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Whoa, the world is a hot mess these days, isn’t it? So it makes sense that we all seem to be seeking refuge in the comfort of what we perceive as familiar, stable, and reassuring. Whether it’s a favorite book, a trusty food recipe, or a fun hobby, we all crave the warm and cozy. And as pop culture aficionados here at Bored Panda, there’s nothing quite like rewatching the wholesome TV shows that bring us back to our happy place!
You know the feeling — when you have a favorite show, it’s like spending time with an old friend. You already know the characters like the back of your hand, you can predict their every move, and you feel so at home with them. These comfort TV shows might be a nod to a bygone era, but they’re still just as loved and adored today. But which feel-good TV series truly embodies the epitome of wholesomeness? Why do we always turn to them in our time of need?
To answer these questions, we went on a quest to find the ultimate comfort show, and let’s say Reddit never fails to deliver! We scoured the web and stumbled upon these threads (here and here) where people spilled the tea on their favorite feel-good shows to snuggle up with, and some went even beyond by explaining why their favorites are la crème de la crème of comfort shows. Trust us when we say these threads are packed with all the good and warm entertainment from the past few decades.
We could all use some good old-fashioned escapism right now, and there’s no better way to get away from it than with some good shows to watch and enjoy to the fullest. If you’re not up for a serious dose of nostalgia with a side of laughter and tears, then this list probably isn’t for you. But if you’re ready to indulge in the best comfort TV shows, keep scrolling down!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
M*A*S*H
"We've watched it over and over with my mom once my dad left us, it will forever be the comfort series for me. Hawkeye and Radar got me through hell."
Theresa Stephenson 2 years ago
I love it too and have seen the whole series at least two or three times
RELATED:
#2
Futurama
xitehtnis replied: Right there with you. I started falling asleep to it around 2002 on adult swim. These days I play episodes on my phone when I go to sleep. Usually, Hulu will play around 8 episodes per night for me, and the next night I repeat a few episodes. Go through the whole show about once a month. I also turn it on if I'm going to take a nap."
#3
Star Trek: The Next Generation
ProtocolPhilosopher replied: "Each episode is so self-contained it makes it easy to pick up and watch."
Seonag Udell 2 years ago (edited)
Mine is star trek Voyager. Watched the whole thing with my dad after a death in the family. Really helped to just watch something that took me away from reality for a bit.
#4
Dr. Who
"Specifically the older ones. Even as a kid, it gave me a glimmer of hope that I could step into a police box and time travel away from all my problems."
Dillon McNichols 2 years ago
Yup, I go back to these pretty regularly. I watch the Christmas episodes each year
#5
Parks And Recreation
no-coriander replied: "Last time I re-watched 'Parks and Rec' in its entirety I was pregnant and ended up naming my child based on the show."
Jessica Rabbit 2 years ago
I work for a city and I need to re-watch this show because I can relate so much more...
#6
The X-Files
GizmoSled replied: "Yes, my DVDs have seen so much use."
#7
Frasier
DonJonSon replied: "I love 'Frasier' but watching all 264 episodes twice in one month comes down to an average of over 3 hours of watching every day, 7 days per week."
#8
SpongeBob Squarepants
"When my dad passed the last gift I had from him was a huge SpongeBob plushie. I religiously watched the series while trying to cope with my loss. And, as stupid as it sounds, SpongeBobs happiness and dorkiness often took me away from my dark times. He will always be my favorite."
#9
IT Crowd
The_Volpone replied: "In the episode where they all go to the musical, the three minutes where Jen talks to disabled Roy and then turns to the bar and asks for a drink from bartender Moss might just be the hardest I have ever laughed at any show ever."
#10
Brooklyn 99
"They basically don't stop talking the entire time. This show distracts me from whatever is going on in the real world and makes me laugh."
#11
Supernatural
averagejoe1997123 replied: "'Supernatural' holds a very special place in my heart as I was going through a very very dark time in my life. 'Supernatural' was the thing that kept me going."
#12
Modern Family
Rock_And_Stoneeee replied: "It's so funny and witty. It has jokes that are multi-layered and sophisticated, as well as slapstick goofy comedy. It has something for everyone."
#13
The Simpsons
"Am I So Out Of Touch?"
