Recommend me shows!
February 2, 2024 12:04 PM Subscribe
Yet another “recommend me shows!” question
I’m looking for some new shows (or maaaybe movies if you think I’ll love them).
Must haves:
- Not too upsetting / stressful to watch
- No gore
- No rape
I enjoy:
- Woman centered, strong female friendships
- “Feel good” type shows
- Romance, esp slow burn and/or good onscreen chemistry
- Smart humor
- Some types of action (heists yes, fighting no)
- Preference for at least two (but preferably 3+) seasons
- Queer characters
I tend to dislike but not a dealbreaker:
- Sitcom with a laugh track type humor
- Too much violence; some non gory fighting is fine tho
- Historical / set in the past
Some recent-ish shows I loved: Schitt’s Creek, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, The Good Place, Wednesday
Some shows I enjoyed: Kim’s Convenience, Grace and Frankie, Jane the Virgin, iZombie, Abbot Elementary, Girls5Eva, Ted Lasso, Superstore
I recently watched or tried to watch:
- Leverage; I liked but didn’t love the first few seasons, but eventually it got too unrealistic and repetitive. I fast forwarded through some of the fighting bc I found it boring, but didn’t find it upsetting at all
- Good Girls; watched the whole thing, loved the female friendship, enjoyed the insane chemistry between two of the characters, but at times I found it too stressful
- Outlander; waaaay too gory and also too stressful/upsetting
- New Girl - too sitcom-y feeling, but I might give it another try at some point
- Fresh Off the Boat - way too sitcom-y
I’m looking for some new shows (or maaaybe movies if you think I’ll love them).
Must haves:
- Not too upsetting / stressful to watch
- No gore
- No rape
I enjoy:
- Woman centered, strong female friendships
- “Feel good” type shows
- Romance, esp slow burn and/or good onscreen chemistry
- Smart humor
- Some types of action (heists yes, fighting no)
- Preference for at least two (but preferably 3+) seasons
- Queer characters
I tend to dislike but not a dealbreaker:
- Sitcom with a laugh track type humor
- Too much violence; some non gory fighting is fine tho
- Historical / set in the past
Some recent-ish shows I loved: Schitt’s Creek, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, The Good Place, Wednesday
Some shows I enjoyed: Kim’s Convenience, Grace and Frankie, Jane the Virgin, iZombie, Abbot Elementary, Girls5Eva, Ted Lasso, Superstore
I recently watched or tried to watch:
- Leverage; I liked but didn’t love the first few seasons, but eventually it got too unrealistic and repetitive. I fast forwarded through some of the fighting bc I found it boring, but didn’t find it upsetting at all
- Good Girls; watched the whole thing, loved the female friendship, enjoyed the insane chemistry between two of the characters, but at times I found it too stressful
- Outlander; waaaay too gory and also too stressful/upsetting
- New Girl - too sitcom-y feeling, but I might give it another try at some point
- Fresh Off the Boat - way too sitcom-y
Shrill (Hulu) stars Aidy Bryant and is nicely woman-centered with some queer characters. It's a cute little show that's not over the top, but is a pleasant watch. Three seasons (I would have preferred a 4th, but they were at least given the chance to wrap it well). Healthy female friendship plus body positivity.
I'm also enjoying Casual (also on Hulu). I'm just into the 2nd season, but there are 5 seasons, I think. Woman and daughter move in with brother after divorce. Siblings have a semi-co-dependent relationship. Good writing, good acting. Not a comedy, but bits of smart humor here and there.
posted by hydra77 at 12:25 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
I'm also enjoying Casual (also on Hulu). I'm just into the 2nd season, but there are 5 seasons, I think. Woman and daughter move in with brother after divorce. Siblings have a semi-co-dependent relationship. Good writing, good acting. Not a comedy, but bits of smart humor here and there.
posted by hydra77 at 12:25 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
Derry Girls!!
