The best TV shows and movies to stream in April 2020, from James Bond to 'Parasite'
It's finally April, and we're not fooling you.
This March felt like an eternity as the coronavirus pandemic became increasingly dire, sending many people to practice social distancing at home and wreaking havoc on the national economy. In trying times, many of us have been reminded of the joys of TV and movies, which provide an escape while staying at home.
A new month always brings new shows and films to streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Disney Plus. We sorted through the dozens of newly available titles and picked 10 of the best ready for binge-watching. April streaming has something for everyone, from a less-than-professional baking competition to a cult sitcom to a show about the world's best known spy.
If quarantine baking isn't going as well as you'd hoped: 'Nailed It!'
Baking is hugely popular right now, but tor every picture of a perfect sourdough loaf or cake on Instagram, there are macarons that are hard as rocks and brownies that turn out raw. But don't worry, there's a food series for that. Netflix's empathetic and riotously funny series celebrates the baking fails from amateur cooks, and might just make you feel better about whatever you just pulled out of the oven.
Stream Season 4 on Netflix.
If you are looking to complete your cinematic education: A James Bond movie marathon
"No Time To Die," the 25th James Bond movie, was one of the first big releases delayed as a result of the pandemic, but that just gives you more time to rewatch the entire series. Helpfully, all the Bond films through Pierce Brosnan's last go-round (2002's "Die Another Day") will be available on Amazon in April, and the first two Craig films are on HBO Go and HBO Now.
Stream the classics on Amazon. Stream "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" on HBO Go or HBO Now. Rent or buy "Skyfall" and "Spectre" on digital platforms.
If you love a family dramedy: 'Vida'
Starz's understated half-hour drama comes to Amazon this month, and it's a must-watch if you have missed it because you don't have the premium cable channel. The superbly written series follows Mexican-American sisters Emma (Mishel Prada) and Lyn (Melissa Barrera) living on the east side of Los Angeles, who have very different personalities.
Stream it on Amazon and Starz.
If you've already watched a lot of NBC sitcoms: 'Community'
"Parks and Recreation," "30 Rock," "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" are all great, but if you've run through the more popular comedies, "Community" might be a good one to binge next. Infamously low rated but with a cult following, the sitcom about a diverse study group at a community college went to weird but (mostly) funny places over its six tumultuous seasons.
Stream it on Netflix.
If you miss going to theaters: 'Onward'
The latest movie from the tear-jerking Pixar crowd had its theatrical run cut short, but Disney shifted it early to digital platforms, including its own Disney Plus. With the voice talents of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, "Onward" is set in a fantastical world where two brothers are on a quest to bring their father back, if just for one day. The tears are probably already welling up.
Stream it on Disney Plus April 3.
If you remember the Academy Awards were a mere seven weeks ago: 'Parasite'
Although it seems like a lifetime ago, it was only Feb. 9 when South Korean film "Parasite" shocked movie fans by picking up slew of Oscars, included best picture. Now the lauded film, about a poor family that manipulates its way into the lives (and pocketbooks) of a rich one, is available to stream. If you missed it in theaters (or even if you have already seen it), the film is worth watching, a gut-wrenching deconstruction of class and wealth inequality from the brilliant mind of Bong Joon-ho, director of films like "Okja" and "Snowpiercer."
Stream it April 8 on Hulu.
If you want some absurdity in your humor: 'What We Do in the Shadows'
The nuttiness of the vampires in FX's hilarious series never gets old. Based on the film from "JoJo Rabbit" director Taika Waititi and "Flight of the Conchords" star Jemaine Clement, "Shadows" follows a group of hapless vampires in Staten Island, New York, stuck in the gothic past while trolling for virgins to eat. A second season begins on the cable network April 15, and streams on Hulu the next day, so now is the time to catch up.
Stream it on Hulu. Season 2 premieres on Hulu April 16.
If you want to watch something with your dad: 'Bosch'
Amazon has a great selection of shows that seem tailor-made for dads everywhere, and this cop-with-his-own-moral-code drama is chief among them. Starring Titus Welliver as the eponymous LAPD detective, based on Michael Connelly's novels, "Bosch" has plenty of hard glares and moral gray areas to satisfy yearnings for a cop drama that's not overly simplistic.
Stream Season 6 on Amazon April 17.
If you want a stranger-than-fiction true crime story: 'Hustlers'
Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu lead this critically-beloved 2019 film, which might make you feel like you're at a party even if you can't leave your house. The glitzy film is based on the true story of New York exotic dancers who drugged and robbed their rich customers.
Stream it on Showtime Anytime April 25.
If you want a sweet teen comedy: 'Never Have I Ever'
Mindy Kaling's latest series is based partly on her experiences as an Indian-American teen, and her trademark brand of loud, unfiltered humor is apparent even for a younger age group. (Kaling produces but doesn't appear in the series.) Narrated by, of all people, tennis legend John McEnroe, the series follows a struggling teen (played by sparkling newcomer Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) with aspirations of getting a boyfriend and becoming popular.
Stream it on Netflix April 27.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon: Best TV, films streaming in April
