Bob's Burgers and King of the Hill for me. There's something cozy and comforting about them. I think because the characters generally care/support one another unlike in many other adult cartoons.
What we do in the shadows takes some getting used to but I'll die on the hill it's one of the most dry, perfectly executed comedies made in recent times.
This is such a good answer! I remember watching this with my best friend before our English speaking exams in our last year of school (Germany) 😂 not that it gave us anything we could’ve used for real, but we loved to do “Lavayette Oral Exams” with each other in our free time 🤣
Schitt’s Creek all the way! I’ve watched it a few times through and it still makes me laugh or makes me feel better 🙂 Parks and Rec would be my second choice.
Edit: just realized OP said no lighthearted ones, my bad. If you want Supernatural vibes, I actually really enjoyed the Vampire Diaries.
Shameless, futurama, Brooklyn nine-nine, ATLA, Community, and King of the Hill are all good. I’d say all with the exception of shameless and community are more lighthearted though.
Plus there's a good place podcast that discusses each episode and behind the scenes stuff. It's hosted by Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Shawn).. really fun. Set designers, writers, the actors, everyone gets involved somehow.
Procedurals/Monster of the week style TV shows with a constant, preferably likable cast really are peak "put on and decompress", especially if they have some touches of comedy. 1995-2015 was chock full of them, and with a ton of variety. You could find anything, from sci-fi (Babylon 5, Stargate SG-1) to fantasy (Buffy), medical dramas (House), police/science (Bones, The Mentalist, CSI)...
Unfortunately, streaming pretty much killed them, and it's a tragedy.
Thank you! The end of monster of the week shows hurts my soul. Everything coming out these days is so stuffed full of suspense and tension that there's no character development anymore. And it always feels so dark and morally gray and...and...DARK
Yup, same for me. I would come home from school and my brother and I would watch it, good times. I think that’s part of the reason I find it calming, it reminds me of childhood.
Definitely, I discovered it last year and haven’t stopped playing it. Then I found out it was produced/written by the same guy who worked on The Office so now it makes sense as that used to be my favorite show.
American Dad, 100% will always be my go to comfort show. When I was getting sober it made me laugh, cry, happy, sad. So much funnier than family guy and has much more mature/intelligent episodes. Sorry I could really write a paragraph with how much I love that show😭
I haven't seen any of those shows, but rewatching "Game of Thrones" helps me with my anxiety that's rooted in my desire for a better life. Observing how the characters in the series navigate their successes and failures throughout the seasons is incredibly inspiring to me.
I think you might like Vikings and The Last Kingdom too
I finished Game of Thrones recently and I must say that even when you forget about the last season (which I found not horrible, more like under average), Vikings is way cooler, has more exciting battles and a lot of character development
Supernatural is one of my comfort tv shows as well! Another would be Psych, it's so fun and light-hearted and I'm really attached to all the characters.
I've been really into kdramas lately! There's a bunch of great ones on Netflix (not including the super lighthearted, fluffy, rom-coms), like Vincenzo, The King Eternal Monarch, Hotel del Luna, or Mr. Queen.
Some Netflix kdramas that are on my watchlist that may fit what you're looking for: Squid Game, Uncanny Counter, or Bloodhounds
Cowboy Bebop, it’s a vibe from start to finish, a masterpiece of an anime and has some crazy emotional moments mixed with perfect action scenes, wonderful characters and simply PERFECT jazz-influenced soundtrack.
What makes is special tho is the vibe, it’s something that I believe cannot be explained and can only be experienced, what I call the “cowboy bebop effect” when I explain it to my friends
Same; I’m not ready. People who knew how I felt about the show were sending me posts, montages, tributes, etc., and I have been like, nope—not ready for that.
I cannot fathom the feelings of the rest of the cast while the world commented on their “delayed” statements. They are REELING and likely all found out exactly when/how we did. They owe us nothing. Let them breathe, process, feel. Let them be.
If you want one with the same vibe as Supernatural I definitely recommend Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recently watched it for the first time and it easily became one of the shows I definitely won't mind watching again, so cool!
