In a world that often is increasingly heartbreaking, angering, and uncertain, finding moments of solace is crucial. Whether escaping into a world of fantasy, laughing along with beloved characters, or simply finding comfort in the familiar, TV shows offer a much-needed respite from the horrors of our world.
The right show can uplift our spirits, warm our hearts, and remind us of the beauty of human connection, resilience, and love. Sometimes, TV is a welcome distraction; other times, it serves as a comforting reflection of what a better world could look like, offering glimpses of hope amid the struggles of our current world. With the holidays approaching, there is no better time to indulge in the cozy comfort of feel-good television. If you want to unwind and recharge, here are 10 comforting shows to binge over the holidays that will leave you feeling relaxed, reconnected, and ready to face whatever comes next.
Abbott Elementary, ABC
The Gist:
Abbott Elementary, created by and starring Quinta Brunson, follows a group of teachers in a West Philadelphia public school. The mockumentary sitcom is led by optimistic new teacher Janine Teagues (played by Brunson) and follows a band of teachers as they navigate the challenges of an underfunded education system while striving to support and connect with their students.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Abbott Elementary serves as a comfort show not only through its warmth, running gags, and relatable characters but also by providing a hopeful and imaginative take on the challenges Black children and teachers face in underfunded schools. The series offers an escape from the typical portrayals of violence and hardship for Black children in the media, instead focusing on care, grace, and community. While it realistically highlights the shortcomings of the school system, it also offers us a world where teachers go above and beyond for their students, providing emotional support and challenging the status quo. The absence of cops or school resource officers in the show creates a refreshing environment where Black children can feel protected and thrive at school. Additionally, showcasing the teachers’ commitment to their students’ well-being invites viewers to reflect on what true care and liberation could look like. By blending humor with deeper political implications, Abbott Elementary proves to be a heartening show that offers both comfort and a vision of a better world.
Stars: Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Sanford Davis
Better Things, FX
The Gist:
Better Things, created by Pamela Adlon, follows single mother and actor Sam Fox as she raises her three children, Max, Duke, and Frankie, in LA. The series is based on Adlon’s personal life.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Better Things is immersive, honest, and heartwarming. The series excels at finding small moments of care and community, showcasing an often visceral and raw narrative through depictions of adolescence balanced with small, unspoken moments of human connection. Through sparse dialogue and avoidance of conventional plot devices, the show invites viewers to engage more intimately with its characters, offering a richer exploration of their lives. Each performance (including a pre-Anora Mikey Madison!) is captivating and authentic, allowing for natural character development throughout the seasons.
The show shines in its tender, hyper-specific moments: a group of teenagers scream-singing the Phineas and Ferb theme song, or Sam questioning her sexuality after connecting with a colleague. It also doesn’t shy away from the explosive emotions that define adolescence. As a bittersweet comfort show, Better Things offers a soothing escape with its authentic portrayal of everyday life. One of the show’s comforting elements is Sam’s cooking, which serves as a grounding force amid the chaos. Whether preparing a meal for her children or experimenting with new recipes, her kitchen scenes radiate warmth and simplicity, reminding us of the small rituals of care work that bring normalcy and comfort. For anyone overwhelmed by the saccharine cheer of the holiday season and seeking a more low-key form of relaxation, Better Things is the show for you. This heartfelt series finds beauty in the mundane, offering a soothing portrayal of everyday life that’s both grounded and deeply human. With its honest depiction of family, friendship, and personal growth, Better Things provides a cathartic, honest, and gentle way to unwind.
Stars: Pamela Adlon, Mikey Madison, Hannah Riley, Olivia Edward, Celia Imrie
Dash & Lily, Netflix
The Gist:
Dash & Lily, based on the book Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, follows two teenagers in New York City during the holiday season. Though Dash (played by Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis) aren’t acquainted at the series onset, the two find solance and connection through each other via a red notebook they pass back and forth.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Dash & Lily is the perfect holiday comfort watch—heartfelt and charming, offering a gentle escape that leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling. The series cleverly uses its New York City setting to capture the magic of the holiday season, with its characters illustrating how culture and community bring people together. Dash and Lily’s developing romance, paired with festive backdrops and lighthearted humor, evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy, making it the ideal show to unwind with a hot beverage. Though it may not be breaking new storytelling ground, Dash & Lily offers a heartwarming and memorable holiday experience for viewers of all ages.
