The Top Comfort Shows On TV According To Reddit

Television can be a powerful source of comfort, providing an escape from the stresses of daily life and offering a chance to relax and unwind. Whether it's a familiar sitcom or a cosy drama, comfort shows have a special place in the hearts of viewers. We’re delving into the shows that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences, providing a comforting escape from the chaos of the world according to the passionate Reddit community.

Here are the top comfort shows on TV according to Reddit users which you may want to add to your watchlist:

Scrubs

Scrubs is a medical comedy-drama series that aired on NBC from 2001 to 2008, and then on ABC from 2009 to 2010. The show was created by Bill Lawrence and starred Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison, among others. The series follows the personal and professional lives of a group of medical interns, residents, and attending physicians at Sacred Heart Hospital. The show features a unique blend of humour and drama, with surreal and fantasy sequences used to depict the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. Scrubs gained a strong following and critical acclaim for its witty writing, memorable characters, and heartfelt moments. The show tackled serious issues such as death, illness, and relationships, while also providing moments of laughter and levity.

One reason for the show's popularity is its ability to balance comedy and drama in a way that resonated with audiences. The characters were relatable and likable, and the show's themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth struck a chord with viewers. Additionally, the show's innovative use of music and editing, along with its fast-paced and often absurd humour, helped set it apart from other medical dramas on television. 

Scrubs remains a beloved and influential series, with a dedicated fanbase and continued popularity in syndication and streaming services.

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Whose Line Is It Anyway? is an improvisational comedy show that has been airing since the late 1980s. The show originated as a British television programme before being adapted for American audiences in the 1990s. The show is known for its improvisational format, in which a group of comedians perform unscripted sketches, games, and musical numbers based on prompts and suggestions from the host and audience. The performers often showcase their quick wit and comedic timing, creating memorable and hilarious moments on the spot.

The popularity of Whose Line Is It Anyway? can be attributed to its ability to consistently deliver humorous and entertaining content, thanks in large part to the talents of its cast. Over the years, the show has featured a number of beloved performers, including Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady, and host Drew Carey.

The show's format and structure also lend themselves to repeat viewings and rewatching, as no two performances are exactly the same. The show's spontaneity and unpredictability make it a fun and engaging experience for viewers, who never know what the performers will come up with next.

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is one of the most popular British period dramas that aired from 2010 to 2015. The show was created by Julian Fellowes and features an ensemble cast that includes Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Maggie Smith, among others.

The series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. The show explores the class divide and changing social norms of the era, as well as the personal relationships and dramas of the characters.

The popularity of Downton Abbey can be attributed to its well-written characters, captivating storylines, and attention to detail in recreating the historical period. The show features complex and multi-dimensional characters who grapple with personal and societal issues, making them relatable and engaging to viewers. Additionally, the show's lavish production design and attention to historical accuracy make it visually stunning and immersive, transporting viewers to a bygone era of aristocratic elegance and privilege. Another factor in the show's popularity is its ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Fans of period dramas, romance, and family dramas have all found something to enjoy in Downton Abbey. The show's compelling storylines and intricate relationships have kept audiences invested over its six-season run. 

Downton Abbey really is a beloved and critically acclaimed series that has left a lasting impact on popular culture, thanks to its strong characters, engaging storylines, and immersive setting.

The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the long-running American animated sitcom that has been on the air since 1989. Created by Matt Groening, the show follows the daily lives of the Simpson family, including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as well as a host of other recurring characters in the fictional town of Springfield. The show is known for its irreverent humour, satirical commentary on American society, and its ability to entertain both adults and children. The Simpsons is also well-known for its extensive cast of characters, including some of the most iconic and recognizable figures in popular culture, such as Krusty the Clown, Ned Flanders, and Mr. Burns.

The popularity of The Simpsons is down to it being simply funny, with clever writing, relatable characters, and a mix of silly and sharp humour that appeals to international audiences. The show's ability to poke fun at societal issues, politics, and pop culture has made it a cultural touchstone, with many of its catchphrases and references entering the lexicon of American pop culture. The show has managed to stay relevant over the years by adapting to changing times and trends, while still maintaining its signature humour and style. 

The Simpsons has tackled a wide range of topics and issues, from environmentalism and religion to family values and friendship, making it a show that viewers can continue to find new meaning in over time. Its impact on popular culture and animation cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential television shows of all time.

House

House is the intriguing American medical drama that aired from 2004 to 2012. The show was created by David Shore and follows the life of the brilliant but acerbic Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, who heads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey.

The show is known for its unique blend of medical drama, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. Each episode features a medical mystery that House and his team must solve, often through a series of misdiagnoses and wrong turns, before finally arriving at a solution. The show also delves into the personal lives of the characters, including their relationships, struggles, and triumphs.

One of the key factors that made House popular was its central character, Dr. House, who was known for his razor-sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and unconventional methods. He was a complex and flawed character who struggled with addiction, physical pain, and personal demons, making him both compelling and relatable to viewers. He is also many viewers unlikely crush!

The shows attention to medical detail and accuracy is another reason why it is so compelling. The show featured complex and realistic medical cases, and the team of writers and medical consultants worked hard to ensure that the medical terminology and procedures were accurate and up-to-date. House remains a beloved show in the 2020s that continues to have a lasting impact on popular culture.