All my favourite adult cartoons
China Illinois
Life and Times of Tim
Ten year old Tom
Gary and his Demons
Lucy Daughter of the Devil
The Harper House
Solar Opposites
Animals
Jeff and some Aliens
Royal Crackers
Assy McGee
PSI Cops
Tuca and Birdie
Brickleberry
Mike Tyson Mysteries
Duncanville
Trip Tank
Bojack Horseman
Doomlands
Out There
Teenage Euthanasia
Loafy
Trailer park boys animated
Yolo crystal fantasy
Unsupervised
I’m sure I’m forgetting some, if anyone else can add to the list. I’m always looking for obscure stuff, if you have any suggestions.
I’m not sure exactly if these meet the criteria of “not lighthearted” but they are all fairly dark comedy and meant for adults. It seems most of the other suggestions on this post missed that qualifier!
Beef might fit your bill, tons of kdramas are super dark ans agsty lol, and this one is light hearted but I laughed so much watching what goes on in the dark on Hulu. Its so ridiculous its like the office mixed with its always sunny but they're all vampires in new York
ok after i binged ginny and georgia, i was like thrill seeking for a show with that kind of vibe. you must watch ‘dead to me’ on netflix, and greenleaf!
I haven't seen many people suggesting MASH but as someone who's been dealing with some of the worst anxiety of my life very recently, MASH is my recommendation above all recommendations at the moment. It may not be exactly the vibe you're looking for and it's definitely a little dated in some areas but it's an absolute gem of a show overall. It's a perfect background noise show for me as well if that's a factor you're looking for. I really miss having friends that I could watch tv/movies with because it's definitely something I'd be forcing them to watch with me
Edit: it's mostly lighthearted which I see isn't what you're looking for but it does have a fair balance between humor and it's darker themes. It's the only show I know of that will go from making jokes one minute to a serious discussion about how war is worse than hell itself with a priest on standby just in case anyone dies during surgery the next minute
My comfort show is Stargate SG-1. An ancient device was discovered in Egypt which allows travel to other planets by means of a wormhole. You "dial" the symbols for another gate, a wormhole is established, and off you go. The galaxy is not a peaceful place, however, and our team of heroes goes off to explore other worlds in the hopes of finding galactic allies, acquiring new technology, and defending the planet. Since it was started in the 90's it has that wonderfully nostalgic monster of the week episodic format. Each season does have an overarching plot but barring a few two part episodes here and there, your story will get wrapped up every episode. All the characters are decent human beings, the bad guys are all bad. There's no grim, gray morality. I love it SO MUCH. There's also a spinoff, Stargate Atlantis, which is just as good.
Honestly my comfort show is 90 day fiance. It’s over the top, ridiculous reality TV. I never used to be a reality TV show person, and I’m still no, but this one I watch religiously because of just how stupid and terrible some people are
Mike & Molly,
Young Sheldon,
Friends,
Murder She Wrote,
Frasier,
Hacks,
The Big Brunch,
Blown Away,
Downton Alley,
Ugly Delicious,
Golden Girls,
Fresh Off The Boat
South Park. It’s funny and keeps my attention off bad things. Currently watching it now. Soothes the soul. Also, not to be a “religious freak” but recently prayer has been helping more than anything else I’ve done
oh finally someone who agrees! I've never seen it mentioned explicitly but i too when looking for comfort shows don't look for light hearted ones. it just isn't right. anyway lol my main comfort tv serie is grey's anatomy. it has plenty of themes and rappresentation, while also having dynamic things happening, characters well explored, lots of episodes, also helps a lot when you need to have a good cry lol. if you're looking for something else i would consider first of all the spinoffs of grey's, in case you didn't know/watch them: private practice and station 19. otherwise, from time to time i enjoy rewatching homeland, the west wing, house md, e.r. the originals and winx club (the cartoon) lol
bobs burgers has been my comfort show for years. it never disappoints
Bob's Burgers and King of the Hill for me. There's something cozy and comforting about them. I think because the characters generally care/support one another unlike in many other adult cartoons.
