Low-stakes entertainment recommendations
Like most of the world right now, I’m spending more time at home. I’m incredibly lucky that my job accommodates my working from home, so social distancing has been easier for me than it has for some (shout out to all those doctors, nurses, teachers, baristas, and retail-workers - your hard work does not go unnoticed). I’ve been looking for content that is entertaining, soothing, or ideally, a combination of the two. I’m talking low-stakes, easy viewing that doesn’t require too much thought or emotional investment. So, if that also happens to be your particular brand of interest at the moment, look no further. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best to keep you feeling your best during these times.
The Architectural Digest Open Door series
Interiors, celebrities, and voyeurism. If you’re into any or all of those things, then Architectural Digest’s ‘Open Door’ series on YouTube is for you. Basically, it involves the leading design authority visiting the houses of various celebrities and documenting it for a virtual-tour experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Where should I start?
I’d recommend one of the latest instalments, ‘Inside Dakota Johnson’s Serene Hollywood Home’. Johnson’s house is basically perfect, and her dry humour and obsession with green makes for content that is both hilarious and pacifying.
The Who? Weekly podcast
Another recent discovery, the Who? Weekly podcast has become my latest obsession. It’s basically all of my interests wrapped into one hourly episode, as the two hilarious hosts, Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger, provide a weekly round-up of the latest in celebrity and pop culture news. It’s one of those immensely entertaining cultural deep dives that reminds you just how strange (some) celebrities are. Plus, there’s semi-regular Brad Pitt talk, and that’s really all I’m looking for.
Where should I start?
Given the rapidly changing nature of celebrity content, I’d recommend jumping into the latest episode, whatever that may be. Trust me, they’re all good.
Escape to the Country
Escape to the Country is one of those shows that is somehow equal parts boring and riveting. I’ve been a long-time fan, and I’m convinced that watching middle-aged couples tour the English countryside in search of their ideal home is the cure to almost anything. It can be great content if you’re in the mood to pick apart (mock) interior choices and lengthy discussions about kitchen sizes and land acreage, but the idyllic scenery of blue skies stretching over miles of green pastures is also genuinely calming and lovely to behold.
Where should I start?
There’s really no wrong place to start, but I’m particularly partial to any episode set In Cornwall or Devon that features a charming English seaside town.
Anything Alexa Chung
British ‘It Girl’ Alexa Chung has long been a favourite of mine since I first saw her featured in Girlfriend Magazine when I was about twelve or thirteen. More than a decade later, she’s still a style icon and seems to have mastered that understated London-Cool-Paris-Chic fusion that most of us are desperately trying to emulate. She also happens to be incredibly funny and endearing, which is a huge part of why her own YouTube channel is such a breath of fresh air. Thankfully there’s no shortage of available content, because I can’t get enough of her.
Where should I start?
Again, there’s really no wrong place to start. In saying that, a favourite of mine is ‘Alexa Chung learns How to Dress the French Way’ – it’s both aesthetically stimulating and informative.