Entertainment
8 TV Shows on Netflix To Watch if You Miss Your Family this Holiday Season
Whether it be due to work or a lack of financial funding, sometimes you just aren’t able to go home for the holidays. It can be a sucky reality to have to face, for sure, but one that Netflix will never let you do alone. This glorious streaming device is there for you in good times and bad, ready at a moment’s notice to fill your days with some truly great television. (Seriously, it’s the best relationship I’ve ever been in.) The problem is simply knowing where to start. I mean, there are just so many great TV shows out there. That’s where I come in! I may not wear a red suit and climb down chimneys, but I can still attempt to make your Christmas a magical and memorable one. So if you find yourself missing your family this holiday season, here are some TV shows to watch on Netflix to help take some of that sting away.
Image: NBC
‘Roseanne’
They may be the epitome of dysfunctional, but at the end of the day no one better encapsulates the joys and struggles of family like the Conners. Unfortunately, only the first 50 episodes are available, however, that’s more than enough material to work with. Before you know it, you’ll be rolling around on the floor with laughter and looking back fondly on all the times your own family drove you crazy… but in the best way possible.
Image: ABC/Neal Peters Collection
‘Arrested Development’
When it comes to appreciating family, no one does it better than… well, pretty much anyone other than the Bluths. OK, so they aren’t exactly the cornerstone of domesticity, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still love each other in their own unique ways. Like in real life, families come in all shapes and sizes. So even though your own family may be miles and miles away, take comfort in knowing that the Bluths are always there for you… whether you want them to be or not.
Image: Netflix
‘Parks and Recreation’
In need of a good laugh? You don’t have to look any further than this NBC hit sitcom. Combining the perfect amount of humor and heart, this series knows how to put even the Ron Swansons out there in a good mood and proves that you can even find family amongst your co-workers. They love you and they like you.
Image: NBC
‘Gilmore Girls’
This show may mostly center around the world’s greatest mother and daughter, but it also highlights the importance of town unity. Family is what you make it — something the folks of Stars Hollow demonstrated time and time again. So even if you can’t make it home for the holidays, remember that there may just be a Miss Patty or backwards-baseball-cap-wearing diner owner waiting and willing to turn your holiday frown upside down.
Image: Warner Bros.
‘Parenthood’
OK, so this may have you weeping in a pile of your own tears, however, nothing will help make you feel more connected to your family than watching the Bravermans in all their familial glory. Life is a series of ups and downs, and after seeing all that this family goes through, it’ll make your holiday mishap feel like a walk in the park.
Image: NBC
‘Charmed’
From demons and warlocks to hunky white-lighters, this series is jam-packed with magical storylines that are sure to shake you from your holiday funk. Oh, and did I mention that the show’s leading ladies also happen to be badass sister witches? Now that’s some serious girl power, my friends. The Power of Three will set your woes free.
Image: Warner Bros.
‘Glee’
I mean, the title pretty much says it all, right? This musical dramedy will lift your spirits with each and every note and remind you that even the unhappiest of times can be solved with a few powerful musical numbers. Think of it as a melodic therapy of sorts. So grab your nearest hairbrush and serenade those troubles away.
Image: FOX
‘The Originals’
On the other hand, if you want to be reminded of just how terrible family members can be, let me turn your attention to the Mikaelson clan. These relatives have turned on each other more times than you or I can count. So if your family is anything like this lot (aka blood-sucking murderous vampires/hyrids/witches), then perhaps a little distance this year is for the best.
Image: Art Streiber/The CW
