The cast of NBC’s popular comedy series “Seinfeld.” Image: AFP
Some people say that laughter is the best medicine. With physical distancing measures still the norm in many places, as well as new restrictions in other locations and the return of cold temperatures, here are four shows to keep your mood up at home.
Do not hesitate to share a bowl of popcorn and a blanket while binging these shows alone, with loved ones or other household members.
“Community,” a tribute to pop culture
This cult show was created by Dan Harmon for NBC in 2009. However, it came back to the forefront when it landed on Netflix on April first 2020. Far from being an April Fool’s Day prank, this pop culture phenomenon saved many Netflix viewers from boredom during last April’s lockdown. Both light-hearted and caustic, this show is set in a community college among a group of heterogeneous and eccentric students.
The leader Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), a good-looking former lawyer who never got his degree, wants to seduce Britta (Gillian Jacobs), a blonde and sometimes zany feminist. Annie (Alison Brie) is also a member of this study group; the model student used to be hooked on tranquilizers, while Abed (Danny Pudi), of Palestinian descent, is obsessed with cult series and films, and Troy, Abed’s best friend, is a geeky former quarterback played by Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino.
Single Christian mother Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Pierce (Chevy Chase), an older millionaire with inappropriate behavior, are also part of this wacky gang. The six seasons feature numerous pop culture references, from “Star Wars” and “Doctor Who” to Tarantino films, “Walking Dead” and other American sitcoms.
“Malcolm in the Middle,” a family show
An irresponsible but loving father, a stubborn mother and immature brothers. Welcome to Malcolm’s family, the stereotypical middle-class American family. The show follows the daily life of this comically dysfunctional family. While Malcolm is a genius, with a 165 IQ, the 11-year-old does his best to carry out elaborate pranks in order to be treated like his brothers. The show, created in 2000 by Linwood Boomer, lasted for seven seasons. A perfect way to put family life into perspective, especially for those spending more time at home these days with siblings.
“New Girl,” a show about roommates
If you are sharing a flat or a house, this show is for you. Jessica Day, a kooky schoolteacher, lands in a loft shared by three guys after a romantic breakup. This seven-season sitcom, created by Elizabeth Meriwether in 2011, is perfect to keep a smile on your face right now. We love Jessica’s positivity, always looking for solutions and seeing the glass half full, but we also like Schmidt, the perfect douchebag, barman Nick, and Winston who’s a bit too crazy about his dog. Another key character is Cece, Jess’s best friend, a model who is as eccentric as the others, as well as Ernie aka Coach, the jock. This nutty crew will have you laughing out loud.
“Seinfeld,” the cult comedy show
Seinfeld’s funky bass-riff theme is easily identifiable. It is the iconic ’90s sitcom, created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld himself in 1989. Set in Jerry’s Upper West Side Manhattan building, the stand-up comedian shares his life and adventures with Kramer, George and Elaine.
The sitcom delivers subtle New York-style humor from a strong cast and crew who later became stars of their own shows, such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”), Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and Jason Alexander. “Seinfeld” shook up the world of sitcoms and paved the way for subsequent cult shows such as “Friends” and “The Office.” CC
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