Comfort TV: Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need a Boost

Comfort TV: Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need a Boost

Sanford and Son, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Golden Girls are some of the series we binge when we need a pick me up.

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Image for article titled Comfort TV: Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need a Boost
Screenshot: Sanford and Son

Lately, it seems like the chaos is getting worse. Sometimes you just need to turn off your brain and enjoy the classics. Thankfully, many of our favorite TV shows are available to stream. So when you need a little time to check in with yourself and relax, you can watch some of our best comfort TV shows.

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2 / 21

Sister Sister - Paramount+

Sister Sister - Paramount+

🎙Tamera Sings “I’m Going Down” on Sister Sister!

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s coming of age comedy takes us back to our own teenage years. We are instantly thankful they are over.

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3 / 21

The Good Place - Netflix

The Good Place - Netflix

The Moment Eleanor Fell for Chidi - The Good Place (Episode Highlight)

Never has death been as funny as it was in this superb comedy. Through four seasons we followed six friends across the most absurd version of the afterlife we’ve ever seen. It never failed to make us feel better after we watched.

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4 / 21

Sanford and Son - Prime Video

Sanford and Son - Prime Video

Fred And Lamont Are Trapped | Sanford and Son

When you need a pick me up, nothing will work better than Fred calling his son a “dummy,” then telling Elizabeth “it’s the big one.” Redd Foxx is a comedic genius who makes it look effortless.

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5 / 21

The Golden Girls - Hulu

The Golden Girls - Hulu

The Golden Girls - Dorothy Interrupts Sophia

No matter how bad your day has been, the instant that theme song kicks in, it makes all your problems go away. Plus, it’s hard to stay down once Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia start slinging those classic one-liners.

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6 / 21

Living Single - Max, Prime Video

Living Single - Max, Prime Video

Hot Fun in the Wintertime - Max and Kyle’s Prank War

We will never get tired of Max’s digs at Regine, Synclaire and Overton’s sweet love story or Max and Kyle’s undeniable chemistry. This show is truly special and was ahead of its time.

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7 / 21

Black-ish - Hulu

Black-ish - Hulu

Diane Lights Up Stephen A. Smith - black-ish

It’s always fun to revisit the comedic brilliance of Tracee Ellis Ross, Marsai Martin and Jenifer Lewis.

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8 / 21

Abbott Elementary - Hulu

Abbott Elementary - Hulu

Image for article titled Comfort TV: Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need a Boost
Photo: ABC/Gilles Mingasson

Abbott Elementary is just flat out hilarious. No matter what sort of mood you’re in, this new classic will make you fall off the couch laughing.

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9 / 21

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Paramount+, Prime Video

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Paramount+, Prime Video

Uncle Phil’s Outbursts | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

What’s fun about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is watching Will Smith grow as an actor, and enjoying how the chemistry of the cast evolves into something truly special.

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10 / 21

227 - Hulu

227 - Hulu

227 - Sandra Plays Family Feud | Jackée Harry

Yes, everyone on 227 is amazing, but let’s be honest, it’s Jackée Harry’s genius portrayal of Sandra that keeps us coming back to this ‘80s classic.

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11 / 21

Insecure - Netflix

Insecure - Netflix

Image for article titled Comfort TV: Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need a Boost
Photo: Raymond Liu/HBO

There’s something really comforting about the idea that Issa and Molly’s lives are just as messy as ours. It’s also inspiring to find their way out of the chaos.

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12 / 21

The Bernie Mac Show - Prime Video

The Bernie Mac Show - Prime Video

The Bernie Mac Show Saturday

Bernie Mac’s genius takes us back to a simpler time, reminding us of our own childhoods.

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13 / 21

The New Edition Story - Paramount+

The New Edition Story - Paramount+

Go Back to the Night New Edition Completely Fell Apart | The New Edition Story

This unflinching miniseries following the R&B supergroup is unquestionably one of the best music biopics ever made. NE chose a warts and all version of their story and we’re all the beneficiaries of something special.

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14 / 21

Good Times - Amazon Freevee

Good Times - Amazon Freevee

Good Times | ‘Thelma You Ain’t Dropping Out Of School’ | The Norman Lear Effect

While Good Times is not what anyone would ever call “feel good” TV, checking in with the Evans feels like putting on your favorite pair of pajamas. It just feels right.

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15 / 21

A Different World - Max, Prime Video

A Different World - Max, Prime Video

A Different World: 5x25 - Dwayne interrupts Whitley and Byron’s Wedding

Don’t act like you’re not still deeply invested in Whitley and Dwayne’s love story.

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16 / 21

Scandal - Hulu

Scandal - Hulu

Olivia Pope dismantling Andrew Nichols

Watching Olivia Pope eviscerate men who think they can hang with her never gets old. It provides the extra boost you need to deal with your incompetent co-worker.

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17 / 21

Family Matters - Hulu

Family Matters - Hulu

Family Matters - Carl & Steve’s Bond

Yes, there’s way too much Urkel nonsense, but let’s never forget how groundbreaking the Winslow family was.

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18 / 21

9-1-1 - Hulu

9-1-1 - Hulu

Athena Tries To Help A Man Trapped In His Car | Season 2 Ep. 2 | 9-1-1

Obviously, Angela Bassett is fantastic. But what makes this show work is that even when the first responders can’t save the day, there’s still an emotional payoff. It’s like a warm hug.

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19 / 21

Law & Order - NBC, Peacock

Law & Order - NBC, Peacock

Malpractice NOT Murder | Law & Order

You always know what you’re going to get with the Law & Order. The well-worn formula feels like a familiar pair of slippers. Plus, once you get to a certain point in the episode, you’re hooked and must finish it.

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20 / 21

Key & Peele - Paramount+

Key & Peele - Paramount+

Key & Peele - Black Ice

The absurdity and comedic genius of Key & Peele will instantly take your mind off of any outside chaos currently invading your life.

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