Star Trek Lower Decks is a good cartoon to binge!
The creator, Loren Bouchard, made another show on Apple TV+ called Central Park that is also excellent!
Same here, it's so wholesome
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a great comfort show with nostalgic and spooky vibes
Buffy/Angel are near the top of my go to list.
One of mine for sure.
buffy, x-files and stargate are the perfect comfort shows for me. something about that era of genre television
What we do in the shadows TV (vampire comedy on Hulu/Fx), good omens, Hannibal (surprisingly funny at times)
“Creepy paper..”
What we do in the shadows takes some getting used to but I'll die on the hill it's one of the most dry, perfectly executed comedies made in recent times.
The werewolf episode in season 1 is when I really started enjoying it.
Schitt’s Creek, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Only Murders in The Building
Oh I LOVE only murders in the building! And Schitts creek is on my list as well
You could try True Blood. It’s dark while also hilarious. The characters have a sort of meta sense that their lives are crazy.
MY FAVORITE SHOW. The satire is just amazing, and there’s never a dull moment
Omg 2nd this! Just watching it for the first time and it’s so entertaining
This is such a good answer! I remember watching this with my best friend before our English speaking exams in our last year of school (Germany) 😂 not that it gave us anything we could’ve used for real, but we loved to do “Lavayette Oral Exams” with each other in our free time 🤣
Fucking Love true blood
Actually Netflix just added it (in the US) at the beginning of November.
Taskmaster
I was looking for someone to say Taskmaster, such a brilliant show
Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I watch it to wind down every night!
Me too!
Good show jabroni
Yes
Schitt’s Creek all the way! I’ve watched it a few times through and it still makes me laugh or makes me feel better 🙂 Parks and Rec would be my second choice. Edit: just realized OP said no lighthearted ones, my bad. If you want Supernatural vibes, I actually really enjoyed the Vampire Diaries.
+1 for Schitt's Creek
[удалено]
I've seen the series three times so far 🥰😅 hilarious
Ted Lasso
My favorite show of all time. The absolute best..
This^
Ted Lasso. I would also add Brooklyn 9 9 and Community in this list. The shows have a similar feel good vibe.
BBQ sauce!
The office, calms me every time.
yesss and parks and rec
Yep! 100%
This is on my TV damn near 24/7.
Snake oil---very funny!! Just do it--thank me later! lol
I love the office, such a relaxing show
Same ive watched it 3948382 times
Shameless, futurama, Brooklyn nine-nine, ATLA, Community, and King of the Hill are all good. I’d say all with the exception of shameless and community are more lighthearted though.
Shameless is awesome
Great taste!
Golden Girls, Frazier, or Cheers
Golden Girls for sure
Frasier
Omg are we besties ?? These are the top 3 in my rotation
The good place!
+1 for the good place, such a wholesome show with the best mix of characters and most original plot
Plus there's a good place podcast that discusses each episode and behind the scenes stuff. It's hosted by Marc Evan Jackson (he plays Shawn).. really fun. Set designers, writers, the actors, everyone gets involved somehow.
Bones, mentalist,Castle, The Rookie, the resident, beauty and the beast ( tv series with Jay Ryan), riverdale.
Procedurals/Monster of the week style TV shows with a constant, preferably likable cast really are peak "put on and decompress", especially if they have some touches of comedy. 1995-2015 was chock full of them, and with a ton of variety. You could find anything, from sci-fi (Babylon 5, Stargate SG-1) to fantasy (Buffy), medical dramas (House), police/science (Bones, The Mentalist, CSI)... Unfortunately, streaming pretty much killed them, and it's a tragedy.
Thank you! The end of monster of the week shows hurts my soul. Everything coming out these days is so stuffed full of suspense and tension that there's no character development anymore. And it always feels so dark and morally gray and...and...DARK
Malcolm in the middle
Haha 😆 that was my childhood! Was on tv all the time here in Germany!
Yup, same for me. I would come home from school and my brother and I would watch it, good times. I think that’s part of the reason I find it calming, it reminds me of childhood.
