20 Shows to Watch While Waiting for Election Results
When we spoke to Senator Elizabeth Warren after the final presidential debate, she shared useful wisdom for handling the incoming election results on the night of November 3. "Do not watch it straight through," she said. Instead, watch a feel-good movie or binge-worthy TV show to keep your mind off the anxiety-inducing statistics from time to time. With predictions of close races, electoral maps and charts will likely waver throughout the night. And with the record number of mail-in ballots this year, it may take days before enough votes are counted to confirm an official winner. So, how does one pass the time without succumbing to existential dread?
The answer lies right in your streaming queue. On the heels of Halloween, it may be tempting to slide into another scary movie, but why compound Election Day spooks with more terror? We're here to share fun, lighthearted viewing fare to keep you happily distracted as America's votes get counted. You can easily revisit your Friends go-tos in your recently watched bank, and you may be able to list your favorite Sex and the City episodes by heart, but if you want to find joy or calm in other avenues, scroll on.
The Great British Baking Show
There are eight seasons of TV's most wholesome competition series now streaming on Netflix, with new episodes of the latest series arriving weekly. Wouldn't you rather indulge in cake week than election week anyway?
A World of Calm
The perfect way to chill out: HBO Max and the creators of the Calm app teamed up for an audibly and visibly soothing experience. Stars like Nicole Kidman, Mahershala Ali, Zoë Kravitz, and more deliver smooth narrations. It's like watching a meditation on TV.
Schitt's Creek
As of October, all six seasons of the Emmy-winning show are now available to watch on Netflix. Take a break from the political shenanigans in the news with the much more enjoyable family antics at the Rosebud Motel.
Chef's Table
Get lost in the sauce and the culinary genius of chefs around the world like Massimo Bottura, Christina Tosi, Dominique Crenn, and beyond. Crave something juicier? There's now a BBQ edition of the series.
Girlfriends
In times like these, the support of a solid friend group is everything, even if it's on TV. Joan, Toni, Lynn, and Maya's bond, with all its ups and downs, is the comforting antidote to enduring the stress solo.
The Golden Girls
And we can't talk TV friendships without mentioning Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, and Sophia. With The Golden Girls conveniently streaming on Hulu, you can spend election week with this iconic squad of pals and confidantes.
Making It
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman go from Parks and Rec costars to overall-wearing cohosts in this pure, crafting competition show. Ever wanted to see DIY goods made in a Bake Off–like setting? This is your show.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
All it takes is the first few opening notes of the theme song and you know you're in good hands. Wrap up in your warmest cardigan and let the binge begin. And if you want other iterations of Mr. Rogers content, check out Tom Hanks's 2019 portrayal or this tear-jerking documentary.
Our Planet
The GOAT of nature doc narrators, Sir David Attenborough, guides us through some of the wonders of the natural world, from tiny jungle insects to the beasts of the grasslands.
HOME
This Apple TV+ series shares an inside look at some of the most stunning and innovative homes around the world, from a towering residence made of bamboo to a cottage inside a giant greenhouse and beyond.
Queer Eye
Who better to learn self-love and self-care from than the Fab Five? In Netflix's now-famous remake the makeover show, experts Antoni, Bobby, Tan, Karamo, and Jonathan transform not only their subjects, but their viewers too.
One Day at a Time
Rita Moreno reins in this beloved, modern family sitcom. Though Netflix canceled the series after Season 3, you can catch the fourth season over on Pop TV.
Love on the Spectrum
This relatively new Netflix series follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate love and dating, from first-time suitors to long-term partners. It's a heartwarming watch that smashes stereotypes and stigmas for autism on-screen.
Insecure
During this summer of unrest and uprising, Insecure fans found solace and joy in Issa Rae's comedy series. "It's just good to know that people are still there for us," the creator and star told BAZAAR.com. During this anxiety-inducing election period, the Emmy-nominated show just might save the day once again, offering much-needed laughs and a juicy escape.
Blown Away
Get an up-close (and sometimes intense) look at the world of glassblowing as 10 artists compete for the grand prize. Watch in high definition as the contenders, ranging from precise technicians to whimsical artists, create delicate sculptures—and break a sweat while doing so.
Broad City
Watching Abbi and Ilana wreak havoc through New York is both an escape and a comfort watch. Mentally, we are partying with them and Blake Griffin, or chasing a giant Gumby through Whole Foods.
Sister Sister
Take it back to the carefree days of childhood by tuning in to this Disney classic starring Tia and Tamera Mowry.
My Octopus Teacher
Filmmaker Craig Foster created an unlikely friendship with an octopus while swimming off the coast of South Africa, and by visiting his eight-legged friend regularly, he learned lessons about life, family, and himself.
The Big Flower Fight
Another soothing competition series for your queue: Sculptors, gardeners, and floral designers fashion flowers into structures we never thought possible.
The Good Place
We may or may not already be in The Bad Place, but the friendships, hijinks, and straight-up existential lessons from this NBC sitcom led by Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, and more might be enough to distract us from our jarring reality.
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