Top 10 Coziest TV Shows to Create a Relaxing Ambience

Numerous TV shows are ideal for creating a soothing background atmosphere. While shows that demand full attention can be entertaining, it is sometimes preferable to have something playing in the background while working or attempting to sleep. These comforting shows are exceptionally calming and easy to follow even when passively listening or watching. The idea of having TV shows specifically designed to provide comfort and can be watched repeatedly has gained popularity in recent times.

Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, comfort TV shows saw a surge in popularity. With a world in turmoil and people confined to their homes, individuals found solace in these more comforting programs. Fortunately, streaming services have made these shows easily accessible to a wider audience in recent years. Whether as background audio for various activities or simply for leisurely viewing, these shows offer an enjoyable viewing experience. Here are ten comforting TV shows that serve as great background noise.

10 Friends (1994-2004)

David Crane and Marta Kauffman's sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004, gained immense popularity for its portrayal of a group of twentysomethings residing in New York City. Even today, younger generations are captivated by the show through streaming platforms. Friends revolves around six central characters - Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) - as they navigate their relationships, friendships, and careers.

Despite the parts of Friends that have not aged gracefully, the sitcom remains an iconic and timeless favorite. Its best episodes are filled with uproarious laughter, incessant jokes, and unforgettable lines. The cast of Friends exhibits outstanding comedic chemistry, bringing absolute joy to any scene involving a combination of the main characters. However, the show also presents numerous heartfelt and poignant moments that deeply resonate with viewers. Friends truly serves as a source of comfort, particularly when it plays in the background, even if it is an episode that viewers have seen countless times.

9 Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Amy Sherman-Palladino, best known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, has made a lasting impact with her first show, Gilmore Girls. This charming comedy-drama revolves around Lorelai, a teen mom who runs a local inn, and her shy and bookish daughter, Rory, as they navigate life and love in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. When Rory gets accepted to the elite Chilton school, Lorelai reluctantly reconnects with her parents, Emily and Richard, who agree to pay for Rory's schooling.

Gilmore Girls is a quintessential comfort show. The quaint small town setting and entertaining residents of Stars Hollow add to its allure. The heartwarming mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory yields many memorable moments. The show skillfully blends comedy and drama to create captivating storylines. With its cozy atmosphere, especially in the first three seasons when Rory is still in high school, Gilmore Girls is akin to wrapping oneself in a warm blanket. It's no wonder the show continues to be popular today.

8 Parks & Recreation (2009-201)

Parks & Recreation narrowly avoided becoming a spinoff of The Office, but thankfully it was able to establish its own unique identity. The series is set in the fictional city of Pawnee, Indiana, and centers around the employees of the Pawnee Parks Department. The main characters include Leslie Knope, the optimistic deputy director; Ron Swanson, the gruff director of parks and recreation; April Ludgate, Ron's sarcastic assistant; and Ben Wyatt, a nerdy state auditor turned Pawnee city manager. Other notable characters include Ann Perkins, Leslie's best friend who works as a nurse, and Andy Dwyer, a goofy slacker and member of the band Mouse Rat.

Although Parks & Recreation is centered around government employees and playfully satirizes politics, it maintains a delightfully optimistic tone. At its core, the show focuses on a group of flawed yet good-hearted individuals who are doing their best. Leslie's unwavering optimism in her goal to improve Pawnee by creating a park is particularly charming, especially considering the current political climate. The show is incredibly funny and features exceptional performances, with the relationships between characters - both platonic and romantic - being a highlight. It's a warm and enjoyable show that never fails to entertain.

7 The Office (2005-2013)

Adapting a British show for a different audience can be challenging, but the American version of The Office, created by Greg Daniels, successfully accomplishes this. Over nine seasons, viewers were entertained by the humorous and sometimes chaotic events that took place at the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The show revolves around the well-intentioned but clumsy boss Michael Scott, along with other memorable characters like the sarcastic paper salesman Jim, the sweet and artistic receptionist Pam, and the overbearing assistant to the regional manager Dwight.

Although The Office initially faced some difficulties in its first season, it quickly found its stride and became one of the most beloved modern sitcoms. The mockumentary style adds an enjoyable and unique element to the show, while the characters' interviews provide hilarious and entertaining insights. The ensemble cast of The Office is exceptional, with each character bringing their own unique brand of entertainment. While opinions on the later seasons may vary, the entire show is filled with delightful and occasionally heartwarming moments. It has become a timeless classic that can easily be enjoyed as background entertainment.

6 Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

Schitt's Creek is a delightful Canadian sitcom that follows the Rose family - Johnny (Eugene Levy), Moira (Catherine O'Hara), Alexis (Annie Murphy), and David (Dan Levy) - as they are forced to relocate to the small town of Schitt's Creek after losing their fortune. Initially longing to leave, the Roses gradually develop an appreciation for the town, forming friendships and establishing connections with its unique residents.

