10 Comedies, Soaps, Reality Shows & More to Keep Your Mind Occupied
What better way to kick back and relax and forget the world for a bit than with TV?
No matter what’s going on, there are plenty of shows that can keep your mind occupied and thoroughly distracted. Whether you’re a comedy fan (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), into cooking shows (The Great British Baking Show) or love soaps (General Hospital), we have you covered.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
They’re the squad you can always count on for laughs. The 99th precinct’s hilarious (and mostly capable) detectives, including prankster Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), constantly find themselves in hysterical situations as they go undercover, chase bad guys, and dispense interoffice justice. (nbc.com; Hulu)
—Emily Aslanian, Associate Editor
The Great British Baking Show
A perfect stress antidote at any time, this kitchen competition wins stay-at-home hearts with its delicious recipe of dryly amusing judges and appealing amateur contestants who aim to whip up three scrumptious confections each episode. Now that’s comfort food. (Select seasons on Netflix)
—Ileane Rudolph, Senior Writer
Sex and the City
As times got tough, I couldn’t help but wonder…what are fashionista Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her pals up to? Their urban adventures provide a welcome escape. (Prime Video, HBO Now)
—Jim Halterman, West Coast Bureau Chief
General Hospital
A nasty custody battle, a brewing mob war, a couple kept apart by a bitter parole officer — the problems in Port Charles don’t seem so bad compared to the real world! Add in some signature soap romance and a few catfights and GH is my perfect escape after another day of unsettling news. (Weekdays, ABC )
—Amy Miller, Deputy Editor
Treehouse Masters
Take a deep breath. You can almost taste the crisp, fresh air that Pete Nelson and his crew inhale while building some awe-inspiring, fully furnished tree houses in backyards and beyond. Nelson’s imagination — a cedar hot tub on the deck! — and his childlike enthusiasm are equally refreshing on repeats of the unscripted hit. (animalplanet.com; select seasons on Hulu)
—Mandi Bierly, Senior Editor
HGTV
As sure as a husband on House Hunters will mention a man cave, HGTV’s series will always deliver uplifting resolutions. Love It or List It‘s couples get upgraded digs, Flip or Flop‘s design duo turn tidy profits, and the talented Property Brothers transform eyesores in just an hour. I’ll take that bunch over a tortured antihero any day.
—Eric Andersson, Senior Editor
Absolutely Fabulous
This British comedy about boozy pals Edina and Patsy (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, right) has always made me laugh. But Season 5’s “Panickin’,” in which they get locked in Edina’s panic room, feels especially relevant since I’m stuck in my apartment! (Prime Video, BritBox)
—John Russell, Staff Writer
The Love Boat
Love itself may be exciting and new, but The Love Boat is neither, and I wallow in every familiar, reassuring hour. This compendium of cruise-ship romances — also a showcase for fabulous guest stars, such as Carol Channing (above center) — always docks at a happy ending. (Sundays, 6/5c, MeTV)
—April P. Bernard, Executive Editor
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
An MRI mishap has Bay Area programmer Zoey (Jane Levy) suddenly hearing and seeing others express their inner thoughts in song and dance! It’s a bright and colorful ode to the joy of being human. (Sundays, 9/8c, NBC)
—Kate Hahn, Senior Writer
BoJack Horseman
He’s a horse, of course. A talking horse (voiced by Will Arnett) who’s also a washed-up TV star in this animated sitcom where the animals chat, have jobs, and do human stuff. Over the show’s six seasons, it’s hard to count the wonderful visual and verbal jokes based on mixing the animal and human worlds, but even more comforting than the comedy is the group of friends that BoJack leans on. (Netflix)
—Michael Fell, Editor-in-Chief
Conversation6 Comments
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R
"love soaps"...just my opinion of course...but...
I've been loving The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful since the 80's...
Awhile back when a number of soaps were canceled (eg. Passions, Guiding Light, As the World Turns)...I sampled the two remaining soaps...Days of Our Lives and General Hospital...
After 1-2 months of alternating between them...I ended up dropping General Hospital...but continue to watch Days of Our Lives...
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G
As bad as the time jump has been I still watch faithfully every day. Have been a fan for 40 years.
Loved Passions & GL. Miss them both. Michael Zazlow's Roger Thorpe was the best villain ever in daytime.
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R
I found the "time jump" on DOOL to be intriguing...and quite UNIQUE (for soaps)...
(As a "faithful" fan...have you ever checked out the Saturday Review and Sunday Round-Table on TVFanatic?)
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G
No. Honestly never heard of them. I just watch every day. Don't really get involved in anything else.
You're right that the time jump was unique. Just way too many people back from the dead any more. And I think there's a lack of balance in that there doesn't seem to be any happy people or couples. Just my opinion
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R
Without good ol' Dr. Rolf...and his brain microchips that change people into other people...and...his reviving the dead...Salem might be a little mundane...
I think Ben and Ciara are happy...BUT...all they do is lie around in bed together...and MOAN about being unemployed...
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G
Boy, did you hit the nail on the head about Ben & Ciara.
So few people actually work on a regular basis & I often wonder how they get by.
But,you have to suspend reality to enjoy soaps. On Passions my favorite storyline was Precious the orangutan being in love with Luis. Used to crack me up!
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