The extra high voltage/tension (EHT) on the CRT really isn't a problem when unplugged. You can get a long screwdriver and slip it under the "stethoscope" cap at the top of the CRT and just the contact with the shaft to the aquadag (that silvery powder coating on the back of the tube) is enough to get a satisfying "crack" as it discharges its puny energy. Some people like to attach an earth strap with a large resistor for extra belt and braces health and safety but there's no fun in that.
If the TV has been unplugged for quite some time it will all be discharged anyway. What you really need to watch are the big electrolytic capacitors you find in the mains PSU circuit, good ones can hold a lot of charge for quite a long time if there is a fault on the output side. To be safe, when unplugged you can use a resistor to discharge them from under the PCB or just leave it for an hour or so before working on it.
I used work in TV repair back in the 90's, while Dave is a proper electronics engineer and never did that stuff so I don't see him getting into it now.