During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) it became increasingly difficult to laugh and be happy in these uncertain times. But. These shows make it easier. Here are the shows I watched during Stay-At-Home.
The Ranch (Seasons 4-8): Netflix
The Ranch: This is not the show that I would typically watch, but I honestly just needed a break from conventional TV. Believe me, this show is far from conventional. The Ranch shows the redneck side of America: gun-loving, cattle-breeding, drunk & disorderly side. They don't mention anything about the election (other than hating Hilary and democrats) which leads me to believe that they didn't actually vote in the election. That's besides the point. This show is about family, and that's really all. It's hilarious but very sensitive. There are many points in the show that makes me cringe, especially all the quips about Colt's masculinity, guns in every drawer, and abortion. This show is definitely worth watching, but you need to put yourself in their shoes before jumping to conclusions.
Kim's Convenience (Season 4): CBC Television
Kim's Convenience (Season 4): I love Kim's Convenience. I binge all the episode the minute they come out, but season four really was not landing for me. It felt rushed, and the characters became dependent and stereotypical, although, I will say that I am so happy that Jung and Shannon are finally together. On the other end of the spectrum, what happened with Raj and Jane? Can they just move on... please? And Janet had no right bringing Gerald into her messes. Overall, the show is wonderful, but this season was disappointing.
Santa Clarita Diet (Season 3): Netflix
Santa Clarita Diet (Season 3): When I first started watching Santa Clarita Diet, I meant it as a joke. I wanted to watch this show where a famous realtor wakes up and is suddenly a zombie, and then eventually make fun of it. Trust me, there are a lot of things to make fun of in this show, but I actually grew to like it. I thought the characters were hilariously written and the scenes had direction. Just to mention the scene that is shown in the screenshot from above, that was definitely the best scene of the series. Maybe it's the expression on Joel's face or the fact that Sheila completely dislocated her shoulder and has her arm draped behind her with her motherly smile, either way, it made me snort. Season three is right at home with its strangeness and quirkiness, building Joel and Sheila's marriage as well as Eric and Abby's friendship and romance. I personally love this show, and I'm sad to see it go (but the ending was really cool).
Man Like Mobeen: BBC Three
Man Like Mobeen: Incredibly funny and incredibly grounded, this show had me proper laughing in some scenes but crying in others. I really don't have many words to say about this show, but the cast seems very comfortable in their roles and in front of the camera, the writing has a perfect balance of real-life pressing issues (Islamophobia, xenophobia, protests, and drug cartels) and comedy. Uncle Shady is really the realest representation of Desi uncles living abroad and he definitely deserves his own show.
Workin' Moms: CBC Television
Workin' Moms: I don't have kids, so I can't say if this experience is factual. But from what I read, although it isn't perfect, it's pretty close. The only blindspot this show has is only showing the upper middle class mothers. They can all afford nannies, large houses, and day/night care. The percentage of women who can afford this is significantly less than women who cannot afford them. Another blindspot would be Giselle - an African lesbian divorcee with a mixed-race child. In the show, Giselle seems to be living a utopian life. But think about it... it's unrealistic. Personally, other than these blindspots, I would say that Workin' Moms is a wonderfully funny show to watch.
The End of the F***ing World (S2): Netflix, Channel 4
The End of the F***ing World (S2): I was really worried that this season wasn't going to match the same vibe as the last one. Fortunately, I was wrong. The dark humor and drama stayed the same, and I loved the way they showed Alyssa battling her PTSD (her coming off as rude and mean). The plot of this season was clever, I have to admit. Having Bonnie (the ex-girlfriend of the Professor who James killed) join James' and Alyssa's twisted road trip to no where and trying to find the right time to kill them was pretty genius. All the characters have so much depth, and the actors' tremendous talent allows the audience to really see that. Overall, this season was awesome, but I do agree with the creators that this should be the last season. It ended on a good note. Don't push it.
The True Memoirs of an International Assassin: Netflix
The True Memoirs of an International Assassin: I dare you to watch this movie with a straight face... see how you managed to do it? There was a reason why it scored 43% on RT. I'd just like to copy one review here that I feel sum up all my feelings about this movie (and Netflix): "This lifeless and lazy action-comedy only deepens our concerns about Netflix's feature-length comedy output" (David Ehrlich, IndieWire). Don't waste your time watching this... seriously.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy: Columbia Pictures
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy: Much like the film mentioned above, I sat through this movie without cracking a smile. Actually, that's false, the only time I smiled was when Christina Applegate dropped a stapler or tape dispenser on David Koechner's crotch. Honestly, Applegate's character was the only good part of this film. Unlike many reviewers on RT, this is not a timeless comedy, it's very timed, and that time has passed.
Love: Netflix
Love: Holy crap this show was amazing! The characters had real flaws, real goals, and real lives. I absolutely loved it, and I'm very happy that it ended the way it did. Each season had their own goals to overcome, and it was made to end at the time it did. It's funny, it's sad, it's frustrating... it's love.
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