Like I explained last week, I’m recovering from a really bad cold. I truly wish I was the only one going through that experience, but I know others who’ve had their share of illness as well. That, or half of the country has been locked in frigid cold temperatures forcing them to stay inside. So as I previously confessed, I watched a LOT of television during my recuperation. And rather than fight the impulse to do absolutely nothing, I decided to make a list of some of my favorite feel-good shows to share with others. After all, if we are going to be watching TV anyway, let’s make sure it feeds our hearts, minds and souls in a positive way. So here is a list of my favorites.
Comedy Series:
I’m not really a big fan of situation comedies. I absolutely detest commercials and most 30-minute programs are nearly 50% commercials these days. Fortunately by using either a DVR or watching the shows on Netflix or others, you can enjoy them commercial free.
- Grace & Frankie (Netflix)
- Mozart In the Jungle (Amazon Prime)
- The Kaminsky Method (Netflix)
Television Series – Comedy/Drama
As a writer I suppose that makes me pre-disposed to good story lines. While only a few of these are comedies, I find that they are all heart-warming with “feel good” messages written around good characters. If you aren’t watching them already I recommend you do (and yes, if they are on cable I also DVR them so no commercials.)
- This is Us (Cable)
- A Million Little Things (cable)
- The Durrell’s In Corfu (Amazon Prime)
- Last Tango In Halifax (Netflix)
- Jane The Virgin (Netflix)
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
- Downton Abby (Amazon Prime)
Feel Good Movies—both current and previous
I only watched a few of these movies in the last couple of weeks. The others are simply favorites I’ve seen in the past and always cheer me up and remind me of the goodness of people.
- Hundred Foot Journey (Netflix)
- Our Souls At Night (Netflix)
- The Bucket List
- Shirley Valentine
- Good Will Hunting
- Blindside
- Forest Gump
- Julie and Julia
- Chef
- Little Miss Sunshine
- Love Actually
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding
- Mud
- The Best Exotic Marigold Motel
- Freedom Writers
- Whale Rider
- Pay It Forward
- Groundhog Day
- Billy Elliot
- Pleasantville
Television Series — Drama/Detective/Syfy– More serious for when you’re feeling better!
I will admit to enjoying Syfy and a good detective story. And I can take some violence as long as it isn’t excessive. However, I do insist that the story line and premise is intelligent. Once a person is feeling better and enjoys quality television, fitting a few of these into your schedule can be fun.
- Sherlock (Netflix)
- Bodyguard (Netflix
- Stranger Things (Netflix)
- Sense8 (Netflix)
- The Man in the High Castle (Amazon Prime)
- Longmire (Netflix)
- Victoria On Masterpiece (PBS on Cable or Amazon Prime)
- Dr. Who (especially current season with the 1st woman Dr. Who ever!)
- Madam Secretary (cable)
According to the Nielsen rating system, adults over 18 typically watch an average of five hours of television a night. Even more shocking, at least to me, is that four and a half hours of that is “live” meaning they are watching regular programing and hours of commercials. But that isn’t the worst of it, also according to Neilson is the fact that those aged 50-64 watch over six hours per day while those over age 65 watch almost seven and a half (!!!) hours each day.
I get that when we aren’t feeling good in body or mind, it is sometimes nice to just kick back and watch television. Self-care and self-compassion is important. But now that I am feeling better it is good to remind myself that anything, including watching television, can become a habit. Our bodies need movement and it is important that we not spend so much time sitting. Plus, I hope I always remember that the quality of information I put in my mind (either from television, computers or reading) helps to frame my outlook on life. While we certainly can’t control everything that occurs in our lives, we can definitely decide how much and what to watch. The SMART approach is to always stay mindful and aware of our choices as much as possible.
(If you want to learn more about any of these shows or how to watch them, simply use google!)
Okay, your turn. What are your favorite go-to television programs? Do you only watch positive shows or do you have a guilty pleasure or two? Please share any of your favorites or what you think of mine in the comments below.
Kathy, as I have blogged before, I don’t watch TV at all except for the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup soccer, and election night coverage, unless we are visiting someone who watches TV. That said, we do have Netflix, which I do watch about 2-5 hours a month, usually on my iPad. The only TV show on your list I’ve watched is Grace and Frankie (via Netflix), and I have seen a few of the movies. I am not opposed to all TV programs as there are some good ones, but all the things I’m already doing leave little time for TV. Like you, I’m more likely to watch when I am tired or sick.