Stars: Midori Francis, Austin Abrams, Dante Brown, Troy Iwata, James Saito, Leah Kreitz, Ianne Fields Stewart
Gordita Chronicles, Max (now on Tubi)
The Gist:
Gordita Chronicles follows 12-year-old Cucu Castelli as she adjusts to her new life in 1980s Miami, Florida, after moving from the Dominican Republic with her family.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Gordita Chronicles deserves a spot amongst the canon of light-hearted family sitcoms, an essential genre for any comfort watch. The series is unafraid to be silly but also explores deeper topics, such as the myth of the American Dream—an unattainable capitalist ideal of meritocracy, especially for communities and individuals of color. Anchored by an exceptional comedic performance from child actor Olivia Goncalves, the show balances humor and heartfelt moments. Its vibrant setting and relatable family dynamics bring warmth to each episode, making it an enjoyable escape into a world filled with love, laughter, and optimism.
For anyone tired of grey winter days and cold weather, Gordita Chronicles offers an easy way to escape and bask in the warmth and joy of sunnier days.
Stars: Olivia Goncalves, Diana Maria Riva, Juan Javier Cardenas, Savannah Nicole Ruiz, Cosette Hauer, Noah Rico, Dascha Polanco
Grand Crew, NBC
The Gist:
Grand Crew centers on six close-knit young professionals living in Los Angeles. The friends support one another as they navigate life and spend time at their favorite hangout—a cozy wine bar in the city.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Grand Crew offers a refreshing portrayal of Black life, freeing its characters from the typical stereotypes of Blackness often seen on television. Instead of leaning into trauma or caricature, the show allows its characters to embody vulnerability, joy, and silliness simultaneously, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and connection while celebrating emotional openness. As a result, Grand Crew becomes the perfect show to unwind with, offering comfort and relatability.
Though deprived of subsequent seasons to fully expand and develop its characters, Grand Crew invites viewers to relax, laugh, and enjoy the simple pleasures of friendship. The show’s lighthearted yet emotionally rich portrayal of relationships and daily life creates a soothing, breezy watch, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a warm, enjoyable escape that celebrates the joys of friendship and emotional authenticity.
Stars: Echo Kellum, Nicole Byer, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Carl Tart, Grasie Mercedes
Heartstopper, Netflix
The Gist: Heartstopper is a British series based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, following the blossoming romance between Charlie, a shy, gay high schooler, and Nick, a popular rugby player. As their friendship grows into love, the show explores themes of queer acceptance, self-discovery, mental health, and the challenges of coming out and navigating interpersonal relationships. Alongside Charlie and Nick, the series highlights the diverse Queer relationships and experiences of their friends.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Heartstopper is the pinnacle of comforting and heartwarming television. The show celebrates vulnerability and acceptance, with its central characters always treating each other with care and modeling emotional intelligence and care for its viewers. What sets Heartstopper apart from other YA series is its tone of warmth and hope. The characters experience the ups and downs of growing up, but they do so in a world that emphasizes care, empathy, and mutual support. While the series tackles several sensitive topics (and handles some better than others), it proudly displays its big, beating heart and celebrates queerness in all its forms.
Whether it’s the tender moments between Charlie and Nick or the positive, encouraging way their friends interact, the show creates a safe space for its characters—and, by extension, its audience. This emotional openness fosters a sense of comfort, making it easy for viewers to connect with the characters and their journeys. In a world where queer joy can often feel scarce, Heartstopper offers a refreshing counterpoint, where care and acceptance prevail over conflict and hardship. The series radiates kindness, hope, and an unshakable belief in the power of love.
Stars: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney, Will Gao, Tobie Donovan, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Rhea Norwood
Insecure, Max and Netflix
The Gist:
Based on Issa Rae’s original web series, Insecure explores the dynamic friendship between two Black women, Issa Dee and Molly Carter, as they navigate the complexities of their professional, romantic, and personal lives in Los Angeles. The show delves into their moments of growth, vulnerability, and the sometimes awkward yet relatable experiences that come with adulthood.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Insecure was a cultural phenomenon. From the discourse to the jokes, it became a touchstone for conversations about race, identity, and relationships. The series began by critiquing the aloof white savior complex within the non-profit industrial complex, showing Issa Dee navigating the complexities of her professional and personal life in a way that deeply resonated with many viewers, particularly Black women. Through moments of microaggressions, subtle racism, and the struggle to find identity in spaces that often overlook Black women, the show critiques and unmasks bias within white-dominated spaces while finding humor in the absurdity of those moments. As the series evolved, it grew to center Black friendship and allow its characters to exist outside of systems of oppression—allowing them to thrive, create, love, explore, and find themselves.
