TV’s 8 best self-care role models

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Of course, everyone needs self-care — but it’s our favorite TV characters who really need it. 

When your entire existence hinges on grappling with obstacles for the entertainment of others, it’s practically impossible to catch a break. You’re constantly losing the family fortune, battling White Walkers, saving human souls from eternal damnation, scheming to takeover the Los Angeles sect of the Chechen mob, or taking on some other gargantuan task you have no idea how to handle. 

So, how do these heroic characters manage everything TV writers throw at them? Ranked in no particular order (because who needs that kind of stress?), here are eight of the best self-care role models on television and what viewers can learn from their fictional coping strategies. 

8. Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek

A parade of wigs, color blocking, and over-the-top frankness, Moira Rose knows what she needs. 

From the moment the Rose family learned they were headed to Schitt’s Creek, Moira knew things weren’t going to be easy. So, she packed up her expensive moisturizers, silk pajamas, general sense of woe, and prepared for the worst. 

Overtime, things got (somewhat) easier for Moira — her relationships strengthened, she became a town councilwoman, and even joined an a cappella group. Still, she was only able to withstand the initial shock of her family’s downfall by clinging to what made her feel better, snail creams and all. 

Self-care takeaway: Be honest with others (and yourself) about what you need. It’s not silly, it’s you. And that’s totally OK. 

Schitt’s Creek Seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix. 

7. Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones

Few subjects of the Seven Kingdoms had as much self-respect as Lady Olenna. 

The unspeakably fierce grandmother responsible for the Purple Wedding, Olenna knew what had to be done from the moment she reached King’s Landing. She wasted no time doubting herself. She said what she thought, took action when needed, and spent her life wisely — occasionally stopping for a well-deserved glass of wine along the way.

Self-care takeaway: You are your first line of defense. Stand up for yourself, the ones you love, and House Tyrell of Highgarden when applicable.

Game of Thrones is now streaming on HBO Now. 

6. Donna and Tom from Parks and Recreation 

Three words: Treat. Yo. Self. 

One of many fictional holidays popularized by Parks and Rec, Donna and Tom’s annual “Treat Yo’ Self” tradition brought decadent self-care to the broadcast scene. From massages and mimosas to all-encompassing shopping sprees, the activities depicted are as aspirational as they are enviable. 

The only thing better? The glistening friendship at the center of it all.

Self-care takeaway: It’s acceptable to indulge in your wildest whims from time to time. Just be sure to bring a friend (and watch your bank account.) 

Parks and Recreation is now streaming on Netflix. 

5. Janet from The Good Place

Sometimes you need a boundless barren nothingness to just exist in. 

Janet, everyone’s favorite sentient database on The Good Place, goes through a lot in the series’ first three seasons — often retreating to her Void for some much needed space and perspective. The Void gives her somewhere to mull over the very human feelings she’s been having, and contemplate the group’s perplexing future.

In Season 3, when Janet is forced to hide the humans in her built-for-one nothingness, things quickly spiral out of control.

Self-care takeaway: Take the space you need. You deserve time to be alone with your thoughts. 

The Good Place Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix. 

4. Rogelio de la Vega from Jane The Virgin 

To truly love oneself is to have the unbridled self-confidence of a sci-fi telenovela star with 6.3 million Twitter followers, a mansion on the beach, and a crippling fear of leprechauns. (He knows what he saw!) 

The character arc of Rogelio de la Vega is one to admire and, if necessary, mirror in your life. Between all the dramatics and seven-times-a-day moisturizing, he is a loving father who exemplifies what it means to prioritize. 

Yes, Rogelio’s wrapped up in himself — but as Jane The Virgin so lovingly depicted by the series’ end, never so much as to put himself above his daughter. 

Self-care takeaway: Sometimes your needs must come first, and sometimes the needs of others must come first. Prioritize accordingly. 

Jane The Virgin is now streaming on Netflix. 

3. Frankie from Grace & Frankie 

Frankie Bergstein is a self-care goddess through and through.

From spirit quests and chanting to Del Taco and yam lube, Frankie has the appropriate coping strategy for anything that ails her. She is kind and patient, taking the time she needs to check in and make sure everything is OK for Team Frankie. 

In Season 5, she also learned that when she couldn’t help herself, she could turn to her best friend, boyfriend, children, grandchildren, ex-husband, or ex-husband’s husband for help.

Self-care takeaway: Self-care is a continuous team effort.

Grace & Frankie is now streaming on Netflix. 

2. NoHo Hank from Barry

It’s not easy being a mob boss with a heart of gold — and yet, somehow, we have Hank.

The most universally beloved character on HBO’s Barry, Hank is self-reflection personified. Rarely arrogant but consistently optimistic, Hank takes stock of his situation mid-episode, mid-scene, and occasionally mid-sentence. 

Sometimes he’s taking a moment to monologue about his next political move, but more often Hank is reminding himself of what truly matters amidst all the violent chaos. (“I have to be honest Barry, I’m quite a bit angry. But I’m going to put that aside for now, because rage is counterproductive.”)

Self-care takeaway: Perspective is valuable. Take as much as you need.

Barry is now streaming on HBO Now. 

1. Liz Lemon from 30 Rock 

Anyone who watched the incomparable 30 Rock can’t help but see themselves and their personal care routines in Liz Lemon’s wild life.

Whether it’s self-love (“I will marry myself!”) or the overwhelming nature of living (“Lemon, it’s Wednesday”), Liz and her friends at 30 Rock gave words to the feelings many viewers struggled with. At the heart of Liz’s personal struggle? An overwhelming need for Liz time.

Self-care takeaway: Day cheese or night cheese, always make time for you.

30 Rock is now streaming on Hulu.