The semester has begun for EMU students, so now is a great time to get into a TV show to escape from the coming stress of coursework.
Some of the best shows for this are lighthearted and/or humorous, but with an interesting enough plot and characters to suck viewers in. Below is a list of five shows that are perfectly up to that task!
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
An official poster for "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." Credit: Netflix.
An underrated gem, this show surprisingly came from The CW, known for its teen-centered soap operas and dramas. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” by contrast was a musical sitcom about Rebecca Bunch, a woman who quit her affluent job in New York to live in her high school ex-boyfriend’s small hometown, West Covina, California. She claimed that it wasn’t for him, even though it totally was.
Through four seasons, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” had a wealth of comedy and catchy songs, some of which have even trended on TikTok. The show also unpacked what it means to be a crazy ex-girlfriend, focusing on character growth and discussing mental health.
“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” ran for four seasons, all of which are currently available to stream on Netflix and Apple TV.
“Delicious In Dungeon”
An official poster for "Delicious In Dungeon." Credit: Netflix.
Also often referred to as “Dungeon Meshi,” this anime became a success earlier this year. Adapting the manga of the same name, the series followed a group of fantasy adventurers looking for a lost member in a complex dungeon, cooking and eating fantasy creatures along the way as delicacies.
The show had a unique take on fantasy, daring to ask bold questions such as “What would a dragon taste like?” It emulated a fun “Dungeons & Dragons” campaign crossed with a cooking show.
“Delicious In Dungeon” was 24 episodes long, all of which are currently available to stream on Netflix. A second season is currently in the works.
“Heartstopper”
An official poster for "Heartstopper" season 3. Credit: Netflix.
With its third season dropping in October, what better time is there to catch up on this romantic slice-of-life series? Based on the eponymous webcomic. It followed the romance between teenage boys Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, along the way navigating queerness and growing up.
The show was sickeningly sweet, showcasing queer teens trying to live their best lives as they pursued love and identity. The show had a cast of LGBTQ+ characters alongside Nick and Charlie, telling stories about queer joy.
“Heartstopper” had two seasons, with a third dropping this October. All seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix.
“My Adventures With Superman”
An official poster for "My Adventures With Superman" season 2. Credit: Max.
One of the best modern adaptations of Superman, “My Adventures With Superman” was an adult animated series that presented the Man of Steel in his first days of being a superhero. The show saw his first time working for the Daily Planet, meeting iconic characters such as Lois Lane and Lex Luther, and learning the secrets behind his origin.
The show managed to update Superman for a modern audience without losing the optimism at the core of his character. Those who disliked the grimness of 2013’s “Man of Steel” will be pleased by this series.
“My Adventures With Superman” recently wrapped up its second season; it has been renewed for a third one. It is currently available to stream on Max, previously HBO Max.
“The Good Place”
An official poster for "The Good Place." Credit: Netflix.
Created by Michael Schur, known for shows such as “Parks and Recreation” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Good Place” was his magnum opus. A sitcom about Eleanor Shellstrop, who accidentally ended up in paradise after she died, despite being a bad person. In order to become a good person, she began learning philosophy from her mistaken soulmate Chidi Anagonye.
“The Good Place” managed to combine comedy with philosophy, delivering a witty show with a gripping plot and mystery. The show provoked thoughts, laughs, and even some tears.
“The Good Place” ran for four seasons. The show is currently available to stream on Netflix and Apple TV.
Conclusion
At times, school can be stressful. It can be nice to have a series that provides escapism and comfort by being light and riveting. The above series are good places to look, whether you’re watching to pass the time between classes or at night after a long day.
