Coronavirus lockdown TV: 5 shows to watch today

From 'American Idol' to 'Manifest', here are a few shows you can catch up on TV and streaming networks today

PUBLISHED MAR 23, 2020

The world continues to extend the lockdown after the coronavirus outbreak. This means more time at home, either working or just relaxing. For March 23, 2020, we compile the list of top five shows to watch out for while we staying put and fervently hoping for the pandemic to pass.

'American Idol' (ABC)

'American Idol' is one of the longest-running reality TV competition series. Initially, the series aired on Fox for 15 seasons. Later on, it moved to ABC and has been on air since. Currently, in its 18th season, the series consists of a star-studded panel of judges that include Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Ryan Seacrest returned as the host alongside Bobby Bones as the in-house mentor. After premiering recently, the series is currently in the middle of Hollywood week. This season the judges decided to change things up and introduce a duet round instead of the usual group round. Next week, when the series returns, we will get to see the contestants perform during the solo round in Hollywood week. 'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday and Monday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.

'The Voice' (NBC)

The Voice Season 18 coaches (L-R) John Legend, Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson, and Blake Shelton (NBC)

NBC's 'The Voice' is one of the most successful editions from the franchise. Immensely talented vocal artists from across the country descend on the stage for the blind auditions, showcasing their pipes to the coaches, with their voice being the only deciding parameter of whether they make it on the show or not.

This time the four coaches — Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas and John Legend — were only given 10 spots each to form their teams as opposed to the previous seasons wherein each coach had 12 spots. With competition getting tougher and spots being cut down, the coaches were extra careful with their 'I Want You' buttons this time around in the blinds.

Last week's episode featured the final auditions and each coach has formed their teams with talent that they are confident of working together and winning. Next week will feature the battle round wherein coaches will pair their mentees who will compete against each other to retain their spot on the show. At the end of the battle rounds, only five contestants will remain and they will go on to compete in the battles. Apart from this, each coach will have an option to steal a contestant who will go home from the battle rounds, making it six contestants per team.

'Plot Against America' (HBO)

Zoe Kazan in 'The Plot Against America' (Michele K. Short/HBO)

Set in an alternate timeline of American history where Charles Lindbergh becomes President, the show follows the story of a Jewish family moving to a new neighborhood in America, in the midst of rising anti-Semitism. In the upcoming episode, some members of the family are taken in by his popular campaigns and believe that he actually has good intentions for America.

'Plot against America' airs 9 pm PST on HBO.

'Sol Levante' (Netflix)

Netflix recently announced the streaming service's collaboration with Production IG for 'Sol Levante'. It was supposed to be launched last fall but it's finally time for the 4K HDR animation technology to come to life. This is the first 4K HDR hand-drawn animated series and has been streaming on Netflix in 190 countries since before the end of 2019.

This is Netflix's first collaboration with Production IG, which was founded in 1987 and has an incredible influence on the anime industry. Some of the studio's acclaimed works include 'Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror', ' Miss Hokusai', 'Psycho-Pass', 'East of Eden', 'Guilty Crown' and 'Ghost in the Shell.'

The production team used the ColorEdge CG319X as their main editing monitor and the ColorEdge PROMINENCE CG3145 for final color checks and referencing. Akira Saito serves as director/editor in visual concepts/visual effects. Hisashi Ezura serves in animation technical supervision/screen design. Miho Tanaka serves in color design/ color coordination.

'Manifest' (NBC)

‘Manifest’ may not have stirred high hopes when viewers first heard about the ‘Lost’-like series from NBC. However, halfway into its second season, the show, starring Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis and Melissa Roxburgh, has managed to garner a cult-like following as fans obsess over its mysteries. In this week’s episode, Ben (Dallas) and TJ are drawn to a common calling, that leads them to feel like they were “going to die.” Meanwhile, Michaela (Roxburgh) is faced with a moral dilemma as her boyfriend Zeke works with Saanvi to see if his death date dilemma can be cured. Zeke soon learns that Saanvi’s cure may not be the answer.

Here's a promo for the upcoming episode:

Let us know what you're watching at the moment.