posted by emd3737 at 12:31 PM on February 2 [25 favorites]
posted by emd3737 at 12:31 PM on February 2 [25 favorites]
Somebody Somewhere
posted by General Malaise at 12:32 PM on February 2 [15 favorites]
posted by General Malaise at 12:32 PM on February 2 [15 favorites]
There is no action (other than the action Ilana gets from Hannibal Burress - hey-o!) per se, but Broad City is a very funny show about two women who are best friends and trying to "make it" in NYC. Their lives are chaotic and messy, but things generally turn out OK and the show has a real tenderness to it. I particularly enjoyed the way it centered a type of love (friends/found family) other than romantic.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:33 PM on February 2 [6 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 12:33 PM on February 2 [6 favorites]
Check out Fisk on Netflix and Hacks on Max. Seconding Shrinking and Derry Girls.
posted by staggernation at 12:34 PM on February 2 [6 favorites]
posted by staggernation at 12:34 PM on February 2 [6 favorites]
Call the midwife might not be for you because it’s set in the past, but what I love the most about it is how much room it gives for odd, often middle-aged or older women to have rich, interesting friendships. It’s also very feel-good.
Class of 07 has some gross-out humor, but not gore, and is about a class reunion at an all girls high school that happens on the night of an apocalyptic storm that strands the alums at the school.
Also I 10000% second the rec for Somebody Somewhere. It’s a really special, hilarious, and moving show.
posted by theotherdurassister at 12:37 PM on February 2 [5 favorites]
Class of 07 has some gross-out humor, but not gore, and is about a class reunion at an all girls high school that happens on the night of an apocalyptic storm that strands the alums at the school.
Also I 10000% second the rec for Somebody Somewhere. It’s a really special, hilarious, and moving show.
posted by theotherdurassister at 12:37 PM on February 2 [5 favorites]
Thirding Derry Girls and also recommending Deadloch on Prime. It's a murder mystery but also a comedy, which wins out, in terms of plot and writing. Two of the main characters are a lesbian couple.
posted by TwoStride at 12:40 PM on February 2 [5 favorites]
posted by TwoStride at 12:40 PM on February 2 [5 favorites]
Heartstoppers mostly focuses on a male queer couple, but also has female main characters that it treats with great care. I'm pretty sensitive to stressful/upsetting tv these days, and while there were moments I had a lot of feelings, it never felt like too much.
posted by obfuscation at 12:41 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
posted by obfuscation at 12:41 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
We are currently watching The Big Door Prize and from your specs I bet you'd like it. It has The Good Place kind of vibes. Season 2 is coming out this year.
Lodge 49 is a little weirder than the shows on your list. We loved it and are very sad it was canceled after two seasons (it doesn't end on a cliffhanger or anything though).
Los Espookys was goofy fun, sometimes a little broad for my tastes but also could make me laugh out loud. Two seasons, canceled.
posted by dfan at 12:42 PM on February 2
Lodge 49 is a little weirder than the shows on your list. We loved it and are very sad it was canceled after two seasons (it doesn't end on a cliffhanger or anything though).
Los Espookys was goofy fun, sometimes a little broad for my tastes but also could make me laugh out loud. Two seasons, canceled.
posted by dfan at 12:42 PM on February 2
Sex Education, Only Murders in the Building, and Schmigadoon come to mind.
OMITB does have murders, but to me the way they are handled is not distressing. The overall tone of the show is light. YMMV.
posted by bunderful at 12:42 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
OMITB does have murders, but to me the way they are handled is not distressing. The overall tone of the show is light. YMMV.
posted by bunderful at 12:42 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
I think you’d like Dollface on Hulu (only 2 seasons though). Gilmore Girls actually fits a lot of your criteria except for a notable lack of queer characters. Sex Education is good but there is a plot line involving a sexual assault (not rape).
posted by alygator at 1:02 PM on February 2
posted by alygator at 1:02 PM on February 2
If you're open to k-drama, I really enjoyed Be Melodramatic, Hometown ChaChaCha, and Romance is a Bonus Book. They're cozy and have pretty endearing ensemble casts, and Melo and Romance focus a lot of their lead women protagonists. (Hometown does too, though I think it does a lot more with the women in its ensemble: which I liked, but YMMV.) Be Melo is a bit more comedic (and very meta about drama in a Jane-the-Virgin-esque way), while Romance and Hometown lean into the cozy factor, but I enjoyed all three. They're all quite earnest and comforting.
