8 Perfect Brain-Soothing Comfort Shows to Get You Through a Breakup

by

Everyone handles heartbreak differently, but the advice we usually get feels surprisingly unhelpful and cliché. You’ve probably heard it all before: “There are plenty of other fish in the sea,” or “The best way to move on is to find someone new,” or even the dreaded “Everything happens for a reason.” Sometimes, what you really need is a distraction – not just from the breakup itself, but from well-meaning friends and family who repeat these tired phrases. Luckily, a perfect escape is often just a click away – a really good TV show that lets you switch off and relax.

Let’s be real, most of us have experienced a tough breakup, even if it’s not a romantic one – maybe a friendship fizzled out, or a ‘something’ just didn’t quite become ‘everything.’ Thankfully, I’ve put together a list of shows perfect for getting you through any kind of split. There’s bound to be something here for a seriously distracting – and hopefully enjoyable – binge-watching session when you just need to escape.

8
For Soothing Shows, ‘The Great British Bake Off’ Takes the Cake


Netflix

Unlike fast-paced American cooking competitions, The Great British Bake Off is remarkably relaxing. Often called GBBO by fans, the show features amateur bakers competing not in a stressful kitchen, but under a charming tent set in a beautiful English garden. While the judges, including veteran chef Paul Hollywood, aren’t afraid to offer honest criticism, the show is generally known for its kindness and supportive atmosphere.

Even though The Great British Baking Show occasionally has a bit of drama, its peaceful atmosphere and fun baking challenges – plus the friendly contestants and humorous hosts like Noel Fielding – are perfect for distracting you when you’re feeling down. It could even motivate you to start a new, enjoyable hobby!

7
In the Midst of a Breakup, ‘MasterChef Junior’ Will Help You Find Your Inner Childhood Joy

Most American reality TV competitions are known for being harsh, but Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef Junior is a heartwarming exception. Even if you’re going through a tough time, this show proves that simple joy still exists. MasterChef Junior, which aired from 2013 to 2024, features talented young home cooks between the ages of eight and thirteen. It’s hard not to be amazed by their skill and creativity in the kitchen.

The young contestants on this show are incredibly talented, creating everything from sophisticated dishes to playful, colorful desserts. They’re also charming and articulate, often sharing funny comments and detailed plans for their dream restaurants – like eight-year-old Abby Major’s idea for a restaurant and vet clinic called “Horses and Courses.” The show emphasizes teamwork and emotional support, with therapists on set to help the kids navigate challenges. It’s genuinely heartwarming to see them prioritize friendship and kindness, and it’s a show that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, even if you don’t expect it to.

6
‘Insecure’ Gives Universal Realness to Mend Your Broken Heart


HBO

HBO’s Insecure, created by Issa Rae, begins with Issa Dee (played by Rae) contemplating ending her relationship with her boyfriend, Lawrence, who is struggling to launch his own business. However, the show quickly moves beyond the breakup to explore much larger themes. What sets Insecure apart from other shows like it is its unique perspective: it’s told entirely through the experiences and viewpoints of a Black woman.

What makes Insecure so relatable, even though it’s very specific, is its portrayal of navigating your 20s. It perfectly captures the feeling of falling behind while it seems like everyone else – even your closest friends, like Issa’s best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji) – is thriving financially. Ultimately, the show brilliantly demonstrates that the most important relationship isn’t a romantic one (even with characters like Lawrence, who grows a lot himself), but the one between best friends. It’s a great reminder that even though breakups hurt, they can lead to positive change and new beginnings.

5
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Is the Perfect Watch For Crying Out All the Feels


ABC

While this list offers plenty of relaxing shows, sometimes a good cry is exactly what you need to feel better. If you’re looking for that emotional release, look no further than Grey’s Anatomy. This medical drama is famous for its tear-inducing moments, with almost every episode featuring a powerfully sad monologue.

I remember when Grey’s Anatomy first came out in 2005 – it really felt like something new. The show follows Meredith Grey and her fellow interns as they navigate the crazy world of a hospital. What I loved was how it balanced lighthearted, fun moments with really intense, dramatic relationships and, of course, incredibly stressful medical cases. Honestly, if you’re going through a tough breakup and need a good, cathartic cry, Grey’s is always a reliable choice.