StrangeOne 2 years ago
The only cartoon I never stopped watching and it was also the only one I got away with watching as a kid despite my mom hating it so much. I like how the family isn't perfect but not unstable. I related to Bart, trying to be the cool one but still gets picked on by bullies and has nerd friends. There's so many main characters and minor ones that have had their own stories and moments. Love that the writers have been keeping the Simpson's universe with the real world times. Some people wonder how they can still come up with fresh stories. Like, dude, there's a whole town and world in the Simpsons. I love the Easter egg references and wondering what possible real life scenario they'll come up with that will actually come true. Truly iconic, classic show.
#14
Great British Bake Off
cptmorgue1 replied: "This is the only competition show I actually enjoy watching because it's just so wholesome."
RoanTheMad 2 years ago
I found that the Australian version is super wholesome, too. It was impossible not to love Nurman in particular, in series 6.
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Ozzyols 2 years ago
THIS is reality TV… There is no “big prize” past the crown of being the best baker for that year… so non of the contestants are striving to out do, or nobble, their competition. They are competing mostly against themselves and are happy to help others if the need to. Give us more competition shows like this, The Great Pottery Throw Down and the Great British Sewing Bee. Remind us that not every competitor is just in it for themselves!
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I love this show but they shouldn't eliminate anyone week 1. The very old and very young get flustered and we lose them because they haven't gotten their legs under them yet. A 85 year old granny needs some time to get warmed up.
Seonag Udell 2 years ago
Love this so much, it always makes me hungry though, so I try to make sure a have a piece of cake and a cup of tea while watching it.
#15
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
kurtney_ replied: "I rewatched that around 13 times (and that's just this year).
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
I love it too. Angel as well. But thinking of how Joss Whedon did Charisma dirty makes me so angry now.
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
I would like to know how, if there's one slayer born in a generation, there were so many slayers bopping about near the end.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
I thought the rule was there was just one called at a time, and stayed "it" till her death. Not that there was only one born at a time (or per generation). Those girls in the final season were all potential slayers, should one die, and so on. I just finished the series rewatch last week.
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StrangeOne 2 years ago
I found the series darker than the film. And it got way darker in the later seasons.
Load More Replies... #16
House M.D
"When I was in grad school it was 'House M.D.' No matter where I was - dorm room, library, memorial union - if I was writing I also 'House' up on Netflix. During my year and a half, I bet I watched that series 5 or 6 times. Such a great show."
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I love who done its and this one the villain was always some weird disease (or Lupus). Mysteries where people don't die are good.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
Sarcoidosis. That one was thrown out there almost weekly.
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Annik Perrot 2 years ago
Based on Sherlock Holmes. A genius, drug addict, difficult to live with and his best friend/ victim is Dr...Wilson
#17
Sabrina The Teenage Witch
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
LOVE this show. I'm glad it's on Paramount+. I had one of the novels based off the series called Showdown at the Mall. I wished that story was an episode but it's not. I have to say Salem made it great.
#18
The Office
dont_shoot_jr replied: "It’s a good reminder that people never tell you when you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them."
Catpawsarethebest 2 years ago
Why is this not higher on the list? Its the best show! Only watched it like 15 times though...
#19
The Good Place
stressedstudenthours replied: "Same, except I always end my rewatch at the episode BEFORE the finale. It's a great series closer, but man does it make me cry."
#20
Malcolm In The Middle
BlueChamp10 replied: "Phenomenal from the first episode to the last."
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
Now I got that theme song in my head "You're not the boss of me, now. You're not the boss of me, now, and you're not so big.... Life is unfair." I recall that part so well when Fran is trying to get the house cleaned and she's getting laundry off the floor, then someone rings the bell but she hasn't even put a shirt on yet, and she just answers the door. This lady is speechless and Fran is like "Oh for pete's sake, they're boobs. You look at them every day in the mirror." Something along those lines.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
Amazing show. Great messages and one of my favorite finales. To avoid spoilers, Lois' speech about what she and Hal had planned for all the boys and then Malcolm's reply makes me tear up just writing this. He's old enough now and he'd be great.
