What to watch now you’re stuck at home: Tiger King, Servant, Pushing Daisies and more

This super charming TV show flew under the radar during its original run, which makes it perfect for now, given you’re stuck at home.

OK, we’re probably all going to be stuck at home for a lot longer than many of us originally realised.

So we’re going to turn this column into a weekly affair, sorting out your TV menu so you can think about one less thing when there’s s much going on in everyone’s minds.

Here are this week’s picks for whatever mood you’re in.

SOMETHING NEW

What a pair.

Tiger King: This new Netflix documentary series can be described with one word: Bonkers. Its subtitle is murder, mayhem and madness – just so you know what you’re in for. Centred on a man who calls himself a “gay, gun-carrying redneck with a mullet”, it’s the bizarre story of a man and his collection of wild cats, but it’s not exactly a Jane Goodall nature doco, how can it be when there are sex workers, murder-for-hire schemes and so, so many bad haircuts? Watch it: Netflix

Dickinson: You might think there is never a need for another story about American poet Emily Dickinson and her morbid soul, but this incarnation of her tale is far from a stuffy period drama. Starring Hailee Steinfeld as a young Emily, this take is sassy and anachronistically modern as the eventual literary giant chafes against the strictures placed on 19th century women – and it’s very charming. Watch it: Apple TV+

SOMETHING THRILLING

The Gloaming is a prime example of Tassie Noir.

The Gloaming: This Australian murder mystery takes a leaf from Scandi noir with a series of killings on the island that are somehow connected to a crime from decades earlier. Anchored by two performances from Ewen Leslie and Emma Booth as detectives with considerable personal baggage, The Gloaming is a chilling, atmospheric puzzler with a touch of the supernatural. Watch it: Stan

Servant: You don’t even know where you should be looking in Servant – who’s the holder of the secrets in this unsettling albeit beautifully decorated townhouse? Is it the affluent parents of baby Jericho or is it the reserved and unnerving nanny who turned up at their door on a rainy night? Servant is creepy, claustrophobic and gorgeously shot. Watch it: Apple TV+

SOMETHING FUNNY

A killer option.

Barry: Saturday Night Live alum Bill Hader proved himself to be much more than a funny man with this dark comedy he co-created, and also stars in, directs and writes. Talk about a multi-hyphenate. He plays a former army veteran turned hired assassin who accidentally joins an acting class while on a job. There’s a lot of emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas, and there are lots and lots of uncomfortable laughs. Watch it: Foxtel Now

Fleabag: If you’re one of the people who haven’t watched Fleabag yet (what have you been doing?!), now is definitely the time. Familiarise yourself with the genius that is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who stars in and created this acerbic and quirky comedy whose snappy dialogue cuts as much as its emotional poignancy. Watch it: Amazon Prime Video

SOMETHING OLDER

Pushing Daisies knows something about no touching.

Pushing Daisies: It only ran for two seasons in the late 2000s, but this visually festive series is super charming and just an absolute delight to look at. Created by Bryan Fuller, it stars Lee Pace as Ned, a sweet pie maker who has a strange power to bring people back from the dead with his touch – but if he touches them again, they are re-deceased. Which is somewhat of a conundrum when he reanimates his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte. We can relate to the “no touching” policy. Watch it: iTunes/Google Play

Pride & Prejudice: While everyone most remembers Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy emerging from the lake, transparent white shirt clinging to him, let us never forget that this six-episode BBC miniseries is a classic for other reasons. This witty and perfectly adapted Austen story follows the travails of Elizabeth Bennet and her blooming romance with the terse Mr Darcy. It’s the original will-they-won’t-they. Watch it: Stan

SOMETHING LONG

Bromance.

Psych: Psych was doing The Mentalist before The Mentalist – a keenly observant and smart screw-up who pretends to be psychic to help solve crimes for the local police, just without the dead family. It’s a more lighthearted series whose winning formula relies on its pop culture obsession and the friendship between irresponsible Shawn and his friend, the much more uptight Gus. It has a great Twin Peaks-themed episode called “Dual Spires”. Watch it: Amazon Prime Video

The Office US: This week is the 15th anniversary of The Office’s debut. Who would’ve thought that an American remake of a revered British sitcom would go on to create such a legacy of its own. Its 201 episodes are perfect for running in the background as you work from home, a reminder that being in a workplace full of kooks isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Watch it: Stan/Foxtel Now/Amazon Prime Video

SOMETHING WITH THE KIDS

Awww, look at that face.

Bear – Koala Rescue: This one-hour special tells the story of a five-year-old Koolie named Bear (yes, it’s confusing so many dog owners named their puppers Bear) whose specialty is detecting koalas – a very busy job during the recent bushfire crisis when Bear’s services saved many furry lives. It’s a positive, life-affirming story. Watch it: Foxtel Now

Carmen Sandiego: Adults may know Carmen Sandiego better as a computer game but now the globetrotting character has been transformed for a streaming series – plus she got to keep her nifty hat. Follow Carmen around the world as the infamous thief gets a backstory and an assistant. Quick, there’s learning afoot! Watch it: Netflix