TV Therapy When You Need A Break or Escape

A TV Guide

Updated 6/29/2020

Between the Covid-19 quarantine, videos of injustice and protests, I’ve had to practice some escapism. I have several pieces I’m working on, but just can’t seem to complete… It’s seems like our country is divided into several groups, but the largest groups are the ones that care, the ones who don’t totally understand, but are trying and the ones who don’t care and never will.

This piece is for the first two groups — because if you’re like me you feel like you’re in a twilight zone and while you care and you’re trying your best to support the cause — it’s overwhelming, exhausting — weighing on you & taking a toll. For the last two weeks, I’ve been simmering in a sea of emotions from sadness, frustration, fear, and anger with faith and hope shining through with small — yet sad victories. In between cycling between insomnia, mental and physical exhaustion - I work, chat with friends and family.

And…WATCH TV.

Bias Disclaimer: I identify as a nerdy, chocolate hippie who LOVES food literally from farm to table. I have a small organic garden and take more pride in composting than fashion. Yet, I’m fly (stylish) when I want to be — from the ankles up. I like clothes but I’m a “bag hag”. I love designer bags, but now they’re responsibly sourced (from high end consignment or thrift shops). However, I HATE shoes! I could wear flip flops all year round (if weather permitted). I’m the African American version of an old white man who wears shorts all year round. In other words — I’m not a stereotypical Black woman -like most Black women. (I can’t help but- educate a little). Therefore, my list is all over the place.

Here is my viewing list to relax, restore, escape and maybe have a little laugh:

I’ll start with food and cooking shows

Nadiya’s Time to Eat — Watching her cook is pure joy and her recipes work (especially the breakfast burrito with spinach and feta, chicken shawarma and her skillet cookie). She has a British accent and when she smiles, you can’t help but smile with her. Her kids are adorable and she has great cooking tips for busy families who want cost effective, healthy meals. Plus she’s one of a few women of color who has her own cooking show. Can you tell I REALLY love watching her show, lol?

Broken Bread — Roy Choi’s PBS series on Prime Video examines food and social justice in Los Angeles. It’s serious, but heartwarming. It’s a must watch if you’re interested in food and finding equitable and alternative solutions to food justice. He’s my social justice/foodie man crush. It’s something sexy about a man who’s woke, ambitious and can cook.

Feed Phil — One of the producer’s of Everybody Loves Raymond travels and eats all around the world. The theme song is super groovy and it’s a really sweet non traditional cooking show. You can tell he REALLY loves food and I get a kick out of his exuberance every time he tries something new. He literally dances when he likes something (like me). It helps you see the endearing, quirky, sweet side of an American white man — which is needed now a days…

Nailed It! — If you like cooking competition shows with home bakers and need a laugh this is it. The show’s hosts are comedian Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, an award winning, French pastry chef. It’s PURE hilarity with a splash of flirty, self deprecating humor and a flash of man candy with W(h)-ES ( Wes Bahr, the show’s AD). You’ll get why I spell it that way when you see how Nicole calls his name. It’s just good clean, wacky fun.

Feel Good Shows For The Woke (Or Wanna or Trying To Be)

Becoming — It’s Michelle Obama’s documentary following her on her book tour. It gives us a sneak peak into her life before, during and after President Obama was in office. She talks about her childhood in Chicago and their love story… We see her trials and triumphs and her vision for the future. It’s uplifting, enlightening and inspiring. But, again — I’m biased I love Michelle!

Comedians and Comedies

Mo Gilligan — Momentum — A young British, Jamaican comic who mixes music with comedy. It really funny and you have a few moments to dance along. It doesn’t hurt that’s a beautiful young man (cougar alert — lol)

Anything with Alonzo Bodden — Heavy Lightweight (Amazon Prime) has all his stuff — he’s just funny. He touches on some deeper issues , but his delivery is so smooth and relaxed — it’s easy to digest.

Fortune Feinster — Sweet and Salty — I’ve loved her since she worked on the Chelsea Handler show. Her special is just funny as she talks about her childhood, family and coming of age and out in the south.

Tone Bell — Can’t Cancel This — (Showtime) Super funny, low key comedy special that touches on student loan debt, race and social class and holidays as an only child — it’s made me look at Perrier water in a different light…

I’ll continue to add as I view -

I hope you enjoy what I have thus far!