Best comfort shows to watch when you need comfort

Sometimes days are tough, and all you want to do is stay in bed or crash on the couch all day watching TV and have a cuppa.

I and a lot of others are notorious for watching the same shows we’ve already watched back-to-back. I swear I’ve watched The Vampire Diaries about 10 times over the last 5 years. I’ve always wondered why I do this instead of starting a new show, like some sort of symbolic ritual. So, I looked it up, like I do for everything I can’t explain, and it seems like a lot of people might argue that the reason we enjoy seeing the same film or TV show over and over is that repetition breeds affection. We tend to enjoy something more when we’ve already been exposed to it. According to scientists, they call it the ‘mere exposure effects’, which explains that familiar things are easier to process. It becomes a nostalgic experience and makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, nothing to be ashamed of. But I always find that I do sometimes forget things here and there, and even pick up on a few things I didn’t notice before and I’m able to piece things together easier. Though I have found that with this there has also come this weird, unnecessary sense of guilt that I’m not trying something new, which sounds ridiculous. So recently, I’ve tried to watch different shows that have the same kind of vibe and made in similar eras to my go-to’s in the genres I enjoy like comedies, dramas, romance, and sci-fi/fantasies.

This list is in no particular order or rating, but a list of my favourite shows to watch when I can't be bothered concentrating on anything new: 

FRIENDS (1994 - 2004):

This is more of a classic I never really choose to watch since it's always on TV… but alas it's a classic, with classic jokes and classic characters. I swear I've seen it all over and over my whole life, but I still love it.

SEINFELD (1989 - 1998):

Another classic! And another one I never really choose to watch either but still fun and I also always feel like there are some episodes I've never seen before.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (2009 - 2017):

This one is obviously about vampires! And werewolves, and witches, and romance, and love triangles, and devastating forces of evil and the heroes defeating them. As well as its fair share of eye candy. It’s awesome, I’ve watched it a million times and never get sick of it! The same goes for the show's spin-off The Originals (2013-2018).

TEENWOLF (2011 - 2017):

Quite similar to The Vampire Diaries with all the supernatural creatures, but with werewolves. This one is a lot darker in my opinion and again I can’t get sick of it.

THE SIMPSONS (1989 – Present)

This is one you don’t necessarily choose either, but most of us grew up with these characters and see them evolve with us.

MODERN FAMILY (2009 – 2020)

This one has always been one of my faves. A family who are very relatable, awkward, with nothing too intense or overdone.

THAT’S SO RAVEN (2003 - 2007):

That’s So Raven always brings me back to my childhood and always getting up extra early to watch Saturday Disney, it’s so funny, I wish they still made shows like this one.

JANE THE VIRGIN (2014 - 2019):

Me and mum watched this together every night and waited ages in between for the next seasons to come out so we could binge the heck out of it. This show has everything, romance, comedy, drama and mystery, a bit over the top but it is based on Spanish and South American telenovelas. It’s so wholesome, and addresses many controversial issues, and has strong female relationships and great writing, you definitely end up feeling a warm connection to the show. This one is one of my faves and gets the highest of praises from me.

BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (2013 - Present):

Brooklyn Nine-Nine has great witty writing, and catchy quotes, a diverse cast that you can’t help but fall in love with and is a show I always look forward to watching.

THE CROWN (2016 – Present):

I wouldn’t say The Crown is easy to watch, it starts off with a lot of detail in the political happenings of the royal world when the Queen was just starting out. However, it does well to draw you into the petty drama of the royal family, making you really wonder how much is historically correct. But it has amazing costumes, and the sets are incredible, so much detail is put into it. Can’t wait for the upcoming seasons.  

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (2005 – 2014):

Another show I made my mum watch that she didn’t want to watch at first but ended up loving it as much as me! Another great show about a group of best friends living in New York and catching up at a bar and talking about who knows what, going through the motions and loving everyone and all that jazz. I laughed hard, I cried a little, I thought about the importance of friendship and romance, and fell in love with the characters and their stories.

KATH AND KIM (2002 - 2007):

I’ve been watching this show since I was born. A classic but BRILLIANT Aussie comedy. Quick and witty, and at times very inappropriate but we love it.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER (2005 – 2008)

Whether you grew up with the show or are a new fan, there is nothing not to love about this show. Even though it’s considered a show for kids, it’s for people of all ages. The characters and their individual qualities and arcs are amazing and every little thing in the show is so detailed. Following Avatar is the show's sequel, The Legend of Korra (2012 – 2014) which is also a great show, following the new avatar and her adventures and struggles.

GLEE (2009 – 2015):

Undoubtedly, Glee has been a favourite of mine for years and years. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cringe, you’ll love the music, you’ll think about life and love and you’ll love it!

SCRUBS (2001 – 2010):

I remember watching this show when I was younger, so I decided to watch it properly this time. I’m only in season 1 at the moment but it's giving me massive comfort vibes. Quick wit, with already lovable characters, and also seems to be pretty wholesome. Loving it so far.

WANDAVISION & THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER (2021):

If you're a big, medium, or small Marvel fan you know that Marvel Studios have just released their first two shows, expanding the universe and its characters. Giving them more screen time for us to get to know our favourite superheroes and address important issues. Each WandaVision episode addresses each stage of grief, while The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a very timely show addressing issues in politics and race as well as the treatment of veterans who suffer from PTSD. To be honest I had no idea what to expect when the shows came out, the trailers did super well to not tell us a lot about what would happen. However, they were definitely way better than I could ever have imagined. The Marvel Studios brought cinematic epic-ness that films bring, the feeling of familiarity, and I've already seen them both twice over! Marvel does so well to set up the future of the MCU, so I can't wait for more!

Don't be afraid to try these shows out! But also don't be ashamed to continue watching your own comfort shows.