posted by lavenderhaze at 1:13 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
posted by lavenderhaze at 1:13 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
The Diplomat on Netflix.
posted by emelenjr at 1:16 PM on February 2 [3 favorites]
posted by emelenjr at 1:16 PM on February 2 [3 favorites]
Playing House. Three seasons of a Jessica McKenna and Lennon Parham-led sitcom about two best friends making their way through life as adults who have made specific choices for specific reasons - I don't want to spoil what they are, because those decisions drive the early direction of the show. It's hilarious but also grounded in some lovely moments between those two. Doesn't have queer characters (as main characters, I believe there are some that dip in and out as ancillary characters), but absolutely checks all your other boxes and is literally founded on a strong female friendship.
Also definitely seconding Hometown ChaChaCha.
posted by pdb at 1:17 PM on February 2
Also definitely seconding Hometown ChaChaCha.
posted by pdb at 1:17 PM on February 2
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries might be up your alley. The costuming is amazing. Action, there is crime but she's this ahead of her time lady -- You should give it a shot.
posted by ReluctantViking at 1:38 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
posted by ReluctantViking at 1:38 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
I love the Diplomat, but I wouldn't call it a feel-good show, otherwise, I'd strongly recommend it as well worth watching.
Casual started off really strong, and like a lot of things, slipped in quality towards the end. Again, not necessarily feel-good, but well worth watching, with a character dynamic (adult brother and sister) I really appreciated.
I do like the suggestions of Only Murders in the Building (although it may be a bit light on queer characters and heavier on male leads) and Schmigadoon.
It's only one season and there is some fighting but The Company You Keep hits the heists, and good on-screen chemistry notes (also light on queer characters).
Corner Gas is the ultimate in not-too upsetting TV viewing.
I'd say if you could put up with comic book levels of fighting (and tiny bits of comic book type of gore) Legends of Tomorrow checks the female-led, female-friendships, queer characters, feel-good vibe boxes starting with season two (season one is either skippable or should be watched knowing that its so terribly bad that even the production team decided to start over with season two).
It's also only one-season long, but you might want to take a look at Reboot if you want to see more from the star of Crazy Ex Girlfriend.
Younger might work for you.
If your dislike for historical can be waved for time travel, I'd possibly suggest Timeless, but somehow I suspect that's a bridge too far for you. Ditto Galavant. I'd love to recommend this but I don't think the pseudo-historic setting would diminish your enjoyment of the music and characters and silliness.
I know everybody jumped on the bandwagon during the pandemic but Suits might be an option if you're looking for an outside suggestion.
posted by sardonyx at 2:03 PM on February 2
Casual started off really strong, and like a lot of things, slipped in quality towards the end. Again, not necessarily feel-good, but well worth watching, with a character dynamic (adult brother and sister) I really appreciated.
I do like the suggestions of Only Murders in the Building (although it may be a bit light on queer characters and heavier on male leads) and Schmigadoon.
It's only one season and there is some fighting but The Company You Keep hits the heists, and good on-screen chemistry notes (also light on queer characters).
Corner Gas is the ultimate in not-too upsetting TV viewing.
I'd say if you could put up with comic book levels of fighting (and tiny bits of comic book type of gore) Legends of Tomorrow checks the female-led, female-friendships, queer characters, feel-good vibe boxes starting with season two (season one is either skippable or should be watched knowing that its so terribly bad that even the production team decided to start over with season two).
It's also only one-season long, but you might want to take a look at Reboot if you want to see more from the star of Crazy Ex Girlfriend.
Younger might work for you.
If your dislike for historical can be waved for time travel, I'd possibly suggest Timeless, but somehow I suspect that's a bridge too far for you. Ditto Galavant. I'd love to recommend this but I don't think the pseudo-historic setting would diminish your enjoyment of the music and characters and silliness.
