Classes are cancelled, plans have fallen through, and now your only job is to stay warm and pick a show to binge. When snow (or ice in NC’s case) hits, there’s nothing better than embracing hibernation mode. But how will you choose the perfect show? That decision feels harder than facing the 5-degree weather outside.
Lucky for you, your self-appointed sitcom connoisseur (me) is here! Consider this your snow-storm survival guide: the best of the best sitcoms to watch while you’re snuggled up in a blanket on your twin-sized dorm room bed.
The Office
This one goes without saying… but it still needs to be said. It doesn’t matter if you have watched The Office ten times already; somehow, the eleventh rewatch will be the best yet. The Office is the definition of a comfort show. It doesn’t demand your full attention, yet it ALWAYS delivers the perfect joke at the perfect time.
There’s nothing better than Michael making a complete fool of himself by declaring bankruptcy and yelling it across the office, Dwight conducting a completely unapproved fire drill, or Creed saying something SO deeply concerning that he immediately disappears into the dark abyss of Scranton, Pennsylvania. You’ve got Jim silently begging the camera for help and Pam awkwardly laughing through such deeply troubling, uncomfortable moments.
I could go on for hours about this show, JEEZ. Whether you’re half-watching while playing NYT games on your phone or fully locked in watching Michael and Jan’s dinner party fall to complete shambles, The Office hits…EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Superstore
I swear you find the most random, but somehow best, sitcoms by mindlessly scrolling through Peacock, and that’s exactly how I ended up here. Superstore is criminally underrated, and once you start it, you’re in deep.
Superstore is a sitcom about employees working at a big-box retail store, navigating unique customers and corporate policies while building relationships with each other. Although it flies under the radar, it stands out with workplace humor and a lovable cast.
Take me, for example. I’ve personally spent hours watching random YouTube compilations of funny moments because the show is just that good. Every single character interaction hits. You’ll fully obsess over Jonah and Amy’s slow-burn, pray Marcus eventually figures out… whatever his whole thing is, and laugh nonstop with Cheyenne and Mateo.
Chaotic, clever, and the perfect ice-storm TV.
Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson is an actual genius, no notes. The fact that this show is still airing and somehow gets better with every episode is an impressive accomplishment in itself.
The kids are unintentionally hilarious in a way that feels SO real, Ava clocks everyone every single time, and once again, the slow-burn evolution of Gregory and Janine’s relationship is elite. Also, watching this show only deepens my appreciation for teachers, because how do they deal with so much EVERY day?
St. Denis Medical
St. Denis Medical is a sitcom following the hilarious staff at a hospital, whose unpredictable personalities make every shift a roller coaster. The show is packed with awkward interactions and chaotic situations, making it a unique addition to the sitcom genre.
It’s a fast, funny, dangerously bingeable TV show perfect for when you’re trapped in the dorm room and looking for something brand new that still has a familiar classic sitcom feeling.
New Girl
They say, “Save the best for last.” Bias alert: this is my favorite show of all time. I consider myself one of New Girl’s biggest fans, and I will stand by that forever. BUT the point of this article isn’t to prove to you that I’m the biggest fan, so instead I’ll let you know why this is the best show ever.
If you need a guaranteed, stomach-hurts-so-bad laugh, New Girl is going to be your best friend. If I could recommend a specific episode, I’d suggest watching “Background Check”. In the episode, Winston must have all his friends interviewed by a chief police officer in order to become a police officer. Schmidt is at peak ridiculousness, Nick is barely functioning because the kid can’t lie for his life, Winston is living his best life (unaware of what is happening), and Jess is internally freaking out.
Jess and Nick’s unmatched chemistry + Schmidt’s high-maintenance beyond ridiculous meltdowns + Winston’s evolution into one of the most unique, weirdest, yet incredibly relatable characters on television = the most ultimate comfort show.
I hope these sitcoms make your snowstorm just a little bit better. If you need any more recs, of course, I have some honorable mentions: Modern Family, Parks and Rec, The Middle, and Schitt’s Creek. Enjoy your binging!