The world is a pretty scary place right now, but TV will always be here for us.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing major disruption across the globe, from the recently announced EU travel ban, suspension of the NBA season and the general shift towards remote work for many American employees. Times are scary, and the deluge of COVID-19 news can be overwhelming at best, and terrifying at worst.
While it’s good to stay informed, take practical precautions and look out for yourself and your community during such remarkable events, it’s also important to find time for self care, distraction and laughter.
While the TV industry hasn’t escaped the pandemic, favorite shows can help soothe and perk us up at least for a half hour at a time. Here are the 10 shows I highly recommend streaming to help alleviate anxiety, spend your self-quarantine time and generally bring a bit more joy into a dark world.
‘The Great British Baking Show’
Warm, friendly and with a focus on decent people doing their best (and doing their best to help each other), this British import is one of the happiest TV series ever made. With delectable-looking treats aplenty and kindness abounding, the series (barring the most recent season) is pure joy. And maybe it will inspire you to bake yourself a treat.
Stream it on Netflix.
‘Parks and Recreation’
Nothing can stop Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), not even a pandemic. NBC’s workplace sitcom is an inspiring stalwart in this genre, full of generally good people trying to do good things. Just skip the two flu-related episodes.
Stream it on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon.
‘Making It’
If ‘Parks and Rec’ isn’t enough Poehler and Nick Offerman for you, try their NBC crafting competition reality show. The closest thing the USA has to “Baking Show,” the series manages to find sweetness in its crafting, plus a whole lot of overalls for Poehler to wear.
Stream it on Hulu.
‘Gilmore Girls’
Although the Gilmore family has plenty of trials and tribulations, the world of quaint small-town Stars Hollow is usually upbeat in this beloved dramedy. The fast-paced jokes and frequent pop culture references help.
Stream it on Netflix.
‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’
A farcical mockumentary about a high school putting on a production of “High School Musical,” the stakes are low in this Disney+ series, though they seem very high (teenagers and their hormones, of course). With a hefty dose of nostalgia, it’s a good choice for TV comfort food.
Stream it on Disney+.
‘Queer Eye’
If you want to be so moved you come to tears, Netflix’s reboot of the makeover reality show is perfect. Inspiration, triumph, overcoming obstacles; all those heartwarming attributes are here when the Fab Five swoop into someone’s life to offer as much help as they can give in a week.
Stream it on Netflix.
‘Schitt’s Creek’
Full of beautiful romance, sunny settings and plenty of humor, Pop TV’s sitcom about a rich family that loses it all but gains a little perspective is always a mood booster.
Stream it on Netflix. New episodes on Pop Tuesdays, 9 EDT/PDT.
‘The Carol Burnett Show’
Nothing wrong with going classic for your distraction. There are a multitude of series from the mid-20th century available to stream, when TV was a positive affair across the board. I’m partial to the timeless comedy of Burnett, an American treasure.
Stream it on Amazon.
‘Fixer Upper’
Chip and Joanna Gaines, their sweet kiddos, many adorable pets and can-do attitude may just give you the confidence you need to get through a tough time. Their home renovations are pretty to look at, too.
Stream it on Hulu.
‘Puppy Prep’
A short-form documentary series about service dogs in training, “Puppy Prep” is like injecting furry joy right into your veins. With a cheekily funny narrator and a group of very good boys and girls out to do good, there’s nothing but uplift here.
Stream it on Hulu.
And if you want a movie… anything on Hallmark
Who cares if it isn’t Christmas! Hallmark movies are designed to lift your spirits, and not just during the holiday season. Cheesy romance, adorable small towns, predictably happy endings, we could all use a little of this right now.
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