What to Binge-Watch on Netflix at 3am to Help Forget the World is Falling Apart
11:10:00 AM
2016 has pretty much been an unmitigated disaster.
We've endured mass shootings, growing racial tension, attempted military coups, the death of musical legends, Brexit, and the potential of a Trump presidency. Not even an amazing, surprise Beyonce album could redeem 2016.2016 has been pretty terrible personally as well. While it hasn't reached the levels of death and destruction seen on a global scale, for me 2016 is a year of unemployment and mild post-grad depression. In the face of these personal disappointments and the greater tragedies occurring almost daily throughout the world, there is only one place for a millennial to turn to for comfort. Netflix.
Here are a list of comfort shows that can act as a brief reprieve from 2016.
1. Gilmore Girls
I may be somewhat influenced by the fact that I grew up with Gilmore Girls but this show is my go to whenever I'm "out on the road, feeling lonely and so cold."
Gilmore Girls transports me away from an impersonal big city into the charming small town of Stars Hollow where, underneath the fast talking and witticisms, there's an optimistic, loving center. The mother daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory (and sometimes even Emily and Lorelai) is adorable and we can take comfort in the fact that no matter what happens in their lives, the Gilmore girls will always find their way back to each other.
Just maybe stop after season 5 or 6.
2. Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is set in another small town, Pawnee, "first in friendship, fourth in obesity," and focuses on a unfailingly positive public servant Leslie Knope. While our government suffers seemingly endless gridlock, a frustrating election cycle and a polarized party system, its easy to get discouraged. But we can find hope and inspiration in Leslie and the Parks and Recreation team as they work to make Pawnee a better place.
3. Fixer Upper
I don't want to live in Waco Texas. I have never cared about shiplap, backsplash, or his and her sinks. And yet, watching this show, all of these things become deeply important to me. Chip and Joanna are a married couple living on a farm with about a million adorable children and animals. Every episode they take on and complete a new project, finding and fixing their clients' dream home. Joanna's consistent rustic-cool design style and Chip's constant joy on demolition day keeps this show predicable, low-stakes and throughly enjoyable.
4. Bob's Burgers
The Belchers, a lower middle class family running an always-on-the-brink-of-failing burger place, are an bunch of little weirdos. Unlike other cartoons, the conflicts in Bob's Burgers are grounded in reality. The adventures the family get up to are ridiculous and hilarious but are also relatable. What really makes this show a comfort show however, is the unconditional love and acceptance the Belchers have for one another.
5. Great British Baking Show
This British reality competition is markedly different from similar American competitions. There's no dramatic music or misleading editing. There's no fighting, screaming, scheming or backstabbing. Instead, contestants come to the tent every weekend and compete in three different challenges with civility and skill. Of the two seasons I've seen, I've pretty much rooted for every contestant. I may not understand all the baking terms or recognize all the British bakes they make, but the show is calming and sweet.
6. Friends
I mean, I think this entry is pretty self explanatory. Friends is the perfect reprieve from the realties of the world. I'm sure we've all at some point or another found a Friends marathon while channel surfing and ended up spending a pleasant day in Central Perk. And while that's always enjoyable, it took watching the whole series on Netflix to reminded me what a funny, charming show this was. Episodes are low-stakes, hilarious and often relatable. Everyone has a favorite friend. Although... and I don't care what you say, Ross is the worst always.
Which shows are your comfort shows?
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