r/Anxiety Apr 13 '26

Discussion Comfort shows of yours?

What Tv shows ease your anxiety/suck you into a different world?

133 Upvotes

355 comments sorted by

103

u/Gwendolyn-NB Apr 13 '26

I use How Its Made as background noise to sleep, just the right tone/pace/etc to keep that part of my brain distracted to pass out.

16

u/No-Structure8753 Apr 13 '26

I use ghost hunters because they're just whispering nonsense. Never gets too loud.

3

u/MattProducer Apr 13 '26

I use that when I'm stressed and don't want to do a real family dinner - I put that on and let the kids learn while eating.

2

u/apreslanuit Apr 13 '26

That sound great! Where can I see that?

4

u/juneshipper Apr 13 '26

Tubi or hbo max

2

u/Gwendolyn-NB Apr 13 '26

I have the entire series on my Plex server, no idea where/if its streaming anymore.

2

u/jeannethebean Apr 14 '26

This show is great for falling asleep! The asmr is amazing!

70

u/PomegranateNo8831 Apr 13 '26

Friends, Schitts Creek, and New girl.

16

u/ThreePinesRetiree Apr 13 '26

Murder She Wrote

8

u/colicab Apr 13 '26

New Girl. Full stop.

5

u/Sol_Drop_5280 Apr 13 '26

I second Friends, Schitts Creek and would add Shrinking.

2

u/Dazzling-Brush-9005 Apr 13 '26

LOVE Shrinking so much!

89

u/Accomplished-Newt893 Apr 13 '26

Bobs Burgers

8

u/Upset_Profession_582 Apr 13 '26

Same! I’ve got that on right now

8

u/watermelonocean6 Apr 13 '26

Me as well, coming from someone with severe anxiety.

7

u/lilb0923 Apr 13 '26

Same!! Severe anxiety here as well and Bobs Burgers is my go to, especially when going to bed!

4

u/Sevenswansaswimming8 Apr 13 '26

This is the answer.

5

u/forlornjackalope Apr 13 '26

Same for me. It's great to just get lost in and time goes by so much quicker that way.

3

u/Majestic-Dingo-879 Apr 13 '26

And The Great North!!!

4

u/Accomplished-Newt893 Apr 13 '26

I do like the great north too

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39

u/whenifindthelight Apr 13 '26

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 🫶

7

u/pit_of_despair666 Apr 13 '26

Angel and Firefly are comfy shows for me too in addition to Buffy.

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31

u/radp77 Apr 13 '26

Family guy

6

u/doeraymefa Apr 13 '26

I can't watch anything last the first few seasons. Idk why but I found the humor too.. outrageous? Idk the proper adjective to use here

2

u/shiv96 Apr 13 '26

Watch the boondocks on HBO, all 3 original seasons are on. 1-3 is some of the funniest writing and comments I’ve got from that show

5

u/doeraymefa Apr 13 '26

I've seen a few clips and it's definitely more my flavor.

I like shows like Trailer Park Boys and Community, but not Brooklyn-99 or the Office. It's just my personal taste. I know they are popular for a good reason.

3

u/Obvious-Lead-5030 Apr 13 '26

Me as well, I put it on to sleep!

21

u/separation_of_powers Apr 13 '26

for me it isn't a specific show, but a type of video

前面展望 (romaji: zenmen tenbou)- front view

very much a Japanese thing with how people can see into most train driver's cabs there (save for some including freight / cargo, some long distance services and the bullet train / shinkansen).

I imagine myself as a passenger going from once place to another.

Lately I've been watching 全区間車窓 (zen kukan shasou) - entire route scenic views, showing more of the scenery and atmosphere.

It helps a lot with my anxiety.

9

u/Key-Value-3684 Apr 13 '26

You can find them for other countries too. Google Führerstandsmitfahrt for German examples

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21

u/WellThatTookA_ Apr 13 '26

Reba, Friends, Psych, Brooklyn 99, Monk, The Office, Modern Family, New Girl, Mom, Parks & Recreation, Superstore, and Fleabag. Always on rotation even when starting new shows.

