19 feel-good shows to start 2019 off right

Bojack Horseman

The what: Bojack Horseman is the Netflix original series that has gained steam as a critical darling over its five seasons. It tells the story of the title character, and anthropomorphic horse, who was once a huge sitcom star in the ’90s. These days, he’s a washed up alcoholic, who struggles with addiction and severe depression. Although he’s surrounded by a group of friends and Hollywood (Hollywoo, as they call in on the series) types.

The feels: Although this show may not be the cheeriest of the bunch, it is absolutely bound to give you feelings of some sort. Whether you are intensely empathetic for Bojack and his struggles with self-doubt and crippling narcism or frustrated at how very little self-aware they all are, there is something for every heart.

This show is perhaps one of the most truthful and authentic depictions of mental illness in our popular culture. I know this may seem counterintuitive for an animated, and often surreal, half-hour comedy, but trust me on this one. Bojack is flawed and mostly unlikeable, but his character is drawn honestly and doesn’t flinch from some the darker inclinations of our collective nature. It will make you laugh, of course, but it will also make you connect with your humanity. No small feat for a show where over half of the cast are animals.

The deets: All five seasons are on Netflix now. Because each episode is a short 22 minutes, it is easy to fly right through it. If you’re anything like me, as soon as the credits roll on the finale of season five, you’ll want to start it all over again. Will Arnett voices the lead character, but Bojack’s closest friends and confidants are voiced by Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, Amy Sedaris, and Paul F. Thompkins.