Top 18 'Doomscroll-Ditching' Comfort Shows to enjoy this month - Goh Ling Yong
We’ve all been there. It’s late, the room is dark, and the only light comes from the screen in your hand. You’re scrolling, scrolling, scrolling—past alarming headlines, heated debates, and curated lives that somehow make you feel worse. This is the doomscroll, a digital rabbit hole that drains our energy and leaves us feeling anxious and disconnected. It's a modern-day reflex, but it’s one we desperately need to break.
So, how do we fight back? How do we reclaim our evenings and our peace of mind? The answer might be simpler and more delightful than you think: the comfort show. A comfort show is like a warm blanket for your brain. It’s familiar, low-stakes, and filled with characters you’ve come to see as old friends. It’s the kind of television that doesn’t demand anything from you but instead gives back, filling your cup with laughter, warmth, and a gentle reminder that things can be, and often are, okay.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe in the power of a good story to lift your spirits. That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate list of 18 'doomscroll-ditching' comfort shows. Whether you need a dose of radical optimism, a gentle laugh, or just a quiet, cozy world to escape to for a little while, we’ve got you covered. It's time to trade the anxiety-inducing scroll for a soul-soothing story.
1. Ted Lasso
If a single show could embody the term "comfort show," it would be Ted Lasso. The series follows an endlessly optimistic American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team, despite knowing nothing about the sport. What starts as a fish-out-of-water comedy quickly evolves into a masterclass in kindness, empathy, and positive leadership.
The magic of Ted Lasso is its unwavering belief in the good of people. It tackles complex issues like divorce, anxiety, and parental trauma, but it does so with a gentle hand and a core of hope. The characters are flawed, funny, and deeply human, and watching them learn to support one another is the televisual equivalent of a warm hug.
Comfort Tip: Feeling cynical about the world? Watch the episode "Make Rebecca Great Again" (Season 1, Episode 7). The team's collective support for Rebecca and Ted's dart-game speech about being curious, not judgmental, is a perfect shot of pure, unadulterated goodness.
2. The Great British Baking Show (The Great British Bake Off)
Welcome to the most civilized and heartwarming competition on television. Twelve amateur bakers gather in a picturesque tent in the English countryside to create delicious bakes, from simple biscuits to elaborate showstoppers. There are no villains, no backstabbing, and no manufactured drama. There is only flour, friendship, and the occasional soggy bottom.
This show is a balm for the soul. The stakes are as low as a perfectly proofed loaf of bread, and the contestants are genuinely supportive of one another, often rushing to help a fellow baker in a moment of crisis. The gentle humor of the hosts and the constructive, kind feedback from the judges create a soothing, positive atmosphere that is simply unmatched.
Comfort Tip: Put this on while you're doing chores, cooking, or just need some pleasant background noise. The combination of calming British accents, beautiful pastoral scenery, and mouth-watering desserts is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure.
3. Schitt's Creek
When the obscenely wealthy Rose family loses their fortune, they are forced to relocate to their only remaining asset: a small town named Schitt's Creek they once bought as a joke. The show follows their hilarious and often clumsy journey of adapting to a life without wealth, discovering in the process what truly matters.
Schitt's Creek is a slow-burn comfort classic. The first season revels in the family's snobbery, but as the series progresses, it blossoms into one of the most heartwarming and beautifully written stories about family, love, and acceptance. Watching these characters shed their superficiality to become genuinely good, loving people is profoundly satisfying.
Comfort Tip: When you need a pick-me-up, jump to any scene with Moira Rose's baffling accent or David and Patrick's incredibly sweet and healthy relationship. Their rendition of "Simply the Best" is pure, distilled joy.
4. Parks and Recreation
Set in the quirky town of Pawnee, Indiana, this sitcom follows the eternally optimistic Leslie Knope and her oddball colleagues in the Parks Department. At its core, Parks and Rec is a show about the power of friendship, public service, and believing in something bigger than yourself, even if that something is just building a new park.
This is the show to watch when you need your faith in humanity restored. It is relentlessly positive without ever feeling preachy. The characters are a found family of lovable weirdos who fiercely support each other's dreams, no matter how strange. It’s a celebration of trying your best and finding joy in the small victories of life.
Comfort Tip: Feeling unmotivated? Watch the "Flu Season" episode (Season 3, Episode 2). A deliriously sick Leslie Knope delivering a flawless presentation is all the inspiration you'll ever need.
5. Bob's Burgers
This animated sitcom centers on the Belcher family and their struggling burger joint. Bob, Linda, and their three wonderfully eccentric children—Tina, Gene, and Louise—navigate the minor trials of life with a lot of heart and even more puns.
Unlike many animated family sitcoms, the humor in Bob's Burgers comes not from dysfunction, but from a place of genuine love and support. The Belchers are weird, and they fully embrace each other's weirdness. The conflicts are always low-stakes (like a rival pizzeria or a failed health inspection), and every episode wraps you in the warm, greasy embrace of a family that truly has each other's backs.
