“Possibly the loveliest show on TV”: 10 comfort-watch dramas on BBC, Channel 4, Netflix and more

Sometimes you just want to relax with a warm drink, snacks, and a feel-good TV show. What makes a show perfect for cozying up really depends on what you’re looking for – maybe it reminds you of good times, lets you escape from stress, or just has a simple, easy-to-follow story.

Keeping that in mind, here’s a list of shows perfect for relaxing and enjoying. We hope you find something you like!

1. Starstruck (BBC iPlayer)

If you’re looking for something reliably enjoyable, Taskmaster is a great choice. But for a scripted comedy, I highly recommend Starstruck on the BBC, created by Rose Matafeo – who’s also well-known as a contestant on Taskmaster.

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This charming romantic comedy is a real passion project – she wrote it, and she’s the lead actress! Called Starstruck, it taps into a lot of what millennials dream about: the story follows Jessie, who discovers her casual hookup was actually with a well-known movie star (played by Nikesh Patel).

Paying rent quickly became the smallest of her problems, as she found herself caught up in an overwhelming and chaotic situation.

2. Gilmore Girls (Netflix)

You don’t need a chilly autumn day to enjoy Gilmore Girls – this popular early 2000s show is a comforting favorite for many. The series focuses on the heartwarming relationship between single mom Lorelai and her teenage daughter Rory (played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel) and takes place in the charming, friendly town of Stars Hollow.

With the witty and sometimes sharp-tongued Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) and the down-to-earth Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) adding to the ensemble, you’ll find a cast of characters that are truly captivating and will have you wanting more.

3. Ghosts (BBC iPlayer)

This hilarious British comedy series, available on the BBC, centers around Alison and Mike, a married couple who unexpectedly come into ownership of a grand, old house. It turns out the house is haunted, and they soon find themselves sharing their home with a group of ghosts!

After a close call with death, Alison gains the ability to see ghosts – and they all start living with her, forming a quirky, extended family. This funny show, created by the team behind Horrible Histories, aired for four years and continues to attract viewers. A film adaptation is currently being made.

4. Man on the Inside (Netflix)

If you enjoy comedies that explore deeper questions about life, The Good Place is a good option for relaxing viewing. However, we recommend Ted Danson’s Man on the Inside instead.

Charles, a part-time detective, is lost after his wife’s death. But when he takes a job going undercover at a retirement home, he rediscovers a reason to live. This story is both funny and deeply moving.

5. Heartstopper (Netflix)

Heartstopper is a comforting and much-needed show, especially for those of us who wish we’d had it as teenagers. It’s like a warm hug in TV form! The story focuses on the sweet relationship between Nick and Charlie as they deal with the ups and downs of school, family, and growing up, while also showing the experiences of a diverse group of LGBTQ+ characters.

I absolutely love Heartstopper! Even as the show gets into some really important and sometimes difficult topics, it still feels incredibly warm and hopeful. It doesn’t shy away from being optimistic, and that’s what I think makes it so special compared to other teen dramas. It’s just the perfect show to watch when you need a little pick-me-up – total comfort viewing!

6. Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

If you’re looking for a feel-good, lighthearted show, Netflix’s popular romantic comedy Nobody Wants This is a great choice. It also brought back Adam Brody – known to many millennials from The O.C. – to our screens.

Rabbi Noah and podcaster Joanne had incredible chemistry from the start, making it clear they were destined for romance. What really set the show apart, though, was how it avoided all the usual clichés. It’s also genuinely funny and perfect for a cozy day in.

7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Disney+)

You can’t talk about comforting TV shows without mentioning Buffy the Vampire Slayer. For many who grew up with it, this ’90s supernatural drama is a familiar and comforting show to have on in the background, thanks to its witty humor and memorable monster-hunting protagonist. It really taps into a feeling of nostalgia.

From passionately singing the show’s theme song to silently mouthing Buffy’s powerful speeches about self-discovery, the show’s use of metaphors – like comparing high school to the entrance to hell – has always connected with audiences and will continue to do so for years to come, especially with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to the role in a new series.

8. Never Have I Ever (Netflix)

At first glance, the teen comedy Never Have I Ever seems surprisingly serious. It centers around 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and her challenges after losing her father.

Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, this Netflix series is a funny and genuinely touching comedy-drama. It centers on Devi as she navigates the ups and downs of high school – including a complicated love life and family pressures – and has resonated with many viewers.

9. Detectorists (BBC iPlayer)

This popular and critically acclaimed BBC comedy focuses on a heartwarming story about friendship. Andy and Lance, played by Mackenzie Crook (who also created the show) and Toby Jones, strengthen their close connection through their shared hobby of metal detecting.

This series, originally debuting in 2014 and set in a quaint English town, quickly gained popularity around the world and continues to be a favorite among viewers.

10. This Is Us (Disney+ and Channel 4)

Okay, so This Is Us totally sucked me in. It’s a really complex family story that jumps around through time – you see the Pearsons growing up, dealing with stuff in the past and present, all mixed together. Honestly, it’s super emotional and feels really real, which makes you get totally invested in what happens to them.

With a talented cast including Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us has become a show many people find comforting and relatable, despite having some incredibly sad moments.

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2026-02-27 14:22