Yes, it's already September 2020 and no, the COVID-19 crisis is still far from behind us. If these dark days have left you feeling low, out of control, or simply in dire need of a break, look no further. Here's a list of some delightfully binge-worthy shows that are sure to lift your spirits and help you unwind, if even for a little while. 

#1: Atypical (Netflix, 3 seasons) 

Quite like its title suggests, this is not your regular sit-com dramedy. Atypical invites you into the life of 18-year-old Sam, who is on the autism spectrum and ready for love. OK, so he's got love aplenty from his family and the one best friend, but now he's officially ready to date. As Sam tries to navigate the complex world of relationships and its many rules of romance, you find yourself rooting with all your heart for a boy who shows you what really matters - love without deceit in a world that's determined to teach him otherwise. 

#2: The Office (Amazon Prime, 9 seasons)

Steve Carell and his eccentric employees are out to sell paper in this American mockumentary. Yes this pitch is far from enticing, but that's precisely the beauty of this show: it is not the plot but the characters that make it a treat - the way they find joy in their seemingly drab lives, while trying to predict and survive their boss's (Steve) next onslaught of lunacy. Season one is a tad slow and takes time to find firm footing, but make it past that and you'll be hooked to the show's wit, charm and unpredictability. Even after its final season way back in 2013, fans still rave about The Office today, because each time you watch it, there's a new sub-plot to discover, or a new character revelation you missed out on earlier. You’ll soon find that 9 seasons of this gem are simply not enough. 

#3: Fleabag (Netflix, 2 seasons) 

Fleabag shows us that life in London is not all glamorous, not when you're a no-filter, dry humoured young lady escaping one tragedy only to jump into another. This British mini-series written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge is sure to win you over with its witty one liners, gripping acting, and episodes that pendulum between hilarious and heartbreaking. But don't just take my word for it; Fleabag has won big at the Golden Globes, BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2019. Oh, and did I mention it stars one very charming Andrew Scott as a priest, who’s also Fleabag’s love interest? Get ready to sin, NOW. 

#4: Barry (HBO/Disney+Hotstar, 2 seasons)

In this dark comedy crime series, Bill Hader (from Saturday Night Live aka SNL) plays a cold-hearted assassin who stumbles into the world of theatre and acting. Driven by his newfound passion, Barry decides to leave his old life behind. Unfortunately for him, the life of a hit-man is not all that easy to surrender or escape. Can he really get to keep his new life, and maybe a new girl too? Watch this show for its brilliant writing, humour and a thriller plot that’ll keep you hitting ‘next episode’ for more madness and laughs. 

#5: Arrested Development (Disney+Hotstar, 5 seasons) 

Arrested Development is about family above all else. And the show finds countless unique, non-sappy ways to drive this point home. Michael (Jason Bateman) is one of four children of the Bluth family, who tries his very best to keep his family together when their father gets convicted for fraud. As the authorities gear up their man hunt for Senior Bluth, Michael must find a way to keep his unpredictable, nutty and quirky family united and out of trouble. Every episode of Arrested Development is packed with misadventure, inappropriate humour and life lessons that will stick with you till then end. Side note – the first three seasons are the show’s (and even television’s) best work, but the show sadly lost its charm when renewed again in 2013.