Feeling a bit down? State of the planet got you gloomy? Same. When the whole world is burning and you’re feeling like it’s all just too much, the best medicine might not be herbal tea, meditation, or even a long cry – it’s curling up on the sofa under a blanket and letting a comfort TV show wash over you.
Comfort shows are those familiar, feel-good series that work like a weighted blanket for your brain. They’re not about exciting plot twists or cliffhangers. They’re about warmth, nostalgia, and characters you know so well, they feel like old friends. (Sometimes annoying old friends, but ones whose quirks you just roll your eyes at.)
Here are 10 of our favourite comfort TV shows to reach for the remote and switch on when life feels a little heavy.
An afterlife comedy with a surprising amount of heart, The Good Place manages to make moral philosophy funny and life-affirming. You’ll laugh at Jason’s ridiculousness, cry over Chidi’s indecisiveness, and maybe even walk away with a fresh perspective on being human. And Janet? She’s the comfort-show MVP.
Stars Hollow is basically comfort TV in town form (please, can it be a real place we can visit?). Whether you’re following Lorelai and Rory’s fast-talking banter or cozying up in Luke’s diner, Gilmore Girls feels like slipping into your favorite hoodie. Yes, we know it has some issues, but at its heart it’s all about family, friendship, and coffee, lots of coffee.
Again, some issues, but it’s the TV equivalent of a grilled cheese sandwich. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it always hits the spot. The jokes are familiar, the nostalgia is strong, and even after all these years, Joey asking “How you doin’?” can still make you smile.
Optimism with a side of waffles. Leslie Knope’s enthusiasm for her friends and her community is downright contagious, and the quirky Pawnee crew will remind you that joy can be found in even the strangest places (like miniature horse parades and a man named Jerry who is inexplicably loved by his stunning wife). Two words: Treat yo'self.
This Emmy-sweeping gem starts as a fish-out-of-water comedy and ends as a tender reminder that love can grow in unexpected places. Watching the Roses stumble their way into genuine connection and kindness is like getting a warm hug. David’s character arc, Alexis’s character arc… It’s simply the best. Plus, Moira’s wigs alone can cure a bad day.
Forget cutthroat reality TV. These shows are about gentle competition, supportive contestants, and the soothing sight of people making beautiful things. Nothing says “comfort” quite like someone crying happy tears over a perfect sponge cake.
It’s awkward. It’s cringey. It’s oddly soothing. The Office has that special alchemy of chaos and comfort. The characters are flawed but lovable, and watching them mess up over and over again (and eventually redeem themselves) makes our own mistakes feel a little less catastrophic.
Wholesome optimism meets English football. Ted’s relentless belief in kindness (and biscuits) is the exact pep talk you didn’t know you needed. It’s uplifting without being saccharine, and it reminds you that hope and humor can go hand in hand.
With three different households under one big, messy, loving umbrella, Modern Family gives us chaos, laughs, and heartwarming moments in equal measure. Whether it’s Phil’s dad jokes, Gloria’s passion, or Cam and Mitch navigating parenthood, this show proves that even the quirkiest families are bound together by love.
Lighthearted crime-solving with a bromantic twist. Shawn and Gus’s antics, pop-culture references, and pineapple cameos create a joyful vibe that makes Psych one of the most underrated comfort shows out there. It’s silly, clever, and endlessly rewatchable.
Experts say rewatching familiar TV can actually calm your nervous system – it’s like your brain sighing with relief at knowing what comes next. Predictable storylines and beloved characters give us a sense of control and stability when life feels unpredictable. Plus, nostalgia itself is a proven mood booster. So the next time you’re feeling low, don’t guilt-trip yourself for hitting “play” on Friends for the millionth time. You’re not being lazy, you’re self-soothing! Sometimes, self-care looks like green juice and yoga. Other times, it looks like watching Leslie Knope eat waffles for the 27th time. Both are valid. Now go sit on the sofa.
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