Friday Five #4
The best "comfort watches"
I don’t know about you, but there are certain TV shows or movies I turn on when I need something comforting and familiar. Sometimes I feel too anxious or stressed to figure out what to watch (I know, what a ridiculous problem to have), and so I resort to shows that I have seen before because I know they won’t disappoint me. These comfort watches give me a little boost of dopamine, and even if I have seen a particular show a dozen times, it never fails to make me smile. Here are the shows or movies I turn to when I need that dose of comfort:
Gilmore Girls. Much to my husband’s chagrin, I just can’t quit this show. I started watching it when it first premiered during my freshman year of college, and I have seen it many times over since then. The dialogue, the small town, the quirky characters, the dysfunctional relationships—I love it all. (I do NOT include the revival in my rewatches, however.) One of my dear friends recently started watching GG for the first time, and 4 of us have an ongoing text thread where she updates us on her progress and we all chime in with our thoughts. It’s been one of the highlights of the last few months.
The Office. If I need something guaranteed to make me laugh, this is the show I watch. My coworkers know my love for this show runs deep, and when I turned 40 in 2021, they threw me an amazing Office-themed party.
Frasier. I only discovered this show a couple of years ago (thank you, pandemic), but I quickly fell in love. The main cast of characters is excellent, and Niles and Frasier are delightfully absurd in their snobbery.
You’ve Got Mail. I have no idea how many times I have seen this movie, but I can pretty much quote entire scenes. I remember wanting Meg Ryan’s hair and wardrobe so badly after I first saw this movie (although now I watch it and think she could have used a little more color in her closet). The ending of this movie always makes me sigh with happiness.
Pride and Prejudice (2005 film). I know, I know, the BBC miniseries is the best adaptation of this beloved novel, but I rarely have 5 hours to devote to a film or show, so the Keira Knightley version will have to do. Just hearing the opening notes of the film’s soundtrack is enough to make me relax. Yes, Mr. Darcy striding through a field in what is basically his nightshirt is a bit of a stretch, but come on, it makes for great entertainment.
Now it’s your turn! What shows do you find yourself turning to when you need a pick-me-up?
I love You’ve Got Mail, but when I need a pick me up I go to The Lord of the Rings or Stranger Than Fiction.
I have only seen bits of Fraiser but I love all your other choices!!
When I want to laugh I choose Brooklyn Nine-Nine or The Office or Parks and Rec. I tend to fall asleep to Downton Abbey each night as it's my absolute favorite and most comforting show these days. I love their clothes, the downstairs shenanigans, and the drama. Mrs. Hughes is my favorite character.
The movies I turn on for comfort are While You Were Sleeping, You've Got Mail, Little Women (Winona Ryder version), and Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightley version).
We have similar tastes, Erin!