24 days ago, I told you that February in Seattle is my hell.

This February hasn’t changed my mind. Between Snowmageddon and a stomach bug, I’ve been itching with cabin fever. I’ve wanted an escape, a weekend getaway, heck, I might even take a staycation at this point.

But, there are no trips on the docket, at least for awhile. Instead, I’ve turned to Netflix to fuel my escape.

For this final post of Hygge month, I’m sharing my favorite TV shows on Netflix when you need to feel transported. So, jump into those sweats, make some tea, and settle in, because I have plenty of suggestions.

one day at a time

One Day at a Time centers around three generations of a Cuban family living together in LA. Some family sitcoms can be hokey, but One Day at a Time is snappy and smart. It covers current issues without sugarcoating, but is never preachy, and never too earnest. Legendary Rita Moreno plays the grandma, and I have a bit of an obsession with her. (SHE’S 87, YOU GUYS. 87. 87!) Justina Machado carries the show as the mom and center of the story, and she’s fantastic. She’s funny and vulnerable and just so, so good.

Grace and Frankie

It should come as no surprise that Grace and Frankie made the list - I’ve dedicated two previous blog posts to this show! I love that it centers around women in their late 70’s, and that the main focus is female friendship. Plus, I don’t need to tell you this, but Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda are the best. I hope that this show starts a trend and we see more and more and more shows with women over 40 as the lead.

Jane the Virgin

This show is based on a Venezuelan telenovela, and it embraces all of the dramatic twists and turns of a soap opera, but keeps the characters grounded in reality. It’s escapism at its best: it’s set in Miami (while watching I sent my husband a text that said, “WHEN YOU LIVE IN A WARM PLACE YOU CAN WEAR CUTE DRESSES EVERYDAY”) and has love triangles, crime bosses, and manipulative nuns. The actors are great, and the Abuela character speaks in Spanish, so I feel like I’m working on my Spanish at the same time!

Parks and Rec

Whenever I’ve had a rough day, or just need a good laugh, Parks and Rec is always what I turn to. (I love this show so much that I referenced it in my wedding vows.) It’s clever, the actors are great (I mean, Amy Poehler!) and I not-so-secretly am April Ludgate.

The Crown

Do I even need to tell you about this one? I’m fairly certain everyone and their mom has seen it (I know both my mom and grandma have watched it!) But, if you’ve been living under a rock or on a deserted island, and love a good historical drama, start here! The Crown follows Queen Elizabeth II from her coronation at 25 and into the 1960’s. Claire Foy as the Queen is top notch. I’m so excited to see her in so many more projects now. (She was great in First Man, too.)

W1A

W1A is a satire about what happens behind the curtain at the BBC. Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey!) plays the newly appointed Head of Values, and the show follows the day-to-day shenanigans he encounters. The humor on this show is very British, so if that’s your cup of tea (see what I did there?) then this is the perfect escape show for you. I laughed so loud and often while watching that my husband came and joined me from another room.

The West Wing

I know, I know, this is a blast from the past, (it’s been 20 years since the first season!) but the writing is so good, and many of the topics are still (sometimes depressingly) relevant. If you find yourself wishing for a Martin Sheen-esque president and a time without Twitter, this is the show for you.

Dating Around

This is Netflix’s answer to The Bachelor, and let me tell you, I far prefer Dating Around. Each episode follows one person on five blind dates. Each date is at the same place and the main person wears the same outfit. The editing takes full advantage of this, weaving from one date to another, showing similarities and huge, huge differences. I particularly love that this show doesn’t just focus on young, attractive, heterosexual people. (My favorite, like everyone else, was Leonard, the widower in his sixties who’s getting back into dating.) I thought this show was fascinating, and with only six 25-minute episodes, it isn’t too much of a time commitment either.

The World’s Most extraordinary Homes

As the title suggests, this show tours the globe to feature fantastic houses. The houses are cool, don’t get me wrong, but they pale in comparison to the show’s host, Caroline Quentin. I want to be her best friend, or at least one of her friends. She’s a British actor with a love of interior design, and she’s hilarious. This show is a bit like taking an extravagant vacation with a your “fun” friend and a great alternative to actually getting out of the house.

What shows do you tune into when you need to be whisked away? Do you agree with my choices? I’d love to hear about your favorite shows!

I’ll be back on Friday with next month’s theme announcement! Any guesses what it might be?