There’s no getting away from the fact that we’re all facing weeks, if not months, of spending the majority of our time indoors, unable to attend the various clubs, community groups or family gatherings that keep us entertained and busy under normal circumstances.
So, as the government asks us to self-isolate and avoid leaving our homes as much as possible, in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus, it’s no surprise that many people are spending more time in front of the television and relying heavily on streaming services to provide them with a plethora of options when it comes to TV shows and movies.
But with several streaming services to choose from, all offering thousands of series and films for your viewing pleasure, it can be difficult to know where to start. So, here a Starts at 60, we’ve put our heads together and created a list of some of the very best nostalgic TV shows that you can stream at home – and these are sure to be a blast from the past!
It’s probably the best-known streaming service worldwide, and while some of Netflix’s original series and movies are definitely worth a watch, there’s also plenty of options for those who are looking to take a trip down memory lane. From Aussie classics such as Jack Irish and Kath and Kim (2002-2007), to cult classic such as the 1968 series of Star Trek starring William Shatner, and classic British comedies such as Still Game.
No mention of classic British comedy would be complete without Monty Python though, and fans can watch a number of series on Netflix including; Monty Python’s Personal Best, Monty Python’s Almost the Truth and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Hit movies Monty Python and The Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian are also available to watch.
And if you live under the same roof as the grandkids, you can educate them on classic kids shows such as Pingu and The Smurfs and Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, all of which first aired in the 1980s.
Stan is an Australian-only streaming service that launched in 2015, and over the years it has built up a seriously impressive catalogue of movies and TV shows, including some of the most beloved comedies ever made.
From American favourites like Seinfeld (1989-1998), Frasier (1993-2004) and The Golden Girls (1985-1992), to British cult classics such as ’80s hit Blackadder, Keeping Up Appearances (1990-95), 1970s classic Fawlty Towers and all five seasons of Absolutely Fabulous, which ran from 1992 to 2003.
You can also tune into ’80s show The Young Ones, which catapulted Adrian Edmondson to stardom in the UK, as well as Aussie series Mother & Son. Or, if comedy is not your thing, then tune in to classic dramas such as Twin Peaks instead.
When it comes to Blockbuster movies or international TV series, Foxtel may be your best bet to watch the latest releases. As far as classic shows go though, it does boast a rather impressive selection – particularly if you’re a fan of British talent.
From comedies like Yes, Minister (and Yes, Prime Minister) to One Foot in the Grave, The Vicar of Dibley and Monty Python’s Flying Circus, to dramas like Midsomer Murders and A Touch of Frost, there are plenty of Pommie options to keep you occupied.
There are plenty of US and homegrown options too, of course. So if murder-mysteries are your thing then you can watch every episode of Murder, She Wrote, or if you’re looking for a laugh why not switch on the likes of Full House, Mother & Son or The Nanny.
While Acorn may be lesser known than some of its larger rivals, it does boast a vast offering of British television classics including; Foyle’s War, Father Ted and Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime. Or, if you’d rather watch something made Down Under, you can also check out A Place to Call Home and Jack Irish, starring Guy Pearce.
While we are aware that these are not TV shows, Disney+ offers an unrivalled number of nostalgic movies that will throw you straight back to your own childhood, or that of your children. Including; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), both versions of Swiss Family Robinson, Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Treasure Island (1950), Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).