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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

The “nice comedy” is making a comeback. While I love dark comedies and dramas as much as the next person, they can get heavy. In today’s times of stress and negativity, sometimes it’s nice to sit back and watch something that will actually leave you feeling happy. Below are some of my favorite, wholesome shows to binge when I’m feeling down. 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The NYPD is at its most wholesome, and this show follows the coolest Brooklyn detectives around. Headed by the super professional character Captain Ray Holt, this ragtag team of detectives will stop at nothing to keep the city safe. The characters are so funny, and so uniquely themselves that it’s hard to even choose a favorite. Definitely check out Brooklyn Nine-Nine if you’re looking for a heartwarming show that’ll seriously keep you smiling the whole time. 

Schitt’s Creek

My roommate got me into this show a few weeks ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since! Schitt’s Creek follows the wealthy Rose family after they lose all their money. Newly broke, they’re forced to relocate to a tiny town that the father bought as a joke – Schitt’s Creek. The characters are lovable and hilarious, and you seriously will not be able to get enough. Go watch it. Immediately. You’ll thank me later. 

Bob’s Burgers

Perhaps the purest adult cartoon is the ever-loved is called Bob’s Burgers. A loving family, a struggling burger business, and an all around feel-good vibe makes this show so easy to watch. It’s genuinely funny without being mean, and the “poking fun” is always good spirited. Plus, Bob and Linda are seriously relationship goals. 

The Good Place

This show almost shouldn’t be wholesome, but somehow it still manages to be. Eleanor Shellstrop, the main character, is dead and she’s in the Good Place, A.K.A. heaven. But there has been a mistake. She should’ve gone to the Bad Place. Follow Eleanor in the show, played by Kristen Bell, as she tries to fit in where she doesn’t belong. Even though she doesn’t start out as the best person, she studies ethics and actually tries to better herself. Not only will this show keep you laughing, but the twists and turns will leave you wanting more. 

Fresh Off the Boat

A cute, family-friendly show set in the 90s, Fresh Off the Boat follows a Taiwanese American family that recently moved to suburban Orlando. Based on a memoir by the oldest son, hip-hop obsessed Eddie, watch the Huang family navigate life after opening their new restaurant, Cattleman’s Ranch. The father, Louis, is adorable and the mother, Jessica, is fierce. Even all three sons are lovable in their own ways! 

The Middle

When I was in high school, my family and I watched this show together every week. I started college at the same time as one of the main characters, Sue. (Might I add – I kept up with it online or when I would go home for breaks.) Unfortunately, The Middle aired its last season last year, but I haven’t gotten around to watching it yet. I guess I just don’t want it to be over. As for the show itself, it’s about a lower class family living in Indiana, following the kids through middle school, high school, and even college. It’s super funny, super wholesome, and just an all around feel-good show. 

Parks and Recreation

Has there ever been a character more optimistic than Leslie Knope? Parks and Recreation has been over for a while now, but it just doesn’t get old. With a lovable cast, funny storylines, and overall general positivity, you really can’t go wrong with this show. Whether you’re just starting it (or binging it for the millionth time) it’s just so easy to watch. The Pawnee’s Parks and Recreation Department really is the place to be. 

The Other Two

This show is still really new, but it’s definitely gearing up to be a success. After their 13-year-old brother rises to fame with a hit music video, older siblings Cary and Brooke are faced with the reality of finally finding their own place in the world. This show is a bit raunchier than the rest, but is still guaranteed to leave you happier than when you started watching, despite the semi-frequent second-hand embarrassment. There’s only a few episodes out, so catching up will be a breeze. Definitely check this one out if you’re looking for something new to watch! 

All these shows are sweet, hilarious, and scarily easy to spend hours at a time watching. Hopefully they can bring some positivity into your life, like they have to mine!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 

Maria Arvanitis

U Mass Amherst '19

Maria is a senior studying psychology and English at UMass Amherst. She has a passion for traveling, animals, and 80s movies, and her hair color is always changing. Find her on Instagram: @m.ria
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