31 Comfort Shows You Can Watch to Instantly Boost Your Mood (Including Nostalgic Favorites!)

When I’m feeling tired and burned-out, there’s no better feeling than curling up with my favorite blanket and turning on the TV. I always turn to a tried-and-true show when my energy is low. While everyone’s definition of a comfort show might vary, at its core a comfort TV show is something that does what the term promises: makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. It could be a classic you’ve rewatched 10 times, or something new that just makes you feel happy. 

You likely have a few shows you know you can count on, but if you’re looking for a new-to-you comfort show to add to your roster (or need to be reminded of one you used to love), I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for an old childhood favorite or something brand-new to add to your rotation, here’s a list of some of the best comfort TV shows to help you relax and unwind. 

I find watching old childhood favorites to be extremely comforting because they remind me of a simpler time, like when I had zero (!) responsibilities. The familiarity, and predictability, of childhood shows is so comforting and nostalgic. (I also think it’s really fun to see the celebrities I used to idolize — and search what they’re up to now.) 

If you’ve never watched this show, stop reading and turn on the first episode. The family sitcom follows the Tanner girls — DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle — as they’re raised by their father, Danny Tanner; Uncle Jesse; and honorary uncle, Joey. In my opinion, Full House is the definition of a comfort show because of the feel-good family fun. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

Nothing says early 2000s Disney Channel quite like That’s So Raven. Teenager Raven Baxter can see visions of the future, and does her best alongside her friends to change the outcome of her loved ones’ futures. This show feels so comforting because it reminds me of watching TV after school when I was little. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

Hannah Montana is my ultimate comfort show, and it stars a young Miley Cyrus. Watching it brings the best of both worlds (pun intended): showing both Miley Stewart’s regular life, and her experiences as Hannah, a famous pop star. I especially love seeing Miley and her best friend, Lilly Truscott, get up to something in just about every episode.  

Where to watch: Disney Plus

“Everything is not what it seems” for the Russo family. In this Disney show that features another soon-to-be major pop star, Selena Gomez, the three Russo siblings — Justin, Alex (played by Gomez), and Max — come from a long line of wizards, and spend their afternoons mastering their powers in their Manhattan sandwich shop. This whimsical take on the kid sitcom made it a favorite of mine, and watching reruns always puts me in a good mood. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

This sitcom is a Gen-Z classic. Carly Shay lives with her older brother and guardian, Spencer Shay, while her father is in the military overseas. They live in an awesome apartment, and one of her best friends, Freddie Benson, lives in the same building, which is basically the dream. Carly and Freddie pal around with their other BFF, Sam Puckett. My favorite part of the series is when Carly gets a room makeover in the show’s third season. That ice cream sandwich couch is to die for!

How to watch: Netflix

A spinoff of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, this show follows the Martin twins, played by real-life twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse, aboard their semester-at-sea on the SS Tipton. The original series was a bit ahead of my time, but I loved watching this spinoff that included OG characters like Mr. Moseby and London Tipton. I remember having the DVR set so I wouldn’t miss an episode. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

Everything changes for 16-year-old aspiring singer Tori Vega when she’s invited to attend a prestigious performing arts high school. Tori finds her voice and the spotlight, while making new friends. Ariana Grande stars in the show as Tori’s best friend, Cat Valentine, which is reason enough for a rewatch. I watched this show when I was in elementary school, and loved all of the characters and songs. This show is extra nostalgic for me, as I sang a song from it in the third-grade talent show. 

How to watch: Netflix

When the arrival of new baby Charlie takes over the Duncan household, teenage sister Teddi starts a video diary for her baby sister. Each diary entry shares a piece of advice for surviving their hectic family for the new baby. Similar to Full House, the chaos and love in this big family makes it a feel-good show. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

The young gifted students in this show skip middle school and enter high school early because of their talent. For example, Chyna Parks is a musical prodigy, and she can sing, dance, and play a lot of instruments, including the French horn, harp, and bugle! This might be a hot take, but I think this show’s soundtrack is one of the best. “Calling All The Monsters” is an iconic Halloween jam. 

