A reader suggested that perhaps I should link some of my inspirations on this site, to encourage others to experience them as well. I’ll start with a few but will probably add to this over time.
Television
Ted Lasso: What can I say about this? It’s an absolutely hilarious comedy filled with one of the best ensemble casts I’ve seen, about an American football coach who takes a job as a Premier league British football manager, with no experience in soccer. At least, that’s what it is on the surface. Underneath, you’ll find deep lessons on trauma, friendship, growth and healing. It taught me to be deeply grateful for all the people around us: those that we know intimately, and those that we don’t.
Shrinking: A story about a psychotherapist grieving the loss of his wife, who is failing as a father to his equally grieving daughter, and how they heal from their wounds. It is a comedy, not a drama, and you will laugh along with them as he gets way too involved with some of his patients and learns to forgive. Written by many of the same writers as Ted Lasso. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford both shine in standout roles.
The Good Place: A farcical comedy about a woman who wakes up in “The Good Place” after dying, despite knowning she doesn’t belong there. While there are tons of goofy moments of metaphysics, the core of the story remains: Can you learn to be a better person? I think, ethically speaking, there is a lot to learn from this show, which weaves bits of philosophy throughout jokes about “shrampies” and religion.