As Angelica Jade Bastién writes, “Insecure is the kind of series meant to be experienced but not studied.” If you’ve ever needed a funny, realistic yet emotionally safe world to engage with, Insecure is the perfect show for you. It provides a space for laughter and introspection, where viewers can connect with the characters’ trials and triumphs, form hot takes on the characters’ relationships, yet be comforted by their growth. The show’s authenticity and relatability make it a comforting watch that speaks to the heart of the Black experience while offering a much-needed escape from the complexities of the real world.
Stars: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales, Kendrick Sampson
Primo, Freevee
The Gist: Primo follows Rafa (played by Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), a San Antonio teenager balancing college aspirations, societal pressures, and a chaotic home life with his single mom and five uncles. As he navigates family dynamics and the challenges of growing up, Rafa strives to fulfill his dreams while managing the expectations of those around him.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Primo explores the ups and downs of adolescence within the context of a tight-knit family. Through Rafa, the show portrays the complexities of growing up, with each of his uncles offering a unique perspective on life, relationships, and personal growth. The series captures the warmth of these familial bonds while grounding the humor in relatable experiences.
The show also critiques the rigid expectations of masculinity. Each of Rafa’s uncles, with their diverse personalities and approaches to life, reflects a different aspect of masculinity, from the hardworking and serious to the carefree and philosophical. With an exceptional central performance from Christina Vidal as Rafa’s mother, Drea, Primo gently challenges these norms by showing the flaws and vulnerabilities in each character, offering Rafa alternative, more nuanced models of what it means to be individual in a family.
Though we never get to see Rafa fully come into his own due to the show’s cancellation after one season, the first season emphasizes the importance of emotional connection, self-awareness, and mutual respect. Ultimately, it provides a refreshing take on the meaning of family.
Stars: Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, Christina Vidal, Carlos Santos, Henri Esteve, Johnny Rey Diaz, Jonathan Medina, Efrain Villa, Stakiah Lynn Washington, Martin Martinez, Nigel Siwabessy
Somebody Somewhere, HBO
The Gist: Somebody Somewhere is set in Manhattan, Kansas, and follows Sam (Bridget Everett) as she navigates life in a community where she struggles to fit in. After the loss of her sister, Sam, alongside her best friend Joel (Jeff Hiller), works through feelings of grief and self-acceptance.
What makes it a comfort watch?
Community and personal growth are at the heart of HBO’s Somebody Somewhere. What begins as Sam’s journey of self-doubt transforms into a powerful narrative about building meaningful connections and finding a chosen family. Sam navigates the ebb and flow of her relationships, often feeling increasingly abandoned by friends focused on their own lives; the show highlights the importance of emotional support, vulnerability, and mutual respect. These elements create a warm, relatable atmosphere that blends comfort with moments of quiet sadness, making the series deeply human and poignant.
Set in a seemingly isolated and conservative town, Somebody Somewhere defies stereotypical portrayals of the Midwest by focusing not on traditionalism but on the often-overlooked communities, like the Queer community, that thrive within rural spaces. The show challenges the social isolation plaguing modern life by showcasing a group of people who come together to share comfort and a sense of togetherness in the face of loneliness through unwavering support, jokes, and love. With authentic performances, rich friendships, and slow-burning character arcs, the series offers a hopeful escape, delivering a powerful message about the importance of nurturing community to heal personal struggles.
Stars: Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Murray Hill, Tim Bagley
With Love, Prime Video
The Gist: The series follows siblings Lily and Jorge Diaz and their loved ones as they find their purpose during the holiday season.
What makes it a comfort watch?
If you’re looking for a comfort show set during the holidays, With Love on Prime Video is the one for you. The show highlights several different kinds of relationships, from Queer love to parental relationships, friendships, and more. Centering on a Mexican-American family, each episode offers a refreshing level of emotional depth and warmth that is both culturally specific and light-hearted, making it easy for viewers to connect with the characters and their journeys.
The characters navigate the challenges of modern life—like figuring out life goals, maintaining healthy relationships, and overcoming personal struggles—while prioritizing self-growth and mutual support. With its focus on family and the emotional work required to maintain connections, With Love creates a safe, welcoming space for audiences to relax, reflect, and embrace the warmth of the holidays.
Stars: Emeraude Tobia, Mark Indelicato, Isis King, Vincent Rodriguez III, Rome Flynn, Desmond Chiam, Todd Grinnell, Benito Martinez, Constance Marie, Gloria Calderón Kellett
Joshua Harris (he/him) is a lover of television, independent film, and his two dogs. His work has appeared in Awards Radar, mxdwnTELEVISION, and more. He is an African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) member.
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