As others have said, yes, the trainer is fine for base miles.

I've done up to 4.5 hours on the trainer. I find base miles difficult to do on the trainer because it is such a steady, lower effort, it is hard to remain motivated. Interval workouts are easier because it at least breaks up the time.

And yes, watching movies or TV helps a lot. I watched The Wire, the entire series, this winter on the trainer. That kept me focused. I also will hit the Red Box up and rent movies on occasion. I generally prefer crappy action movies - Transformers, Captain America... to anything else.