What to watch depending on how your week went

Jan. 25, 2017, 8:04 a.m.

You know you want to watch something. You can’t keep staring at that blank word document with the blinking cursor. You open up Netflix — nothing. Hulu — nothing. YouTube — nothing. Here are some recommendations of shows to watch that aren’t “House of Cards,” “Westworld” or “New Girl.”

If you had a tough week and can’t deal with something superficial: FXX’s “You’re the Worst” (Hulu).

Available on Hulu, this show is about two severely flawed people with commitment issues coming together and learning how to love together. This show doesn’t shy away from the realities of life; one character has PTSD from Iraq, another is in a loveless marriage, another works with their partner to get through their depression. Yet despite these dark undertones, the show can be hysterical. Other recommendation: “Becoming Jane” (Netflix)

If you’re feeling some serious girl power and/or minority power but you’re also looking to lighten up: “Jane the Virgin” (Netflix).

This show is amazing. Based on a real telenovela, “Jane the Virgin” focuses on a young woman abstaining from sex until marriage. There’s just one problem: she’s accidentally artificially inseminated with some billionaire’s sperm by his drunk sister. Shenanigans worthy of a real telenovela ensue. While this show can be over-dramatic, the three Villanueva women and their strength as Latina women in America stand out as the heart of the story. This show explores female sexuality, immigration, religion and race in such an authentic way that you’ll cry, but it’s still hilariously entertaining. This three-time Golden Globe-nominated show is definitely worth a watch.

If you’ve had a great week and you’re just feeling good, keep it going and watch: “Forrest Gump” (Netflix).

I mean, you just can’t go wrong with this movie.

If you’ve been feeling nostalgic or homesick, watch: the ’90s sitcom “The Nanny” (not available for streaming).

A classic ’90s show about a flashy woman from Queens becoming the nanny for a millionaire family, “The Nanny” is just the right amount of sentimental and fun. You’ll feel a part of a family, without all the drama that comes with your own family. Plus Fran’s outfits can be on point.

If you just want to watch someone else’s drama and be glad it’s not your own, watch: “One Tree Hill” (Netflix).

Teenagers, low rise jeans, love triangles, evil uncles, basketball games and a character called Mouth. Need I say more? Other recommendations: “Grey’s Anatomy” (Netflix), “Hart of Dixie” (Netflix)

If you just want to watch some good television, watch: “Game of Thrones” (HBO Now).

I tried to resist adding this on here, because literally everyone and their mother watches this show, but wow, I got a free trial and watched it all and, like, it’s a good show. Who knew?

 

Contact Arianna Lombard with more TV recommendations at ariannal ‘at’ stanford.edu.



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