Jude
Kathy – I’m a bit late to the conversation here but I’m taking a bit of time to catch up on commenting this morning before I return to my all-consuming project. TV is a given in our household. If my husband is home, the tv is on. I was not much of a tv person when we first got together (not a ‘habit’ in the convent for sure). But my husband who had severe undiagnosed learning disabilities growing up used television to pull himself out of ignorance and extreme poverty as a child who couldn’t read. Watching him teach our children HOW to watch television – analyzing, dissecting, critiquing, and engaging in a process of critical thinking – was like watching a child learn how to read and it changed my perspective of television altogether. Now, when he isn’t home I spend many hours in silence (reading, writing, etc) but don’t mind when he turns it on. He controls the remote for the most part – but I have a few shows I personally enjoy and follow. Observing the methods writers and directors use to evoke emotion, etc also feeds my skill-building as a writer, I think. Other times for me, my husband, and my children — it is all just total escape! Thanks for another thought-provoking post.
Hi Janet! Thank you for sharing insights in to the benefit of TV. Like so many things I tend to believe that most things in moderation are of value. The trick (like with most things) is to stay mindful. So very easy with anything to go on automatic and not make conscious choices…just do it out of habit. My husband Thom and I feel about the same regarding TV but he LOVES music so he turns it on just about 24/7. Because our house is so small, I do request that he select music channels (we mostly listen to Pandora) that are musical and low key when I’m trying to work or write. But the rest of the time I just enjoy it. It sounds like you and your family have discovered a way to make it work for you and that’s great. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I like your movie and television selection. Lately I haven’t been able to watch as much television as I used to. I’m hoping that during spring break I will be able to catch up on some of my favorite shows. However, some shows that I enjoy watching the Good Doctor, Law & Order: SVU and Game of Thrones (quite looking forward to the final season in April). Also, anything that is written by Shonda Rhimes is a must for me!
Hi Loraine. Yes we also enjoy watching Game of Thrones but just this year we gave up our movie channels because it was getting so darn expensive. I think we’ll wait until the full season is available on demand and get it that way. Looking forward to seeing how the dragons play out right? And I’ve watched a few of the others you mention and they can be good too. Thanks for sharing. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy!
I’m glad you are feeling better. That’s an impressive list of TV shows and movies. Not much I recognize, except in the movie section. Oh, and Mark is currently watching Madam Secretary when I’m working or reading blogs.
There must be at least one person who watches twice the amount of hours of TV you mention, as I’m basically watching none. In 2019, I’ve watched four movies (two on planes) and that’s all the TV involvement I’ve had. I started keeping a bullet journal and mark the days I watch TV, which means Netflix to us, as we don’t have a TV.
When we house sit and the owners have a TV (you might be surprised at how few still pay for cable), we sometimes watch something on it, but soon are disgusted by the commercials and leave the thing off. The main reason I’m not watching TV these days, however, is because I have so many other things to do. I’m behind with blog reading and just started reading my first book of the year as well! So much to do and see, and so little time. Why “waste” it on TV?
That being said, when one needs to turn off the mind or is stuck inside for days on end, I do understand the draw!
OMG Kathy, I had no idea that people watched so much TV. That said, I do appreciate your list for those no good, feeling lousy days when following a show can distract one for illness. Unfortunately because we live in Switzerland, we cannot get a lot of those shows you listed, but we do enjoy the series that we can access. Right now we are watching Outlander in preparation for tracing my clan roots to Scotland.
I agree that both TV watching and reading are passive, and we should spend more of our lives being more active, and engaging our brains and bodies. I love reading, and find that I have to ration myself, or I’d get nothing done! I loved your lists, especially the movies, many of which I’d seen. I hope you are completely recovered soon, back to your old routine of researching and writing!
Hi Diane! Yes I’m happy to say I am back…but I do think that some of the benefits of my “downtime” were that my health and personal wellbeing has to be a priority in my life. I’ve been pretty healthy for most of my life, but when something comes up it really helps to get us clear about what matters right? In the past of have sometimes forced myself to keep going when that wasn’t always in my best interest. Knowing the difference is important don’t you think? So I’ll be doing my best to seek that balance in the days to come. Meanwhile, thank you for your encouragement to research and write because I think you do that extremely well yourself!!! ~Kathy
I’m not much of a TV watcher, but hubby likes to enjoy various shows in the evening. Sometimes I’ll join him, so I’ve seen a few episodes of a few you mentioned. I more likely will be reading in another room. I prefer reading. Your lists however actually made me realize I really, really need to figure out Amazon Prime TV/movies! Put it on my to-do list.