WindySwede 2 years ago
This was such a good show! "I thought you knew" *Shrows bucket of water* I found this on youtube. I think I missed some of the latest seasong :/
Load More Replies... RoanTheMad 2 years ago
Still sad to think that Frankie Muniz just completely lost his memory of all of this. I often kinda just wonder what it'd be like to watch it, knowing its you, but not remembering a thing about it xP
#21
Phineas And Ferb
man-of-pipis replied: "The detail in the lyrics is great. One song has the lyrics 'If I was going any faster I'd be going back in time' and when I listened to it I just had to pause and go 'Did they actually just make a joke about special relativity/time dilation/whatever you want to call it in a show with a target audience of like 7?
Also, always remember that Buford is fluent in French and says 'learning it was easy actually, a lot of the root words are the same in Latin.' Meaning that Buford the middle (?) schooler can probably also speak Latin.
Definitely worth revisiting 'Phineas and Ferb' if you haven't seen it as an adult. If you like it as a kid you'll love it now."
Not Perry The Platypus 2 years ago
One of the characters in the show is not my username. Great show, I'm on season two.
DP(Alt. Rorschach) 2 years ago
There's a hundred and four days of summer vacation Then school comes along just to end it So the annual problem for our generation Is finding a good way to spend it Like maybe... Building a rocket Or fighting a mummy Or climbing up the Eiffel Tower Discovering something that doesn't exist- Finish in comments!
#22
Avatar: The Last Airbender
"Avatar is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and it always shocks me how relatable it still is rewatching it now. The way it portrays grief and trauma went over my head as a kid but really comfort me as an adult!"
#23
Top Gear When It Was Clarkson, May And Hammond
"That show is perfect for when you're in the s*it. The humor, the lines 'Well, could be worse.' Comfort TV show at its best."
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I love their excursion episodes where they go someplace they have no business even flying to (Bolivia, Botswana, Vietnam, etc). In a show with Bugattis and McClarens, the Beetle from the Botswana show is my sentimental favorite.
James Morris 2 years ago
I really watch it last year when my mother past. It helped me thru the tough times.
RoanTheMad 2 years ago
Shame about Clarkson, I get that he's always been an absolute git, and it was kind of just his character, and I did find it funny, but as of the past few years he's definitely gone over the line from "funny git" to "absolute prick"
Paulo Freitas 2 years ago
The new One is also funny ( Harrys, Flintoff, and the other guy ), granted is not Orangotang, Capt. Slow, and Hamster good, but its ok.
#24
That '70s Show
And i was like WTF!! 2 years ago
Re-watching it now (for like 5th time) with my GF (she didnt watch the whole show)
#25
Downton Abbey
"I call it 'my cooking show'. I know every episode so well that I don’t have to see the screen to know what’s going on. I can leave it running while I cook, do housework, or do paperwork. I must have gone through the whole series at least two dozen times by now."
#26
Bob's Burgers
the-red-duke replied: "Yes, same here. Nothing takes my mind off a stressful day like watching Bob's."
Charlene Wilbur 2 years ago
My family and I have rewatched BB probably 100 times. It's one of my fav shows and the fact that it's wholesome while still being hilarious and appropriate for my youngest at 9yo makes it a winner for us!
#27
Scrubs
shieldsuplove replied: "So many 'Scrubs' quotes in our house of the daily."
Theresa Stephenson 2 years ago
If you a big fan they started a podcast with the main guys called fake doctors real friends I believe it is really good.
#28
Stargate SG-1
libra00 replied: I have watched so much SG-1 I couldn't even begin to count how many times I've seen it all the way through."
Cate 2 years ago
I thought it was an underrated comedy. The one where they were stuck in a time warp was hilarious.
Cat Chat 2 years ago
That and the 200th episode where they have to help find a plot for the "movie" based on their "based on us" failed show. Classic
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Paulo Freitas 2 years ago
Ok, Im sorry lol, but i still prefer SG Atlantis, SG 1 was really really good, but i always preffered Atlantis mostly because " Dr. Mackay " lol
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
Me too. I loved one review I read: "I love the way [the writers] have totally embraced the fact that the Atlantis crew couldn't organize a p**s-up in a brewery." LOL. But that was their strength - they were unpredictable. And it introduced us to Jason Momoa, so there's that.
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#29
The Nanny, Dripping With Amazing Fashion, Sarcasm, And During A Simpler Time
another-sad-guy replied: "I was obsessed with that show as a kid and re-watching it as an adult makes me love it even more! There's so much adult humor that went right over my head as a kid."
