Sometimes you just need to curl up with a good show that feels like a warm hug. There are plenty of drama and action-packed shows available to stream that are great and worth the watch, but that may not always be the vibe you’re looking for.
When you’re feeling down or just want to relax with a show that doesn’t require a ton of attention or brain power to follow, you probably turn to something funny, light and brief. 20-25 minute sitcoms are often the perfect choice here. These quick bites manage to pack everything you’re looking for into a short block of time, making it easy to sit and enjoy an episode, or binge a whole season if that’s more your style.
There are also comforting reality shows and even competitions. No matter what your preference is, there’s a comfort show for you out there, and, conveniently enough, Netflix is home to quite a few of them.
If you’re in need of a comfort show to soothe your woes, here are seven options available to stream on Netflix right now.
6The Good Place
The Good Placeis a fantasy/comedy hybrid about Eleanor,played by Kristen Bell, who dies and makes it to the Good Place, a heaven-like utopia run by Michael (Ted Danson). However, Bell’s character realizes she was sent to the Good Place by mistake, and she’s not actually that good of a person. So, she has to hide her moral imperfections as she tries to become a better person.
The show is very original and manages to blend comedy with philosophy and ethics, making for both a feel good and thought-provoking watch. The show ran for four seasons, from 2016 to 2020, and was showered with praise, as well as 14 Primetime Emmy Nominations.The Good Placeis fun and lively and a great watch if you’re looking for bright, wholesome content, with unique twists.
5Kim’s Convenience
This Canadian sitcom is about the Kims, a Korean-Canadian family that owns a convenience store in Toronto. The show ran for five seasons from 2016 to 2021 and is based on the Korean-Canadian playwright, Ins Choi’s, stage play of the same name.
Kim’s Conveniencehas unique a bite and diversity, as it portrays a family and dynamic that is rarely seen on TV. Even though the cast has recently come forward tocall out racismamong the show’s production teams. All in all,Kim’s Conveniencecertainly isn’t the funniest feel-good show you could watch, but something about the show’s lightness is comforting and relaxing, even if it’s not full of hard-hitting jokes.
Related:Cheers: How the ’80s Sitcom is Still Poignant Today
4The Great British Bake Off
This is abaking competition unlike any other. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and overwhelmingly positive. While it’s still a competition, it doesn’t have any of the negative tones that typically come with competitive shows. It’s just all smiles and good attitudes, making it an uplifting watch any time.
The Great British Bake Offhas seen a variety of hosts in its time on air, each of which are meant to provide commentary and support the bakers as they need it. Also, if you’re looking for something cozy to watch during the holiday season, there’s a holiday themed version of the show titled,The Great British Baking Show: Holidays, also available on Netflix.
3Community
Communityran for six seasons from 2009 to 2014 and featured an ensemble cast including Joel McHale (The Soup), Donald Glover (Atlanta), Alison Brie (Mad Men), Ken Jeong (The Hangover) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Drake and Josh). The show is about a study group full of unique characters at a community college. It’s smart, funny, and full of pop culture references.
WhenCommunitywas on air, its ratings fluctuated, but now — likely thanks to the accessibility of streaming — the show has garnered a cult following and has seen a sort of second wind following its final episode. The show’s accolades have even led to conversations aboutaCommunitymoviesometime in the future.
Related:4 Unique Sitcoms You Should Binge Right Now
2Schitt’s Creek
Simply put,Schitt’s Creekis hilarious. It follows the Rose family, a quirky, extremely wealthy family that suddenly loses everything and has to navigate the trials and tribulations of going from riches to rags. The show was created by Dan Levy (Happiest Season) and his father Eugene Levy (American Pie) and also features stars like Catherine O’Hara (Beetlejuice), Annie Murphy (Russian Doll) and Emily Hampshire (Boy Meets Girl). From the writing, to the eclectic characters and acting, LGBTQ+ representation and binge-worthy plot,Schitt’s Creekis a show that’sworth watching over and over.
The show was extremely well-received and at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2020,Schitt’s Creekswept all seven major comedy awards — which was the first time a comedy or drama show achieved that.Schitt’s Creekalso set a new record for the most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single season — and for good reason, too. Not only is the show hilarious,but it’s heartwarming, too, and certainly worthy of squeaking out a tear or two.
New Girlis another one of those shows that you can watch over and over and enjoy each time. It focuses on Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) a zany teacher who moves into a loft with three friends Nick (Jake Johnson), Schimdt (Max Greenfield), and Winston (Lamorne Morris). The guys' former roommate Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Jess' best friend Cece (Hannah Simone), are also regular supporting cast members.New Girlhas a little bit of everything. Comedy, drama, romance and general day-to-day life as this group of thirty-somethings deal with relationships, family, career choices and everything else life throws at them.
New Girlran for seven seasons from 2011 to 2018. During its time on air it was pretty well-received. Some critics took issue with Jess' offbeat, Tumblr-esque personality, but her character meshes perfectly among the incredibly strong supporting cast — especially as thesupporting cast membersare the real breakout stars here. Like most things, being available on streaming platforms has led to a whole new audience finding the show and becomingNew Girlfans. Although the show ended four years ago, it’s one of the most popular shows on Netflix. If you’re looking for a quick laugh and a great bunch of characters to connect to, giveNew Girla shot if you haven’t already.
