Watch these 8 recent politics-free TV shows and specials on election day (and beyond)

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As a devoted fan of all things 80s and a parent myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend the new streaming series set in the 1980s. It’s a wild, hilarious, and sometimes heartwarming ride that perfectly captures the essence of that era while also providing a side dish of cartoon violence. If you’re looking for an entertaining escape from reality, this show is just what the doctor ordered!

The official social media account of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign shared a humorous post. Famous figures have been endorsing politics using the phrase “feline, cat-owning woman without children.” Once more, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, worked at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, serving French fries.

Labeled as “the defining election of our times,” the 2024 presidential contest and its outcome seem more extraordinary than any work of fiction, akin to a television storyline unfolding in real life. Consequently, The Times will be offering continuous updates not only on Tuesday’s election results but also on local, state, and national races throughout the day and beyond.

In case you prefer not to wait anxiously for the race results, we’ve prepared a collection of TV shows that you can stream. These shows are packed with humor and easy viewing, making them ideal for extended binge sessions. Given the prolonged 2020 election, it might take hours, or even days, to get the final outcome. This list includes series and specials that recently premiered or have new seasons out, offering an excellent opportunity to catch up. These shows should help alleviate your concerns over mail-ballot delays or provide a respite from constant news updates, page refreshes, and channel surfing.

‘Colin From Accounts’ (Paramount+)

Let’s cut to the chase: We’re going to be in a prolonged state of unconsciousness for several days. To help our minds cope, we recommend immersing yourself in the heartwarming tale of “Colin From Accounts”, where the romantic journey of Ashley and Gordon unfolds, played by the show’s creators Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall. Their unusual meet-cute – a nipple flash during a street crossing – will make any Nora Ephron fan smile. To avoid spoilers, we’ll stop here, but the quirky twists and charming details that follow are part of its allure. The show recently released its second eight-episode season in September, continuing to explore the fun and complications of a new relationship, while daring to be innovative – episodes like “Waterfall” and “Yass King” stand out. (The 16 total episodes from both seasons will keep you entertained.) Get ready to laugh, cry, and eagerly await more episodes! — Yvonne Villarreal

‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ (Max)

Instead of jetting off to a distant, tropical paradise during times like these, staying put at home or in the U.S., for that matter, might seem less than ideal. However, a travel show can offer an affordable substitute, providing stunning landscapes and insights into various countries while also delivering hearty doses of laughter courtesy of Conan O’Brien. In his recently launched series debuted in April, titled “Conan Without Borders,” viewers are treated to breathtaking sceneries and lessons about diverse cultures as O’Brien visits international fans from his popular podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” This season, spanning four episodes, takes him to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. Along the way, he interacts with fans, meets locals, learns customs, and engages in a variety of local activities such as knitting, tango, and Muay Thai. He even gets a small role in the long-running Irish soap opera “Ros na Rún.” The Argentina episode stands out due to the presence of Jordan Schlansky, O’Brien’s longtime producer (also responsible for this series) and his frequent comedic partner. Each episode runs between 40 to 45 minutes, making “Conan Without Borders” a great choice if you finish them quickly. I strongly suggest following up with O’Brien’s appearance on “Hot Ones.” It’s undoubtedly one of the funniest web interviews this year! — Maira Garcia

‘The Great British Baking Show,’ Season 12 (Netflix)

In simpler terms, Meredith Blake is praising “The Great British Baking Show” as a soothing and enjoyable television series, especially during stressful times. She appreciates its pastel colors, calming music, lighthearted humor, and the contestants’ baking challenges, despite baking being a pressure-filled activity. The current season, which debuted on Netflix in September, stands out due to improvements made by the producers, such as replacing one host with Alison Hammond, who brings positive energy to the set. Additionally, the show has abandoned gimmicky themes and returned to traditional baking challenges. Meredith is particularly fond of the talented contestants this season, including Nelly from Slovakia, whose emotional showstopper was inspired by her pregnancy losses, and Dylan, a contestant resembling Jason Momoa, who experiments with unique flavors. Although only Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood decide the winners, Meredith believes the show embodies a fair meritocracy, which she wishes the world could mimic.

