Already Voted Today? Here’s What to Watch Instead of Doomscrolling Twitter
So it’s Election Day 2020 and you’ve already cast your ballot. Amazing! Good Work! Doesn’t it feel good to exercise your rights? But now you’re sitting in your apartment, home, or dorm wondering WTF you’re going to do with the rest of your day. Are you just supposed to sit there, continuously refreshing Twitter, having an aneurism while results roll in? No. Here’s a better idea. Put your phone down (better yet, turn it off) and turn on one of these shows or movies instead. This list has been intentionally curated to distract and delight you. You’re welcome!!
These selections run the gamut. Some will make you laugh so hard that you might forget about the world around you for a second, while some feel like cuddling up in a warm blanket because they’re just so…cozy. Either way, there’s something for everyone who’s looking to escape.
Great British Baking Show
The stakes on this show are so beautifully low (there’s no prize money, just the honor of being the best) that it’s basically stress-free. And on a day when most Americans will be fighting with each other in random corners of the internet, immerse yourself in the polite and supportive world of this British baking competition to get away from it all.
Pride & Prejudice
One of the easiest ways to take yourself out of the here and now is to literally transport yourself to another time period altogether. Enter: the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. This movie will bewitch you, body and soul, into forgetting the name “Donald Trump” for about two hours.
Ocean’s 11
Brad Pitt? George Clooney? Matt Damon? A plot to rob a casino for millions of dollars? Yes, that does sound like a better way for you to spend your time than arguing with Aunt Carol on Facebook.
Schitt’s Creek
One of the best parts of this show is that you really can’t even tell where the town of Schitt’s Creek is supposed to be, which makes it perfect for Election Day viewing. What country are they even in? Who knows! Could be anywhere!
Emily in Paris
Don’t get mad at the election, get mad at Emily in Paris! If you didn’t get a chance to watch this a few weeks ago when it was the only thing anyone could talk about, now’s your chance, even if you’re hate-watching.
The Devil Wears Prada
Distract yourself with the beautiful clothes! And throw popcorn at your TV every time Andy’s boyfriend is unsupportive of her career!
Girlfriends
This is definitely one of the “cozy” options on the list. Nothing says comfort quite like an early aughts sitcom, and I can’t be the only one who finds Tracee Ellis Ross’s presence to be incredibly soothing. She’s just…so wise.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Swinging to the totally opposite end of the spectrum, a movie like Lord of the Rings has so much going on in it that you won’t even wanna pick up your phone for fear of missing something critical. Also, not to be too heterosexual about it, but Orlando Bloom in a blonde wig is *chef’s kiss*.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
There’s a reason so many people flocked to this show during the early part of quarantine. It’s just nice! Let it help you through this day too.
Easy A
There’s that saying that laughter is the best medicine, and if you haven’t seen this movie in a few years, the jokes have aged impeccably. Warning: It might make you wish Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson were your parents.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
If you feel yourself truly starting to spiral, do yourself a favor and turn this on, and then try to learn at least one of the dances with your friend/roommate/dog/whatever. If you fail at the choreo (like I would), simply have a Beyoncé dance party. You will feel better.
Gilmore Girls
This show managed to somehow completely avoid almost all political issues in its seven-year run. Whether that’s a failing on the show’s part is definitely a worthy discussion, but it makes it particularly ideal for when you’re trying to tune out the outside world.
Someone Great
If you’re in need of a good cry because of…the world, this movie should do the trick. It includes a truly iconic use of Lorde’s “Supercut.”
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