I should start off this article by defining what a “comfort show” really is. A comfort show is one that you could watch at any time, no matter your mood or how your day has gone, and it will provoke positive emotions and feelings of comfort….yes, kind of like comfort food!! Whether this program is a light hearted sitcom or a disturbing and dark drama, it doesn’t matter! It’s all about whatever brings YOU comfort.
For me, my comfort shows are “New Girl”, “Friends”, and “Dance Moms”. Some of my friends’ comfort shows, for example, are “Breaking Bad”, “Peaky Blinders”, and “Euphoria”. As you can see, mine are much more light hearted. But to my point, even intense shows can bring others comfort because it puts their mind in a place of joy and happiness, or even simply distracts them from the stresses of everyday life.
A comfort show is comforting for many reasons. First, sometimes watching a show brings you back to that time in your life when you were watching that show. If that was a period you reflect on in a positive way, then that will in turn bring you a sense of reminiscing comfort. Another reason comfort shows are positive is because they are typically a series that you have watched before and are repeating because well….you’ve got it…it brings you comfort! Sometimes knowing the ending of a show or the exciting plot twist is a feeling that brings a sense of happiness and relief, rather than the shock you got the first time you saw it. Often, watching shows can make you anxious. but when you’re watching a show in which you already know the ending of, whether it’s happy or not, there are no emotional triggers emerging out of left field.
Comfort shows can also change depending on what stage of life you are in. For example, someone in their 20s-30s who is feeling a bit lost could find the show “Friends” comforting because it can reassure them that you don’t NEED to have everything figured out so young. Shows like Gossip Girl and 90210 can cater more students in the high school transitioning to college stages, as they give them characters and milestones to relate to. A person’s specific anxieties at any given time might shape what show brings them comfort and why.
Having a comfort show can be extremely beneficial. If you are having a tough time, it can be that one thing that you look forward to at the end of the day, even if you know what you’ll see. If you have a lot of homework, reward yourself with twenty minutes of this show. Whatever it is that you need an escape from, a comfort show can provide it. Comfort shows relieve you, as it requires a lack of pressure and attention that you need to keep up with the show. Instead, you can relax your brain after a long day of work by watching moments you know have, and will, make you happy. Even further, despite your busy and scheduled day, dedicating one episode a night of your favorite series can give you a routine you’ll enjoy and are excited about!