How to watch: Disney Plus

Sometimes the older a show is, the more comforting it is because you’ve had more time to rewatch it and memorize every scene. Even if you’re not seeking them out, these are the types of shows that stop you in your nightly TV show search. 

You probably don’t need me to tell you what Friends is about. Even if you’ve never seen the series all the way through, you’ve at least seen a Thanksgiving episode or two on TBS. If you want to really dig deep for some comfort, you can head back to the early seasons when Chandler Bing, Joey Tribbiani, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Rachel Green, and Ross Geller were all 20-somethings in the city. Whichever season you land on, the stories of these six friends navigating life and love in New York never gets old. 

How to watch: HBO Max

If you were obsessed with Friends, I like to think of this show as its older sister (the shows are both set in the same time period in New York City). I truly enjoy watching these four characters — Carrie Bradshaw, Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York, and Samantha Jones — do everything from meeting at a diner for lunch to strutting in their best outfits. I also love how you can jump into this show at any point and easily catch on. The theme song is still stuck in my head!

How to watch: HBO Max, Netflix

Even though I didn’t watch this how in its original run, it has truly stood the test of time. Whether you’re watching Lorelai and Rory navigate the challenges of life in a small town, or you’re looking forward to how Emily will interact with her daughter at Friday night dinner, the Gilmores can always put a smile on your face. Plus, you see Rory go from high school to college, which is a super-relatable transition.

How to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus

If you know what it means to “feel God in this Chili’s tonight,” then you’re a true fan. If not, I highly recommend giving this show a try. Once you get hooked around season two, you won’t be able to stop. This documentary-style comedy that follows Michael Scott and the employees of Dunder Mifflin never fails to make me laugh — no matter how many times I’ve seen it. You might even cry in some episodes, too, like when a certain office couple finally get together.

How to watch: Peacock

I remember watching this show before the introduction of streaming platforms, and hoping every week I would find out who the mother actually was. Set in New York, this series follows Ted Mosby, Marshall Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Barney Stinson, and Robin Scherbatsky as Mosby narrates their lives, which include regular gatherings at MacLaren’s Pub, while telling his children the story about how he met their mother.

How to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus

This teen drama follows the scandalous lives of teenagers in New York City, with Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen leading the pack. The story is narrated by an anonymous blogger, Gossip Girl, who reveals secrets about the characters. It’s worth watching just to find out who Gossip Girl is. 

How to watch: Netflix, HBO Max

Similar to The Office, this sitcom is also a documentary-style comedy. It follows Leslie Knope, the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department, and the lives of mid-level government employees in a fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, known best for its high-sugar food industries and raccoon infestations.

How to watch: Peacock

Watching Glee is always a delight. Mr. Schuester is the head of the William McKinley High School Glee Club, and the series starts with him trying to recruit students to join the flailing club. From the high-school drama to the amazing cover songs, this show does it all. There’s also an entertaining rivalry between Coach Sue Sylvester and the entire glee club. I can turn on any episode from any season and immediately jump in, which makes it a frequent go-to for me. 

How to watch: Disney Plus, Hulu

This show was one of the first “grown-up” shows I ever watched, which makes it an instant mood booster. The three main families they follow — the Dunphys, the Pritchetts, and the Pritchett-Tucker family — are all related, which means their stories intertwine and hijinks and misunderstandings ensue. This hilarious, feel-good sitcom shows the honesty and craziness of family life.  

How to watch: Hulu, Peacock

If you’re a fan of reality TV, it’s so fun to watch these aspiring home bakers create amazing masterpieces. I love getting to know the contestants, and rooting for my favorites. There are nine seasons available on Netflix, so you don’t have to worry about running out of feel-good stories.

