kids are in bed, you’ve got a glass of wine in hand, and – DUN DUN DUUUN – your internet doesn’t work?! Thankfully this hasn’t happened to us because we’ve got the best of the best — Xfinity — powering our home’s entertainment set up. Everything from our TV to our WiFi is via Xfinity, and I love knowing that in today’s unsure days of COVID-19, Comcast has taken a variety of measures to help customers stay connected to the things and entertainment we love. Like what, you ask? I thought you wouldn’t ask. So check out the below.

Unlimited Data For XFinity WiFi Plans

Comcast is pausing data plans for 60 days. All customers will receive Unlimited data for no additional charge.

No Disconnects Or Late Fees

Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact Comcast to let them know they are unable to pay their bills during this period.

Internet Essentials

New customers who connect will get 60 days of Internet service for free. Speeds with increase from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers, and will become the speed of the service going forward.

News, information, and educational content on X1

To keep customers informed, Comcast has created a collection of the most current news and information on Cornoavirus. Also, in partnership with Common Sense Media, Comcast has created new educational collections for all grade levels.

Current Movies Available In Home

Universal Pictures will make its movies available in home on the same day as their global theatrical releases. In fact, for Josephine’s birthday we watched Trolls World Tour and our girls LOVED it!

Rolling Free Previews

Xfinity X1 and Flex customers now have access to a variety of on demand catalogs from a series of premium networks and subscription video on demand (SVOD) services. These networks and services include SHOWTIME, EPIX, CuriosityStream, HISTORY Vault, Grokker Yoga Fitness & Wellbeing, The Reading Corner and DOGTV.

…Not bad, huh?! Honestly, in a time when in-home access to internet is essential not just for entertainment but most of us working, Comcast’s efforts makes me to proud to be a partner of theirs. We really are all in this together!

Let’s get back to the recos, shall we? Time to dive into the ultimate entertainment guide for days at home!

The Ultimate Digital Entertainment Guide For Days At Home

Documentaries

McMillion$ (HBO) – Doug and I were absolutely fascinated by this documentary. McMillion$ is the stranger-than-fiction true story of how $24 million-dollars was stolen from the McDonald’s Monopoly game of the 1990s, the mystery mastermind behind the scam and the intrepid FBI agents on his trail.
Tiger King (Netflix) – You’ve probably heard the hype by now, but if you haven’t, THIS SHOW IS A MUST WATCH. It’s all about Joe Exotic, the operator of an Oklahoma big cat park. One of the more entertaining documentaries I’ve ever seen.
The Goop Lab (Netflix) – People either love this or hate it. I personally loved it! From psychedelics to energy healing, Gwenyth Paltrow and her team dives into wellness-related topics and explores them.
Formula 1 Drive To Survive (Netflix) – For the sports lovers! Formula 1 showcases the stories behind some of racing’s most famous drivers. Doug LOVES this one — it’s a great show to watch as a couple!
Cheer (Netflix) – I was kind of skeptical of this at first, but it’s such a great documentary series! It follows a nationally-ranked cheer squad as they train for the National Cheerleading Championship. A little bit drama, and lots of amazing cheer routines. Highly entertaining and I also learned a lot about the sport!

TV Shows

Ozark (Netflix) – If you were a fan of Breaking Bad, you’ll love Ozark! It’s all about a financial adviser and his family as he launders $500 million in five years to appease a drug boss.
Money Heist (Netflix) – If you can get over the dubbed-over language (This is a Spanish film) I promise this is a must-watch! A criminal mastermind who goes by “The Professor” has a plan to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history — to print billions of euros in the Royal Mint of Spain. Has me on the edge of my seat every episode.
Big Little Lies (HBO) – A little bit thriller, a little bit drama. Explores a group of women as a murder mystery is solved. One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time!
Schitts Creek (Netflix) – Lovers of “The Office” will be a fan of Schitts Creek. The show follows the trials and tribulations of the formerly wealthy Rose family when they are forced to relocate to Schitt’s Creek, a small town they once purchased as a joke. One of those light-hearted shows that brings a smile to my face every time I watch it!
This Is Us (NBC) – For people who loved Parenthood, This Is Us is a must-watch! It’s all about a family, the Pearsons, and their lives throughout the decades.

