Binge watching when you’re feeling low shouldn’t be considered a long term coping solution, but a small bit of TV won’t hurt… providing you choose your TV material wisely. Finding the right tv shows to watch when you’re sad can be the difference between slipping into some comforting viewing or falling lower into a blue mood.
It’s important to choose a show or film that is uplifting, wholesome, and doesn’t encourage any feelings of anger or frustration. I always find that TV series which are a little silly and very lighthearted are the best at cheering me up when I’m struggling.
Read below to find out my 5 top TV shows to watch when you’re sad.
5 TV shows to watch when you’re sad or blue
This Country
I couldn’t write this post without mentioning This Country. Following two cousins, Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe (real life siblings Daisy-May and Charlie Cooper), This Country is a mockumentary based around the lives of young people in rural England.
I’ve watched This Country in its entirety around three times now, but it never gets dull. Inspired by the Coopers’ real life experiences in growing up in and around Cirencester, This Country does have some sombre moments but is largely full of silly, good-hearted moments to make you giggle.
Watch it on: BBC iPlayer
Derry Girls
I found myself needing to limit the amount of Channel 4 shows I included here, as they seem to have my own personal humour nailed. Derry Girls beat out a broad selection of old and new favourites (Friday Night Dinner, The IT Crowd, and Green Wing), but is fully deserving of this coveted spot.
Derry Girls is one of the few shows that make me literally laugh out loud. Set against a background of The Troubles, you wouldn’t have thought this would be a light watch, but hear me out. Erin, Orla, Claire, Michelle, and James will have you cracking up with the situations they find themselves in. You’ll wish your teenage years were as chaotic as theirs.
Watch it on: All 4, Netflix
Parks and Recreation
If you’ve not already seen Parks and Recreation, I recommend adding it into your comfort watching roster ASAP. Following the good natured Leslie Knope, the deputy director of Pawnee, Indiana’s Parks and Recreation department, Parks and Rec spans 7 seasons and 126 episodes, giving you plenty to get through. Expect light humour, ridiculous scenarios, and a lot of interesting characters from across their small town.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
Bob’s Burgers
I usually reach for cartoons or animation when I’m feeling sad, or need something to fall asleep to. Bob’s Burgers is a standout for me as it’s so warmhearted. Unlike many other shows, Bob’s Burgers revolves around a kooky, slightly dysfunctional family that genuinely love each other.
The show is ridiculous and has the kind of silly humour you don’t need to be in a solid headspace to enjoy. You may hate some of the characters (looking at you, Jimmy Pesto!), but the Belchers more than make up for it.
Watch it on: Disney +
Queer Eye
Queer Eye is one of the ultimate feel-good binge watch shows. As stand alone episodes, you can dip in and out as and when you need to, without feeling you have to carry on watching to follow a story. Considering the whole show is dedicated to helping people feel better about themselves, it couldn’t be more perfect as a pick-me-up.
At the time of writing, season 7 has just been announced, heading to our screens on the 12th May. This time, the fab five will be based in Louisiana (which is high on my travel bucket list so I will be watching intently!).
Watch it on: Netflix
None of these shows will completely cure your low mood, but if you’re struggling to do anything else they won’t make you feel worse. Take some time to watch an episode or two, before practicing some well needed self-care.
What TV shows do you reach for when you’re sad?
Photo by Stephen Monterroso on Unsplash