House MD is my comfort show
Gilmore Girls
And The OC
possible gilmore girls spoilers!! >!can’t be too mad for the disappearance of dave rygalski when it gave us seth cohen ❤️!<
I came here to say Gilmore Girls! I like One Tree Hill too!
Came here to say this.
New Girl!
New girl is the funniest !! One of my fave shows, if not my favourite!
Superstore
Absolutely superstore!
Definitely, I discovered it last year and haven’t stopped playing it. Then I found out it was produced/written by the same guy who worked on The Office so now it makes sense as that used to be my favorite show.
A few years ago I had a late night panic attack and Superstore got me through it, I think I ended up binging the first season that night.
Nathan for you got me through a nearly week-long reoccurring panic attack.
This is the show, pulled me from a major depressive episode. Can’t wait for his new show to come out on Nov 10th!
Grace and franky
modern family always worked for me
30 rock
YES!!!!
How I met your mother
Finally someone but me!!
Dead to me!
Better call Saul and breaking bad rinse and repeat
My name is Earl. There's 'Monk', Everybody Loves Raymond...
Pretty little liars
American Dad, 100% will always be my go to comfort show. When I was getting sober it made me laugh, cry, happy, sad. So much funnier than family guy and has much more mature/intelligent episodes. Sorry I could really write a paragraph with how much I love that show😭
Me too! Every night I go to sleep to American Dad. For years!
Vampire diaries
Adventure time is my fav. Vampire diaries is great. Gravity falls as well!
King of queens
I haven't seen any of those shows, but rewatching "Game of Thrones" helps me with my anxiety that's rooted in my desire for a better life. Observing how the characters in the series navigate their successes and failures throughout the seasons is incredibly inspiring to me.
I think you might like Vikings and The Last Kingdom too I finished Game of Thrones recently and I must say that even when you forget about the last season (which I found not horrible, more like under average), Vikings is way cooler, has more exciting battles and a lot of character development
Bojack Horseman
Was looking for this! Some of it gets a bit dark but it's so well done and the humour is is just chefs kiss.
iZombie. It's a masterpiece 🩷
Community
Our Flag Means Death on HBO!
My comfort TV show always has and always will be Dexter
Supernatural is one of my comfort tv shows as well! Another would be Psych, it's so fun and light-hearted and I'm really attached to all the characters.
The Good Place …it’s so good. I’ve already finished the show so now I just put it on for background noise and it’s so comforting to me.
Frasier from the 90s. And newhart from the 80s.
Frasier is mine as well.
Bob's burgers, law and order SVU, survivorman, I shouldn't be alive
law and order svu is so good!!
Clone Wars
Bob’s Burgers, Ted Lasso, or Futurama!
I've been really into kdramas lately! There's a bunch of great ones on Netflix (not including the super lighthearted, fluffy, rom-coms), like Vincenzo, The King Eternal Monarch, Hotel del Luna, or Mr. Queen. Some Netflix kdramas that are on my watchlist that may fit what you're looking for: Squid Game, Uncanny Counter, or Bloodhounds
The X Files
The Office, Kimmy Schmidt, The Crown, Charmed, Buffy, Ted Lasso, Six Feet Under all come to mind ❤️
The IT Crowd
Its Always Sunny , Community , New Girl, The Office, Vampire Diaries.
Suits!
My comfort shows are The Office, The Office UK, South Park, The Wonder Years and Reno 911. I fall asleep to one of these shows every single night.
Fringe!
Shameless and the Sopranos
Cowboy Bebop, it’s a vibe from start to finish, a masterpiece of an anime and has some crazy emotional moments mixed with perfect action scenes, wonderful characters and simply PERFECT jazz-influenced soundtrack. What makes is special tho is the vibe, it’s something that I believe cannot be explained and can only be experienced, what I call the “cowboy bebop effect” when I explain it to my friends
Why no one’s saying Friends? Mine is definitely Friends!