Reality TV/Talk Shows

The Chef Show (Netflix) – This is one of Doug’s favorites! If you love time in the kitchen, you’ll love this. Writer, director and food enthusiast Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi explore food in and out of the kitchen with accomplished chefs and celebrity friends.
John Oliver (HBO) – One of our weekly favorites! We love John Oliver — he covers the news while adding in some great humor.
Abstract (Netflix) – Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life. Absolutely fascinating to watch.

Email Newsletters

Anyone else find the news daunting lately? Yet, it’s so important to remain informed! I’ve really taken to email newsletters lately — I appreciate their to-the-point updates that are quick, easy to digest, and delivered right to my inbox. Here are some of the daily emails I’m subscribed to that I scroll and read frequently!

The Daily Good – Sustainable recipes, articles, podcasts, music recos, and more. I always find great new suggestions from this newsletter, and I love that they’re so focused on promoting slower living.
The Wall Street Journal 10-Point – This is one of my favorite news sources! I always find the Wall Street Journal to have objective reporting that is in-depth, accurate, and knowledgable.
New York Times Climate Forward – A newsletter all about climate change and the news surrounding it.
The Skimm – I’ve been a Skimm reader for years! This is another daily digest of the news, but always written in a fun way that is easy to, well, skim over and comprehend.
Outbreak Today – Another daily digest email, this one from Buzzfeed. This is focused on updates surrounding COVID-19.

Of course, a big part of entertainment is on our phones! As much as I need frequent breaks from social media, I also love to scroll great accounts. Here are some new-to-me accounts I’ve found recently that I’ve been loving! (To be honest, personally this is my most frequently viewed part of my entertainment guide for days at home!)

Good News Movement – We’re inundated with so much bad news, and I find it refreshing to also read the good! This account always brings a smile and I love its cup-half-full approach.
Antro Living – I always love me some amazing eye candy with home decor! This account is filled with all things that an Anthro-lover (like me!) gravitates toward. Color, brightness, and a slightly bohemian twist.
Jessica Yellin – FOLLOW HER! Especially if you want quick Coronavirus news with lots of great context explained. Jessica is a former CNN White House Correspondent and so smart.
The Dad – Doug and I send The Dad posts to each other on the daily. This account is just plain hysterical and taps into parent humor at its best!
Tik Tok – Alright, so, I’ve yet to make a Tik Tok. But I have an account and I have to tell you, I’m obsessed. It’s just so much fun! Definitely sign up, even if it’s just to scroll.

Reader Suggestions

Recently, I asked what your latest recommendations are, and you all certainly delivered! Here are some of the top-noted suggestions.

Gamechangers (Netflix) – One note here is that Doug and I watched this and LOVED it. It’s all about vegan eating and the benefits.
Love Is Blind (Netflix) – If you’re a Bachelor lover, you’ll like this!
Pandemic (Netflix) – Obviously with the time we’re in, this is so relevant. I haven’t watched it, but apparently the documentary predicts the current pandemic we’re in. So crazy.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – YES. How did I not include this on my original list?! Love this show so much.
Trolls 2 – Just came out! So great for the kiddos.

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The Ultimate Digital Entertainment Guide for Days At Home

I know I’ve only just scratched the surface on recommendations for entertainment. What are some of the things you’re loving in the digital space lately?! Would love to hear in the comments below!

Remember, a reliable digital connection is key. Without it, an entertainment guide for days at home would be pretty lackluster! Be sure to swing by Xfinity to check out how they can help during this crazy time where we’re all at home and hyper-reliant on all things digital.

*This post was sponsored by Xfinity, however all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that partner with Isn’t That Charming!