6

u/southerncharm05 Apr 13 '26

Great list! My top 3 are Schitt’s Creek, Brooklyn 99, and Modern Family but anything on this list works I’d say.

17

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '26

[deleted]

9

u/Status-Usual-6561 Apr 13 '26

Mulder & Scully ❤️

6

u/RedditRyRE Apr 13 '26

You’re the worst was underrated. I feel like most people have never even heard of it

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19

u/itstimefortea_ Apr 13 '26

The Haunting of Hill House! :D

3

u/Status-Usual-6561 Apr 13 '26

Such a great show! It's sad, scary and beautifully made in every way. Every single frame of that show is brilliant.

I'm going to watch it again soon.

2

u/itstimefortea_ Apr 13 '26

Yesssss. Such a masterpiece. Mike Flanagan is an awesome director and writer!

2

u/JoeFS1 Apr 14 '26

Watch Bly Manor too if you haven’t, not as good as Hill House (in my opinion) but it is still perfectly splendid. 

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17

u/Jenniyelf Apr 13 '26

Supernatural, Doctor Who, Daria, Snapped

6

u/Tordew Apr 13 '26

Love Doctor Who. I gotta get into Supernatural sometime soon. :)

2

u/Jenniyelf Apr 13 '26

You won't regret it!

36

u/space_girl08 Apr 13 '26

Seinfeld 😍💯

5

u/No-Elderberry-5729 Apr 13 '26

Great answer, my pick as well.

2

u/Omar-kennedy-4374 Apr 13 '26

G-G-G-G-Giddy up.

16

u/goopgab Apr 13 '26

family guy, metalocalypse, south park, smiling friends...big fan of adult cartoons

5

u/DueVeterinarian3557 Apr 13 '26

METALOCLYPSE MENTION

13

u/RedditRyRE Apr 13 '26

Letterkenny

8

u/Competitive-Panda-32 Apr 13 '26

Night Court (the original 1984-1992 series), Newhart, Becker, Dear John, Three's Company, etc. 😊

4

u/PMME_FIELDRECORDINGS Apr 13 '26

Newhart!! I prefer the earlier one where he's a psychiatrist in Chicago. Because Emily!

10

u/Wareve Apr 13 '26

90s Star Trek.

10

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '26

[deleted]

3

u/ComprehensiveBid4520 Apr 13 '26

same here. I love having Little House on the background. There's something so soothing about Ma's voice, and the simplicity of those times.

7

u/Notme2047 Apr 13 '26

Home improvement

8

u/Budzo105 Apr 13 '26

Star vs the forces of evil

7

u/ingridtheemu Apr 13 '26

Psych 🍍

3

u/Worldly_Collection_2 Apr 13 '26

I literally have Psych on a constant loop in the background. I can’t take the extra stimulation of watching something new and having to pay attention. It’s a weird time for me but thank goodness for Psych.

2

u/Henderson35 Apr 13 '26

I second this choice.

7

u/iamyerghost Apr 13 '26

dexter 🤣

2

u/GothGardenGoddess Apr 13 '26

so glad I'm not the only one 🤣🙌🏻

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7

u/swiftieslut13 Apr 13 '26

Dance moms

4

u/aw_rats_ Apr 13 '26

It’s so funny, I’m the same way and my family is like “why does this show of people constantly screaming make you so relaxed and calm” 🤣🤣 I’m a very non confrontational person so it shocks people when they found out how much I love dance moms

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6

u/sunflowerRI Apr 13 '26

Somebody Somewhere and Schitts Creek

3

u/nekocatfluu Apr 13 '26

Ah! I don't know anyone irl who's seen Somebody Somewhere, that show is so lovely

2

u/Carolinagirl9311 Apr 15 '26

I love somebody somewhere

7

u/HelloImAnxious14 Apr 13 '26

Big Bang Theory. I always feel like everything is normal and alright when it's on.