Hi Pat! If it’s working for you the way you do it then don’t worry about it! But if you have Amazon Prime then you may want to check out the movies they offer. They don’t seem to have as many as Netflix but there are a couple of really good ones on their now that are worth the effort. And my motto is, if you going to watch, make sure it is something healthy and uplifting for you! ~Kathy
I’m glad to know that you are feeling better! I never thought I’d see a list of TV shows on your blog, but I’m sure the ones you’ve listed are good (we’ve seen some of them and agree with those choices). I’ll check a few of your suggestions out. I can’t imagine having the TV for several hours a day, let alone all day. We will often relax in the evening with a favorite show but, when it’s over, the TV goes off. Thank goodness for the ability to record and fast forward!
Hi Janis! hahaha…I decided to go for an “easy” topic this week while I was recovering. But now with the time change AND the fact that I’m starting to feel normal again, I looking for better ways to spend my time. I’ve never thought watching tv was bad…but like I said to Mona, I definitely think it is one of those things that is best to be mindful about. Sounds like you’ve found a way to work for you. ~Kathy
It seems to me that it’s all screen time, whether watching a program on tv or some device. it’s interesting to me that binge watching is so acceptable these days but there seems to be a negative connotation to “watching tv”? I think the key is to be selective about what is watched and not watch out of boredom. I think the same can be said about reading – it can be a form of escapism.depending upon the content. I enjoy special programming like music/concert specials or comedy specials. Just the other evening I watched Josh Groban’s “Bridges” special and was motivated to download that album. I enjoyed tuning into a comedy at the end of a work week before retirement. Ellen is still one of my favorite shows, including her Game of Games. And then there’s The Big Bang Theory. Always good for a laugh. I travel vicariously with travel programs, two of my favorites being Island Diaries and Waterfront Cities of the World. I enjoy lifestyle programs where I learn about current topics, new products, health trends, etc. I watch way too much Food network. It contributes to my menu planning and kitchen techniques. One of my favorite programs is Pioneer Woman. I enjoy the rural ranch lifestyle that Brie is a part of. Many times, I’m doing something while I’m listening to these programs. I tend to stay away from the news.
Hi Mona! I agree with your statement, “I think the key is to be selective about what is watched and not watch out of boredom.” And I also agree that reading can be as mindlessly addictive depending upon what we are reading. What’s the saying that works for so many things, “It’s whether IT uses you or you use IT.” I think that applies to TV as well. It sounds like you’ve found a good balance for yourself. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
We really do not watch a lot of TV, but occasionally watch Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and/or Starz which we have instead of cable these days.
I’ve watched more tv in the past 2 weeks than I have in years as I am staying with my brother who is recuperating from cancer surgery. We watched all of The Marvelous Mrs. Maizel (this is my second time through and it’s that good!) and he likes the BBC British shows that have such a dry humor.
We’ve also watch a TON of Big Bang Theory which we both love and I rarely see this day as we have no cable at our NH house (I’m staying at my brother’s house in MI).
However, in general I am of the opinion that there is precious little worth watching on network tv and so do not miss cable at all. My Apple TV and other subscriptions are more than adequate and their original programming is better, in my opinion.
Hi Nancy! i so agree that we should all be very discriminating about what we watch (if anything). I was thankfully able to cut my cable way back so that it isn’t much more than our high speed internet. Can’t give that up. 🙂 But I am definitely finding that I just don’t have the time or patience for stupid tv of any time which included all reality tv. I also didn’t mention that we don’t watch TV news at all–except for CBS Sunday morning which usually does a few nice bits about people and places around the country. But again, the key for me is no commercials. Staying as mindful as possible with all things is a SMART thing to me and it sounds like it works for you too. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I’m glad to hear that you are feeling better. I don’t watch television and still never have enough time in my life. I honestly don’t know where I would fit it in (unless I quit reading which I hope will never happen)! I have seen Julia and Julie as well as The Best Exotic Marigold Motel. I greatly enjoyed them both!
Hi Donna! I think you mentioned to me before that you don’t watch any television. Good for you. I usually go on TV diets now and then but I must confess that when I do watch i do it with my laptop running at the same time. I do some of my best travel surfing when I’m “watching TV” and that multi-tasking makes me feel like I’m still being productive-ha! Researching travel online is one of my secret (or not so secret) pleasures and nighttime is one of my favorite times to do it. Unfortunately about the only reading I do at night is that way. ~Kathy
Travel research is always a priority for me.
