If you are understandably in the middle of an existential crisis, there is no better show to address it than The Good Place. From life after death, to the infamous trolley problem, there is no concept the show will back down from, all to answer the ultimate philosophical question: are humans fundamentally good or bad?
The show follows Eleanor, a horrible person who, after dying, ends up in the ‘good place’ by mistake. Kristen Bell shines in this role: both funny and awful, she is a believable, and not a mere caricature of what a bad person looks like.
Despite being very much of our time, it is never cynical nor pessimistic.
Because the story is all about Eleanor trying to become a better person, this show is a great introduction to basic principles of ethics. In fact, ethics is not only talked about, but also put into practice: dilemmas are addressed directly, making thousands year old concept much more tangible and relevant. Despite addressing a variety of topics in a supernatural setting, the show never feels unfocused or shallow.
While the show shines in its more reflective moments, it never fails to entertain, with a gentle humour typical of a Schur creation. In fact, maybe the most commendable aspect of the show is that, despite being very much of our time, it is never cynical nor pessimistic. While characters will at times lose hope, the show never betrays its underlying positive outlook not only on life, but the entire spectrum of existence. A lot of this is due to the brightly surrealist aesthetic that never fails to entertain the eye. After all, where else are you going witness an elephant made of pure light that tells truths about the universe?
Therefore, if the current state of the world has soured your outlook on the future, this is the show for you.
Even if lucky enough to be with our families, we can all agree that 24h cohabitation can be tough. Therefore, what better than a show about a family of self-centered egomaniacs learning how to live together in a tiny motel?
Schitt’s Creek revolves around the Rose family who, after losing all their fortune, is forced to move to to the small town of Schitt's Creek. Surprisingly so, the show is incredibly sweet, and features some of the most heartfelt moments in television history. In fact, despite its protagonists being the perfect targets for mean spirited humour, the show is never gratuitous. While some wonderful moments of hilarity ensue from seeing these entitled people facing the real world, these are never without purpose.
This is because self-improvement is a big part of the appeal of this show. Because of the struggles they face, the characters evolve, while still remaining believable versions of who they once were. At the same time, the show is never superficial: it does not judge the characters based on their extravagant personas. Rather, it shows how ultimately being kind and considerate to the people in your life is the only thing that truly matters. Seeing both the town and the family benefitting from their living there is incredibly rewarding.
A show all about self-improvement through family relationships
The performances in this show are superlative, with one character never outshining the other. Creators Dan and Eugene Levy, who also feature on screen as father and son Johnny and David, have succeeded in crafting the chemistry of a real family. Catherine O’Hara is maybe amongst the most underappreciated comedy stars working today, and certainly a stand-out in the show. She plays former soap opera actress Moira Rose, who is also the mother of David and Alexis (Annie Murphy). Maybe the most over-the-top of the bunch, from her everchanging wigs to her distinct vocabulary, her melodramatic persona both charms and entertains.
If you are looking for a show all about self-improvement through family relationships, this comedy gold-mine is the perfect watch.
Heartfelt, creative and sincere, this musical comedy represents the best of television. Not only are the storylines representative and humane, but it features carefully crafted musical numbers that will make you laugh, cry, and dance, often at the same time.
The show follows Rebecca who, after bumping into her first love Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III), leaves her lucrative New York job to move to West Covina.
Firstly, a clarification on the title: the creators play on society’s expectations of the ‘crazy ex-girlfriend’, while ultimately condemning the term as an example of men’s oversimplification of women’s experiences.
The storylines of the show are incredibly ambitious, approaching topics often ignored by most: from the ostracization of bisexuals, to abortion as a free choice for all women. In fact, despite Rebecca being the protagonist, no character is ignored or tossed aside for the benefit of the plot. Everyone present on the show will have their moment, which serves to convey the intricateness of human relationships: each and everyone of us is riddled with complexity and humanity.
Though the characters are complex and relatable, the show still successfully delivers on a larger-than-life feel any musical should aim for.
However, mental illness is front and center of the commentary. Never has a show so clearly displayed how necessary mental health is to the conduction of a fulfilling life. The plot is clean and focused: having re-watched the entire show several times, I can attest how effectively the first seasons lay the ground for the introspective turn it takes. Rebecca struggles to break out of the toxic patterns of behaviors installed in her from an early age. The feeling of being both emotionally and physically trapped is explored well in the show, and will probably resonate with a lot of us at the moment.
Though the characters are complex and relatable, the show still successfully delivers on a larger-than-life feel any musical should aim for. While all cast members are incredibly talented, Rachel Bloom in particular is brilliant: her energy is contagious, making the dark moments all the more impactful.
If you are currently in a self-loathing spiral induced by too much time left alone with your thoughts, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend will teach you to be kind to yourself, while simultaneously getting a bunch of songs stuck in your head to distract you from the loneliness.