‘Jenny Slate: Seasoned Professional’ (Prime Video)

In my initial watch of “Obvious Child” (2014), I discovered that Jenny Slate was an exception to my typical comedy aversions, such as toilet humor, physical comedy, and self-induced laughter. Somehow, her irresistible charm made even these usually off-putting elements enjoyable. This same charm is evident in her special “Seasoned Professional,” which hit screens in February. In this production, Slate skillfully weaves heartfelt reflections on parenthood with cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant. During a particularly vulnerable moment in a diner bathroom, post-milkshakes and sans Lactaid, she reminisces about “that sensation, as if you’re on the verge of expiring.” The pause that ensues invites laughter naturally. Later, she revisits familiar themes from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting how in a moment of panic over her food supply, she picked 40 lemons off a lemon tree. Slate’s animated performance steals the show. Throughout the hour-long event, Slate, dressed in tuxedo shorts and a bow tie, once more demonstrates that no one does quirky like her. Few will offer such amusement at such minimal demand for your attention – ideal for those days when it’s stretched thin. — Malia Mendez

‘The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh’ (Prime Video)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh” is like a blend of “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Never Have I Ever,” set in the unique backdrop of western Pennsylvania. It centers around an energetic Indian immigrant family trying to find their place in America, with a dash of humorous, not-quite-ready-for-prime-time storylines. Naveen Andrews (“Lost” and “The Dropout”) plays Mahesh, the optimistic engineer with a SpaceX contract, who’s married to the more stern surgeon Sudha (Sindhu Vee), struggling to practice in America. Their kids, Bhanu (Sahana Srinivasan) – the rebellious teenager, and young Vinod (Ashwin Sakthivel), who befriends the local garbage man, add charm to the series. The show handles topics like racism and growing pains with a light touch without becoming overly dramatic. Comic relief comes from farcical immigration interrogations led by Pete Holmes. Each episode moves swiftly, making it hard to resist binge-watching!

‘Ranma 1/2’ (Netflix)

Originating from the renowned manga work by Rumiko Takahashi titled “Ranma 1/2”, this action-comedy teen rom-com is notable for its emphasis on both humor and action. The story revolves around Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo, two martial artists who cross paths after discovering their fathers have arranged for them to wed. Neither is enthused about the arrangement, leading to a rocky start. While the premise and relationship dynamics might seem familiar, what truly sets this tale apart is that Ranma is a boy whose body transforms into a girl’s upon encountering cold water due to a training mishap with his father (hot water reverses the transformation). The complications in their blossoming romance are furthered by the growing rosters of suitors for both characters, many of whom share Ranma’s peculiar trait of transforming with water. For me, this series holds a special place as it was instrumental in my childhood. I also recall watching the original TV adaptation (now available on Hulu and Peacock) sporadically during a time when watching anime wasn’t as effortless as subscribing to a streaming service. The modern reinterpretation of this 1980s series offers an entertaining, hilarious, and occasionally heartwarming escape for those seeking an outlandish, funny, and at times violent cartoon storyline. — Tracy Brown

‘Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking’ (Max)

It wasn’t until I moved to New York and became a parent that I truly understood the pros and cons of city life when it comes to child-rearing. In his latest HBO comedy special, now available on Max, Seth Meyers beautifully captures the essence of urban living — the tight spaces, yearnings for outdoor areas, and the amusing demands of parenthood (like soothing a child to sleep by scratching their back). Parents will recognize the endless repetition of questions like “If you touch lava, do you die?”. While Meyers is famous for his political humor on “Late Night,” this special steers clear of such topics. Yet, even if you’re not a parent, you’ll still find yourself laughing at the tales he shares. — Maira Garcia

‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ (Paramount+)

Instead of dwelling on the turbulence and discord of the present, a captivating escape could be journeying to an optimistic future depicted in series like “Star Trek,” where humanity has advanced technologically enough for long-term space travel and is part of an intergalactic alliance that champions justice, equality, progress, and peace. Among my current favorites is “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” a humorous animated series focusing on the less prestigious crew who perform routine tasks on a Federation starship. The main characters include Beckett Mariner, a rebellious yet skilled crew member; Brad Boimler, an overzealous follower of regulations; D’Vana Tendi, a former space pirate turned science enthusiast; and Sam Rutherford, a cheerful engineering prodigy. If you enjoy Tendi’s space pirate persona, the opening episodes of the fifth and final season, which began in October, are particularly enjoyable. — Tracy Brown

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2024-11-05 14:32