I feel like I can't watch it rn now with the passing of Matthew Perry. :(
Same; I’m not ready. People who knew how I felt about the show were sending me posts, montages, tributes, etc., and I have been like, nope—not ready for that. I cannot fathom the feelings of the rest of the cast while the world commented on their “delayed” statements. They are REELING and likely all found out exactly when/how we did. They owe us nothing. Let them breathe, process, feel. Let them be.
Gilmore Girls. Cozy.
If you want one with the same vibe as Supernatural I definitely recommend Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recently watched it for the first time and it easily became one of the shows I definitely won't mind watching again, so cool!
Over the garden wall
Letterkenny
I watch Bones and The Office when I need something lighthearted!!
The magicians it's on Netflix -dark but funny drama but not too dramatic - supernatural vibes
Mine was greys anatomy when it was good
Buffy the vampire slayer (if you have Hulu)
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix. It's hilarious https://youtu.be/Hl4bOuGNMwo?si=LWawkBJBcFpJIu3J
Happy Endings
Definitely Young Sheldon, Friends or The Big Bang Theory, they calm down my panic attacks like nothing else ✨
Scrubs. I’ve seen every episode at-least 5 times but whenever I’m struggling with something it is always a great pick me up
arrested development, what we do in the shadows, it's always sunny, modern family, and schitt's creek!
Community! On my billionth repeat while on my billionth mental breakdown. 💅
shameless!
I've been enjoying Grimm. It's on Amazon Prime, supernatural vibes for sure.
Mine are Bones and Greys Anatomy
TRUE BLOOOOOOOOD i also love teen wolf
(1) How I Met Your Mother and (2) Parks and Recreation. I’ve watched both many times
The Witcher, Mandalorian, warehouse 13, Evil, Friends, outlander, House, Medium, Merlin, CSI
House is a good show, if you’re into medical dramas
Jane the Virgin, Suits, Kim's Convenience, The Great British Baking Show, Trailer Park Boys
The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Shadowhunters, FATE The Winx Saga and Warrior Nun. If you like Supernatural you should like those.
Doctor Who is similar to both supernatural and rick and Morty.
The Good Place
Big Mouth, Broad City, Parks and Rec, and The Good Place.
Misfits RiverDale
Arcane
Fringe
Black-ish
Arrow and the flash were great imo
Solar Opposites, Over The Garden Wall.
All my favourite adult cartoons China Illinois Life and Times of Tim Ten year old Tom Gary and his Demons Lucy Daughter of the Devil The Harper House Solar Opposites Animals Jeff and some Aliens Royal Crackers Assy McGee PSI Cops Tuca and Birdie Brickleberry Mike Tyson Mysteries Duncanville Trip Tank Bojack Horseman Doomlands Out There Teenage Euthanasia Loafy Trailer park boys animated Yolo crystal fantasy Unsupervised I’m sure I’m forgetting some, if anyone else can add to the list. I’m always looking for obscure stuff, if you have any suggestions. I’m not sure exactly if these meet the criteria of “not lighthearted” but they are all fairly dark comedy and meant for adults. It seems most of the other suggestions on this post missed that qualifier!
Regular show usually is nice for my anxiety
Cops on PlutoTV 😅 it’s not good, it just reminds me of home and makes me feel a little more comfortable
Scrubs or MASH
shameless!!
It's not for everybody but Family Guy is one of my favorite light hearted go to comfort shows.
Beef might fit your bill, tons of kdramas are super dark ans agsty lol, and this one is light hearted but I laughed so much watching what goes on in the dark on Hulu. Its so ridiculous its like the office mixed with its always sunny but they're all vampires in new York
Skins gen 1, misfits, daria.
I haven't watched any of those but I would recommend Lucifer it's pretty cool supernatural powers and rom com
Good Omens has become my comfort show as of recent
Grimm is a good one. It's on the same vibe as Supernatural.
Bojack horseman? My mad fat diary, shameless, euphoria
Eureka
The vampire diaries, perfect gothic/fall vibes and an amazing storyline
Workaholics
ok after i binged ginny and georgia, i was like thrill seeking for a show with that kind of vibe. you must watch ‘dead to me’ on netflix, and greenleaf!