Right now I am trying to settle in to learn some Italian for our upcoming Camino.
Once again, I am wondering where I will pull the extra time from! 🙂
YES! and when are you going back to the Camino? Your trip (s) before were amazing. Will you be posting along the way like last time?
Hi, Kathy – Richard and I will walk 400 km from Lucca to Rome. We will give ourselves one full month, which should give us plenty of time for exploring on the way and sightseeing at the end. We will do it the month before you, Thom, Janis and Paul arrive here. I have already told a nearby friend to smack me HARD if I decide to blog along the way. Feel free to do the same! 🙂
After staying a few nights with my cousin, I can understand the statistic. They turned the TV on when they got up and had it on every time they were home. I’ve known other people like that.
We don’t have cable and rarely watch broadcast so we don’t get too many commercials. Loved all the comedies you mentioned. We enjoy British and Australian shows a lot. Just finished The Widow on Netflix, which we enjoyed, and are starting the third season of Wanted. Both feature strong female leads.
Hi Sheila! I know people like that too! i don’t know how they do it–it would drive me CRAZY to have the TV on all the time (especially if it was news!!!) Good for you for just staying away from most programing. It is a time suck for sure. I find I do watch more tv in the winter but once Day-light savings comes around it stays light longer and I enjoy being outside and staying far more active. (and YAY! this weekend is the time change!) Oh, and I just heard from a friend that she liked The Widow too. I’ll have to give that a look for sure. Thanks! ~Kathy
What a great list! I recently abandoned Netflix. I liked it, but I didn’t watch enough to recoup my costs. One little retirement savings. I know some retirees forego cable, but that is a bridge too far. Hope you are feeling better.
Hi Donna. We actually scaled our cable way back and signed up for Netflix because we weren’t watching for all those hundreds of stations we were paying for. It is getting pretty expensive these days and just seems to go up and up. You are SMART to realize you weren’t watching it and could just save the money. For now we are watching quite a bit on Netflix but if that changes we’ll drop it in a heartbeat. It’s best to stay on top of it don’t you think–especially now that I’m feeling better 🙂 ~Kathy
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m printing this out and keeping it by the TV for future reference. Really … 7 1/2 hours? I don’t know how they measure it, but I know some people who keep the TV on for 7 1/2 hours a day, but they’re not watching for 7 1/2 hours a day. For them it’s background noise, something to keep them company while they’re around the house cooking or doing chores, or even when they’re out in the yard or off at the store. So maybe it’s not as bad as we think.
Hi Tom! I agree. I actually know a few people who turn on the TV first thing in the morning and it is on all day long. UGH! That would make me crazy. Especially if it is on news. (and yes, some news stations are worse than others but it’s ALL news!) But I’m pretty sure Nielson does it’s best to track television viewing because advertisers actually pay money for ads based upon their results. And what is interesting is that most tv consumption is down in younger ages…they are online instead. It is older ages that are still mostly stuck on it. Still, with all the streaming services out there it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the long run. ~Kathy
Glad you are feeling better.I question the data on how long people watch TV. Could it be that some just have the TV on all the time as companionship but they are not necessarily watching? They may be doing household chores or napping but the TV is still on. I am a sucker for British Series, detective is all the better. One non-detective is ‘The Detectorists’ , I think 3 seasons.
Hi Haralee! I got the information from a Nielson report that i believe is as reliable as any…and like I was saying to Deb, I think they make Nielson families fill our a card saying what they actually watch. But who knows? Are people always honest when it comes to questionnaires? And yes to British programing. Most of it tends to be less violent and pretty intelligent so I like it too. I’ll have to look up The Detectorists! ~Kathy
5 hours a night!?
I watch MAYBE 5 hours a week (on average)…of course, like you Kathy, much more when I am ill and bed (or couch) bound. Of course, that may change when I retire… but I hope not.
Hope you are feeling better soon, and thanks for the list! I have enjoyed some of your recommendations and now I know more shows to check out, thanks to you.
Deb
Hi Deb! Five hours does sound crazy huh? But like some of the other commenters have said it could be because so many people just turn on the TV and leave it running all day. The statistics from Nielson don’t actually say whether they are just having the TV On or actually “watching.” Although if I understand how it works, Nielson asks their “families” who report to fill out a card saying they actually watched shows. But who knows for sure huh? And yes, I’m feeling just about 100% better now. Whew! Glad that is over! ~Kathy