Over the course of the last year, negative events have dominated the news: the Israel-Hamas war, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the toxicity of the U.S. election. After seeing these headlines, it can be hard to maintain a positive attitude about the state of the world. Thankfully, there are certain movies and TV shows that highlight humanity’s kindness and compassion. Here are some of my favorites that I think can restore anyone’s faith in human decency.
TV shows
“All Creatures Great and Small” (Apple)
Set in the late 1930s in a small UK town named Darrowby and based on a wildly popular book series, the show follows the misadventures of veterinarian James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph). As he adapts to his stern boss, Dr. Farnon (Samuel West), and his troublesome younger brother, Tristan (Callum Woodhouse), he falls in love with the town and its residents. Rounding out the cast are James’ love interest Helen (Rachel Shenton), housekeeper Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley) and James’ romantic rival Hugh (Matthew Lewis, also known as hot Neville). James’ heartwarming interactions with animals and members of the town will restore anyone’s belief that people are fundamentally kindhearted.
“Parks and Recreation” (Peacock)
With an all-star cast featuring Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, Adam Scott, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman and Rob Lowe, this show was destined to be one of the greatest comedy series of all time. Leslie Knope (Poehler), an idealistic city government employee working in the Parks and Recreation Department, leads her coworkers toward making their town of Pawnee, Indiana, a better place. She navigates the trials and misadventures of her political career, aided by her blunt boss Ron Swanson (Offerman), entrepreneurial co-worker Tom (Ansari) and, in her words, “beautiful friend” Anne Perkins (Jones). Hilarity ensues as Leslie (Poehler) strives to improve the lives of Pawnee’s citizens.
“New Girl” (Hulu)
After her boyfriend cheats on her, Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel), an eccentric primary school teacher, moves in with three male roommates Nick, Schmidt and Winston (Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield and Lamorne Morris), after connecting on Craigslist. Shenanigans follow as these 20-somethings navigate dating, the workplace and living together. They may argue and bicker, but at the end of the day, they have one another.
“Queer Eye” (Netflix)
Five queer people, dubbed the Fab Five, create connections with people all over the country and assist them with methods to improve their lives. Their social commentary and interactions with people whose beliefs differ from theirs lead to unique conversations that highlight the innate humanity present in everyone. Each member of the Fab Five brings their own specialty: Antoni Porowski on food and wine, Tan France on fashion, Jonathan Van Ness on grooming, Bobby Berk on interior design and Karamo Brown on culture. They also share their personal struggles, challenges such as homophobia, addiction and homelessness. Each episode benefits the individual they help, and their advice can be relevant to any viewer.
Movies
“Secondhand Lions” (Apple)
Walter (Haley Joel Osment), a young boy, is sent off by his greedy mother (Kyra Sedgwick) to live with his great-uncles, Garth (Michael Caine) and Hub (Robert Duvall). The men are rumored to have a great fortune, and they regale Walter with stories of adventures in their youth. They transform from pessimistic old men into young boys themselves as their spirits become energized by the presence of Walter’s youth. With phenomenal one-liners and delightfully corny moments, it is the movie-watching equivalent of eating a warm bowl of soup on a cold day.
“The Holiday” (Apple)
This film is arguably one of the greatest rom-coms of all time. It’s known for its stellar cast featuring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black. English Iris (Winslet) and Californian Amanda (Diaz) are unlucky in love and swap houses with one another. Iris finds herself in a modern Hollywood mansion, and Amanda discovers a small, quaint English village. Neither knows that love for both of them is just around the corner. The film is perfect for a rainy day or a hopeless-romantic mood booster.
“Chef” (Apple)
Disgruntled chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) leaves his prestigious restaurant job after his controlling owner rejects his ideas for changing the menu. With the support of his ex-wife, Inez (Sofía Vergara), he decides to start a food truck business. Casper learns the importance of family and rediscovers his love for life. With incredible performances from Robert Downey Jr. and Oliver Platt, this film reminds viewers just how beautiful life can be and that the journey, rather than the destination, matters most.
“The Princess Bride” (Disney+)
This movie is one of the best fairy tale films of all time (sorry, Shrek) with an incredible cast and iconic one-liners. From the hilarious “Inconceivable!” to the bittersweet “As you wish,” the film delivers a simple story filled with clever humor and touching moments. One of the film’s greatest strengths is that it is not defined by any one genre, as it contains a beautiful mix of comedy, romance and fantasy. Suitable for all ages and fans of any genre, this film is close to perfection.
A TV show or movie is one of the best ways to take your mind off what is happening in the news. I hope that my recommendations help anyone in a negative frame of mind. Happy watching!