Comfort Tip: The show's musical numbers are a highlight. Search for a compilation of Gene's songs or Linda's dinner-time serenades for an instant mood boost.
6. Queer Eye
More than just a makeover show, Queer Eye is a powerful lesson in empathy and self-love. The Fab Five—experts in food, fashion, culture, design, and grooming—travel the country helping everyday people transform their lives, not just their looks.
Get the tissues ready, because this show will make you cry the happiest tears. Each episode is a beautiful story of a deserving person learning to see their own worth. The Fab Five's genuine care, infectious positivity, and non-judgmental approach create a space for profound emotional breakthroughs. It’s a potent reminder of the good that happens when we lead with kindness.
Comfort Tip: Watch an episode featuring a hero you can relate to. Seeing someone with similar struggles find confidence and joy is incredibly cathartic and uplifting.
7. The Good Place
What if a sitcom could teach you moral philosophy while making you laugh hysterically? That's the brilliant premise of The Good Place. It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a "human trash bag" from Arizona who dies and mistakenly ends up in a heaven-like utopia. To avoid being found out, she enlists the help of her "soulmate" to become a better person.
This show is a masterwork of clever writing, surprising twists, and deep, philosophical questions, all wrapped in a hilarious, feel-good package. It explores what it means to be a good person with a warmth and sincerity that is ultimately life-affirming. The journey of these four flawed humans (and one demon) learning to help each other is a beautiful, comforting ride.
Comfort Tip: This is a great show to binge-watch, as each episode ends on a compelling cliffhanger. The final episode is one of the most moving and satisfying series finales in television history, providing a beautiful sense of closure.
8. Heartstopper
Based on the beloved graphic novels, Heartstopper is a pure, unadulterated shot of joy. The series follows the burgeoning romance between two British schoolboys, the gentle Charlie Spring and the popular rugby player Nick Nelson. It's a simple, sweet story about first love, friendship, and discovering your identity.
This show is revolutionary in its gentleness. It depicts a queer love story that is free of angst and trauma, focusing instead on the butterflies, the awkwardness, and the overwhelming happiness of falling in love. The visuals are bright and beautiful, often incorporating whimsical animations from the source material. Watching it feels like getting a warm, supportive hug from your best friend.
Comfort Tip: The entire first season is only eight, 30-minute episodes. It’s the perfect series to watch in a single afternoon when you need an escape into a world of kindness and innocent romance.
9. New Girl
After a bad breakup, the adorkable Jess Day moves into a loft with three single men: the grumpy but lovable Nick, the comically high-strung Schmidt, and the intensely competitive Winston. The show chronicles their chaotic, hilarious, and deeply loyal friendship.
New Girl is the ultimate "hangout sitcom." The plots are delightfully low-stakes, and the show's strength lies in the incredible chemistry of its cast. It perfectly captures the feeling of your twenties—messy, confusing, but made bearable by the found family you build along the way. It’s funny, quirky, and has a massive heart.
Comfort Tip: Whenever you need a guaranteed laugh, watch the "Cooler" episode (Season 2, Episode 15) for the gang's legendary game of True American and one of the best first kisses in sitcom history.
10. Somebody Feed Phil
Join Phil Rosenthal (the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond) as he travels the globe, exploring local cultures and cuisines with the unbridled enthusiasm of a golden retriever. This isn't your typical, stuffy food travel show; it's a celebration of connection, joy, and the power of a good meal.
Phil's infectious, goofy charm is the heart of the series. He finds genuine delight in every new experience and every person he meets. The show is a vibrant, colorful, and overwhelmingly positive look at the world, reminding you that despite our differences, we're all connected by a love for food and family.
Comfort Tip: Feeling cooped up? Put on an episode from a city you've always wanted to visit. Phil's journey will transport you there, minus the airport stress.
11. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Don't be fooled by the fact that it's a "cartoon." This animated masterpiece is one of the most profound and comforting stories ever told. Set in a world where people can "bend" the elements, it follows Aang, the last Airbender and the long-lost Avatar, on his quest to bring peace to a war-torn world with the help of his friends.
The show is a perfect blend of epic adventure, hilarious comedy, and deep, emotional wisdom. The characters form an unforgettable found family, and the life lessons—courtesy of the wise and tea-loving Uncle Iroh—are genuinely moving. It’s a story of hope, redemption, and the importance of balance that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Comfort Tip: Any time you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, watch an Uncle Iroh-centric episode like "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" (Season 2, Episode 15). His gentle wisdom is a true comfort.
12. Gilmore Girls
Step into the charming, fast-talking world of Stars Hollow, a quirky Connecticut town that feels like it’s perpetually autumn. The series follows the incredibly close, coffee-fueled relationship between single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her whip-smart teenage daughter, Rory.
Watching Gilmore Girls is like wrapping yourself in a cozy flannel blanket. The witty, pop-culture-laden dialogue is a character in itself, and the town is filled with eccentric and lovable side characters. It’s a show about family, community, and the comfort of a small-town life where everyone knows your name (and your coffee order).
