In years past, moviegoers would gain a multitude of experiences at their local theaters, from the headache of parking on $5 Tuesdays to telling someone’s child to be quiet. I have always enjoyed watching brand new movies in comfortable seating while eating some irresistible buttery popcorn. Here in Lincoln, there are many places around the city for you to enjoy a movie, right now. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all entertainment venues have been closed, but have recently started to reopen.All Marcus Theaters, except the Edgewood location, are currently open and taking private bookings, as well as walk-ins, by following their social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

However, for some, staying home and watching a movie premiere from the comfort of their own couch is even better. When at home you can set your own start time, take up three seats, make popcorn your own way, bring your own drinks and best of all… feel free to fall into deep sleep. It is no secret that movies at home can be better, but for me, I usually prefer to go to the movie theater whenever I have the chance to.

Throughout the month of January, Marcus Theaters offered private screenings for only $99. They allowed up to 20 people in a cinema. While I did not have the chance to go see a movie at a private screening, I bet it was quite the experience for anyone who did. Moreover, I particularly would love to go see a movie right now. Yet, I can never find some free time in my busy schedule.

Since I don’t have time to visit a movie theater, I have started to watch a lot more entertainment from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus. Some of my favorite movies and TV shows include the following.

TV SHOWS

• A Teacher (Hulu)
• In The Dark (Netflix)
• Locke & Key (Netflix)
• Lupin (Netflix)
• Ozark (Netflix)
• Prodigal Son (Hulu)
• Ratched (Netflix)
• Riverdale (Netflix)
• Schitts Creek (Netflix)
• Superstore (Hulu)
• Sweet Magnolias (Netflix)
• The Flash (Netflix)
• The Good Place (Netflix)
• The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix)
• The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)
• The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
• WandaVision (Disney Plus)
• Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Hulu)

MOVIES

• A Wrinkle in Time (Disney Plus)
• Happiest Season (Hulu)
• Hidden Figures (Disney Plus)
• Love, Simon (Hulu)
• Maze Runner: The Death Cure (Hulu)
• The Finest Hours (Disney Plus)
• Where Hands Touch (Hulu)

There is no question that streaming services are becoming more popular than going to a movie theater. But movie theaters are dying, and could use more business right now. If you are willing to visit a theater right now, please do. With less business, theaters may be required to raise their ticket prices in order to survive, and with higher ticket prices, even less people will be able to visit theaters.