Amanda's Picks

Comfort TV

If you work full-time as I do, and get sick, staying in bed can be an excuse to finally catch up on the shows that everyone else is talking about at the office. “The Last of Us,” yeah, I’m watching that. What about that fungus, huh?”   “That Yellowstone took a turn didn’t it?

But something new isn’t always something comforting. If you’re even a tiny bit delirious or foggy,  maybe you shouldn’t be watching a full season of The Mandalorian in one day.  And once you down that Nyquil, you really should only be watching old episodes of Monk or Full House or maybe Grey’s Anatomy

And comfort TV isn’t just for the sick-in-bed. Who hasn’t turned to TV when they’re feeling sad, or homesick or overwhelmed by the demands of this very demanding life. I am 99% sure that I am not the only one who turns on old episodes of Columbo when I’m in a funk and there’s a reason that The Carol Burnett Show is available on at least four different streaming services.

I asked a few of my friends and fans what they watch for comfort TV when they’re sick or sad and need a mood booster. Interestingly, none said “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Seinfeld (Comedy Central, Netflix, TBS)  My friend says when he’s not feeling well, he doesn’t want to think, and he says that knowing the plot and practically the words to every episode of every season of this classic comedy is just what the doctor ordered. And speaking of doctor..

Doc Martin (Pluto and Crackle) One could argue that watching a show about a doctor may not be the wisest decision when you’re not feeling well, but watching a show about a brusque city doctor who has relocated to a pastoral English town with eccentric residents and a touch of romance is my friend’s prescription for comfort.

Too Cute (Animal Planet, Tubi  and Amazon) – My daughter highly recommends this show, which is just 30 minutes of adorable puppies, kittens and the occasional bunny, being well, cute. The narration is as corny as can be but you need absolutely no energy or brain power to enjoy or follow the on-screen shenanigans.

Game Show Network  - My friend said when she doesn’t feel well she only wants to watch game shows, but old-school game shows like Password, Hollywood Squares, Card Sharks and Match Game.  Interestingly, she says she can tell when she’s getting better when she starts answering more questions correctly.

I know you are asking yourself, but what does Amanda watch when she’s feeling poorly? Well, when I’m feeling glum, I re-watch my favorite sitcoms, the ones I know will make me laugh like Parks and Recreation (Peacock and Comedy Central), 30 Rock (Peacock, Hulu, Prime Video) and The Mindy Project (Netflix and Hulu).  When I’m home sick, I tend to catch up on episodes of the late-night talk shows that I’ve recorded and my secret weakness, House Hunters International (HTV), especially episodes in Paris with uber-fabulous house-finder and fellow tights hoarder Adrian Leeds. I also watch the show when I can’t sleep at night. Sometimes I fall asleep in Spain and wake up in Australia. What could make you feel better than that?