During the depths of the school year, three bright lights stand out on my Google Calendar: Monday from 8:00-10:00 pm, Wednesday from 8:00-10:00 pm and Thursday at 12:00 am. These beacons of hope mark my standing appointments with “Dancing with the Stars,” “Survivor” and “The Kardashians.”
After a long day of school, toiling away over Calculus, Physics, and Psychology, the last thing I want to do is think even more. Shows like “Breaking Bad” and “The Wire” are masterpieces, but I can’t comprehend them when my brain is fried from derivatives. The only thing I want to do on a Monday night is sit in bed and watch Charli D’amelio, a former Bachelorette, and some C-list actors try to dance the Samba. “Dancing with the Stars” requires nothing of me. Tyra Banks makes me cringe, Alfonso Ribiero makes me laugh, and the music is the perfect background noise while I play sudoku on my phone.
The ten weeks I spend with the Stars mean a lot to me. I’ll admit, I get attached to them. I participate in the voting process, as is my right as an American, to ensure my favorite celebrities aren’t sent home, no matter their dancing prowess. However, even when my top pick is eliminated, I don’t despair. I just turn the show off and go to bed, perfectly unaffected by the goings-on in Television City Studios in Los Angeles. The two hours I spend with my Disney Plus account are the ideal escape from all of life’s afflictions.
“Survivor” is a little more intense. As a huge fan of the show, I’m constantly analyzing the players’ moves to put together my strategy for the day I’m finally selected as a contestant. Would I have executed a blindside there? Perhaps throw a challenge? Maybe even snoop through some of my tribemates’ bags? The quick changes in action pique my interest while the cutaways to confessionals prevent me from having to decipher anyone’s true inner thoughts. Everything I need to know is laid out for me.
Additionally, Jeff Probst is a constant source of calm in my life. His reliable catch phrases, charming persona and unyielding hairline give me a sense of stability, which is really all I can ask for on a Wednesday night.
Now, if I’m feeling a little bit wild, I might stay up an additional two hours after “Survivor” to catch “The Kardashians” just as it’s released on Hulu. Nothing beats watching the Kardashians prank each other, fight and get emotional at the exact same time as millions of Americans. I’m usually very tired, so more often than not Kourtney’s monotonous voice lulls me to sleep. Then, I complete the episode sometime the following day, usually watching while simultaneously making dinner or brushing my teeth.
The ways the Kardashians reduce my stress are twofold. First, they remind me that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Khloe’s heartfelt chats with Kris inspire me to talk more candidly with my own mother. Second, they remind me that my problems aren’t so bad. At least I don’t have a $75,000 diamond earring floating around somewhere in Bora Bora.
As these seasons of television come to a close, I’m mourning the loss of my favorite distractions. However, winter break draws near, and I can’t wait to catch up on the shows that require a little more brain power.
[Image via Unsplash]
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