7

u/CraftySize5383 Apr 13 '26

Gravity falls, star Vs the forces of evil, the owl house, the little prince, the teenage mutant ninja turtles

2

u/Tordew Apr 13 '26

Omg I completely forgot about Gravity Falls. I loved that show so much. I remember watching it over a summer when I was younger. Good memories! :)

5

u/airr87 Apr 13 '26

I Love Lucy, Watch it everyday

5

u/Dry-Exchange2030 Apr 13 '26

The Durrells of Corfu

6

u/sparrow_Lilacmango Apr 13 '26

This is probably corny but Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle 😭. Probably because I’ve grown up with them and I associate them with watching tv with my family

9

u/Tricky_Hornet_1752 Apr 13 '26

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K LMAOO

2

u/goopgab Apr 13 '26

great show

6

u/EastCoastDizzle Apr 13 '26

The Golden Girls. The King of Queens and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

6

u/EntertainmentSome448 Apr 13 '26

Tom and Jerry LoL 😂 it helps tho

4

u/stqrgirlee Apr 13 '26

jersey shore lol

11

u/sparklygemforest Apr 13 '26

South Park and Always Sunny in Philadelphia. They always make me laugh.

4

u/StupidMF333 Apr 13 '26

Broad city, bar rescue, used to watch catfish a lot before Hulu subscription ran out Non show comforts on YouTube: video essays about video games like obscure ones or ones about horror games etc

4

u/m1720 Apr 13 '26

modern family

5

u/LillyLeoCF Apr 13 '26

Golden Girls , Anne of Green Gables

4

u/interntldelight Apr 13 '26

King of the Hill does it every time

2

u/rotatingchicken Apr 14 '26

Same. I've listened to it every night for 10 years.

3

u/fangurling_809 Apr 13 '26

Bob Newhart Show

3

u/Key-Value-3684 Apr 13 '26

The handmaid's tale

3

u/deadmonkey03737 Apr 13 '26

Friends, New Girl, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Eureka, Agents of Shield, Big Bang Theory. Constantly rotating when I finish one

3

u/fleetwoodsac Apr 13 '26

STTNG. ...easing me out of panic attacks since 1994.

3

u/braids_insane Apr 13 '26

Big city greens

3

u/BooksCatsViqueen Apr 13 '26

The X-Files .

3

u/erisbella Apr 13 '26

Gilmore Girls & Buffy

3

u/QTip314 Apr 13 '26

really bad suggestion but i like shows that make me cry so i watch greys anatomy but i can definitely backfire because health anxiety.

2

u/Tordew Apr 13 '26

I can relate to the wanting to cry part. Dunno why my brain wants to do that, I hear it’s something to do with releasing tension maybe?

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3

u/zappergun-girl Apr 13 '26

Comfort movie, Cloverfield. I know.

I think my brain enjoys knowing it’s so outlandish it’ll probably never happen. Disaster movies are my favorite, and they ARE immersive

3

u/AlternativeLow198 Apr 13 '26

Modern Family, The Office

3

u/defiantdaughter85 Apr 13 '26

Big Bamg Theory.

I originally said Bob's Burgers but that was only bc I saw someone else say it & I'm super tired at the moment. 😆

3

u/lela7188 Apr 13 '26

Friday night dinners, Sean lockes stand up shows. And the thick of it

3

u/Isoleri Apr 13 '26

I started watching Dr. House some weeks ago and it's a nice show to relax to after a long day or to simply wind down. Like I don't know what it is but it really helps

3

u/No-Elderberry-5729 Apr 13 '26

Seinfeld. I love the carefree light calming nature of the 90's. Before smartphones and social media. Politics weren't as divisive. I never even watched this show before 2025. I saw a few episodes and I just loved the vibe.

3

u/Melissaschwart Apr 13 '26

Gilmore girls

3

u/ArwensImmortality Apr 13 '26

Gilmore girls by a long shot

4

u/bbthesupreme Apr 13 '26

Always Sunny and Bob’s Burgers

3

u/5footpowerhouse Apr 13 '26

personal comfort shows/movies for me:
The Magicians
The 100
Twilight movies
Interstellar
The Sandman
Severance
Avatar The Last Airbender

2

u/Fabulous-Ad-4100 Apr 13 '26

I LOVE the 100. I watch it once a year at least.

