I currently have massive writer’s block. When Lianna and I started this project, we both had long lists of topics we wanted to write about it, but almost all of mine were political and ever since the election, I can’t bring myself to dive back into politics yet. I have been keeping up with the news, but after a day of reading about whatever horrifying thing Donald Trump has done recently, the last thing I want to do is research and write about political topics. But I’ve been away too long and Lianna suggested to get back into it by just writing about anything, even if it doesn’t seem particularly smart or important. So since we could all use a good escape from reality right about now, here are my favorite current  (scripted) TV shows. I’ll be back with my favorite cancelled shows next week. But for now, in no particular order…

1. The Flash (The CW)

Of all the DC Comics TV shows, this is my favorite, and it’s probably my favorite show of any genre on TV right now. Tonally, it’s lighter than most of the other DC Comics TV shows/movies I’ve seen, but the stakes are still high and they’re not afraid to kill off a major character. What sets the show apart for me is that they’ve found the right mix of “Beat the Big Bad” and “Deal with family drama.” You could call it a comic book show with a personal element or a family show with a comic book element, and you’d be right either way. Oh, and it’s funny. If I could only watch one show, this would be it.

2. This Is Us (NBC)

This is pure family drama, which, as we established above, I enjoy. They deal with real issues in relatable ways. So far they’ve tackled race, adoption, weight loss, betrayal, grief, and more, and they’re just getting started. This is a quiet show with a lot of heart. Plus, anything that features Jess from Gilmore Girls is a winner in my book.

3. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)

When I first heard the title of this show, I was wary, but then I heard it was a musical and figured I had to at least give it a shot. I’m glad I did. It is wacky and surreal in the way that a lot of TV/movie musicals are, but it is also often grounded and serious. I don’t know how they do it, but the writers manage to be equally successful whether writing hilarious songs or plaintive monologues. If you’re looking for a show that tackles real issues like mental health and abortion but also lets its leading lady sing about having “heavy boobs,” this is the show for you.

4. The Good Place (NBC)

I’ll preface this by saying that Veronica Mars is one my favorite shows and ever since I watched it in college, I would watch Kristen Bell in just about anything. That being said, her newest show is a joy to watch, and not just because she’s in it. Its creator also created my all-time favorite show, Parks and Recreation, and if you’ve watched Parks, this has the same optimism and whimsy that made Parks special.

5. Pitch (FOX)

We may not have a female president yet, but in Pitch, we have the first female Major League Baseball player. It’s an exciting premise that seems all the more important after the recent, crushing political setback. This show is out there every week showing that women are every bit as capable as men. For now a story about a female MLB player is fiction, but someday it could be reality, and when it is we can say that this show served as a roadmap.

-Carley