6 Comfort TV Shows To Get You Through Your Worst Pandemic Days

Comfort shows have gotten us all through two years' worth of the pandemic. When the world was shut out, we were shut in with life-affirming television that hugged us warm on the bluest of days. Feel-good, simple, inclusive, real, modern. This genre of content has positively been on the rise in the last decade and god knows we need more of that in these bleak times.

What we consume on OTT today finds shared kinship across the globe for its messages of relatability and the quality of making a wider demographic of people feel seen. These shows gently untangle the knots around subjects society still finds difficult to discuss - be it queer themes or taboo realities like single motherhood.

You have Friends. But wouldn't you rather have best friends? Put these on your watchlist!

Comfort Shows You Can Watch On OTT:

1. Kim's Convenience 

Without being preachy, Kim's Convenience walks the talk of ">diversity on screen. It follows the story of an endearing Korean-Canadian family centred around a convenience store they run. A wholesome crockpot of many inconveniences,  the sitcom remained a humble classic, comfortable in its intent of spreading smiles, without ever making too much noise among pop culture circles. A sudden cancellation of the series in 2021 broke many hearts but fans know it hasn't really gone anywhere.

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2. Schitt's Creek 

A show that began its run in 2015 gained full speed after its wrap in 2020 when it found more takers during the pandemic, Schitt's Creek emerged as a universal favourite. Who knew that a wealthy family scaling down the class ladder, all the way to a modest town could be a premise for heartwarming laughter? The characters, each quirkier than the last, become fast friends with you a season into the show. No one is an outcast here, every identity pulled in together for a big warm inclusive hug.

3. Virgin River 

Set in a remote countryside town that appears to be alternating between cosy climes of autumn and winter, Virgin River flows directionlessly and yet leaves you fulfilled. A nurse practitioner leaves the tragedies of her life behind to make a big move to this place tucked away nowhere, where she builds her life back up amid the simplicities and banalities of a small town. Though it manages to draw an offroad trail towards a thriller storyline in parts, the show's foundation of romance shines through as the star.

4. Dash & Lily 

The good ol' rom-com formula works well in Dash & Lily partly because it is nostalgically simple and partly because of its dreamy settings against the backdrop of Christmas magic. Notebooks with secret messages and old-school love make up this show reminiscent of early 2000s teen screen adventures that we thought weren't being made anymore. The show unfortunately ran only for a single season. It makes for a quick watch but lingers with you for much longer.

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5. Ted Lasso 

Don't be fooled by the sporty front it projects because Ted Lasso at its heart is actually about human relationships. It tracks the story of an American football coach trying to find his place in British society, armoured with optimism and jollity... and biscuits. An out-and-out feel-good show, it puts importance on the quality of being good, rather contrarily to other titles of its genre that commonly rely on outlandish characters to drive home a point. You'll consume its two seasons faster it takes for you to select a show while eating.

6. Insecure 

Breaking away from the tragic typecasting of Black characters, Insecure spins the experience of Black women into a light-hearted watch. It balances seamlessly the struggles of being a racially persecuted group in America and the 'insecurities' of navigating life, work, love as a woman. Led by female protagonists, the landmark show offers a relatable contemporary take on an often-sidelined theme of untainted, non-bitchy female friendships. Insecure will give you the sisterhood you deserve.