Known for its wholesomeness, Schitt's Creek offers a captivating portrayal of character growth. Despite their initial snobbery and vanity, the development of the Rose family throughout the series is incredibly compelling. Set in a fictional small town with a charming atmosphere and lovable traditions, the show's misadventures in Schitt's Creek prove to be entertaining. The relationships between characters are phenomenal, with both romantic entanglements and heartwarming friendships and familial dynamics. Combining humor with heartfelt moments, Schitt's Creek transforms a hilarious premise into a genuinely endearing and beautiful series.

5 New Girl (2011-2018)

New Girl stands out among the plethora of friendship group shows that emerged after the success of Friends. This FOX comedy revolves around Jess Day (played by Zooey Deschanel), a teacher who finds herself sharing a loft with three single guys following a breakup. These guys include the laid-back Nick Miller (portrayed by Jake Johnson), the excessively confident Schmidt (played by Max Greenberg), and the mischievous Winston Bishop (portrayed by Lamorne Morris). Throughout its run, New Girl delves into the ups and downs that these friends experience in their relationships, careers, and more.

New Girl is an incredibly charming show. Jess brings an adorable and hilarious presence, and her roommates in the loft add to the fun. The interactions between Jess and the guys, as well as their dynamic with one another, provide delightful entertainment. While Jess, Nick, Schmidt, and Winston may seem like an unlikely combination of personalities on paper, they surprisingly get along and create their own distinctive and quirky little family. New Girl exudes a comforting atmosphere and offers great rewatch value, with characters that viewers would happily spend thirty minutes of their time with.

4 Abbott Elementary (2021-)

Abbott Elementary revitalized the TV mockumentary genre, delivering an exceptional show in the process. Centered around a group of educators at the fictitious Abbott Elementary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including second-grade teachers Janine Teagues and Melissa Schemmenti, kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard, history teacher Jacob, and first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie, the series dives into the challenges they face due to lack of funding, as well as their less-than-adequate principal, Ava Coleman.

Receiving numerous accolades, Abbott Elementary is deserving of its praise. It skillfully captures the highs and lows of the teaching profession, particularly within an underfunded public school. Yet, what sets Abbott Elementary apart is its endearing and inclusive nature. While the teachers might not always see eye to eye, their unwavering support for each other and their dedication to their students shines through. The show's heartwarming moments stem from the teachers' genuine love for teaching, despite the obstacles they encounter. Abbott Elementary has already solidified its place as a source of comfort and inspiration on television.

3 Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine, created by Dan Goor and Mike Schur, is a comedic police procedural series that follows the detectives of the fictional 99th precinct in Brooklyn, New York. The show centers around detectives Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago, Rosa Diaz, and Charles Boyle, along with their captain Raymond Holt and his assistant, Gina Linetti. At the beginning of the series, the detectives must adapt to Holt becoming their new captain.

Although Brooklyn Nine-Nine addresses serious subjects like racial profiling, the show remains light-hearted. It features a delightful ensemble cast, particularly the quirky and lovable detective Jake Peralta. The show has a pleasant atmosphere, and the relationships between characters are charming. Brooklyn Nine-Nine combines clever humor and well-written scripts with heartwarming moments and a cozy feel. It strikes a balance between entertainment and heartfelt moments, never becoming overly cheesy or saccharine.

2 Ted Lasso (2020-2023)

Sports-themed TV shows and movies often share heartwarming tales, and Ted Lasso is no exception. This Apple TV+ series centers around Ted Lasso, a college football coach, who is unexpectedly chosen by Rebecca Welton to lead the fictional Premier League team AFC Wimbledon. Initially hired with ulterior motives, Ted's unique coaching methods end up bringing success to the team and positively impacting the lives of those around him, including Rebecca.

Ted Lasso provides a sense of comfort, like a familiar dish that satisfies the soul. Ted's warm, playful, and supportive nature makes him immensely likable. As the series progresses, Rebecca undergoes a transformation from a cold and bitter person to someone with a warm heart, becoming a loyal friend to Ted and Keeley Jones, a former model turned public relations professional. The show emphasizes wholesomeness and showcases the goodness and joy of being kind. It offers an abundance of support for mental health and romantic aspects, creating a delightful atmosphere that feels like a comforting embrace.

1 The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

The Golden Girls, a sitcom from the 1980s, remains charming and delightful even today. The show revolves around four older women sharing a home in Miami, namely the sarcastic Dorothy Zbornak, naive Rose Nylund, vivacious Blanche Devereaux, and Dorothy's blunt mother, Sophia Petrillo. Despite falling into typical sitcom tropes, the show is still highly entertaining. The leading ladies expertly deliver witty lines and provide plenty of laughs, while also addressing serious topics and creating heartfelt moments. The Golden Girls celebrates aging and highlights the struggles of older women, making it a refreshing and comforting TV show that is perfect for casual viewing.