If you need an antidote to the traumatic television viewing that has dominated our screens recently, take a look at these feelgood options instead
Watching TV is supposed to be enjoyable – it’s that time of the evening when we switch off from the outside world and lose ourselves in the lives of others. It should be a fun and relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
Not this year though. First there was Adolescence, then Toxic Town, S2 Ep2 of The Last of Us – and don’t even get us started on S7 Ep1 of Black Mirror. I’m still staring into the abyss after that one…and I only got a verbal synopsis of what happened.
If, like us, you’ve been feeling that TV shows have been getting a bit too real of late, here are a few you can watch without the fear of stumbling across something that will have you pondering the fate of humanity long into the night.
Tipping Point – ITV
“I love most TV Quiz shows. The Chase, 1% Club, The List, but my favourite has to be Tipping Point because it is effortlessly feel-good TV, the kind you can sink into after a long day and just enjoy. With the ever charming Ben Shephard at the helm, it hits the sweet spot between light entertainment and gentle competition. As a child I loved the 2p machines at the fun centres on holidays, so this the giant coin-pusher machine is nostalgic, satisfying, and weirdly hypnotic to watch. There’s something uniquely comforting about seeing contestants cheer on falling discs, and the stakes never feel too high, making it stress-free viewing. It strikes a balance: engaging enough to hold your attention, but not so intense that you can’t scroll your phone or chat while watching. Tipping Point isn’t just a quiz show—it’s a slice of comfort TV that’s wonderfully addictive.” – Ariana, Sales Manager
Mid-Century Modern – Disney+
“If you’ve ever wondered what The Golden Girls would be like with gay men, I’d like to introduce you to Mid-Century Modern. It follows the lives, loves and misadventures of Arthur and Gerry who move in with Bunny and his mother (played brilliantly by the recently-deceased Linda Lavin) after the death of one of their friends. From the creators of Will & Grace, the dialogue is sharp, up-to-date and witty but it has a real old-school sitcom feel to it too – unsurprising, considering it’s directed by comedy legend and veteran James Burrows. However, Ryan Murphy is an executive producer which gives it an edge and Nathan Lane is wonderful as the central character, Bunny, trying to keep everyone happy. Matt Bomer plays Gerry, the adorably dim but lovable hunk and Nathan Lee Graham does his best ‘Samantha’ from SATC as Arthur, the resident ‘bitch’. Naturally, he also has a heart of gold. I literally felt my shoulders lower as I watched it. Feelgood fun with lots of potential.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
Gogglebox Ireland – Virgin Media Television
“It’s such a strange concept: watching people watch TV. But, for whatever reason, it works, and for me it is the ultimate comfort watch — but only the Irish version! Featuring families, friends, and couples from across the country, from Cavan to Cork, there are some absolute characters who crack me up with their natural wit and hilarious one-liners. It’s all there to watch on Virgin Media Player, all ten seasons.” – Niamh, Deputy Editor
Ransom Canyon – Netflix
“Within a few minutes of watching Netflix’s new western drama, Ransom Canyon, I knew I was going to find it cheesy, predictable and a bit cringe-worthy. And yet, I was three episodes in before I knew it. It follows Staten (played by Josh Duhamel) and Quinn (Minka Kelly) as they navigate grief, unrequited love and small-town drama all while running their ranches in Texas. Inevitably, a big bad corporation is trying to take over everyone’s ranches, while the high school cheerleader grapples with her dream of moving to a big city. As I said, predictable. But also, an easy-to-follow, stress-free plot line. I’ll be tuning back in with my cup of tea and leftover Easter eggs ASAP.” – Klara, Editor
Oldies but goodies…
Friends – Netflix
“My comfort watch will always be Friends. Whether I’m watching on Comedy Central for a themed “Thanksgiving special” or starting from the very first episode again on Netflix, I will just never ever tire from it. I think knowing that everything works out for each character in the end allows me to watch with ease. I love that it was filmed in a time where technology wasn’t at the forefront everyone’s mind too. Meeting everyday in a coffee house with your six friends without having to text or email to meet up sounds like the perfect set up to me. There’s also such joy in knowing how much the cast enjoyed their experience filming the show. It makes me love it even more knowing that their friendships are genuine.” – Megan, Journalist
New Girl – Disney+
“During difficult times in life, when I’m feeling a bit flat, I’ve noticed that this is the show I tend to stick on for a mood boost — and it never fails to cheer me up. If you’re not familiar with the concept, Jess Day is an awkward and upbeat teacher who goes through a rough breakup and moves into a new loft apartment, sharing with three very different men. Over time, the show follows these unlikely roommates as they become tight-knit friends and navigate careers, relationships, and personal growth…with plenty of weird and wonderful humour along the way. Once you experience the character Schmidt, you may never be the same.” – Niamh, Deputy Editor
Parks and Recreation – RTÉ Player
“If you haven’t watched Parks & Recreation yet, I am deeply envious of the delightful journey you are about to embark upon. Although, I strongly advise starting on Season 2 as the first season only has six episodes and, to be honest, it hadn’t really solidified what it was trying to do. But from then on, it’s a gentle rollercoaster of hilarity, heart and laugh-out-loud moments – not to mention bloopers – that you’ll want to revisit again and again. It follows the work of the Parks & Recreation department, led by Leslie Knope (the phenomenal Amy Poehler), in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, and every episode is pure joy. The calibre of guest stars is phenomenal and you’ll get to see where huge film and TV stars like Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza got their big breaks. The entire cast is great but Nick Offerman as the legendary Ron Swanson steals every scene he’s in and doesn’t apologise for it. I rewatch it every two years or so but after the events and shows of recent months, I might up that to an annual viewing for the foreseeable.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