I know everybody jumped on the bandwagon during the pandemic but Suits might be an option if you're looking for an outside suggestion.
posted by sardonyx at 2:03 PM on February 2
Response by poster: Thank you for all the suggestions so far! To clarify, I don’t need every show to have everything I listed as enjoying - for example it’s fine if there are no queer characters, it’s just a bonus if there are.
posted by maleficent at 2:15 PM on February 2
posted by maleficent at 2:15 PM on February 2
Seconding the votes above for Call the Midwife (Netflix) and Schmigadoon! (Apple TV)
posted by tzikeh at 2:28 PM on February 2
posted by tzikeh at 2:28 PM on February 2
I wonder about Extraordinary Attorney Woo? The lead is an autistic woman, she has a bestie, there’s a slow-burn romance, it’s a feel-good show.
posted by eirias at 2:34 PM on February 2 [4 favorites]
posted by eirias at 2:34 PM on February 2 [4 favorites]
Never Have I Ever
Being Erica
Better Things
Shrinking
We Are Lady Parts
posted by willnot at 3:21 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
Being Erica
Better Things
Shrinking
We Are Lady Parts
posted by willnot at 3:21 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
My favorite feel-good show to decompress with these days is All Creatures Great and Small (the remake currently on Prime; the original is good, too, but I haven't watched it in many years). It's historical (set in the 1930s/early 1940s), but otherwise it might be up your alley.
Others that tick at least some of your boxes:
Broad City (the entire show centers on their friendship; great queer representation, too)
This Fool
Derry Girls
Shrinking
The Good Place
Minx
Ghosts (I've only seen the BBC original, not the US remake)
Detectorists
posted by paper scissors sock at 3:29 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
Others that tick at least some of your boxes:
Broad City (the entire show centers on their friendship; great queer representation, too)
This Fool
Derry Girls
Shrinking
The Good Place
Minx
Ghosts (I've only seen the BBC original, not the US remake)
Detectorists
posted by paper scissors sock at 3:29 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
I want to recommend Fleabag because it is completely female-centric and the relationships between the female characters are a delight.
But there's a sexual assault plot point that might squick you -- at one point, one character forcibly kisses another.
posted by Sauce Trough at 3:53 PM on February 2
But there's a sexual assault plot point that might squick you -- at one point, one character forcibly kisses another.
posted by Sauce Trough at 3:53 PM on February 2
Woman lead, clever humor, no real romance, but Fisk (Netflix - Australian) is a good watch.
posted by uncaken at 4:22 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
posted by uncaken at 4:22 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
Rizzoli & Isles
The Girl's Guide to Depravity
Bones
Abby's
2 Broke Girls
Bonding
posted by gible at 5:44 PM on February 2
The Girl's Guide to Depravity
Bones
Abby's
2 Broke Girls
Bonding
posted by gible at 5:44 PM on February 2
To piggyback on paper scissors sock's answer: the US remake of Ghosts is delightful. It's a very different tone than the original, a little less sarcastic of a sense of humor (less British, in other words), but it's every bit as good.
posted by pdb at 5:49 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
posted by pdb at 5:49 PM on February 2 [2 favorites]
You might give Leverage:Redemption a try; it's less realistic, but it's more female-focused now and more LGBTQ inclusive. Less fighting, too.
posted by The otter lady at 6:59 PM on February 2
posted by The otter lady at 6:59 PM on February 2
I really enjoyed both One Mississippi (Tig Notaro is the best) and Work in Progress. Note, both have some upsetting stuff (in One Mississippi, in particular, there's death, and cancer, and Tig's character talks a lot about having been molested as a child), but I found it really manageable within the story, and I am a person who's really sensitive to a lot of difficult stuff in serial storytelling.
Totally, totally nthing Detectorists, which is the best thing ever.
You might also get some good ideas from my previous AskMe about smart, funny, gentle comedy.
posted by kristi at 7:47 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
Totally, totally nthing Detectorists, which is the best thing ever.
