Are you pondering the election? You certainly aren’t alone.

If you haven’t been in a bubble isolated from the internet, TV, billboards, lawn signs, and mail, you are probably aware that the 2024 presidential election is just around the corner. The showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has captured nearly every conversation as polls, analyses, and commentary bombard various media. It can be a lot to handle.

Staying informed about the candidates and their policies is important, yet the intensity of political coverage can lead to burnout. You don’t need to feel guilty about stepping away from news channels and indulging in something more enjoyable now and then. If you’re too exhausted to pick a great pick-me-up show yourself, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve put together a selection of five enjoyable, upbeat, and hilariously apolitical TV shows for those moments when you need a break from political discussions. So go ahead, relax, and rejuvenate. And whenever you’re ready to dive back into election updates, you can easily switch to any cable news outlet, catch late-night TV specials (like the live election night “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Comedy Central), or check our YSL News for election updates. Just remember to take care of yourself first.

Shows that showcase the sweetness of humanity like  ‘The Great British Baking Show’

Available on: Netflix, Roku TV.

There’s nothing quite like the comforting feeling you get from watching “The Great British Baking Show.” This beloved U.K. series highlights warmth, friendships, sunshine, and the adorable older ladies passionately baking treats for their grandchildren. It’s nearly impossible to feel down while engaging with this uplifting and food-focused reality show, which features just the right blend of competition, stunning culinary creations, and plenty of joy. If you enjoyed this, you might also like “The Great Pottery Throwdown” (Max) and “Making It” (Peacock) once you finish “Baking.”

Shows that transport you to different worlds like  ‘Doctor Who’

Available on: Max, Disney+.

One of the finest ways to escape reality is by immersing yourself in a series that takes you on adventures through distant lands. The British sci-fi classic, “Doctor Who,” allows you to travel through time and space, exploring alien ecosystems, the age of dinosaurs, and even pre-revolutionary France with its extraterrestrial Doctor (portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa) aboard his TARDIS spaceship/time machine. With countless episodes spanning its original run and the revived series since 2005, you can select the best ones to brighten your mood. Consider watching the chilling yet rewarding “Blink” from Season 3 or the whimsical and intriguing “The Unicorn and the Wasp” from Season 4. If you’re looking for more science fiction adventures, check out “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” (Paramount+) or “Futurama” (Hulu).

Reality TV filled with romance, drama, and intrigue like  ‘Love is Blind’

Available on: Netflix.

Some might label it as guilty pleasure television, yet for many, it’s an irresistible binge-worthy experience. The latest installment of Netflix’s unique dating show “Love is Blind,” set in Washington, D.C., mostly steers clear of political themes, focusing instead on relationships. This season’s couples meet in private “pods” and get engaged before ever seeing each other, leading to some of the most entertaining and dramatic moments across all seven seasons of the show, filled with intense reunions and unexpected turns. If you’re seeking something more reserved and less scandalous, you might enjoy “The Golden Bachelorette” (ABC/Hulu), or for more steamy entertainment, check out “Love Island” (Peacock) or “Too Hot to Handle” (Netflix).

Fun procedurals like  ‘Psych’

Available on: Peacock, Prime Video.

If you’re a fan of crime dramas that are comforting and familiar, such as “Law and Order: SVU” or “FBI,” but are looking for something with a lighter tone, the USA Network once had a golden age of “blue sky” TV shows. Each week, they presented cases involving crime, murders, or legal dramas, but with humor woven through the narratives. The standout of this genre is “Psych,” which features a hyper-observant detective (James Roday Rodriguez) who tricks the police into thinking he has psychic powers to land a consulting job. With its engaging characters and witty dialogues, it’s a must-watch. You can also enjoy other humorous procedurals like “Suits” (Netflix, Peacock), “White Collar” (Netflix, Hulu), “Monk” (Netflix, Peacock), “Burn Notice” (Netflix), and “Castle” (Roku TV, Hulu, Prime Video).

Heartwarming TV like  Hallmark (or Netflix) Christmas films

Available on: Hallmark+, Netflix, among others.

If you are in the mood for something delightfully sweet, there’s no time like the present to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with the cheesy but charming romantic movies from Hallmark, Netflix, and Lifetime, who all eagerly embrace the holiday season. These films often revolve around a love story where one character is from a bustling urban center and the other hails from a quaint small town. Expect elements such as a tree farm or a baking contest. Occasionally, you’ll even find royalty or mistaken identities popping up. However, no matter the twists, these stories always conclude with a joyful ending. And while we might be anxious about not achieving a happy ending in our current circumstances, heartwarming movies offer a perfect escape to experience guaranteed cheer.