4
‘​Game of Thrones’ Is the Ultimate Binge-Watch for Breakup Escapism


HBO

Breakups are tough, but even that pain pales in comparison to some of the things you see on TV – especially in shows like Game of Thrones. That series is full of moments that will make your recent split seem easy. After all, the show’s motto is basically “win or die,” and it really lives up to that. Think about the infamous “Red Wedding” – that puts things in perspective!

HBO’s eight-season series, based on George R. R. Martin’s popular fantasy novels, features a huge cast of British actors and tells the story of power-hungry families battling for control of the Seven Kingdoms and the Iron Throne. It’s packed with unexpected twists, complex plots, and plenty of violence. But the show is so immersive and captivating that you’ll likely find yourself more invested in the fate of Westeros than in your own life – even more than what your ex is doing!

3
‘Golden Girls’ Will Remind You There’s Always a Second (or Third) Act Around the Corner


NBC

Imagine this: it’s 1985 in Miami. You’ve gone through a divorce or lost a spouse and find yourself sharing a home with three unforgettable women – Rose, Dorothy, and Blanche – plus Dorothy’s hilarious, 90-year-old mother, Sophia, who’s quick with a witty remark. Luckily, Sophia also makes a mean lasagna! Even better, you all enjoy spending late nights around the kitchen table, sharing stories and gossip over cheesecake or ice cream. This is the world of The Golden Girls, where life with your closest friends is so wonderful, you might just be inspired to write a song about it – especially while relaxing on your patio!

If you’re looking for a feel-good show, Golden Girls is truly one of the best. It’s known for its fast-paced, witty banter and features iconic actresses like Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty. What’s remarkable is how the show portrays older women embracing life, dating, and being open about their desires. Plus, the fashion is fantastic! Even today, Golden Girls feels surprisingly modern and relatable. Watching it is like gaining a group of close friends and a reminder that you can live a fulfilling life, with or without a partner.

2
‘Murder, She Wrote’ Is the GOAT of Cozy Post-Breakup Comfort TV


CBS

Despite starting each episode with a murder, Murder, She Wrote feels incredibly cozy and comforting – like relaxing with a warm drink by the fireplace. It’s a perfect show to watch when you’re feeling down, and what sets it apart is that it focuses more on why someone committed a crime, rather than who did it. This predictable, yet satisfying, formula is as reliable and comforting as an old childhood toy.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more comfort-watch picks

Get curated comfort-watch picks, themed viewing guides, and thoughtful context for TV that soothes or distracts—subscribe to our newsletter for more recommendations, plus other entertainment and wellness-minded guides.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Featuring the iconic Angela Lansbury as mystery writer and detective Jessica Fletcher, Murder, She Wrote requires a bit of imagination. (It’s best not to overthink how the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine – where most of the show takes place – seems to have an unbelievably high number of murders, as noted by The Guardian.) However, you’ll likely be too captivated by the show’s memorable theme song and the consistently endearing characters who help Jessica solve crimes.

1
‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ Will Lead You On a Post-Breakup Path to Self-Discovery

Breakups are incredibly tough, but eventually you have to understand what went wrong, spend some time thinking about yourself, and start rebuilding your life. It’s not easy, of course, and that’s where the TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend can really help – it provides a surprisingly effective boost when you’re stuck.

The show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend stars Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a woman struggling with depression who dramatically changes her life. She moves from New York City to West Covina, California – the hometown of her former crush, Josh Chan – believing that rekindling a relationship with him will solve all her problems.

Despite a potentially heavy subject matter, the show is surprisingly uplifting. It uses humor, honest depictions of mental health struggles, and genuine compassion to challenge typical TV storylines. The series cleverly uses music to reveal Rebecca’s inner thoughts as she confronts her past, offering insightful commentary on mental health, kindness, and taking responsibility for our actions. Ultimately, the show leaves you with a hopeful message: everyone deserves a second chance, even when they’ve made mistakes, and reminds us that we are all worthy of love.



5 Questions
Binge to Mend: Test Your Breakup TV Survival Skills
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-03-16 02:08