2020 has been a dumpster fire. I would imagine we could all agree on that. Usually, when I've had a hard week, I like to disassociate hard by watching low-maintenance TV shows that are comical, light, stupid, or all three. Considering we've had a hard 28 weeks, we thought it might be time to bring that list to you so that in times where rest is necessary, you can do so by effectively switching the hell off.

 

Derry Girls

If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Netflix's 'Derry Girls', you're in for a wee treat. Set in Northern Ireland in the 1990s, the show follows a group of high school girls and the myriad of dramas they face along with the highs and lows of being teenagers in a small-town catholic school. This show is simply hilarious and we musr protect it at all costs.

 

The Politician

I was first drawn to this show because there was talk of Gwyneth Paltrow pruning roses in a ballgown and although that was only one scene, I'm glad I was compelled to watch it in the first place. Another Netflix original, this American comedy-drama follows the life of one very rich, very ambitious high school kid who is determined to be elected as student body president at any cost (literally). Offering interesting on-the-nose commentary around the political systems in America and beyond through the lens of rich Californian high school kids makes it just disconnected enough to...disconnect.

 

The Great

Having just announced it's a renewal for season 2, The Great is worth getting ahead of. Set in 18th Century Russia, the series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great, and Nicholas Hoult as her ridiculous and loathsome (albeit, extremely hot) husband, Emperor Peter. As we move through each episode, we witness a young and naive Catherine swiftly come-to the world and country she has married into and vows to both usurp her husband and create a new Russia. The Great is exclusive to Stan and endlessly entertaining.

 

Chewing Gum

A dark and hilarious account of Tracey, a 20-something resident of a London housing project who is determined to lose her virginity. Starring and written by the formidable Michaela Coel, whose new series 'I May Destroy You' is making waves with its a dialogue around and exploration of sexual consent, 'Chewing Gum' is a vibrant, hilarious, and unique comedy that anyone would be lucky to watch.

 

Sex Education

Must we even explain why this show is so brilliantly wholesome? The heartfelt Netflix series is a British comedy-drama by Laurie Nunn. Following Otis, an insecure teenager whose mother (to his embarrassment) is a sex-therapist. Funny, sweet and completely irreverent, Sex Education perfectly captures the absolute awkwardness that teenage life is while championing dialogue around high-school sex and the lack of education we face.