The events of 2020 influenced everything, including the entertainment landscape. Most studios proceeded with regularly scheduled programming; however, some highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic. From fuzzy faces encouraging us to wash our hands to animated characters being the cause of the virus, here are the TV shows and movies that best addressed the coronavirus pandemic.
Black-ish Season 7, Episode 3, "Hero Pizza"
"Nothing brings you closer than experiencing a shared trauma," says Dre Johnson (Anthony Anderson), setting up an episode focusing on COVID-19. "Hero Pizza" conveys the strain quarantine has on the Johnson family, but also depicts how the pandemic brought the Johnsons closer together.
Black-ish's pandemic episode expertly mixes comedy and empathy. It shows Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross), her frustrations regarding those not taking the pandemic seriously and what it's like to work on the frontlines. Simultaneously, the episode addresses everyday people who are unable to cope with the new reality and compassionately highlights the suffering and loss millions of Americans have gone through. Ultimately, however, the episode ends by showcasing the love and respect the family members have for each other.
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
The newest Borat installment is perhaps the only film released in 2020 that was made better due to COVID-19. While the crude humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying how effortlessly the pandemic fits into the film's storyline. From the addition of a March for Our Rights rally to Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) quarantining with Trump-backing conspiracy theorists, the project was practically made for the age of COVID.
The film sparked controversy and discussion among those who had seen it, those that hadn't, and those who were directly involved (whether they knew it or not). Who could forget the drama surrounding the awkward interview Borat's 15-year-old daughter (Maria Bakalova) had with Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani? In some ways, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm truly encapsulates how chaotic 2020 was overall.
Superstore Season 6, Episode 1, "Essential"
Before time traveling through summer, Superstore brings viewers back to March in its COVID-themed season premiere. Since the episode begins during the early stages of the pandemic, the sitcom mentions past events like the Tiger King documentary and news of actor Tom Hanks contracting coronavirus. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper jokes aside, the season premiere accurately portrays how ill-prepared retail establishments were.
One of Superstore's best qualities is its innate ability to juxtapose light-hearted humor with challenging real-life experiences, and it did just that with the inclusion of COVID-19. Scenes that illustrate anxiety and overwhelm aren't overshadowed by poorly executed gags. However, the episode's greatest accomplishment of all is the timely reminder of how much respect our essential workers deserve.
Totally Under Control
Directed by Alex Gibney, Hulu's Totally Under Control delves into how epically the Trump administration mismanaged the pandemic and does a praise-worthy job of explanation and analysis. It may not be the first film to document the repercussions of COVID-19, but Totally Under Control does have the best in-depth look at how badly the United States botched its response to the virus.
By giving a voice to experts, the documentary compares and contrasts the response efforts made by South Korea and America. Through sound research and evidence, Gibney makes it nearly impossible to not solely place blame on the White House for the dismal condition of the United States.
Sesame Street's HBO Special "Elmo's Playdate"
In Sesame Street's half-hour special — a stand-alone episode originally airing on HBO — Elmo becomes a source of comfort for kids during a time of uncertainty. With a little help, Elmo calls a few of his furry friends via video chat. Tons of Sesame Street favorites, including Cookie Monster and Grover, make appearances. From Zoom mishaps to Cookie Monster accidentally eating the paper his recipe had been on, the special is packed with jokes both children and parents can appreciate.
Consisting of multiple songs, games and celebrity guests, the special also makes it a point to celebrate frontline workers as well as everyday heroes. Additionally, the episode includes a quick PSA to parents from Elmo's dad, Louie, reminding them to take care of themselves during quarantine.
South Park Season 24, Episode 1, "The Pandemic Special"
South Park's "The Pandemic Special" tackles everything from COVID-19, police brutality, defunding the police and the Presidential Election. In true South Park fashion, the episode doesn't shy away from attempting to offend people from all sides on nearly every issue. That being said, the episode wins the award for coming up with the most original way of incorporating a coronavirus plot into an already established storyline. There were even a few somewhat touching moments, including one where Stan (Trey Parker) explains how he's been struggling while in quarantine.
Although the creators will claim it satire, South Park has long received heavy criticism for making racist, anti-Semitic and hateful jokes. Nonetheless, "The Pandemic Special" stands out from the show's other episodes by taking a few steps back from the usual controversial rhetoric. For the first time, South Park takes a political stance and all but begs its viewers to vote.