Occasionally, life’s hustle and bustle prevents everything from falling into place as we’d like. The question then becomes, how do we dust ourselves off and prepare for the coming days? An absorbing television show could be the pick-me-up we need. We require moments of mirth, peeks into the lives of the ordinary with their unassuming dreams, and the chance to identify with situations that mirror our everyday experiences. Certain TV shows offer no grand promises of a rosy tomorrow, opting instead to bring us relatable narratives tinged with humor, reminding us that laughter is often the best comfort. They introduce us to characters and situations we can easily recognize from our daily life. Here, I present a collection of seven TV series that have the potential to inject some sunshine into your cloudiest days, and hopefully continue to do so indefinitely.
All Creatures Great and Small encapsulates the heartwarming allure of animals. This show is a fresh take on the 90s series, which was inspired by James Herriot’s novels. It trails the lives of three countryside veterinarians in the heart of Yorkshire Dales. Not only are they practicing their profession, but they also form profound connections with the local community. Every season is complemented by a Christmas Special episode. Your heart will be warmed by the breathtaking surroundings and delightful animal-centric narratives from the first episode. Each episode is akin to a comforting mug of hot cocoa on a chilly, rainy evening.
Modern Family, which debuted in 2009 and spans eleven seasons, is a sitcom delivered in mockumentary style. It captures the frenzied yet affectionate dynamics of three very diverse households linked by a sprawling family tree. Phil is the epitome of an endearing father whose zany antics and trampoline mishaps are among the highlights. His partner, Claire, is the epitome of orderliness, harboring a secret delight in being proved right. Whether dodging cooking catastrophes or enduring awkward family conversations, Modern Family accentuates that perfect doesn’t exist, and that’s completely fine. The show is a welcoming burst of familial warmth amidst a healthy amount of chaos.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine truly stands out from the norm. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t expect an air of light-heartedness in a series centred around crime solving. But the tale revolving around the quirky residents of the 99th Precinct of the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn is an exception. You’ll find it hard to select a favorite amongst the uniquely charming characters – with choices ranging from the diehard Die Hard fan Jake Peralta to the equally Jake-Peralta-obsessed Charles Boyle. From episode one, you’ll be captivated by this delightful series. With a clear focus on humor rather than crime, the department’s hilariously competitive Halloween Heist tradition reveals a unique side to them.
Ted Lasso has touched many hearts with its overarching narrative of humanity. It may not be on your radar yet, but the fresh energy and affection it brings make it worth your time. This tale starts with an American college football coach, Ted Lasso, being abruptly hired to coach an English Premier League soccer team. Against all odds, his commitment to forge the team into a cohesive entity reflects the dedication of human spirit. His distinctive mishaps and tangential rambles, reminiscent of an elder’s chatter, gradually win over the team and supporters. Supported by a compelling ensemble cast, it infuses warmth into each scene.
Emily in Paris presents an intriguing perspective. Emily, who moves from Chicago to Paris to advance her marketing career, experiences comical hurdles owing to her limited French language proficiency. However, obstacles don’t always pave way for intense struggle and strife. Tracking her journey from the first episode, you become engrossed in her Queenly ownership of her clumsy character. Be it heartfelt discussions with her roommate Mindy or getting profound advice from her sometimes-strict boss Sylvia, Emily nudges viewers to be modest and loving. Emily in Paris reassures you that if you’re grappling with unfamiliar territory, you’re not alone.
Only Murders in the Building incorporates elements of murder suspense, captivating podcasting and uniquely charming eccentricity. Follow along as faded Broadway luminary Oliver pairs up with cynical ex-TV star Charles-Haden Savage and the enigmatic young artist Mabel Mora to solve a murder mystery in their luxury New York City apartments. This unusual detective saga proves that laughter and curiosity can be effective stress busters.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S holds the crown as the ultimate comfort watch, where six somewhat peculiar Manhattan friends transform coffee breaks into therapy sessions and transform couches into small anchors in life’s stormy seas. Endearing airhead, food enthusiast, and faithful friend Joey Tribbiani stands out as an especially beloved character in the gang. The show balances chaos, camaraderie, and caffeine perfectly, emphasizing that adulthood can be tricky, love can be messy, and having your friends around makes it all somewhat easier. Furthermore, it exemplifies that even a challenging day can still elicit a smile.
