Are you a productivity freak or someone who likes to go easy on themselves? Never has this distinction mattered or been debated more than during quarantine times. Should you use the time saved not commuting to tackle a list of new skills, or give in to pajamas and zero effort? For team productivity, Covid-19 has brought compulsive baking, obsessing over self-optimization, and poring over all the new reads. For the people taking it easy, you too can find endless lists of comforting practices, self-compassion tips, and articles that rid you of guilt.
Allow us to present another comforting activity that’s a bit of both: saying no to all the latest Netflix offerings and rewatching a TV show or movie you already love. In times of uncertainty, the power of familiarity and repetition may outweigh novelty and excitement. On the other hand, you’re doing something, right?
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We asked Bay Area creatives what they’re currently coming back to, and why. From cozy British TV to sci-fi classics, here are their answers. Let them inspire you, but most important, rewatch what brings you comfort.
Joseph Weaver, photographer and kintsugi craftsman
Currently rewatching: dystopian classics like Blade Runner and Akira
There are obvious parallels between the themes in these movies and the world we’re living in right now; it’s wild to me that their plots are almost identical to the news we watch daily. On the other hand, there’s something comforting about the subtle differences, which show that there might be a little more hope to our reality.
Sci-fi has always fascinated me because of its link to reality, or at least the way it looks at how our reality could possibly end up down the road. The heartening difference is that not everything the films promised has actually come true. We can look at these predictions that sci-fi gives us, and listen to the warnings of real life experts to learn what changes we can make to keep us as a race from getting into deeper water.
Aimee Rancer, creative strategist at Pinterest
Currently rewatching: The Office and Schitt’s Creek
During this time of intense news coverage, I often find that while I’m informed, I’m feeling so incredibly uninspired and unhappy. Rewatching shows like these crowd favorites offers up lighthearted moments in a time that’s so dark. They’re silly and quirky by nature — what people, or at least I, need right now. It feels comfortable and familiar, like going to your favorite restaurant and ordering your go-to takeout meal.
I’ve found it’s fun to have a weekly tradition with your partner or roommate every week to watch something in particular or on theme, like classic films.
Jen Tauwoo, writer and founder of Rogue Habits
Currently rewatching: Studio Ghibli animation (My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away), Isle of Dogs, and Chef’s Table
While existing in the moment is important, nostalgia plays an integral role in being able to reminisce on positive times, connections, and memories associated with older content.
Creativity has proved to be a very positive form of coping. As my husband, Cory, and I are both in creative industries — me as a writer and content creator and he as a musician — we’re always inadvertently seeking inspiration. These types of animated films and travel-inspired shows allow us to step outside of ourselves into a world of wonder and curiosity. Studio Ghibli in particular, though animated, offers a lot of depth. Cory has always said it’s due to the nature of it being entirely limitless — anything can happen within the realm of the imagination in animated films.
Carlina Harris, fashion influencer
Currently rewatching: Downton Abbey, thinking about starting Mad Men again
Both of these shows bring me back to old times — the times that I watched them the first time felt much happier and carefree. They were shows that my then-boyfriend and now husband and I used to look forward to every Sunday, back when there was no “binge-watching” and you had to wait a week for the next new episode to be released.
I love rewatching old favorites; I’ve probably forgotten scenes here and there so rewatching them isn’t totally redundant.
Isobel Schofield, founder of Bryr Clogs
Currently rewatching: Fleabag, Gentleman Jack, Killing Eve, and films like Harry Potter
I think it’s important to balance being informed with taking care of your own stress levels. Watching relaxing TV and listening to podcasts is part of that. Normally I would feel guilty about watching “fluffy” TV and movies, but right now they feel a little like medicine. I’ve been coming back to the familiar. There’s something cozy and reassuring about watching older favorites. I think we should all really allow ourselves to be human right now. And if human means binge-watching Tiger King or rewatching your favorite show, that’s totally okay. Be gentle with yourself.
Austen Zombres, collage artist
Currently rewatching: older sci-fi and Antiques Roadshow
The science fiction genre of the past seems to fit the feeling of today: problems and disasters that seem like they would never happen but bring us together or point out the morally flawed. Star Trek is a good one; I would watch it as a kid with my dad. It’s funny to see computer graphics arrive and better cameras being used as the seasons progress. Watching episodes is like playing Zelda for the second time; you know the secrets and can intuitively guess things you have forgotten. Another show I’m into rewatching right now is Antiques Roadshow. You learn about history and art and hustle all at the same time. Then you can investigate all the furniture, dishes, and art in your house.
I feel like rewatching reconfirms your sense of self and your individual creativity. For me, watching old nostalgic shows reminds me that a lot of this stuff is what inspired me.
Natalie Brookshire, florist and owner at Natalie Bowen Designs
Currently rewatching: ’80s classics like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club
I find myself enjoying television again and have been rewatching a few favorites for a few reasons. First, I’ve wasted many evenings trying a new show only to find that I don’t like it. Right now, I want a surefire hit and to know how it will make me feel. During these emotional times it feels good to evoke a feeling, but going into a show without knowing how you will feel is too risky these days. For movies, we have been having fun rewatching ’80s classics, which I know will have the perfect balance of humor, entertainment, and drama.
In general, I’m definitely staying away from shows like The Handmaid’s Tale. No need for that level of fear right now.
Dev Heyrana, artist
Currently rewatching: Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is absolutely brilliant. The whole thing is just so good — don’t even get me started on the second season. (As if the first one could be topped!) She hooks you within the first five minutes of the first show. Fleabag pulls at you in so many different ways. I love this type of humor layered with a lot of heart. Right now, I need more of that.
I really don’t want to watch anything new. I’ve been trying to figure out why my friends keep telling me to watch Little Fires Everywhere, Tiger King, and Love Is Blind but I can’t. Honestly, there’s way too much uncertainty going on around us. I know Fleabag is smart and it will definitely make me laugh. I know what’s going to happen in the end and even though it is a little sad, there’s hope.