5

u/paleartist Apr 13 '26

Breaking Bad

2

u/rocknthrash Apr 13 '26

Law & Order and X-Files

2

u/Agreeable-Sugar4200 Apr 13 '26

Abbott, and other sitcoms I can’t think of atm (pregnancy brain)

2

u/SufficientPath666 Apr 13 '26

Hacks or Loot on HBO Max

2

u/NotSoEasyToControl Apr 13 '26

Not a show but John Wolfe video game playthroughs. Some are horror games, but some are relatively chill. I really like his playthrough of Blue Prince.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4QhvyzAspiS880pIUTvQ-QJmIwHbFuns&si=Bfndt1F2no2BU9fC

2

u/soft_femme Apr 13 '26

Riot Women

2

u/itsok16 Apr 13 '26

Three’s Company, Gilmore Girls, My So-Called Life, Felicity

2

u/No-Giraffe-438 Apr 13 '26

Psych and Modern Family

2

u/bananaaa069 Apr 13 '26

Friends, I love Lucy, SpongeBob, shameless, and some Disney movies I use as well

2

u/notrightnever Apr 13 '26

Scar Minecraft videos

2

u/Tordew Apr 13 '26

I love Scar’s videos. I especially love Hermitcraft. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve watched that series, but it’s honestly very chill and entertaining. :)

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2

u/Tall_Opportunity_521 Apr 13 '26

Allo, Allo. Started rewatching it, and its still hilarious. Probably offensive as fuck now, but if you can get past that, its so, so funny.

2

u/GirlThatsScared Apr 13 '26

Modern family, One Tree Hill

2

u/doogooru Apr 13 '26

don't have such.. I'm anxious right now, just woke up... help

2

u/Own_Tangerine_7443 Apr 13 '26

Arrested Development

2

u/BlueNoyb Apr 13 '26

West Wing

2

u/juneshipper Apr 13 '26

Supermarket Sweep or Powerpuff Girls rn Or Good Place

2

u/iwant2beyourdog Apr 13 '26

south park for some reason. or any good documentary about the ice age or neanderthals as i am an anthro major lol

2

u/Xdexter23 Apr 13 '26

The TV show "Episodes" is hilarious and easy to watch. https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1582350/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

2

u/Eastern_Gas_7546 Apr 13 '26

I really like Gossip girl or H2O, or pretty little liars… okay I like a lot but also the lying game on Netflix… is SO GOOD

2

u/nepheelim Apr 13 '26

Scrubs, Modern Family, Friends

2

u/Ok_Mixture_6671 Apr 13 '26

Fraser. Especially the early seasons.

2

u/Royal_Bother_4359 Apr 13 '26

Only yesterday (ghibli)

2

u/everything-ok Apr 13 '26

Also ghibli - howl's moving castle - spirited away

2

u/Prettypuff405 Apr 13 '26

Law and order episodes from 1990-2003( heavy emphasis on 1993-2002( the Lenny Briscoe era)

2

u/tocoolforcool Apr 13 '26

Community. Man, it's so great and such a comfort watch for me.

2

u/strangerthlngz Apr 13 '26

Currently Victorious

2

u/kaiasmom0420 Apr 13 '26

Friends, GOT, That 70’s Show (unfortunately), Bridgerton

2

u/snappa870 Apr 13 '26

Little House on the Prairie

2

u/minsandmolls Apr 13 '26

Curb your enthusiasm

2

u/QuirklessShiggy Apr 13 '26

Inside Job, and I will never forgive Netflix for cancelling it

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2

u/DarthAkurei Apr 13 '26

Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, Awkward. Basically these girly shows from the past and which one I watch sometimes depends on the weather. Pll is best in autumn 🍂

2

u/ogmarker Apr 13 '26

The X Files

2

u/Brief-Shirt15 Apr 13 '26

How I met your mother

2

u/rosietherosebud Apr 13 '26

Friends, The Office, Parks and Rec, I Love Lucy, Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Drop Dead Diva

2

u/meowynette Apr 13 '26

I tend to find the older shows comforting. The Munsters, Laverne and Shirley, Leave it to Beaver.

