There is nothing more uplifting than a comedy or a feel-good sitcom. Now more than ever, when we are all either self-isolating or taking precaution and following our government directive to stay home, happy and feel-good tv content can play a large part in helping us balance our mental health.
We have listed out some of our favourite feel-good shows on Netflix to help you find your chi during lockdown.
FRIENDS
As we practice social distancing and make do with Zoom hangout sessions, why not let the original Friends offer you an escape route. Chandler, Joey, Monica, Rachel, and Pheobe have been part of our lives for 25 years now and if that is not real companionship, what is? This quirky sitcom has always been a favourite with me because it has the right amount of everything: sugar, spice, and everything nice. Perfect for a binge-watching session or savour one episode at a time.
THE BIG BANG THEORY
Growing up, we never did care much for Science. Until Big Bang came along. While the real Big Bang Theory continues to confound me, the namesake sit-com made me sit up and take notice of all the physical sciences. Sheldon’s flawed existence and Leonard’s friendship that endures everything. Rajesh was not just the token Indian guy and his friendship with Howard reminded me of my friendships. Amy, Penny, and Bernadette are strong, independent women with a sense of humour. The show is the complete package and never have I ever had so much fun and learning combined in any show.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
A cop show that is as quirky as it can get, Brooklyn Nine-Nine sets itself apart from all the other procedural dramas out there. It has a mix of everything one could ask for without turning everything into a weep fest. I have reached out for the tissues many a time, only to wipe the tears of laughter. Other than the fact that is fun, it is also ground-breaking on many levels and with a cast as diverse as the show has, it offers a spectrum of storylines to follow and have fun with.
UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT
When I had first read reviews about the show, I was not sure how juxtaposing something as serious as a cult rescue with comedy would play out. I must admit I watched it with much apprehension and one episode in, I was hooked to it. Tina Fey and Rober Carlock’s fantabulous writing skills combined with Ellie Kemper and Titus Andromedon’s acting chops make this show a treat to watch. And as we are all forced to accept that our lives might be changing and there might be a new normal, the cult-rescued Kimmy serves up some really funny pointers on how to survive a potential tragedy.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
Nothing is more apt at this time that this absolutely warm-your-cockles sitcom that follows the lives of a Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles. Without being too preachy, it deals with a lot of serious topics and turns them into teaching moments through light-hearted fun and banter. The cast is the star of the show. And, I mean the entire cast led by the gorgeous and vivacious Rita Moreno. The show is a reprise of the original 1975-1984 sitcom of the same title and tackles many modern issues that are plaguing the world now. More importantly for me, and I hope it would be the same for you, it shows me the way to do as its title says: Take One Day at a Time. Who does not want to do that?
GRACE AND FRANKIE
This is, by far, my most favourite show and a MUST, MUST-WATCH for everyone who thinks it is too late to reinvent their lives. Completely balmy and extraordinarily emotional it follows two very unlikely bedfellows as they navigate their personal lives, families, and entrepreneurship. Did I mention that both these women, Grace and Frankie are in their 70s and could teach the young ones a thing or two about how to keep joie-de-vivre alive? Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are LEGENDS. They are everything that makes this show special and the writing complements these two on-screen. It is all heart, all funny bone, and hits all the right spots. IT IS PURE GOLD.
You may or may not want to watch some of these. Not everyone likes watching everything. Just pick up something that will help you unwind, switch off, and destress. It is good for your mind, your soul, and your wellbeing.
Stay Indoors, Save Lives.
