On broken hearts and television

Remember the posts we started last year about the Best Things for Heartbreak? Well a few people have been asking about them and to be honest, between a busy summer, holidays, new blog series and this those posts have gotten a little lost.

But I haven't forgotten them (or what it's like to be broken hearted) so now that we've covered the Best Songs and Books for Broken Hearts, let's talk Best TV Shows!

Let me start by saying that one of the most important things I did to get back on my feet post-breakup was to get out as much as  possible - especially when all I wanted to do was hide. Going to the gym, nights out with friends, weekends away - all essential to remind you of how awesome you are, and that there's a whole world out there that misses you and wants you back. So if you can, avoid the couch.

But I know you can't be tough all the time. For me, there were many days where facing the world was an impossible feat. On those days (and nights) you'd find me curled in front of the television, nursing my broken heart (and a glass of wine) losing a few hours to my favourite shows.

So, for those awful, terrible, too hard to face days, here's my suggestions of the shows to get you through.

1. To make you laugh: Parks and Recreation

No surprises that this is on the list - it makes an appearance on The Google Year in gif form at least once a week! Parks and Recreation tells the story of beautiful Pawnee and the team who work in the Parks and Recreation Department - Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler, my idol), Ron Swanson, Anne Perkins, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer and my favourite, Ben Wyatt. 

Truly it is hilarious - but more than that it's smart and charming and reminds you of how awesome it is to be passionate, ambitious and completely unapologetic about what and who you love. I adore Leslie - sure she's a nerd, but she's a smart, passionate, driven nerd AND she loves waffles. We're totally meant for each other.

[via tumblr]

Plus if you work in any kind of government job the similarities will make you laugh (or possibly sob). I'm slightly suspicious that someone on their team has a hidden camera in our office...

2. To channel your anger: The Walking Dead

"A show about zombies? And the end of the world? Great Bea, sounds inspiring!"

Nope. It's not. At all. And that is why it is the perfect show for your bitter angry phase! You know when you feel like death and hate everything and want everyone to feel as bad as you (don't feel bad, everyone has this stage. Remember this?).

Rather than take your crazy out on the world Bea style, relish this at home. The Walking Dead is episode upon episode of zombie killings, gore galore, angry rednecks, very little hope and not a moment of romance.

You're welcome.


3. To make you appreciate your friends: Happy Endings

Some people will say that this is the new Friends, but this is so much better (sorry Friends)! Silly and funny (I've cried tears of happiness), it's another one that reminds you of how much you need your friends. Really it's just awesome for a belly laugh and I promise, between Penny's romantic disasters and the opening scene of the first season, you'll feel a million times better about however your breakup went down.

4. To make you appreciate hot men again: True Blood

This one wasn't so great for me because of this. But, celebrity look-a-likey's aside, True Blood is super trashy, droll and ridiculously, fabulously over the top. It's pretty much the ultimate in escapism.

In brief - vampires are alive and well and have finally "come out of the coffin" to live as members of our community. Sookie, a waitress in Lousiana with special powers that she can't explain, falls in love with Bill, a vampire since the Civil War and essentially gets into all sorts of trouble as a result. Sound silly? That's because it is! But silly storylines are just what you need.

Also, there's the True Blood men:

via

Forgotten that awful ex yet?

5. To make you feel like you aren't the only one: Offspring

Who hasn't felt like Nina at least once in their lives? Unlucky in love, stumbling through relationships, trying to make sense of a crazy (but wonderful) family - she is all of us (but with a better wardrobe).

I watched this every week with my best friend during the worst of my breakup and at times the parallels between our lives were uncomfortable. But I was weirdly encouraged by that - yes, she's a fictional character but someone wrote her which means somewhere, someone out there gets what it feels like.

And if Patrick can't lift your spirits I don't know how else I can help...

[via Mamamia]

Honourable mentions:

To make you weep: Love My Way 

[via Wikipedia]

Love My Way is from the makers of Secret Life of Us and is essentially the story of what happens as you move from your crazy 20's to your 30's and the ups and downs of being an adult. Starring Claudia Karvan and Asher Keddie, it was one of those Australian series that we can be proud of (seriously, how is Neighbours such a hit when we have Secret Life of Us and Love My Way? Catch up Rest of the World!). I was devastated that it only lasted three seasons - the storylines were so real, honest and beautifully acted.

But I couldn't include it in the Top 5 (or even include a clip) thanks to an absolutely devastating Season 1 Finale. Honestly the best and most realistic episode of television I've even seen - but better saved for when you're a little stronger and a little less likely to call your ex in fits of hysterical, gasping sobs (don't panic if this happens. Just make him watch the episode and he'll totally forgive you).

You've been warned.
 
What are you watching at the moment? What's your favourite heartbreak television?

b.

Update: New Girl! I forgot to add New Girl and now I have no room left.

Sorry guys.

So let's just squeeze it into the list...sure it was slightly over the top in the first season but with more  focus on the other characters and a slightly toned down Jess it's now hit it's stride as a funny, smart and spot on comedy. Plus I love Zooey Deschanel (if you squint really hard and turn your head to the side she's my celebrity-look-a-likey).
 
Are you getting the impression that I watch a lot of television? Totally true. Which might be a bad thing if it didn't make me the most awesome Trivial Pursuit player ever.