Comfort Tip: This is the perfect show to have on in the background while working or relaxing. The rhythm of the dialogue and the cozy visuals of Stars Hollow create an incredibly comforting ambiance.
13. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Set in a tiny, 12-seat diner in Shinjuku that only opens from midnight to 7 a.m., this gentle Japanese series is a quiet masterpiece. The chef, known only as "Master," will make any dish his customers request, as long as he has the ingredients. Each episode focuses on a different patron and their story, all linked by a specific dish.
This show is a meditative and deeply human experience. The stories are small, intimate portraits of everyday life—love, loss, work, and friendship. The quiet atmosphere of the diner, the soft clatter of cooking, and the Master’s calm, non-judgmental presence make for an incredibly soothing watch. It’s a beautiful reminder of the simple, profound connections forged over a shared meal.
Comfort Tip: Watch this late at night with a snack. It will make you feel like you’re right there in the diner, eavesdropping on the quiet dramas of the city.
14. The Office (US)
For many, the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company is as familiar as their own workplace. This mockumentary-style sitcom, which chronicles the mundane yet hilarious lives of a group of office workers, has become a cornerstone of comfort television.
While the early seasons thrive on cringe-worthy humor from boss Michael Scott, the show's true comfort lies in its familiarity and the slow-blossoming warmth between the characters. The epic love story of Jim and Pam, the bizarre rivalries, and the eventual sense that these people are a dysfunctional but loving family make it endlessly re-watchable. Even I, Goh Ling Yong, find myself returning to it after a long week.
Comfort Tip: If you're not in the mood for Michael's antics, skip to the later seasons (4-7), where the ensemble cast truly shines and the heartwarming moments are more frequent.
15. Detectorists
Perhaps the quietest and most gentle comedy on this list, Detectorists follows the lives of two best friends, Andy and Lance, who share a passion for metal detecting in the English countryside. They spend their days wandering through fields, talking about their lives, and hoping to unearth a priceless historical treasure.
This show is the definition of "cozy." The humor is subtle, the cinematography is beautiful, and the central friendship is understated and deeply authentic. It’s a show about the beauty of ordinary life, the importance of having a passion, and the quiet comfort of a shared silence between friends. It’s a wonderful antidote to a loud and chaotic world.
Comfort Tip: Watch this when you feel overstimulated. The show’s slow pace, naturalistic dialogue, and gorgeous shots of the Essex landscape are incredibly calming.
16. Hilda
Based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, this enchanting animated series follows a fearless, blue-haired girl named Hilda as she moves from her magical wilderness home to the bustling city of Trolberg. With her deerfox, Twig, she befriends elves, giants, and trolls, finding adventure in the most unexpected places.
Hilda is visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Its world is filled with wonder and a gentle, Scandinavian-inspired folklore that is both whimsical and cozy. The show champions curiosity, empathy, and courage, all with a soft-spoken charm. It’s a perfect escape for anyone who still believes in a little bit of magic.
Comfort Tip: The show’s color palette and beautiful background art are a treat. Pay attention to the details of Trolberg and the surrounding wilderness for a truly immersive, comforting experience.
17. Nailed It!
Are you tired of hyper-perfect, high-stakes competition shows? Welcome to the hilarious, hot-mess antidote. Nailed It! pits three hopelessly amateur bakers against each other to recreate impossibly complex cakes and confections, with predictably disastrous and gut-bustingly funny results.
This show is a glorious celebration of failure. Host Nicole Byer is a force of pure comedic joy, and the series embraces the idea that trying your best (and having a good laugh about it) is more important than being perfect. It’s a wonderful reminder not to take life, or baking, too seriously.
Comfort Tip: Watch this when you're feeling down about a mistake you made. Seeing these contestants happily present their monstrous-looking creations will put any of your own failures into hilarious perspective.
18. Friends
The one that started it all for so many. For a generation, the lives of six friends living in New York City was the ultimate comfort viewing. Centered around the iconic Central Perk couch, the show’s blend of relatable problems, running gags, and will-they-won't-they romance created a formula that has endured for decades.
The comfort of Friends lies in its sheer familiarity. You know the jokes, you know the characters, and you know that no matter what happens, they will always be there for you (and each other). It requires zero mental energy to watch, making it the perfect show to have on when you just need to turn your brain off and be with old, well, friends.
Comfort Tip: Don't know where to start? Just put on a random episode. The standalone nature of most episodes means you can jump in anywhere and still get a full dose of 90s nostalgia and easy laughs. The Thanksgiving episodes are always a good bet.
In a world that constantly demands our attention and often rewards our anxiety, making a conscious choice to unplug is an act of self-care. Swapping the endless, draining scroll for a show that fills you with warmth, laughter, or hope is a small but powerful way to protect your peace. These shows are more than just entertainment; they are a safe harbor in a digital storm.
So, next time you find your thumb mindlessly flicking through bad news, pause. Take a breath. And put on a show that feels like coming home.
What's your go-to comfort show? Did we miss any of your favorites on this list? Share your recommendations in the comments below—let's build the ultimate library of feel-good TV together!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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