Man, this week has been a doozy, between the Kavanaugh confirmation, the betrayal of one of our own (looking at you Susan Collins) and midterm stress.
But fear not, for here are some recommendations for how to remain happy through this hellfire of a week.
HAPPY TV
“Parks and Recreation”: Want to see a woman in charge of a well-functioning government? Look no further.
“The Great British Baking Show”: Listen to the melodic sound of Brits doing what they do best: making treats and sounding amazing while doing it.
“Making It”: The American response to “The Great British Baking Show,” “Making It” is a feel-good craft show hosted by Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler (so obviously it’s amazing). Also, the puns don’t stop until the credits roll.
“Nailed It!”: If the “Great British Baking Show” and “Making It” made you feel inadequate about your baking skills, “Nailed It!” will make it seem like you could master your own show.
If anything, it’s a joy to watch others be really confident about their inability.
“The Good Place”: There is no longer a clear delineation between good and bad, especially in the afterlife!
“Bob’s Burgers”: If I could find a way to articulate the classic Tina moan, that would be my review.
HAPPY MOVIES
John Mulaney’s “Comeback Kid” and “Kid Gorgeous”: Stand-up at its finest, funnyand based on personal (yet relatable) stories. But unfortunately, his first stand-up “New In Town” was taken off Netflix, so that’s another thing to be depressed about.
“Shrek”: Anytime you want to revert to your childhood ways and watch a really weird love story between an ogre and a half ogre/half princess, “Shrek” is the way to go.
“Bee Movie”: Ya like jazz?
“13 Going on 30”: The quintessential rom-com plus a dance number!
Anything Disney: Because duh.
HAPPY MUSIC
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor: Because you will survive, obviously.
ABBA: How can you not forget all your worries when listening to these icons?
Vampire Weekend: Lose yourself in melodic beats, but just try not to pay too close attention to the lyrics.
Now, if getting happy is not your speed and you’d rather spend your time wallowing in your tears and anger, here are some alternative recommendations.
DEPRESSING TV
“BoJack Horseman”: For an animated “comedy” it sure does tackle some tough subjects like the Bill Cosby/Harvey Weinstein accusations, Hollywood in general, and mental health.
“The OA”: The only thing worse than this past week was the ending to this show.
“Game of Thrones”: Everyone dies!
DEPRESSING MOVIES
“The Notebook”: Tortured love story + Alzheimers = tears.
“Marley and Me”: I don’t even want to talk about it.
“Fox and the Hound”: Remember when I said anything Disney? Yeah, not this, unless you want to cry.
DEPRESSING MUSIC
The Smiths: The ’80s weren’t just neon-colored clothes and teased hair, it was also a time of self-indulgent melancholy.
Any kind of loud music: Because raging is a great coping mechanism.