Five Binge-worthy Comfort Shows
With the uptick in the streaming wars and the resulting high output of new content for audiences, even finding the next new show to binge can feel overwhelming. Is it overhyped? Would it be worth the long term investment? Do you even really care… honestly? It’s a risk that won’t always pan out in your favor, and for that reason, one that I don’t always choose to take. Most times, I engage with these apps by simply looking for shows that bring me one thing and one thing only: comfort. I look forward to watching shows that feel both simple and complex - but one that reflects my own sensibilities and ultimately give me a break.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of my top 5 shows, both on streaming and network TV
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
After its recent conclusion of the first season, it’s clear that this has become this year's breakout hit. Universally enjoyed by seemingly everyone, there’s a heartwarming element to seeing well-meaning teachers show up for inner-city youth - particularly with the odds stacked against them. The writing is funny and clever, and each week has me excited to see how the characters and their dynamics continue to evolve. Quinta deserves all the awards this upcoming season for both making a great show and one that’s deeply comforting and warm for everyone that engages with it.
Atlanta (FX/HULU)
I was a senior in college when the last season of Atlanta came on, meaning it's been over four years since we last caught up with Earn, Paperboi, and the rest of the crew - and they’ve been missed. Like much of season two, there’s continued effort to incorporate elements of surrealism further - feeling less like a show solely about the exploits of an up-and-coming rapper and more of something that reflects the wavering and wide-ranging sensibilities of the creator. Though oftentimes, Atlanta intentionally goes out of its way to keep the audience *uncomfortable*, there’s comfort in knowing that the essence of Atlanta always feels represented.
The Midnight Gospel (Netflix)
This pick, probably the least unconventional, has been a gem since it came out in 2020 - and it’s comforting in two ways. First, it’s animated and for me animation has always been rooted in nostalgia and comfort, reminding me of the countless hours I spent watching cartoons when I was younger. But second, for a show that follows a “spacecaster” who travels to different planets and interviews different guests, it’s both existential and deeply human. A wonderful show that not only presents interesting perspectives in an entertaining fashion, but also a comforting reminder that while our struggles are all unique, that we’re all making attempts to navigate life in very similar ways.
Southside (HBOMax)
Sometimes, all you need is a great laugh, and this show never holds back even in the slightest. A friend of mine told me to watch Southside for months before I actually did, but when I finally tuned in, I immediately felt inclined to tell someone how great it is. The laughs are earned as you follow a large and colorful group of characters through the southside of Chicago - the show's namesake, which feels like a character itself. Add this to your list and give this a chance!
Living Single (Hulu)
Growing up is realizing that many of your favorite shows haven’t aged well, particularly a few Black sitcoms in the 90s. Fortunately, Living Single isn’t one of them - still serving as a critical template for many shows on TV today and one that still feels satisfying and enjoyable. Premiering just after the finale of another classic series, Different World, audiences anticipated the next new show - especially during a time Black ensemble sitcoms were a rarity - and Living Single filled the void in every way possible. There’s something beautiful about the main characters, all successful in their own right, still maintaining a sense of authenticity that viewers could relate to. As they navigate life, love, and friendship, experiencing love and joy on their own terms, it’s easy to see yourself and your friends in some of these characters - especially as they’re explored more deeply in later seasons. If Yvette Lee Bowser wasn’t the show's creator, who knows how different it could’ve been - but it’s her prioritization of Black creatives throughout the entire process that’s the reason for the comfort (and laughs) that this show provides.
