Is "uplifting" TV dead?

[DaddyfromNaboo]

What´s the reason we watch TV? Yes, to be entertained.

But for quite some time now I wasn´t able to find a really funny and uplifting series. Something positive.
E.g. once The Simpsons were a funny show with likeable characters.

As I am writing this I am watching "F is for family". And I must say that the downward spiral of almost all family members is becoming more and more depressing.

As a kid I couldn´t stand movies that ended on a downbeat. Over the years I came to appreciate a good drama. But the current trend seems to be that every show and a lot of movies have a cynical undertone or a bleak view onto life. The Murphys seemingly can´t get a break, their situation seems to go from bad to worse.

So, does anybody have any recommendations for positive TV shows, except for anime and kids shows?!

 

[Axlotl]

Current TV, no idea. But if you don't mind buying DVDs I recommend "Pushing Daisies".
Super fun and super sweet. Only 2 seasons for some stupid reason.

 

[DesertDan]

I don't watch much television either so I don't know what the recent/current popular shows are.
The last TV series I enjoyed was "Last Man Standing".

 

[Psab keel]

It seems movies are the same way. Not a whole lot of uplifting material out there.

 

[Strikerkc]

I think a lot of it is that so much "TV" is becoming unrated, so we're seeing folks that are actually able to make "television" in the same vein as a lot of books (a lot of books are real downers, with not particularity likable characters, just good characters).

We're getting to see folks exploring the grim "reality" of life on the small screen; and while that's cool, I agree with you that it's certainly not always what I'm looking for. You get shows like "House of Cards", "Patriot", and "F is for Family", that have characters that frankly can't catch a break, and for me, that can be wearying. I love the humor and comedic timing of all the actors in Patriot, but I can't stomach the idea of finishing out season 1, and then going through season 2, just watching nothing ever work out.

I was marathoning F is for Family last night. Made it most of the way through season 2, and while I think the characters are interesting now that they've established relationships with each other, I am just shocked by how much the whole show just grates on your psyche; especially if you've got no nostalgia for for that era, or for having grown up in that sort of family. I essentially grew up in the 90's as an only child, so I've got no "haha, I remember that" reaction to the show. I didn't even realize how much it messed with me, until I was just in a funk all night afterwards, and for most of today.

Frankly, I think we got more uplifting shows back in the day because it's the only type of show that was allowed on TV before streaming. Everything had to be a sitcom that soothed the average watcher at the end of a long day, and followed moral standards for broadcast TV.

 

[russellsch]

Current TV, no idea. But if you don't mind buying DVDs I recommend "Pushing Daisies".
Super fun and super sweet. Only 2 seasons for some stupid reason.

I loved Pushing Daisies! That show only lasted 1.5 seasons really. The writers strike that hit back then, sadly, killed that show... & TV in general. The writers strike caused the rise of "reality" TV, & TV since then hasn't been the same.

 

[Dessa]

I think part of it depends on what you define as "uplifting."

A lot of what I watch, while there might be ups and downs, and the good guys might not always "win," I still get a lot of (positive) crying going on. The Good Doctor and New Amsterdam for this season, and Code Black in previous seasons (especially the ending scene of the last episode).

 

[The 48th Ronin]

So, does anybody have any recommendations for positive TV shows, except for anime and kids shows?!

I don't watch a whole lot of network TV but "The Good Place" on NBC is absolutely delightful. It's currently about 3/4 of the way through its 3rd season and was just given a 4th.

The Good Place (TV Series 2016– ) - IMDb

 

[Sundowner]

I just finished rewatching The Office which I love. I started watch New Girl again which cracks me up

 

[robn1]

+1 for Last Man Standing, great show. The revival feels a bit weird with the cast changes, but the writing quality is still there.

The last show I enjoyed this much was Corner Gas, loved it.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

“Uplifting TV”....

Hmmmm...well, I’m sure that “Highway to Heaven” can still be found in reruns, somewhere...

 

[The Searcher]

I think part of it depends on what you define as "uplifting."

A lot of what I watch, while there might be ups and downs, and the good guys might not always "win," I still get a lot of (positive) crying going on. The Good Doctor and New Amsterdam for this season, and Code Black in previous seasons (especially the ending scene of the last episode).

I was going to say all of these...

I just finished rewatching The Office which I love. I started watch New Girl again which cracks me up

And these.
Is everybody out to read my mind?

 

[Psab keel]

LOVE the Office. Positively love it. Though things weren't always bright and sunny, there was a certain levity and heart that just permeated the entire series. The bond between those characters was so palpable and real that I have watched the entire series several times over. What phenomenal performances and writing!

I'm up for all kinds of entertainment and in all kinds of genres. I enjoy dark gritty realistic shows, dramas. I enjoy comedy, horror, action, adventure. Just everything.

Though given that there is enough doom and gloom in the real world it is nice to come across some entertainment that isn't so mired in the monotony and frankly depressing realities of daily life. It's part of why I have enjoyed the Marvel movies so much. They are just such a fun escape from reality for a few hours. I never got into them enough to want to make replicas or costumes from any of them, but they are just so damn fun to watch!

 

[Tan Djarka]

I'll second the vote for The Good Place. Superstore isn't bad either (if you've ever worked in retail, some of it really hits home). I'm watching Last man Standing, but I'm not liking the new Mandy.

 

[DARTH ANIBAL]

LOVE the Office. Positively love it. Though things weren't always bright and sunny, there was a certain levity and heart that just permeated the entire series. The bond between those characters was so palpable and real that I have watched the entire series several times over. What phenomenal performances and writing!

I think Seasons 2 and 3 are some of the best writing in any series, ever. But, yes, even with its less than stellar last few seasons, it's an all-time fave of mine.

 

[division 6]

The only time I watch TV is when I go over to my parents. (Netflix)
My last few visits I binge watched Death in Paradise. "British-French drama series"

Entertaining and likable characters in a tropical location.
Danny John-Jules, the cat in Red Dwarf is one of the cops (thinks he's a ladies man and always giving bad advice to the younger cops)

 

[AJK001]

Yes, uplifting TV, actually uplifting anything, is dead. I rarely watch any sort of TV unless they are older shows. About the only thing new on TV that I have liked recently is The Orville, miles ahead of STD, and it only had 10 or so episodes last season but at least it is coming back at the end of the month.

 

[StevenBills]

I'll put in a plug for Last Man Standing. I really like the Home Improvement nods in the later seasons ("Well, he must have had better writers!" hahaha)

SB

 

[Riceball]

I'll put in a third vote for The Good Place and add Fresh off the Boat.

 

[Nth]

I also rewatch The Office and Community.