When the world feels exhausting, sometimes you want shows that offer a simple escape. Here are a few shows that will envelop you in their warm embrace.
Unless noted, streaming links are for subscriptions services only. Share your own recommendations in the comments section.
‘Schitt’s Creek’
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In the town of Schitt’s Creek, homophobia and racism don’t exist, personal growth is in the air, and although the Rose family lost its millions, there’s always enough money around. After being betrayed by their business manager, the Roses find themselves penniless, forced to live in the backwater town of Schitt’s Creek, which Johnny (Eugene Levy) bought for his son, David (Dan Levy), as a joke. Currently airing its sixth and final season, this lovely comedy from a real-life father-and-son team has been steadily gaining a cult following over the years (and a handful of Emmy nominations). The show takes a couple of seasons to settle into itself, so if you’re new to town, consider starting at Season 2 and going back to the opening episodes once you’ve fallen in love with the Rose family and their new neighbors.
Where to stream: Netflix.
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
This zippy show from Amy Sherman-Palladino has won three Golden Globes, including two best actress awards for Rachel Brosnahan. She plays Midge, a 1950s Upper West Side housewife who discovers she has a flair for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. With the help of a curmudgeonly downtown booking agent (Alex Borstein), she sets about turning her pain into punch lines, the raunchier the better. The stakes are pretty low here, and Brosnahan gives a great fish-out-of-water performance. She also wears some really excellent coats. There are three seasons available.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video.
‘The Simpsons’
Such is the cultural influence of “The Simpsons” that Springfield and its residents can feel familiar even if you haven’t watched the show religiously. Currently in its 31st season, it has aired more than 600 episodes, so it’s a show you can really go to town on. With its sight gags, verbal wordplay, pop culture allusions and jokes about high art, the show has humor of every stripe.
Where to stream: Disney Plus, FX Now and Hulu.
‘30 Rock’
Tina Fey’s workplace satire takes place in a New York City a little brighter and weirder than our own. Liz Lemon is a liberal feminist and Jack Donaghy is the ultimate capitalist Republican, but they are true and dependable friends. Inspiring!
Seeing the celebrity chef and octogenarian Mary Berry discuss a cake’s “soggy bottom” is a beautiful thing. This show follows the basic TV-contest format, with cheeky hosts and judges (like Mrs. Berry) who have extremely high standards. But the show is unusually gentle and kind, and extremely British. The show lost some of its simple goodness when it moved to Britain’s Channel 4 from the BBC, and it now has different hosts and presenters from those of its early glory years. The “Baking Show” family also has several spinoff shows now, including “Masterclass,” “The Beginnings” and “Holidays,” so you never have to leave the tent.
Where to stream: Netflix.
‘Daria’
Even if you weren’t lucky enough to have Daria Morgendorffer as a companion during your teenage years, this animated series is still a delight to experience. Daria and her best friend, Jane, struggle together through the absurdities and discomforts of high school and suburban life. While they are world-weary and witty beyond their years, some of the show’s most poignant moments are given to Daria’s popular younger sister and to other secondary characters. Dark times can call for dark humor. Thankfully there’s “Daria.”
Where to stream: Hulu.
‘Gilmore Girls’
To know the Gilmore girls is to be comforted by them. The fast-talking, caffeine-downing, mother-and-daughter BFFs returned in 2016 for a revival, and despite (or maybe because of?) the intense internet fanfare, the four new episodes fell a little flat. But don’t let that put you off a first viewing: The original seven seasons are utterly charming and full of autumnal foliage.
Where to stream: Netflix.
‘Being Erica’
This Canadian series doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it’s a gem. The show follows Erica, a 32-year-old woman who is sent back in time by her therapist to try to make up for the mistakes of her past. The theme of a grown-up learning to be a little more grown up is explored without clear-cut “right” and “wrong” answers. And who doesn’t fantasize about miraculously righting past wrongs?
Where to stream: Hulu.
‘The Good Place’
In this series from Michael Schur, the co-creator of “Parks and Recreation,” Kristen Bell plays a recently-deceased “medium person” who is accidentally sent to “the good place,” which is supposed to be reserved for only the saintliest of people. In the Good Place, there is an unlimited supply of frozen yogurt, everyone is partnered with his or her soul mate and you can’t curse. (No forking way, to use the show’s substitute word.) Ted Danson plays a daft administrator. If you like your sitcoms surreal, thought-provoking and generally warm, this one’s for you.
Where to stream: Netflix.
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
In this silly and wonderful police comedy, Andy Samberg plays a man-child detective in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct. An A+ comedic cast surrounds Samberg, including Joe Lo Truglio, Terry Crews, Chelsea Peretti, Melissa Fumero and a miraculous Andre Braugher, whose detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC drama “Homicide: Life on the Street” was one of the most intense TV characters of the ’90s. A core of generosity and kindness in the show’s antics makes the characters and relationships feel real and even grown-up.
Where to stream: Hulu.
‘Adventure Time’
In place of the world as we know it is the trippy wonderland of Ooo, where Finn and his best friend, the shape-shifting dog Jake, spend their time adventuring. There are princesses to save. Evil ice kings to defeat. Dance parties to host. Endless fantastical creatures to befriend. “Adventure Time” episodes are only 15 minutes long, but watching the show, the hours quickly melt away.
Where to stream: Hulu.
‘Gavin & Stacey’
When times are tough, sometimes you just want to be around family — and sometimes, it’s preferable when you’re not related to that family. This comedy tells the story of an English man and a Welsh woman who fall in love. But it’s really about their existing loved ones, who must learn to accept outsiders. The cast includes James Corden (who also co-wrote the series) as Smithy, Gavin’s fiercely loyal and lazy best friend. And Smithy is just one among many weird and wonderful supporting characters, including a sex-crazed elderly woman next-door neighbor and a goth best friend whose age is a mystery. The core of the show is love, in all its forms, and if you like silly, sweet shows, this one’s for you. (Available for purchase only.)
Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu.