#30
What We Do In The Shadows
nartimus replied: "Creepy paper."
#31
Community
frostyaznguy replied: "I've told Pierce a thousand times, I never wanted to meet Levar in person! You can't disappoint with a picture! I hate you, Pierce! I hate you so much!"
Pumpkinmom 2 years ago
So much to love about this show. I'm re-watching it with my teenaged son and we both find it hilarious. Every episode has golden moments! CommunityH...04-png.jpg 
#32
King Of The Hill
"Kinda slept on this one when it originally aired but rewatched it via streaming and it’s become my family and my favorite. My 2-year-old follows along with it and loves it (especially Bobby). It’s just a really relatable and wholesome show lol."
#33
Psych
maybethingsnotsobad replied: "I love that show so much. It's so good, it makes me warm and fuzzy. It's like a warm blanket and a good friend at the same time."
#34
F.r.i.e.n.d.s
KFelts910 replied: "I'm turning 30, so I relate in a different way than I did in my early 20s. I'm actually hoping to do a 'Friends' themed 30th birthday party."
RoanTheMad 2 years ago
Unpopular opinion and I'm saying it now, but I never found this show funny and I will never understand the appeal. To me, it is a cringe-fest. xP
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I don't understand the hype and the hype got bigger after it ended.
Load More Replies... Paulo Freitas 2 years ago
Rewatched it all a few weeks a go, bettwen this and TBBT, this One Will win. ( At least for me )
#35
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
moreiceplsty replied: "I binged this entire show in a few days, and I hope that once I've waited long enough, then I can watch this show again like it was the first time. But there are some scenes I'll never forget: 'May I offer you an egg in these trying times?'"
HappyKitteh 2 years ago
This is our comfort show. We've probably watched every season over ten times. We just stick an episode on pretty much once every evening.
#36
Adventure Time
Blood_Thrash replied: "I love that show. It really covers all the bases from wholesome fun, tense drama and abject cosmic horror."
#37
Schitts Creek
EnvironmentalChoise2 replied: "I almost named my black cat David because of this show lol. I ended up naming him Lucifer and now I'm not sure which would have manifested better behavior."
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I tried watching a few episodes and tried to really like it. I just couldn't do it.
DrBronxx 2 years ago
It’s one of those shows where it takes a while to warm up. To really enjoy it you have to get through the first season. The final season is so worth it, in terms of the character arcs.
Load More Replies... #38
The Sopranos
"I’ve seen it through at least 10 times and I know the bulk of the dialogue. It’s always entertaining, but also easy to ignore if I have stuff to do and just need some background noise."
#39
How I Met Your Mother
cellcube0618 replied: "There is something comforting about watching them find themselves and find love."
#40
Trailer Park Boys
undeadgorgeous replied: "Every Christmas I rewatched the scene where Ricky explains how God and Santa must be the same guy."
#41
Arrested Development
ChuckCarmichael replied: "Every time I rewatch it I discover another joke, and every time I ask myself if I'm an idiot, because how did I not notice that joke before?"
#42
Gilmore Girls
here-to-judge replied: "Yes! Especially when you watch it in the fall, it just hits differently."
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Was a good series up until about the last couple seasons. I have so many questions.
Just Another Girl 2 years ago
My absolute favorite. I can watch the whole series over and over. Oy, with the poodles already!
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I love the early seasons. Once Rory turns into a Ivy league snob, I have to stop watching. It happens before she gets in.
#43
Peep Show
flugelbynder replied: "I just recently discovered 'Peep Show' when I was looking for something like 'The IT Crowd.' I'm already rewatching it."
ArodTheHorrible 2 years ago
I've watched the whole series several times. The characters are amazing :D
HappyKitteh 2 years ago
We've just watched this again. God knows how many times. And every Christmas we watch the Christmas one. And save the new year one for new year. They're part of our tradition.
#44
Mindhunters
"As I hope and pray for some news that they'll do another season and true detective."
Thatbadbassplayer 2 years ago
I got to be an extra in a few scenes. Never even watched it though.
#45
Twin Peaks
Burgundybabe33 replied: "I watch 'Twin Peaks' almost every year when I'm having an entire breakdown. I feel like it might be a little weird because it's so dark in places, but I find it so cathartic. Last year I didn't watch it I ended up in a psych emergency so I think it works."