Frasier

Frasier is one of the most popular American sitcoms that aired from 1993 to 2004 and is still played on TV across the world today. The show is a spin-off of the hit series Cheers and follows the life of snooty character Dr. Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer, a successful psychiatrist who moves from Boston to Seattle to start a new life.

The show is known for its sharp writing, witty humour, and memorable characters. It also explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth, with Frasier navigating his relationships with his father Martin, his brother Niles, and his co-workers and friends at the radio station where he works. One of the reasons Frasier was so popular was the strength of its writing and performances. The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, and John Mahoney, who all delivered nuanced and engaging performances. The show's writers also received critical acclaim for their ability to balance humour and heart, with memorable one-liners and running gags alongside poignant and relatable storylines.

Another factor that contributed to the show's popularity was its ability to stand out from other sitcoms of its time. While many shows of the 1990s relied on broad humour and slapstick, Frasier took a more intellectual and sophisticated approach, with references to high culture and a focus on the intellectual pursuits of its main characters.

Frasier remains a fan favourite and continues to be celebrated for its impact on popular culture; fans can expect to see a reboot of Frasier in 2023 with Kelsey Grammer reprising his role alongside his Cheers co-star Bebe Neuwirth (who plays his ex-wife Lilith) and newcomer from celebrated British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Friends

Friends is the era defining American sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004. The show revolves around a group of six friends, Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, who live in New York City and navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood together. Friends remains to be so popular because of its relatable characters and storylines. The show tackled a range of topics that many young adults could identify with, such as dating, career challenges, and the struggles of finding one's place in the world. The characters themselves were also likable and memorable, with distinctive personalities and quirks that made them feel like real people rather than caricatures.

Friends is known for its sharp writing and quotable one-liners, and the show's talented ensemble cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, all delivered memorable performances that helped to bring the jokes to life. The show also had a distinctive visual style, with its bright colours and distinctive sets, and a catchy theme song that quickly became iconic.

Friends remains a beloved and influential sitcom that continues to resonate with viewers decades after its original airing. It is celebrated for its relatable characters, sharp writing, and timeless humor, and has united international audiences and has influenced countless other TV shows and movies over the years.

Brooklyn Nine Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the amusing American police procedural sitcom that aired from 2013 to 2021. The show was created by Michael Schur and Dan Goor and follows the fictional 99th precinct of the NYPD in Brooklyn, New York. The show is known for its blend of sharp humour, engaging characters, and socially conscious storytelling. Each episode features a self-contained case that the detectives must solve, while also exploring the personal lives and relationships of the characters.

One of the reasons Brooklyn Nine-Nine was a favourite with audiences is its diverse and dynamic cast of characters. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Andre Braugher, and Stephanie Beatriz, who all deliver memorable performances. The show is also known for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and people of colour, and for its willingness to tackle serious social issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

Another factor that contributed to the show's popularity was its unique blend of comedy and drama. While the show is primarily a comedy, it also delves into serious themes such as police brutality, racial profiling, and workplace harassment, and is able to balance humour with social commentary in a way that feels natural and organic. Brooklyn Nine-Nine remains a popular and beloved sitcom that continues to resonate with viewers due to its engaging characters, clever writing, and socially conscious storytelling. 

The Office (US)

The Office is the endlessly rewatched American mockumentary that aired from 2005 to 2013. It was adapted from the British television show of the same name, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show follows the daily lives of the employees working at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company's Scranton, Pennsylvania branch, and their quirky boss, Michael Scott.

One of the reasons "The Office" became so popular was its relatable and endearing characters. The show had a talented ensemble cast, including Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, and B.J. Novak, who all delivered memorable performances that helped to bring the characters to life. Viewers were able to form emotional connections with the characters, whether it be through their love lives, work struggles, or personal quirks.

Another factor that contributed to the show's popularity was its unique style. "The Office" was filmed in a mockumentary format, which gave it a distinct and unconventional feel. The show's use of documentary-style interviews, in which characters would break the fourth wall to speak directly to the camera, helped to create a sense of intimacy and connection with the audience. 

The Office had a unique brand of humour that was both clever and cringe-inducing, often relying on awkward situations and uncomfortable conversations to elicit laughs. The show also had a strong sense of heart and emotional depth, which helped to balance out that humour and create a well-rounded viewing experience.

The Office remains an influential sitcom that continues to resonate with viewers years after its original airing. 

Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is a comedy prank TV series that first aired in 2011. The show features four lifelong friends: Joe Gatto, James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, who compete in a series of hidden-camera challenges, where the losers are punished at the end of each episode. The challenges are designed to embarrass and humiliate each other in public places, such as parks, malls, and restaurants, and are often accompanied by humorous commentary and banter between the four friends.

Impractical Jokers has become so popular due to the chemistry between the four friends. Their genuine friendship and witty humour make for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience. The show also features a relatable and accessible concept worldwide - everyone can understand the humour in pranking and embarrassing your friends, which makes it accessible to international audiences.

Impractical Jokers has a creative and unique concept. The hidden-camera challenges are often elaborate and outrageous, requiring the four friends to perform stunts, engage in improv comedy, or make awkward social interactions. The unpredictability of the challenges keeps the show fresh and exciting, and the constant antics and humour make for a fun and entertaining watch.

It has a positive and light-hearted tone which is unlike many reality shows that focus on drama and conflict. Impractical Jokers relies on good-natured humour and pranks that never veer into mean-spirited territory. The show's positive tone and feel-good humour make it a refreshing and uplifting watch in today's world.

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