Listen, we’ve all been there. Painfully single. All your friends seem to be in relationships, and you’re just kind of there wondering when someone will show up and sweep you off your feet. But, fear not! Always remember that you are not alone. And to make this treacherous capitalist holiday just a tiny bit better, here are some feel-good movies and shows to fill that void.
1. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-)
The lovechild of Parks and Rec and 21 Jump Street (if it was PG, that is). Andy Samberg stars as the charming Jake Peralta, a quick-witted and overall humorous detective in the 99th precinct. His coworkers are equally as charming and witty. Rosa Diaz, for example, is a badass bisexual who owns multiple swords and is mysterious just as she is beautiful. And Charles Boyle, Jake’s best friend and cooking extraordinaire, is enough reason to give this show your time of day. I could fill up this entire article talking about Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but for closing words, I’ll say this one is not to miss.
2. The Good Place (2016-)
From the creator of Brooklyn Nine-Nine comes The Good Place. This show follows Eleanor Shellstrop who dies in a parking lot with a margarita mix then transitions to “The Good Place” in the afterlife. Shocked that she even made it there, she quickly realizes there has been a mix-up and she’s the wrong Eleanor! What happens next? You have to watch and find out for yourself!
3. Sense8 (2015-2018)
There isn’t a show just quite like Sense8. If the fanbase is anything to go by, this show follows eight people from around the world suddenly forced into a psychic connection. They gain access to each other’s knowledge, language, and emotions. While trying to figure out why this is happening, the eight are being hunted down because of this newly gained ability.
There are some triggering moments, so be wary, but the show is incredibly inclusive! Half the main cast are people of color, and the show handles LGBTQ themes with so much care. Crying one minute and laughing in hysterics the next, this show will take you on the ultimate emotional rollercoaster.
4. The Bee Movie (2007)
Let’s shake it up a little! Okay, okay, but who doesn’t love a good dose of memeage every now and then? And honestly, the actual idea of a honey bee suing the entire human race for the consumption of honey AND falling in love with one? Priceless.
5. Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
This kids show is extremely underrated. It follows twins Mabel and Dipper Pines as they travel to Gravity Falls for the summer to hang out with their not-so-morally-sound Grunkle (Great Uncle) Stan. On the first day there, Dipper finds a journal that shows there is more to Gravity Falls than meets the eye. Throughout the season, the journal reveals secret upon secret for the ultimate thrill ride.
Also, who doesn’t love a good sibling duo?
6. The Princess Diaries (2001)
Mia Thermopolis is an average teenager just trying to get through the pain that is high school. That is, until she finds out she is actually a princess in the far-off land of Genovia. Join her journey from a typical teen to a proper princess. Not to mention Julie Andrews is Mia’s grandmother, so need I say more?
7. Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-)
Voltron: Legendary Defender takes place in the future. An alien species called the Galra have been terrorizing the universe and enslaving countless planets in search for Voltron, a 100-meter robot made up of five lion robots. It is the only weapon that stands a chance against the Galra Empire.
The Galra’s search for it expands to Earth’s solar system, where five not-so-trained space pilots find themselves in one of the five lions of Voltron. Getting caught up in the Galran war, the show follows their journey of friendship, teamwork and defending the universe from evil.
(The fifth season is coming out on March 2nd, so I’d start binging now.)
8. The Incredibles (2004)
The Incredibles is a timeless classic. Does it really need an introduction? Superheroes, superpowers, hidden identities, and a good villain, Edna! What more could you want? Though now when you watch it, you’ll be the embodiment of the side eye emoji when you realize what truly went over your head when you were a kid.
9. One Day At A Time (2017-)
This Netflix original series follows a Cuban-American family. Penelope– a single mom and veteran– and her kids: Alex and Elena. Alex is a charismatic teenage boy in every sense of the word. Elena is a vocal activist for feminism, LGBTQ, and Latinx rights.
And Lydia, Penelope’s mother, is a total scene stealer–her quick wit can get a laugh out of anyone.
The show, while primarily a comedy is not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty. They don’t shy away from mental illness, racism, gun control, or homophobia. Hitting the hammer right on the head again and again.
I’m in a permanent state of tearing up while watching this show.
10. Mean Girls (2004)
The film follows Cady, a girl who grew up in Africa and has recently moved to suburbian hell, Illinois. Experiencing culture shock, cliques, and what it means to fit in, Cady soon realizes what it takes to be popular.
It’s the most iconic film of the century if you ask me. Filled with enough catty teenage drama to remind why you’re so glad high school is over.
So there you have it, folks! Here’s to another Valentine’s Day to bing some dope TV.
[Feature image by Unsplash]