Reality TV shows to help you escape reality

It’s clichéd at this point to note that our reality feels like it’s been scripted by the writer of a horror film. But maybe that’s why reality TV has become such a desirable distraction from what’s happening in real life.

If you’re looking for shows to keep you glued to your couch — or at least keep you entertained enough not to venture outside unnecessarily — we’re here to help. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, it’ll hopefully introduce you to a show you wouldn’t have sampled were you not doing your part to stay at home. In fact, some were discoveries in my own early days of staying home (cough, “Guy’s Grocery Games,” cough).

If you just want to watch something that will make you say, ‘What???’ ...

“Vanderpump Rules”: With eight seasons under its belt, it’s likely you’ve heard of this gem. It’s a spinoff of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and revolves around former and current employees of West Hollywood’s SUR (an acronym for Sexy Unique Restaurant), owned by “RHOBH” alumna Lisa Vanderpump. The series is like the love child of every soap opera and young-adult drama that’s ever aired on TV. It’ll have you Googling recipes for beer cheese, trying to understand the reason for SUR photo shoots, questioning if it really was about the pasta and looking up Redfin listings in Valley Village. ( Just watch; it’ll all make sense.) You’ll be wondering how the editors of the show haven’t won an Emmy. Available on: Bravo, Hulu

Also try: “90 Day Fiance” and any of its spinoffs (TLC), “Below Deck” (Bravo), “The Circle” (Netflix), “Nailed It!” (Netflix)

If self-quarantine is forcing you to confront your relationship status ...

“Love Is Blind”: The Netflix matchmaking show seemed absurd just a few weeks ago when it was taking the internet by storm:

Its premise involves gathering a group of singles who date by talking to each other through a wall. Now, it’s basically a blueprint for how to date in this time of self-quarantine: getting to know each other while being confined to separate pods (aka your living room), advancing to FaceTime or Instagram video when the connection feels real (and you can muster the energy to look presentable), then meeting in real life only if all the talking hasn’t exhausted you. Available on: Netflix

Also try: “Dating Around” (Netflix), “Love Island” (Hulu), “Catfish” (MTV)

If your vacation got canceled/postponed ...

“Restaurants on the Edge”: If you sit close enough to your TV, you can feel like you’re on the coast of Malta or Costa Rica. This six-episode restaurant makeover show features a team of experts — a restaurateur, a designer and a chef — helping to revive a struggling restaurant by exploring its surrounding community for inspiration. The first episode, which journeys to Malta, features a look at how sea salt is harvested — it’s as soothing as anything on the Calm app. Then there are the sweeping shots as the camera glides over expansive vistas that will have you longing for the day you can start booking trips again. And, hey, after you watch, you might be compelled to check out what restaurants in your area could use your business. Available on: Netflix

Also try: “House Hunters International” (HGTV), “Making the Cut” (Amazon), “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (Hulu)

If you need a reminder on how to put together an outfit ...

“Project Runway”: I was skeptical, but the new version of “Project Runway” — back on Bravo after 11 seasons at Lifetime — has returned the series to my TV fold. The decision to cast former contestant-turned-red carpet guru Christian Siriano in the mentor role previously occupied by Tim Gunn was an A+ move. Judge Nina Garcia, the editor of Elle, is the only remaining original cast member. She’s joined by new judges Elaine Welteroth, the former editor of Teen Vogue, and designer Brandon Maxwell, with model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss taking over as host. The 18th

season, which wrapped last month, had some colorful moments. If going through the whole catalog is overwhelming, consider catching up on the revamped seasons (17 and 18). Available on: Bravo app, On Demand (some past seasons on Hulu)

Also try: “Next in Fashion” (Netflix)

If your Zoom backdrop has you thinking about redecorating ...

“Fixer Upper”: Spending endless hours at home has a funny way of pulling your focus to all the things you wish you could change about your decor. Cue “Fixer Upper,” hosted by home renovation all-star couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, which has been helping me get my fix of impossibly white walls, shiplap, giant wood candle holders, barn doors and oversized clocks. Maybe mute the moments where they talk about the home prices if you want to keep the viewing experience pleasurable. Available on: HGTV

Also try: “Amazing Interiors” (Netflix), “Home Town” (HGTV)

If you need something to ease your anxiety ...

“Pick of the Litter”: If you read this week’s TV suggestions, you’ll have seen my recommendation for this calming show. The six-episode series follows six puppies — Amara, Pacino, Paco, Raffi, Tulane and Tartan — in their quest to become guide dogs for the visually impaired. You’ll meet the “puppy raisers” who rear the puppies from the time they’re 2 months old to about a year-plus; the puppy trainers who help the canines work on the skills needed to be of service; and the people they are matched with in the end. It’s not without tension: Dogs who don’t meet certain behavioral or physical standards can be “career changed” (i.e., dropped from the program). Still, it’s the sort of heartwarming content to cleanse your palate after a day of anxiety-inducing news headlines. Where to watch: Disney+

Also try: “Making It” (Hulu), “Behind the Mask” (Hulu), “Blown Away” (Netflix)

DANIEL DORSA / NEW YORK TIMES Christian Siriano (from left), Elaine Welteroth, Nina Garcia, Karlie Kloss and Brandon Maxwell keep everything sewn up on the new season of “Project Runway.”

HGTV Chip and Joanna Gaines host the series “Fixer Upper.” Maybe mute the moments where they talk about the home prices if you want to keep the viewing experience pleasurable.