The holidays are a welcome respite from the rigors and stresses of college life after a (usually) hectic fall semester. They can also be a very stressful time as everyone prepares for the upcoming celebrations and the New Year. During this high-stress season, people often find themselves returning to the familiar arms of their favorite TV shows. Comfort shows have been described as programs that have tidy resolutions, are often about nurturing relationships or involve basic human comfort. Because they allow viewers to immerse themselves in their lighthearted and predictable storylines, comfort shows are ideal for de-stressing. They provide a sense of familiarity and are usually nostalgic, making them the perfect shows to binge-watch to escape reality for a while.
‘Gilmore Girls’
“Gilmore Girls” is a comedy-drama series about a single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her teenage daughter, Rory, who live in the charming fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, where everyone is involved in each other’s lives. It tells the story of Lorelai, who ran away from her buttoned-up and wealthy parents after giving birth to her daughter at the age of sixteen. Rory is a bright and ambitious teenager who aspires to attend the prestigious Harvard University. She attends an exclusive private school, which her grandparents pay for, in order to foster her intellectual drive. Throughout the show, the characters navigate life, their complex family relationships, friendships and romance. The dialogue is witty, intelligent and at times emotional.
It is set in the year 2000 and contains a lot of memorabilia from that era, such as box TVs, CDs, landline phones and answering machines. The costumes and music selections are also reminiscent of that time period. It has everything that’s required of a comfort show: quirky and likable characters, tons of humor, a cozy and aesthetic setting, and emotional moments. The show’s visuals, particularly the fall and autumn aesthetic, combined with the New England setting make for a very comforting and almost nostalgic viewing experience.
‘One Tree Hill’
“One Tree Hill” is an all-time classic. It is set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina and tells the story of two half-brothers, Nathan and Lucas Scott, who initially dislike each other but become friends over the course of the show. Their rivalry begins when they end up on the same high school basketball team, and intensifies when they both develop feelings for the same girl, Peyton Sawyer. The show follows their lives as they navigate high school drama, friendships, relationships, betrayals and life in general.
Also set in the early 2000s, “One Tree Hill” perfectly captures the nostalgia of that era. The show’s visuals practically transport you back in time. Its soundtrack is also memorable, as it features songs from musicians such as Gavin DeGraw, Tyler Hilton and Pete Wentz. Its theme song, “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin De Graw, is an unforgettable masterpiece that will definitely make you feel wistful and sentimental.
‘Insecure’
Although it is relatively new compared to the others, “Insecure” deserves to be included on this list. It is a sitcom that chronicles the lives of young black women on their journey of self-discovery and growth. It is a spin-off from actress, Issa Rae’s web series, “The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl.” The main character, Issa, is a funny 29-year-old woman who hates her job at a youth nonprofit called “We Got Y’all” and is dealing with a relationship that feels draining. Her character is awkward and doesn’t always say or do the right things, which makes her very relatable to most of us.
The show offers a raw and hilarious take on dating, relationships and life in general. It also explores the complexities and beauty of female friendships. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Rae mentioned that black female friendship is absolutely central to the series and this is evident in the portrayals of the women as flawed and human, as opposed to conforming to popular media stereotypes.
“Insecure” is also remarkable in its authentic portrayals of Black people living regular, mundane lives. However, Rae clarified that the show is not a resource for the black cultural experience, explaining that the most important thing is telling a very specific, authentic story, not trying to answer for all Black people. The show is set in South Los Angeles and features places such as Inglewood and Baldwin Hills, which are not commonly seen in LA-based shows. The color grading of the scenes also complements the dreamy visuals beautifully. The soundtrack is incredible, featuring many female rappers, and music that fits perfectly with each scene.
