What to Watch That Won't Stress You Out

Real talk: I try so hard to keep my sh*t together around the kids all day that I’ve been letting all my anxiety out at night. More than ever I feel the need for TV because it prevents me from spending the night scrolling my phone – which never leads to anything good. So here are some of the best shows around right now that will distract, delight… and, most importantly, won’t stress you out.

The Other Two (Comedy Central) Two adult siblings try to figure out their own sloppy lives while dealing with their little brother’s newfound fame as a teen pop star. Funniest dialogue on TV.

Elite (Netflix) –Imagine a show that has elements of Gossip Girl (beautiful, conniving people) and Veronica Mars (murder, mystery). Plus, there are Spanish subtitles, which means no half-watching.

Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu) – This miniseries—based on the book that everyone and their mother read in book club—won’t bring on the laughs. But it is absorbing and distracting, which is the highest compliment you can give to any show right now.

Crashing (Amazon) – For those still mourning the end of Fleabag: Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars in this short series about madcap twenty-somethings living in an abandoned hospital.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC) – A colorful and fun musical with dream-moms Mary Steenburgen and Lauren Graham. Just try not to let the catchy music get stuck in your head.

End Times Fun (Netflix) – Standup comic Marc Maron gives a funny, eerily prescient—he named his show pre-quarantine—takedown of modern pop culture.

High Fidelity (Hulu) – Zoë Kravitz runs a record store and falls in love in this re-imagining of the movie starring John Cusack. What’s not to absolutely love?

Katy Keene (CW) – Lucy Hale stars as an aspiring fashion designer trying to navigate her way in New York City. Come for the clothes, stay for the sharp writing.

Insecure (HBO) – Our queen Issa Rae is back in everybody’s favorite comedy-drama. If you haven’t seen the first three seasons, I’m pretty jealous that you get to experience this gem for the first time.

Leslie Jones: Time Machine (Netflix) – We could all use a standup who will make us laugh right now. Bonus points for the ones who make us truly LOL.

Better Things (FX) – Best show around IMHO. With humor and poignancy, comedienne Pamela Adlon perfectly nails the sheer exhaustion — and occasional tenderness — of being a woman and a mother.

And don’t forget the classics…

Honestly, this is the time to reach for whatever is your TV equivalent of comfort food. So rather than setting some lofty goal, like watching The Wire for the first time, find the show that puts you in the best mood and go with it! Some good options: