Who would’ve thought it would take isolation to reconnect with people? Oh, the irony of it all, indeed.
Related: 6 Introspective Shows That Will Make You Feel Less Alone While In Isolation
If there is anything more pronounced in the time of the pandemic, it’s that isolation has necessitated the need for human connection. Yes, you will argue that the 21st century world is inextricably linked, what with all the technological advancements and contemporary conveniences we enjoy, and to an effect, that is true. The mere fact that we are hunkered down on a device furiously typing or mindlessly scrolling means there is a form of virtual relation being made, even on the slightest surface level. So, in the current reality of the world where physical distance has been taken to strict effect, one would assume that we would be fine, right? Not entirely.
While the unrelenting pandemic continues to violently crack its whip without no ounce of remorse, breaking down the world to a crumbly mess as we know it, it has also exacerbated the desire for connection, but this time, on the taken for granted physical level. It was always just there, we assumed, but now, as we duck our spirits from out of harm’s way, there now exists a strain on a social stratum, creaking towards breaking point as each day progresses. It’s an odd situation to process, especially since most of us are quarantined with families and significant others. However, that is just part of the entire make-up of our human condition, with a network of relationships we terribly miss come to the fore.
Now, no matter where you tip on the social scale, the distance compelled by COVID-19 has been driving you mad. So, what is a man to do in a time like this? Adapt, of course.
By now, all your messaging apps have been on fire, burning through your devices, thereby filling in a void viciously and mercilessly punctured by the pandemic. Lifesavers as they are, cautiously cushioning close-contact and cabin fever-induced connections at home, it has consequently encouraged reconnections on many social fronts—from friendships that have run its course to professional bonds. A lot of it is surprising, too, perhaps because now we realize the true, if not fragile value of these interactions.
Over the course of the past month, the recurring theme within the realm of relationships has been to catch up, inadvertently forging a reunion that reignites the sparks of varying degrees of association. In fact, it has become some sort of a trend in entertainment, with Zoom calls, Instagram Live sessions, and TV reboots jumping in on the rekindling train, but this time, broadcast for all of us to enjoy and naturally, send our hearts aflutter.
Find out which of your favorite shows of the past, BFFs, and even ex-lovers virtually reconnect while in quarantine. Oh, and while you’re at it, check up on that friend of yours that just went online on your messaging app. Everyone needs someone to talk to, now more than ever
The Nanny
A reunion years in the making, prompted by among many things, a rumored reboot in the works, the cast of the beloved 90s show, The Nanny, have all come together for a virtual table read of the pop culture shifting first episode the show. Led by the indefatigable Fran Drescher, it was far from a crushing scene of course, as she, along with the Sheffields, Niles, C. C. Babcock, and the rest of the New York city gang gave us so much more than just nostalgia. It had style, it had flair, and nothing less, because it is The Nanny. “It’s a once in a lifetime Pandemic Performance for our fans around the world who are currently stressing in isolation and could use a real upper! It sure has given each of us a lift and we hope it does for you as well,” says Fran Drescher of the effort.
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Hannah Montana
It sure was the best of both worlds as Miley Cyrus enlisted the help of her Hannah Montana bestie, Emily Osment, on her daily Instagram Live show, Bright Minded: Live With Miley. In what she called the “reunion of the decade,” Miley and Emily talked about their time on the show, all the good and the embarrassing, as well as their shared advocacy for fostering pets, especially in this pandemic. “It’s a really great time for those in situations that are able to provide. It’s a good time to adopt or foster—but it’s really important to talk about financial responsibility and the strain a pet can cause on a family during this financially challenging time,” says Miley Cyrus. “The best way to draw attention to man’s best friend is to bring in the best friend duo that always encouraged people to do what’s best and do what’s right.
Maze Runner
“We survived the Glade, the Scorch, and whatever the third one was about. We got this,” writes Kaya Scodelario in a caption to accompany her post on her digital reunion with Maze Runner cast mates Dylan O’Brien, Ki Hong Lee, Will, Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Alexander Flores, and Chris Sheffield. It seems oddly timely, too, especially since the James Dashner-penned science fiction novels deals with a post-apocalyptic world. And aren’t we on the verge of one yet?
Star Trek
Beam us up, Scotty, because this quarantine reunion is absolutely mind-blowing. “I have the best friends in the world,” writes Marina Sirtis, better known to Star Trek fans as Counselor Deanna Troi. “Considering everything, this was the best birthday present.” Even by intergalactic levels, this was a major coup with most of The Next Generation cast coming together from LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Wil Wheaton, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, and the legend himself, Patrick Stewart.
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Modern Family
On the night of series finale of the eponymous sitcom, Modern Family, the cast got together on Zoom in a reunion that may not be as spaced out in time as the others on the list, but is special, considering how these actors have inevitably become family over the course of over a decade. “Thank you to my fake family,” quips Julie Bowen in a post. “I love you.” And we do, too.
Schitt’s Creek
“Couldn’t be happier to be with this group to watch the fabulous end to our little show that could,” shares Sarah Levy in a post posturing a Zoom meet up during the series finale of Eugene and Dan Levy co-captained show, Schitt’s Creek, very recently. When asked how the reunion went, as the show had wrapped up in the middle of last year, co-creator and show runner, Dan Levy dished to James Corden that it was very indicative of their bond as a cast and now, family. “We were watching our finale, which was very funny, but also very sweet and tender at times,” details Dan Levy. “It became like, at least after every commercial break, someone forgot to turn the mute button off. So, there would be this really sentimental moment and you’d just hear one of us chatting in the background with a friend or whatever. It was messy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s very us.” Needless to say, it was simply the best.
High School Musical
Okay, Troy Bolton of the Wildcats may have not joined in on the nostalgic chorus of We’re All In This Together for the cast’s reunion for Disney’s Family Sing Along, he did film a special message introducing his friends, old and new to the audience. Director Kenny Ortega explains that they got hold of him last minute, so it was the most they can do, which is better than nothing right? Nevertheless, the rest of East High got together for a spirited song and dance number featuring the OGs, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, and Corbin Bleu.
Harry Potter
While the rest of the Harry Potter fandom have to content themselves with extensions and often unnecessary revelations to the magical universe by author, J.K. Rowling, there have been bits and pieces of silver linings (not wand-related, unfortunately) to a cast reunion over the years. Prompted by the coronavirus outbreak, the slick and sly father-son duo of Lucius and Draco Malfoy took to a reunion on the Muggle invention called Zoom to talk about life in quarantine, social distancing, and their support for Red Cross. Captioned, “Malfoy Family Reunion. Sharing Lockdown Life,” the digital get together was definitely a highlight for us self-confessed magical folk.
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake
Now, this may not necessarily be a virtual reunion by any stretch of the imagination, it is enough to merit a mention, especially for any hopelessly stubborn fan who have not moved on from the pop debacle of a decade gone by. In one of her now signature Instagram posts where she is dancing, twirling, and not giving a damn of what anyone thinks in her uniform of body-hugging dresses with a choker and kohl-lined eyes, she was seen shimmying to Filthy by ex-lover, Justin Timberlake. “I know we had one of the world’s biggest breakups 20 years ago…but hey the man is a genius!!! Great song JT!!!! Pssss if you KNOW WHAT’S GOOD,” the princess of pop writes, immediately setting social media into a frenzy as if it were the year 2000 all over again. The best part? Justin Timberlake responded cheekily with a string of 😂🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
emojis. The queen of maturity? Ooops, she did it again.
