It seems as though the internet was created for a situation like this. There are myriad resources, platforms, and websites online to help us stay connected and entertained from the comforts of our homes.
Not all of these resources are readily available, however. Those living abroad may struggle to gain access to their favorite American entertainment. Americans, meanwhile, may have already burnt through their Netflix queues and are looking for TV shows from overseas.
Whether you’re in the US, living abroad, or simply trying to access geo-restricted content, here are some options for using a VPN to stay connected to the outside world and keep yourself entertained without having to venture outside.
Have A Remote Netflix Viewing Party
Make a bowl of popcorn, kick back on your couch, and enjoy a movie with your friends--even if they’re in a different house, or on the other side of the world. Netflix Party is a free site that syncs up movies and TV shows on Netflix with others online, allowing you to watch the same movie at the same time as your friends and family from different living rooms.
To use Netflix Party, simply install it to chrome and choose something on Netflix. Then create a ‘party,’ and share the URL with anyone you want to watch with. This allows you to view a show or movie together in real-time. Everyone can choose their own user icon and screen name and converse through the chat box.
It doesn’t matter what the distance is between your friends, though for users outside of the US a VPN will certainly come in handy. If everybody has a VPN, you can access a huge selection of US, British, and global shows and films. It may not be the same as sitting in the living room together, but with synchronized video playback and real-time chat, it’s a phenomenal way to entertain yourself and stay connected with friends at the same time. When it comes to streaming at blazing fast speeds, ExpressVPN is the go-to choice.
Access Free Kids’ Shows
Keeping your kids entertained is a task that requires a Herculean amount of creativity and patience. Amazon.com, however, has stepped up by offering some great kids’ shows for free streaming.
If you’re in the US, just sign up for a free Amazon Video Prime account. This won’t get you access to all of Amazon’s offerings, but there’s enough good content here from PBS and Amazon’s own bank of originals to keep the kids engaged for plenty of long afternoons. Here’s a look at some of the shows and movies currently being offered for free:
- Arthur
- Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
- Pete the Cat
- Costume Quest
- Jessy and Nessy
Meanwhile, if you’re not in the US, you can still access these free offerings with a top VPN service like ExpressVPN.
Watch TV From Overseas
Maybe you’ve already burned through your Netflix queue. Or perhaps you’re a big fan of British TV, European news, or Bollywood films. Now’s as good as time as ever to get caught up on the best entertainment from around the world.
Streaming local content from a different country can be difficult due to geo-restrictions, but VPNs can provide you quick and easy access to a number of celebrated streaming and entertainment platforms.
Since a VPN allows you to access servers all around the world and thereby spoof a location in, say, the UK or India, you can access international entertainment abroad. Here’s a list of some great platforms and sites for expanding your viewing options:
- BBC iPlayer: The British Broadcasting Channel is host to tons of award-winning TV series and news programs
- DR TV: Catch premier Danish TV dramas and comedies
- Fuji TV: Access anime, drama, and news from Japan
With over 3,000 servers in 160+ locations, ExpressVPN will allow you to break through geo-restrictions and enjoy worldwide content, no matter where your home is located.
Find More to Watch With a VPN
Whether you’ve grown bored with your usual shows or can’t access your favorites from back home, a VPN can help you break through content restrictions and expand your viewing options. Check out these top VPN providers as well as the suggestions above to make the most of this hopefully short-lived period of social distancing.