You might also get some good ideas from my previous AskMe about smart, funny, gentle comedy.
posted by kristi at 7:47 PM on February 2 [1 favorite]
If Leverage was ok for you, try The Librarians - slightly older, some overlapping cast members, mostly nerdy magic and history, with some fighting that’s mostly on the witty side.
posted by centrifugal at 9:28 PM on February 2
posted by centrifugal at 9:28 PM on February 2
The Morning Show was mentioned above, and I loved it, but viewers beware: the first season is about a news anchor being found out as a serial rapist. I don’t recall any on-screen depictions of sexual violence, but it could be a really tough watch.
posted by theotherdurassister at 11:24 PM on February 2
posted by theotherdurassister at 11:24 PM on February 2
Our Flag Means Death is brilliant, and it might or might not be for you.
posted by Pronoiac at 10:56 AM on February 3 [2 favorites]
posted by Pronoiac at 10:56 AM on February 3 [2 favorites]
In addition to the whole arc of season 1 of The Morning Show that theotherdurassister mentions, be aware there is a hard-to-watch sex scene towards the end of the season. It's not explicit, but the events leading up to said scene make it plain that the sex was coerced and not consensual. It is definitely not an easy watch in an otherwise good show.
posted by pdb at 11:31 AM on February 3
posted by pdb at 11:31 AM on February 3
Loupin on Netflix is slightly cheesy, quirky, interesting heist-type plot. Nothing scary.
Young Sheldon is really sweet and funny. I never got into the Big Bang Theory, but I'm loving Young Sheldon.
The Fosters and then Good Trouble are enjoyable.
Young on Hulu has female leads, so does The Bold Type.
posted by dabadoo at 4:06 PM on February 3
Young Sheldon is really sweet and funny. I never got into the Big Bang Theory, but I'm loving Young Sheldon.
The Fosters and then Good Trouble are enjoyable.
Young on Hulu has female leads, so does The Bold Type.
posted by dabadoo at 4:06 PM on February 3
Brokenwood Mysteries
Deadloch (if you don't mind a shocking level of swearing)
Fisk
The Mentalist
Psych
Poker Face
Elementary
Chuck
posted by Enid Lareg at 6:40 PM on February 3
Deadloch (if you don't mind a shocking level of swearing)
Fisk
The Mentalist
Psych
Poker Face
Elementary
Chuck
posted by Enid Lareg at 6:40 PM on February 3
Seconding We Are Lady Parts.
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:01 PM on February 3
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 7:01 PM on February 3
Thirding We Are Lady Parts. Only one season, but the writer/director also made the film Polite Society. Completely different story, but very similar tone. Also delightful.
And if you're able to watch that, you maybe have Peacock. You could check out Five Bedrooms while you're there. That is an Aussie dramedy about five 30/40somethings who decide to buy a house together and end up becoming an ersatz family. It's right in that streak of Australian dramedies that are alternately sharp and goopy, but the characters are terrific, aprticularly Heather, who seems set up to be the frumpy older friend but turns out to be a romantic lead.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:18 AM on February 5
And if you're able to watch that, you maybe have Peacock. You could check out Five Bedrooms while you're there. That is an Aussie dramedy about five 30/40somethings who decide to buy a house together and end up becoming an ersatz family. It's right in that streak of Australian dramedies that are alternately sharp and goopy, but the characters are terrific, aprticularly Heather, who seems set up to be the frumpy older friend but turns out to be a romantic lead.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:18 AM on February 5
I really enjoyed Deadloch, so seconding that (but it is a murder solving show, and has some plot around unsavory men).
Surprised no one has said PEN15 yet, which is a must if you haven't already watched it. The ultimate in female friendship shows, bonus if you were a 90s kid.
posted by LKWorking at 10:30 AM on February 5
Surprised no one has said PEN15 yet, which is a must if you haven't already watched it. The ultimate in female friendship shows, bonus if you were a 90s kid.
posted by LKWorking at 10:30 AM on February 5
Newhart is streaming on Amzn Prime. It's old/dated. Calm and funny.
posted by theora55 at 8:55 AM on February 12
posted by theora55 at 8:55 AM on February 12
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posted by TwoWordReview at 12:08 PM on February 2 [5 favorites]