The year-end is near, and before the holiday season kicks off, it’s time to take some well-deserved R&R at home by getting all cosied up and watching some of the best shows television has to offer. While there are a plethora of shows to choose from, choosing one to commit to can seem like a daunting task.
After all, you’re looking to relax, not to do more mentally draining activities. Well, you’re in luck. If you’re in the mood for Netflix (or, insert: preferred streaming service) and chill, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourites, from classic titles to newer ones; your night of relaxation is about to get better.
Bad Monkey (2024)
Emma Mallaburn, Editor
I am a huge fan of Vince Vaughn, so it came as no surprise that when I started watching Bad Monkey on AppleTV+, I was hooked. After losing his job and then getting it back, a detective turned restaurant inspector in Southern Florida unintentionally gets tangled in a world of corruption, which began with the discovery of a severed arm.
Whilst dealing with his own demons, the main character comes across some shady and good ones along the way. Funny, engaging, and thrilling, it’s perfect if you want a light watch without the heavy burden of your average murder mystery show.
Vince Vaughn’s super-dry humour is always such a pleasure to watch on-screen. The perfect ingredient for a recipe for relaxation!
Watch it here.
The Mole, Season 2 (2024)
Xin Xin Lee, Head of Design
If you love suspense and thrill, this show is for you. Twelve contestants play as a team to add money to a prize pool. However, there’s a catch. One of them is the ‘Mole’ secretly working to sabotage the group’s efforts and decrease the prize pool. The best part? It’s filmed entirely in Malaysia, so you get a sneak peek of our beautiful country as the players move from one iconic location to another.
Watch it here.
Bojack Horseman (2014)
Ami, Social Media Intern
Bojack Horseman dives into topics not commonly portrayed by the media and reflects on inner conflicts many tend to hide. The show’s rawness captivated me as it brought out questions from within that I’d never thought of because it is such an uncomfortable thing to process.
There’s this one specific character that I heavily related to, Diane; she is a Vietnamese American writer who never feels like she belongs; from her ethnicity to her relationships, she was always portrayed as this negative Nancy. One line that stood out to me was, “That means that all the damage I got isn’t good damage, it’s just damage. I have gotten nothing out of it, and all those years I was miserable was for nothing.”
This show represents broken people dealing with hardships. It can honestly be very relatable, and it makes you think about the decisions they make, where they came from, and the thought process behind each path they take, whether it’s a journey of self-betterment or the opposite. It’s not just the controversial characters; they also touch on societal problems, unfair privilege, and the corrupt system that reflects our world today.
If you’re into a real, unfiltered, and beautifully traumatising projection of dysfunctional personas and how they navigate life, then you will definitely enjoy this, but take a break from time to time because it can be a bit confrontational!
Watch it here.
Nobody Wants This (2024)
Teresa Rodrigues, Social Media Lead
If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s funny and light, you have to check out Nobody Wants This! It’s about Joanne, an agnostic sex podcaster, and Noah, a newly single rabbi, trying to make an interfaith relationship work despite their totally different worlds colliding. Their journey is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Perfect for when you need a feel-good series to unwind!
Watch it here.
Sharp Objects (2018)
Aina’ Imran, Editorial Intern
This show perfectly embodies the Southern Gothic atmosphere. Think small-town churches, Ethel Cain, and Terrence Malick’s Badlands. In Sharp Objects, Amy Adams’ Camille Preaker returns to her sleepy little hometown, Wind Gap, where gossip and pig farming thrive, when news broke that local girls have disappeared.
It may not be for everyone due to its various triggering themes, such as suicide and self-harm, to accompany the murder theme. The pacing can also seem a bit slow to those who are more about upbeat or action-packed stuff, but if you hold on to it until the very last minute, I can promise that the twist will be so worth it.
Watch it here.
Insecure (2016)
River Huei, Sub-Editor & SEO Specialist
It’s no exaggeration to say that I laughed, cried, cringed, and had my heart broken right alongside the relatable characters of Insecure. This comedy-drama tugged at my heartstrings while offering fresh insights into the lives of modern Black women. I loved every hilarious, awkward, and life-giving-you-lemons moment with Issa Dee and Molly.
Watch it here.
New Girl (2011)
Maggie De souza, Brand Experience Manager
Sure, New Girl may have ended six years ago, but every time it hits a new streaming platform, it finds fresh life and a new audience. Its quirky humour and characters keep it relevant. From the adorkable Jess (who I sometimes identify with) to Nick’s grumpy, young-old-man wisdom, the show never feels dated. It’s the kind of comfort watch we all need to end the year, right? And honestly, who wouldn’t want to live in a chaotic loft with their closest friends?
Watch it here.
Modern Family (2009)
Ashley Lim, Events & Programming Executive
Modern Family is my go-to comfort show. The character development over the seasons is fantastically done, making you feel connected to each character. My favourite characters are Cam & Phil – Cameron’s dramatic flair always brings laughter, while Phil’s lovable goofiness is so endearing. It’s one of those series I can rewatch endlessly for its warmth, humour, and heartwarming moments.
Watch it here.
