When the World Feels Heavy, Sometimes You Need Good TV

It's been a hard few weeks here in Minnesota. Between the unrest in our community and what's felt like an endless, brutal winter, I think we're all carrying a bit more weight than usual. Sometimes, in times like these, we need to give ourselves permission to take a break—to find small comforts where we can.

For me, that comfort has come in the form of my couch, a warm blanket, and the return of some of my favorite TV shows.

Look, I'm not saying TV solves anything. But when the world outside feels chaotic and the temperature hits -25°F with wind chills in the -40s (yes, really), sometimes you need to curl up and escape for an hour or two. And honestly? That's okay.

So in the spirit of finding a little lightness, here are some shows that have been keeping me company this winter:

Harlan Coben's Final Twist (new) - If you don't know Harlan Coben, you haven't watched enough British mystery movies on Netflix. The author is now stepping into the spotlight as the host of this real-life crime-solving show (think Dateline with a different host). So far, so good! (CBS)

The Pitt (season 2) - I fell in love with The Pitt after stumbling upon it and binging the entire first season. It's a non-stop medical drama that's fast-moving with some of the most intriguing characters I've seen in a long time. We're a bit into season 2 and I'm already hooked! (HBOMax)

Shrinking (season 3) - Apple TV rarely disappoints, and I couldn't be more excited for Season 3! Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, crazy friends, and adult antics. This is a great story about life, grief, family, chosen family, and enough humor to make you feel lighter by the end. Highly recommend! (Apple TV)

Bridgerton: Part One & Part Two (season 4) - I forgot how much I loved the first three seasons of Bridgerton. I started re-watching to get caught up because let's be honest—with years between seasons, it's tough to recall everything. Benedict is one of my favorite siblings, so I'm looking forward to seeing where this season takes us. And what about Eloise? Is she bound to be the spinster of the alphabetically-named siblings? (Netflix)

Scrubs (reboot) - Is it new or a reboot? I'm not entirely sure, but for those of us nostalgic enough to remember the early 2000s series, I think we'll be entertained by the return of some of our favorite quirky doctors. I'll give this one a try and see how it lands. (ABC)

Your Friends & Neighbors (season 2) - I'm not usually a fan of dark comedies, but Jon Hamm's series really captured me. His ability to be both humorous and serious—sometimes at the same time—has made this one worth watching again. I'm looking forward to seeing what antics he gets up to while trying not to ruin his life and family! (Apple TV)

I think we all need some lightness right now. So give yourself permission to be a couch potato, grab some popcorn, and lose yourself in a good show. Sometimes taking care of ourselves means knowing when to rest, escape, and recharge.

And if that means binging an entire season in one sitting? No judgment here. We're all doing the best we can. (I will also patiently wait for the next season of Ted Lasso in the meantime.)

What are you watching right now? I'd love to hear your recommendations!