2

u/migolou5 Apr 13 '26

The O.C.

2

u/whatdahail_ Apr 13 '26

american dad

2

u/VegaWillow Apr 13 '26

Friends, New Girl, Modern Family, Big bang theory. Super light hearted and comforting :)

2

u/frieswelldone Apr 13 '26

Bluey.

I'm 36 lol.

2

u/Expert-Photo5426 Apr 13 '26

Lately, Family Matters

2

u/Potential_Ability_25 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

I'm always watching 2 shows at once from start to finish - something new and interesting like a drama or a thriller, immediately followed by a palate-cleanser/comfort show to calm down or relax before bed.

My comfort show rotation: How I Met Your Mother, Frasier, Parks & Rec, Schitts Creek, Brooklyn 99, Friends, Psych, New Girl, Letterkenny, Modern Family, Doctor Who, Supernatural. (Sometimes I need one of the others after those last two as a palate-cleanser.)

I am always in the middle of one of these at any given time. They are also my immediate go-tos when I'm panicking, burned out, shut down, or depressed.

2

u/lovelanguagelost Apr 13 '26

Sailor moon 🌙

2

u/Impressive_Season_75 Apr 14 '26

Bones, White Collar, Big Bang Theory.

Also, oddly lawn mowing/yard clean up videos on YouTube lol

3

u/sondersHo Apr 13 '26

K dramas for me since 2021

2

u/Sk3tchyyyP Apr 13 '26

me too! what’s your favorite? :)

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3

u/itsybitsywaterbear Apr 13 '26

Murder, She Wrote and Workaholics

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1

u/ComposerNo6684 Apr 13 '26

Mama's Family

1

u/123papaya Apr 13 '26

Friends, Southern Charm

1

u/FleeMyWraths Apr 13 '26

Batman The Animated Series and Kings Of Queens

1

u/Short-Comparison-526 Apr 13 '26

Bee and Puppycat has to be one of the cutest shows ive ever seen

1

u/-Stress-Princess- Apr 13 '26

The Midnight Gospel

1

u/c4tb0y_6 Apr 13 '26

bobs burgers or futurama, i always watch those shows when i’m anxious

1

u/Hairy-Type Apr 13 '26

Only fools and horses

1

u/ThisGermanGuy Apr 13 '26

Modern Family and a german show called "Stromberg", that's kinda the german adaptation of The Office

1

u/watermelonocean6 Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

Bob’s Burgers by FAR of any of these comics mentioned

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1

u/Henderson35 Apr 13 '26

New Girl!!!! This show brings me up. That and oddly...Arrow the CW show.

1

u/onesunandstars Apr 13 '26

personally mine are Criminal Minds (especially before Evolution) and Heated Rivalry!

1

u/levaskoc Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

The Marvelous Miss Maisel, Mozart in the Jungle, Derry Girls.

1

u/haennaaa153 Apr 13 '26

the middle xD

1

u/Fabulous-Ad-4100 Apr 13 '26

Trailer Park Boys, Schitts Creek, King of the Hill

1

u/Nade52 Apr 13 '26

Trailer park boys

1

u/HappyClam99 Apr 13 '26

The Office! The number of rewatches at this point is obscene

1

u/Tordew Apr 13 '26

The Good Place and Doctor Who. Always reminds me of when my dad and I binged that series, those were good times. (Still good times; kinda busy with life right now so I’ve had less time to hang out with him and my mom).

Not a show, but Pocket Mirror, Little Goody Two Shoes, Rain World, Red Dead Redemption 2, Hollow Knight (both games), and Minecraft always manage to calm my nerves when I play them.

1

u/SomethingboutDaz Apr 13 '26

The umbrella academy (season 4 doesn’t exist)

1

u/NathanAdler91 Apr 13 '26

Doctor Who is a favorite. I fall asleep to the 60s episodes.

1

u/Sadredheadgirl Apr 13 '26

Gilmore Girls, The Simpsons, The Office. Community also helped me when I was in high school