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
This show changed my life. Bob climbing over the couch is still the scariest thing I've ever seen. "Who's Annie?" taught me what happens when you give into your deepest fears. The show has provided me so much courage throughout life.
#46
Freaks And Geeks!
sajcksn replied: "Oh my God, I love this show! I can cry thinking about the scene where Bill comes home and makes himself a grilled cheese sandwich and watches TV waiting for his mom to come home."
#47
Over The Garden Wall
Daimakku1 replied: "It's become a tradition to watch every October/fall season for me. Such a comfy miniseries."
#48
Shameless
"It's just so f*cked up and funny I think it makes me feel better about whatever's going on in my life."
#49
BoJack Horseman
capo-johnson replied: "My man. Bojack Horseman reminds me no matter how much of a train wreck my life, it could be so much worse."
RoanTheMad 2 years ago
I was really hesitant with this show at first, because all the sex jokes and stuff, I thought it was going to just be a low brow comedy like family guy, but oh my god was I wrong, it has its moments of low brow comedy, but that's part of the character of Bojack, and also his self deprecation and it just.. somehow goes so deep it's insane xP
#50
30 Rock Never Fails To Make Me Laugh
PenguinsReallyDoFly replied: "Working on my night cheese."
#51
New Girl
Awtxknits replied: "It's the best background show because they literally verbalize everything they are doing. The only time I have to look up is for the kiss scenes. Everything else has constant narration. If I'm cooking or cleaning or knitting, whatever I have it on. I must have watched it a hundred times by now."
#52
Clone Wars
webbieg replied: "Omg, it's almost like a tradition for me to rewatch the show when I'm down. Learn something new each time."
#53
Red vs. Blue
"Because sometimes we need a little bit of Caboose in our lives."
Paulo Freitas 2 years ago
Ok this was funny. I never wstched it all, but the ones i wstched where hilarious.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago (edited)
The Joy of Painting. Bob Ross will never fail to make me happy and he did over 400 of them. Its free on Amazon Prime right now and also on dozens of other services as well.
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
Dating myself like, SEVERELY, but "Starman" (lasted only one season but celebrated the goodness in humanity), "Beauty and the Beast" (with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton - it was one-of-a-kind, and nothing like it has been on TV before or since) and newly, "Strange New Worlds" (Captain Pike FOR LIFE!!!).
K- THULU 2 years ago
Loved Beauty and the Beast.... Gorgeous series ( except for the final season..)
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Agfox 2 years ago
I really enjoyed Corner Gas, Better Off Ted, Daria - & going way back - Quark
K- THULU 2 years ago
Wow, Quark.... That takes me back...... Daria was always one of my faves... And corner gas!
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Andrea Krnáčová 2 years ago
O.c. California, Hercule Poirot - theese two shows feel like warm hugs or when It's monday morning your alarm goes off and you pick Up your phone and there is a message telling you to go back to sleep from your boss.
Charlene Wilbur 2 years ago
Gravity Falls isn't on this list but I've seen it over 100 times. It's my go to background during my work day. I absolutely love it.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago (edited)
The Joy of Painting. Bob Ross will never fail to make me happy and he did over 400 of them. Its free on Amazon Prime right now and also on dozens of other services as well.
T'Mar of Vulcan 2 years ago
Dating myself like, SEVERELY, but "Starman" (lasted only one season but celebrated the goodness in humanity), "Beauty and the Beast" (with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton - it was one-of-a-kind, and nothing like it has been on TV before or since) and newly, "Strange New Worlds" (Captain Pike FOR LIFE!!!).
K- THULU 2 years ago
Loved Beauty and the Beast.... Gorgeous series ( except for the final season..)
Load More Replies... Agfox 2 years ago
I really enjoyed Corner Gas, Better Off Ted, Daria - & going way back - Quark
K- THULU 2 years ago
Wow, Quark.... That takes me back...... Daria was always one of my faves... And corner gas!
Load More Replies... Andrea Krnáčová 2 years ago
O.c. California, Hercule Poirot - theese two shows feel like warm hugs or when It's monday morning your alarm goes off and you pick Up your phone and there is a message telling you to go back to sleep from your boss.
Charlene Wilbur 2 years ago
Gravity Falls isn't on this list but I've seen it over 100 times. It's my go to background during my work day. I absolutely love it.
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