Life is stressful in 2016. There's the ever-present election debates, instigated division, and work and/or college. Even current TV shows are overwhelming with drama.
So, because of the unusually high blood pressure for myself lately, I've turned to some classic and/or cheesy TV shows during my study breaks. If you've never seen, or it's been a while since you've seen these five shows, it's time to dust them off and try them out.
1) Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)
I LOVE this show, and there is no shame. It's undoubtedly the definition of '90s cheesy, but worth the watch. I didn't discover the show until 2014, even though it was on TV while I was a kid. My interest was sparked because of my obsession with Superman, and before I knew it I was the proud owner of all four seasons. I wouldn't watch it looking for amazing writing and acting, but watching it is a low level of stress while still getting a laugh in. It's definitely one of those kid's shows with a lot of adult jokes interlaced int he dialogue, which to me was funny watching it for the first time as an adult. Plus, seriously, can we talk about 1990s Dean Cain playing the amazing fictional man, Clark Kent. Yes, please!
2) Gilligan's Island(1964-1967)
This is a giant throwback, but there's a reason they still sell the DVDs. I actually starting watching this one when I was still in single digits. Personally, I think I loved/love it because I am undoubtedly the Gilligan of my family. Unless the fact that the Professor can make anything but a raft stresses you out, this one is entirely enjoyable without stress.
3) FRIENDS (1994-2004)
Oh, FRIENDS. I've probably watched this entire series dozens of times. It's on in the background while I do pretty much everything. Other than The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break, there are very few moments in this series that cause anything other than laughter. While I watch this on Netflix a lot, I recommend that anyone watching it for the first time try the DVDs first. TV and Netflix cut out a lot of jokes.
4) Sister, Sister (1994-1999)
This is another childhood favorite of mine. The '90s for me was laced with an obsession with twins, particularly Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (below) and Tia and Tamera Mowry. The show is hard to find outside of the first two seasons. Most likely to get the last four seasons you'll have to buy someone else's recordings off Amazon or Ebay. Mine are VHS recordings from when it was on Disney Channel. The typical twin switcheroos and the unlikelihood of twins running into one another for the first time at 14 years old makes this show a memorable one.
5) Full House (1987-1995)
Seriously, if you've never watched this show you've missed out on so much. I used to think this story line was completely ridiculous, but in fact, if my mother had her way this would be my family's way of living. Despite the sitcom standards, this show teaches great lessons and is still funny. This should be a staple of every '80s and '90s baby's childhood.
For the college student stressing, these shows provide some great down time. Plus, as an aunt who's house is always full of children, these shows are also okay with kids around (except maybe FRIENDS). So "Go home Roger" and don't let the insanity of 2016 get to you.
