Five shows to destress with
We’re now a month into the new semester, which means we’re all in need of a little distressing. Here’s a list of five great shows on Netflix and Hulu to unwind with at the end of the day:
- “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2015 — 2019)
From executive producer Tina Fey comes the Emmy-nominated Netflix original comedy, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” The show centers around Kimmy Schmidt who has recently been rescued from a doomsday cult where she was captive for 15 years. Now free and an adult, she is determined to make the world a better place as she starts a new life in New York City. The show also includes characters such as Titus Androemdon, Kimmy’s gay roommate, who is trying to make his way as a Broadway actor; Jaqueline Voorhees, the spoiled trophy wife of a wealthy New York Businessman; and Lillian, the loony landlady fighting gentrification.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a light, heartwarming watch because of its optimistic outlook on life and exaggerated comedy. It can be found on Netflix.
- “The Good Place” (2016 — 2020)
Have you ever wondered what happens when you die? Well, this zany comedy shows the hilarity that ensues when someone is sent to the wrong afterlife. Upon death, Elanor Shellstrop arrives in the “good place” only to quickly realize she is not supposed to be there because of the horrible things she did while she was alive. Along with her soulmate, Chidi, and their serene neighbors, Tahani and Ji’anu, she has to become a better person so the angel, Micheal, doesn’t realize who she really is.
This show has a strange, surreal sense of humor that constantly jumps right to the extreme, making it easy to forget your own troubles while watching. It can be found on Netflix and Hulu.
- “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013 —)
With a similar premise to the popular “The Office” (2005 — 2013) and “Parks and Recreation” (2009 — 2015), “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” centers around the day-to-day work life of a department in the New York Police Department, who only occasionally do their jobs. Detectives Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago, Charles Boye, along with Sergent Terry Jeffords, administrator Gina Linetti, and captain Ray Holt, work to clear the streets of crime while competing between themselves and balancing complex friendships and relationships.
The show’s exaggerated characters and situations is a great way to unwind after a long day of classes. It can be found on Hulu.
- “How I Met Your Mother” (2005 — 2014)
Fans of “Friends” will appreciate this sitcom following a similar premise: five friends navigate their way through relationships and adulthood in New York City. The group consists of Ted, an ambitious architect, Marshall, a lovable lawyer, Lily, a kindergarten school teacher, Barney, a charismatic playboy with a mysterious job, and Robin, an aspiring news anchor. The five vastly different personalities mix for a dynamic, lighthearted sitcom that highlights the frustrations of relationships.
This show is a fun ride with plenty of laughs and awkward situations to relate to. It can be found on Hulu.
- “That ‘70s Show” (1998 — 2006)
Featuring the rise of hippies and tie-dye, the ’70s were a crazy time in history. Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, President Nixon and outrageous fashion. What better way to experience it than through the eyes of six Wisconsonian teenagers growing up in the middle of it all? “That ‘70s Show” captures all the adventures of growing up at this strange time through Eric Foreman, Steven Hyde, Donna Pinciotti, Micheal Kelso, Jackie Burkhart, and Fez as they work their way through the many ups and downs of high school.
The show is a satire on the time period, exaggerating many aspects to create a retro feel very different from our world today. It can be found on Netflix.
*Graphic by Regan Johnson.
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