As we find ways to busy ourselves in our home, it seems that more and more people turned to streaming platforms for entertainment—especially in the Philippines, I reckon, because one of the biggest media network was shut down by the government which caused 11,000 people to lose their jobs. And yes, it happened during the pandemic when the working class sure could use money to feed their family. (Check the NY Times article here too, if you want to know more.)
I digress—ok, going back…
All thanks to technology and innovators like Reed Hastings and Mark Randolph that we now have access to hundreds and thousands of content! I thoroughly enjoy watching shows because it serves as an escape or even just a break from reality.
In hindsight, the shows listed here not only made me feel good but also helped me gain perspective on everyday things. So without further ado, here’s my top 5:
5. Modern Family
Growing up with all my relatives from my mom’s side living near our home, I related to this show a lot! I love how this show captured the craziness and heartfelt drama that comes with living close to your extended family.
This is a story about three modern families with Jay Pritchett as the main patriarch. I think the central theme of this show is how an imperfect family can love each other dearly despite the disagreements and differences. It not only focuses on the parenting issues that the couples (Jay & Gloria, Phil & Claire, Mitch & Cameron) face, but it also presents some real issues that the kids are going through as they grow up.
Key takeaway: As a family, We don’t always have to get along or agree but we also don’t have to drift apart. We just need to understand and respect that everyone grows up, and forms their own beliefs and opinions—even the babies who used to be so sweet and have you change their nappies. You just have to let go and trust that they are raised well.
4. Haikyuu!
I didn’t expect to like this show as much as I did! (Kudos to Ian for making me watch) Maybe the reason I enjoyed this so much is because the story is told through Hinata’s perspective.
Hinata, a volleyball player of Karasuno High School, is a boy who eagerly wants to be the best player. He sees the people around him with such admiration for their skills and curiosity. He is not shy to give compliments, and is humble enough to ask for help.
I think it is also because of that, that the show veered away from the typical storyline where the opposing team automatically becomes the villain. They also go deep into every team’s raison d'être to show that their strong determination to win is as pure as Karasuno’s. And so, whenever a game is over, whatever the result is—I end up having very confused feelings. I feel sorry for whoever loses!
Good timing for everyone who's just about to start watching this because they just continued airing the part 2 of season 4 last night!
Key takeaway: No goal is too big for someone who strives every day. You don’t have to be instantly great—all you need is humility in admitting that you could use some help. Then when you have improved, gratitude and respect for those who helped you. It will also be great if you can give back and teach others too. 😊
3. Schitt’s Creek
If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you must have heard of this underdog series sweep the 2020 Emmy Awards! I started watching Schitt’s Creek merely because I had nothing to watch. The story of the Rose family is beautifully told that being able to watch this show is one of the reasons I get up early in the morning.*
Schitt’s Creek tells the story of the Rose family and their life after their massive fortune was stripped off from them. If you think that’s horrible, might I add that they also went from living in a mansion to a motel room in a town called Schitt’s Creek.
Far be it for me to keep pettifogging when the main star of the show is how the writers told the story of the Rose Family with such empathy and humour.
The show gave us a sneak peek of a reality where a Schitty situation can be an opportunity for one to re-discover one’s true capabilities. We sometimes depend so much on trivial things such as physique, wealth, and status when defining our worth to a point where we forget that we are much more than that.
And of course, as made apparent by the Eugene and Daniel Levy’s acceptance speech, this story is about the ripple effect of genuine love and acceptance. Just by accepting a person for who they are—their sexuality included—you are already playing a vital and positive role in that person’s character development. So let’s leave homophobia, racism, and any other bias in the past. C’mon guys, it’s 2020, we should be more progressive by now.
Key takeaway: It is fitting that I watched this show when the pandemic started because if there’s anything this present reality has taught me it’s that you can have all the wealth in the world, but if God (or the universe, or any larger than life being you believe in) has other plans, it almost does not matter. So don’t attach yourself too much to the physical things in life; and with every chance you get, try to live your life by making meaningful connections.
*I watch it on Netflix but I schedule it (UGH, such a type A) before I work while I have my breakfast so I start my day on a positive note.
2. How I Met Your Mother
This show is my all-time favourite! I must have re-watched all 10 seasons for four or five times now. I watch this like how Ted watches Star Wars; I watch it when I’m sad, happy, homesick, or if I just need a reminder that some go extra miles for people they love—and it’s also okay to let go when it’s just not right.
Aside from what the title suggests, for me, this show is about letting go and holding on—be it to people, memories, place, and dreams—and how having your best friends with you in the process of doing so can make things less sad, and could even be legen…wait for it… DARY.
Unlike other series that went up to eight or more seasons, this show managed to keep the central theme of the story—How Ted met the mother of his kids—while going deep into side stories and developing all the characters. The writers are so good at storytelling that you find yourself delighted even at the sight of side characters Ranjit the driver or Carl the bartender (or vampire as Marshal suspects him to be).
Key takeaway: Getting your heart broken should not stop you from believing in love. People leave because maybe, they are really not supposed to stay—perhaps you met to teach you a lesson about patience? Trust? Whatever it is—it must not diminish your hope that somewhere, your yellow umbrella is waiting for you.
1. The Good Place
While How I Met Your Mother is my all-time favourite series, I just have to put The Good Place as my top must watch feel good show.
‘What happens when we die?’ has always been my life’s biggest question. Then, soon after, I wonder if I’m going to hell or heaven. Of course, I don’t know which theory or belief is correct but The Good Place gave me a lot to think about. I like how the show introduced philosophies that can serve as a guide on what it means to be a good person.
The story follows Eleanor who was a sales representative in a very questionable pharmaceutical company. All her life, she believed that all she can be is an ‘Arizona shirtbag’ (her words, not mine and also they can't curse in The Good Place hence the 'shirtbag'); and so she lived without regard for anyone and anything else—yet, somehow, she ended up in The Good Place.
Key takeaway: I don’t know whether heaven or hell truly exist, but it couldn’t hurt to keep trying to become the best version of myself while I’m alive. In the end, all the physical and material things in life will not matter. The only thing left will be the impact of my relationships with the people around me.
‘You are what you eat’ is a saying they tell you when they want you to be mindful of what you consume. I think it is also applicable to consuming content. While I also enjoy watching plainly funny movies like Sausage Party and 22 Jumpstreet--I think it’s also good for us to consume content that will entertain us and can help us gain a different or deeper perspective.
So yeah, if you want to feel good while you chilling at home—I definitely recommend these shows! You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even get you to realise a few things?
Before I finally end this lengthy blog, I want to leave you with an advice: DO NOT BE A SPOILER. It’s not cool, ok??