Hygge
(n) a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
So it is officially past the holiday season - meaning it’s time to hibernate. Bring on the tea, whiskey, blankets, and cozy tv shows for the ultimate hygge!
Below are some of my favorite cozy shows to get you started.
Four Weddings and a Funeral (Hulu)
Do you miss the days of early 2000’s rom coms? Think Notting Hill, Love Actually, and anything with Julia Roberts. And do you love everything that Mindy Kaling is a part of? Then this show is for you! Next snow day just curl up with your favorite drink and cozy up to this adorable rom com.
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)
If you haven’t gotten on the Maisel bandwagon yet, now is the time! If you loved Gilmore Girls then you will definitely love Maisel. It is written like a play with fast banter and quick wit. Set in the 50’s it has fantastic glamour and charm. If for no other reason, Tony Shaloub and the rest of the cast are worth fawning over.
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
The Great British Baking Show is unlike any other reality competition show - or at least any American one. You will not find backstabbing, swearing, or anger. Instead you will hear Mary Berry’s unintentional sexual innuendos, and learn to love Paul Hollywood’s failed attempts at being insincere. Don’t knock it before you try it. I hate cooking but love this show! It is like being wrapped in a buttery hug.
Anne with an E (Netflix)
Anne with an E just came out with its final season. It is based on the books Anne of Green Gables, and as a period piece set in Prince Edward Island it has that charm of simplicity. It is also just stunning. Anne has a spunky soul that makes you want to notice the beauty of the world and be an all around better person - a good one for when winter has got you down.
Carnival Row (Amazon)
And finally if the above suggestions are too light and you are needing something a little darker - then Carnival Row should do the trick. If you like the steampunk and mystery of Sherlock Holmes, the darkness of Game of Thrones, and the fantastical nature of Harry Potter - then definitely give Carnival Row a try! It addresses some interesting and relevant issues through a surreal story, such as class, race, and immigration. But even with these more serious topics, I would still put it in the the hygge category for its cold and cozy atmosphere - and Orlando Bloom is easy on the eyes (and his acting is surprisingly good). There is only one season out right now, but they have already started filming the second.
So with that, go put on the kettle, grab the blankets and settle into some good TV.