How to watch: Netflix

“Who’s that girl? It’s Jess,” is a line that I will never be able to get out of my head. Zooey Deschanel stars as Jessica Day, a 30-something teacher who moves in with three guy roommates in the pilot episode. In the series, they learn to navigate their awkward living situation that quickly blossoms into unique relationships and friendships.

How to watch: Hulu, Peacock, Disney Plus

I recommend watching this series after you finish The Office. Chances are, you’ll be craving some more of Mindy Kaling’s humor, and this show stars Kaling as Dr. Mindy Lahiri. In the series, she’s figuring out her life, romantically and professionally. This show is light, silly, and easy to watch. You’ll be halfway through before you notice. 

How to watch: Hulu, Disney Plus

If you’re preparing for, or already are out of college, this show is for you. It is the ultimate honest representation of the confusion that post-grad life brings for people in their 20s. The main characters — Hannah Horvath, Marnie Michaels, Shoshanna Shapiro, and Jessa Johansson — are hilarious and (sometimes) relatable, which makes it so fun to watch multiple episodes in a row.

How to watch: HBO Max

When a wealthy family suddenly finds themselves broke, they move to their only remaining asset: a small town they bought as a joke. This show won a record-breaking number of Emmy awards for a comedy series, so it’s no surprise that many people watch it over and over. It also has a fun family connection: Show creator Dan Levy, who plays David Rose on the show, cast his father, Eugene Levy, to also play is dad, Johnny Rose, on the show.

How to watch: Hulu

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to watch a show more than once, there are plenty of newer series that still make great comfort shows. These stories are lighthearted and calming, while still being fun and entertaining. 

Fans of Full House finally got the reboot that they had been asking for. Original characters D.J., Stephanie, and Kimmy are the adults now, and the series follows their lives raising their children and navigating relationships. The familiar setting of the original Full House house makes this show nostalgic and new all at once.

How to watch: Netflix

My college roommates would always have this show playing in our common space. You can’t help but laugh at the awkwardness of Devi Vishwakumar and the mistakes she makes. But at the same time, you will always love her — just like her two best friends do in the show. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen this show, but it is certainly in the double digits. 

How to watch: Netflix

I found it so fun to watch this show set in Paris. There’s also something so exciting about joining a character at the beginning of a journey, like when Emily Cooper moves to France for her job in the first episode. I grew to love Emily, Mindy, and even Sylvie throughout the seasons. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the show goes. 

How to watch: Netflix

Ted Lasso is the ultimate feel-good show, if I do say so myself. Jason Sudeikis is the optimistic, happy-go-lucky main character, Ted, who is hired to manage a British soccer team and turns the whole organization upside-down as he brings his American football approach.

How to watch: Apple TV

I absolutely loved this book by Kristin Hannah, and was so excited when it became a series. The coming-of-age show will leave you wanting more of best friends Tully Heart and Kate Mularkey. I was hooked from the first episode, and was left craving more, which I believe makes a perfect comfort show. 

How to watch: Netflix

This comedy series is more than what the title says. It follows the full lives of Kimberly Finkle, Bela Malhotra, Whitney Chase, and Leighton Murray, four roommates grouped together, randomly, as they traverse the academic and social challenges of college life. The banter is first-rate, and if you need a laugh this is the show to turn on. If you’re a Reneé Rapp fan, you’ll love her as Leighton.

How to watch: HBO Max

Whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah (or Team Belly), this show will have you hooked. Throughout three seasons, you get to see so many relationships evolve, especially the main love triangle. Plus, the Cousins Beach vibes will make you feel you happy no matter what the weather is really like outside. 

How to watch: Prime Video

Don’t be fooled by the title — you’ll definitely want to watch this. The unexpected love story between Rabbi Noah and podcast host Joanne runs the gamut from heartbreakingly sad to totally romantic, and of course there are some laughs along the way. I can’t wait for season three! 

How to watch: Netflix