We’re witnessing the end of Brangelina, one of the great power couples of our time. It’s hard to imagine either Brad or Angie sitting on the couch, eating ice cream in their sweatpants, but the hardships of a breakup are universal. Everybody’s got to wallow. And in honor of that truth, we present to you the best post-breakup shows currently on Netflix.
(Note: This is not a deep dive for hidden gems of the streaming service. These are obvious, tried-and-true picks, like the television version of comfort food.)
1. Gilmore Girls
There’s not much that a trip to Stars Hollow can’t cure. Coffee, pop culture references and the trademark Gilmore banter will wrap around you like a warm blanket. And there’s plenty of relationship drama for you to relate to.
2. Friends
The classic comfort show. Treat yourself to some ’90s nostalgia and hang out with the gang. Chandler is not so great with the advice, but can he interest you in a sarcastic comment?
3. One Tree Hill
All the drama, all the teenage angst. Let Lucas Scott’s heartfelt voiceovers soothe your broken heart, and Nathan and Haley’s relationship restore your faith in love. Everything seems like the end of the world in high school.
5. Friday Night Lights
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. Can any show tug on your heartstrings quite like this one? Does any marriage inspire more than Eric and Tami Taylor’s?
5. How I Met Your Mother
There is nothing (repeat: nothing) more pathetic than Ted Mosby’s love life. You are better at this than he is. Take comfort in that.
6. Gossip Girl
Sometimes you need to engage in a little bad behavior after a breakup, and that’s cool. If you’re too lazy to do it yourself, let the privileged monsters of the Upper East Side do it for you.
7. Grace and Frankie
This show is all about two women navigating life after their husbands decide to leave them for each other. Not a great look. But the end of something can bring new adventures.
8. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Females are strong as hell! Look, if Kimmy can get her life together after living in a bunker for 15 years, you’re going to be just fine.
9. Parks and Recreation
There is nothing Leslie can’t make happen. And in this trying time, she reminds us what matters most: friends, waffles and work. Waffles should be a variable in your breakup equation.
10. 30 Rock
Let Liz Lemon be your breakup spirit animal. She hates intimacy and loves food. She knows the best relationships are the ones in which you don’t have to try anymore and you can just sit around and watch TV and go to bed without anyone trying any funny business. You’re living your best life.
@lchval | laurenchval@redeyechicago.com
