Most people who aren’t theater buffs probably know Elaine Stritch, who passed away today at the age of 89, from her role as Alec Baldwin’s mother on 30 Rock. I’ve known who Elaine Stritch was since I was first introduced to the cast album of Stephen Sondheim’s Company as a teenager. The show contains many famous Broadway melodies, one of which became Stritch’s signature song, “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Starting her career at the age of 17 in New York City, Stritch knew everyone from Marlon Brando to Ben Gazzara to Kim Stanley and of course, composer, Stephen Sondheim. She was nominated for a Tony Award five times and won three Emmys, one of which was for 30 Rock. Her gutsy personality and unique talent will not be forgotten. She’s influential to many of those who make their livings in the theater nowadays. So, if you’re at a bar tonight, have a vodka stinger and raise your glass to a one of a kind woman: Elaine Stritch. I’ll drink to that.
Breaking Bad (Airs on AMC, currently streaming on Netflix. Just ended. Sad.) Seriously, if you haven’t seen this show, it’s not too late to get sucked in. It’s insane and totally worth the binge-watching if you’re sick. It’s just as addictive as that blue meth they peddle on the show. Get watching!
The Wonder Years (Aired on ABC from 1988-1993; Available streaming on Netflix) If you ever wish that you could have your Mom tuck you in and feed you chicken soup again and curse being an adult, the Wonder Years is for you. Kevin Arnold can help you get through anything…from your first crush, to your cold.
30 Rock (aired on NBC, currently streaming on Netflix) Have no fear, whatever state you’re currently in with your illness, chances are, Liz Lemon has had a day that is far worse than yours. Revel in the fact that this show is so funny that you’ll laugh the whole time and get better quickly.
The West Wing (aired on NBC, currently streaming on Netflix) Until our real government re-opens, why not watch one that is actually functioning. The West Wing is perfect for that and with writing like Aaron Sorkin’s, you’ll never get bored.
The Riches (aired on FX for two seasons, currently streaming on Netflix) This only lasted two seasons, but if you are a mega-fan of Breaking Bad and are going into Walter White withdrawal, check out The Riches with Eddie Izzard as the bad guy and he’s hysterical at it. “A family of crooks assume the identity of an upper-middle-class suburban clan in the Deep South.”–IMDB
Raising Hope (currently airing on Tuesdays at 8p.m. on Fox, the first three seasons are streaming on Netflix): Theater and film vets Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman co-star in this hysterical series about a 20-something guy who is left to raise his daughter. Oh yeah, Martha Plimpton (you know, from the Goonies) plays the grandmother.
Psych (airs on the USA Network, streaming on Netflix): If you’re a fan of Law & Order, but wish it were, you know, funny, this is the show for you. Plus, it’s a fake detective agency and they are more often than not better than the detectives. Oh, and four words: Clue. Movie. Tribute. Episode.
The Office (aired on NBC, streaming on Netflix) Hey, when you’re out sick, at least you’re not at work. Why not take some time to vicariously laugh and prank co-workers by watching episodes of the Office? 
Malcolm in the Middle (aired on Fox, streaming on Netflix): For the lighter side of Bryan Cranston before he broke bad, pre-Heisenberg, from 2000-2006, he was just a laughable, fun-loving dad named Hal. Not to mention, Cranston got Emmy and Golden Globe nominations from this series as well.
