By Tyler Dang | Staff Writer
The year of 2020 has brought many people the leisure to watch shows on Netflix and other streaming services. As COVID-19 keeps people inside due to quarantine regulations, boredom overcomes them. However, shows begin to spring into action and start producing more episodes, some of which portray the perpetual spread of the virus.
Some shows like “South Park” and “Black-ish” implement the virus into their shows, leaning toward a more comedic light. Other shows, like “Grey’s Anatomy,” take on a more serious note, recognizing the dangers of the virus.
These television series help reduce indoor boredom, while also remembering to show the severity of the virus. Some shows, such as “Love in the Time of Corona,” do not portray the true nature of quarantine well, however there are still other shows to look out for.
The “Pandemic Special” of the animated series “South Park” is a satirical episode on the topic of going back to school after lockdown. Animators of the show take advantage of the quarantine and decide to animate their portrayal of the virus.
As the main cast of children return to school using Zoom, some choose to avoid the hassle by faking connection problems. While that happens, the adults of the episode fear the virus as they work, and show a comedic take on how the vaccine is being produced.
On the topic of comedic portrayals, the ABC sitcom “Black-ish” also has a spin on COVID-19 with their episode “Hero Pizza.” As the mother of the family is a worker at a hospital, she becomes determined to protect her family from the virus.
The show manages to throw humor into the depressing reality of quarantine and viral outbreaks. While squeezing out funny moments, they maintain a fine line between creating humor and honoring the pain and loss many American families have experienced during these times.
On a more serious note, ABC’s medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” depicts the frontline workers’ side of the virus. The show’s COVID-19 episode focuses on capturing the struggles of nurses and hospital workers, as they run around frantically trying to help others without contracting the virus themselves.
The episode makes a laudable attempt to commend healthcare workers and show the grueling reality of what it is like to work in a hospital during the pandemic. Though the show does not completely depict a hospital accurately, it is a good reminder to appreciate the work nurses and doctors must deal with.
Aside from these shows that portray the virus in an entertaining way, there are many other shows that depict the infectious disease. Other television series, such as “The Good Doctor” and “New Amsterdam,” make a return with special episodes portraying COVID-19.
These shows also incorporate life as a hospital worker during this time, both taking their own spin on the matter. As hectic as it may be, these shows bring valuable entertainment and knowledge to the people watching. Whether the goal is to learn more about the virus or just to find entertainment in quarantine, these few special episodes are the way to go.