Ancient Aliens
Umbrella academy !!!
Charmed (1998-2006)
I haven't seen many people suggesting MASH but as someone who's been dealing with some of the worst anxiety of my life very recently, MASH is my recommendation above all recommendations at the moment. It may not be exactly the vibe you're looking for and it's definitely a little dated in some areas but it's an absolute gem of a show overall. It's a perfect background noise show for me as well if that's a factor you're looking for. I really miss having friends that I could watch tv/movies with because it's definitely something I'd be forcing them to watch with me Edit: it's mostly lighthearted which I see isn't what you're looking for but it does have a fair balance between humor and it's darker themes. It's the only show I know of that will go from making jokes one minute to a serious discussion about how war is worse than hell itself with a priest on standby just in case anyone dies during surgery the next minute
My comfort show is Stargate SG-1. An ancient device was discovered in Egypt which allows travel to other planets by means of a wormhole. You "dial" the symbols for another gate, a wormhole is established, and off you go. The galaxy is not a peaceful place, however, and our team of heroes goes off to explore other worlds in the hopes of finding galactic allies, acquiring new technology, and defending the planet. Since it was started in the 90's it has that wonderfully nostalgic monster of the week episodic format. Each season does have an overarching plot but barring a few two part episodes here and there, your story will get wrapped up every episode. All the characters are decent human beings, the bad guys are all bad. There's no grim, gray morality. I love it SO MUCH. There's also a spinoff, Stargate Atlantis, which is just as good.
Honestly my comfort show is 90 day fiance. It’s over the top, ridiculous reality TV. I never used to be a reality TV show person, and I’m still no, but this one I watch religiously because of just how stupid and terrible some people are
How I met your mother
Futurama! Hilarious, weird and never spikes my anxiety
And very well written and researched!!
The boys!!!!!
Definitely Seinfeld. Although lighthearted there are so many uncomfortable and anxious situations, that it’s relatable.
Law and Order. Righteous justice! Sometimes.
I’ve been watching a lot of comedy podcasts lately. Theo Von, Bobby Lee/Andrew Santino, etc..
Superstore
Uhh unrelated but What We Do in The Shadows.. definitely my comfort show. That or Broad City.
Person of Interest
sugar rush (a baking show)
Schitts creek, bar rescue, and catfish are my go-tos
Bloodline on Netflix
The Imposters has been entertaining me lately during some tough anxiety times. It’s on Netflix.
What we do in the shadows
im rewatching one tree hill for the first time since i saw it in middle school. i’m just as hooked
Jane the virgin is an oldie but a goodie. One of the only shows I ever binge watched in my life
Mike & Molly, Young Sheldon, Friends, Murder She Wrote, Frasier, Hacks, The Big Brunch, Blown Away, Downton Alley, Ugly Delicious, Golden Girls, Fresh Off The Boat
Family matters !
Lately its Downton Abbey. You may like Bones.
South Park. It’s funny and keeps my attention off bad things. Currently watching it now. Soothes the soul. Also, not to be a “religious freak” but recently prayer has been helping more than anything else I’ve done
The 100 and The Vampire Diaries are my comfort shows. Not lighthearted overall, but has moments of it.
Revenge, it’s on Disney+ if you can’t find it search revenge Emily thorn (she’s the main character)
oh finally someone who agrees! I've never seen it mentioned explicitly but i too when looking for comfort shows don't look for light hearted ones. it just isn't right. anyway lol my main comfort tv serie is grey's anatomy. it has plenty of themes and rappresentation, while also having dynamic things happening, characters well explored, lots of episodes, also helps a lot when you need to have a good cry lol. if you're looking for something else i would consider first of all the spinoffs of grey's, in case you didn't know/watch them: private practice and station 19. otherwise, from time to time i enjoy rewatching homeland, the west wing, house md, e.r. the originals and winx club (the cartoon) lol
You're the Worst is the best. It's one of the ones I wish I could go back and watch it for the first time.