Good, clean fun
Binge options for spring cleaning relief.
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and you have stacks of winter clothes to put away. Tuesday marked the first official day of spring, which means it’s supposed to be time to dust off those cleaning supplies. Spring cleaning isn’t always fun, but we have five TV shows and movies that may inspire you to go the extra mile as you spruce things up.
If your friends make fun of your obsessive cleaning: Friends
Oh, Monica Geller. For 10 seasons on the classic sitcom, Courteney Cox’s high-strung chef kept Apt. 20 squeakyclean, for better or worse. Friends is the perfect show to binge-watch while you’re doing something else, because you’ve probably seen every episode before, so it doesn’t matter if you miss a joke or two while vacuuming. And the episode where Monica admits she has a messy closet will make you feel better about your own habits.
❚ Stream it on Netflix.
If you like your murder mysteries very sterile: Monk
If you are looking for a crime procedural to binge while you work, the story of Mr. Monk, who has obsessive compulsive disorder and is germaphobic, is the best choice. In addition to being an addictive and enjoyable murder-ofthe-week drama, the Tony Shalhoubstarring series is hilarious and has plenty of cleaning inspiration, even if he is a little over the top. ❚ Stream it on Amazon.
If you need motivation to throw out some boxes: Hoarders
Hoarders is one of those reality shows that makes you feel a little better about some of your own bad habits, and maybe motivates you to make a change. The stories of the people who have extreme hoarding tendencies are both enthralling and tragic, and the A&E series has a can’t-look-away-from-it quality that will keep you watching all day.
❚ Stream it on Hulu.
If you bond with family while you clean: Sunshine Cleaning
If you’re looking to take a break from cleaning with a quick movie, we recommend this underrated 2008 gem starring Emily Blunt and Amy Adams. The actresses star as sisters who are down on their luck, and so they start a crime scene clean-up business. It’s a weird concept that somehow works, and the movie is as sweet and heartfelt as its sunny title.
❚ Stream it on Hulu.
If the whole cleaning thing is new to you: Mrs. Doubtfire
If Mrs. Doubtfire can do it, so can you. The Robin Williams classic is heartwarming family fun, and can help even the messiest and laziest among us get off the couch and pick up a sponge. Anything is possible.
❚ Stream it on Starz.