Anti-Anxiety Medicine: good TV shows in the spirit of Ted Lasso
Perhaps you remember the film Pleasantville (1998, directed by Gary Ross)? At the beginning of the film, Tobey Maguire's young but already serious-minded hero named David watches an endless stream of terrible news on TV - conflicts, environmental disasters, murders... The world seems too disturbing to him, so he is relieved to immerse himself in the black and white retro series Pleasantville: the eternal fifties reign there, everyone is happy and smiling, the sun always shines, and the local basketball team is an unchanging champion. David feels calmer when he observes this world. However, later in the film this idealism is debunked.
However, perhaps each of us needs our own Pleasantville - a place where we feel comfortable. Especially now. We live as if we have fallen under the influence of the Chinese curse "may you live in times of change", and even the late 1990s now seem like a kind of Pleasantville to most of us. Therefore, we have collected a small selection of TV series that help, at least for a short time, relieve the burden of anxiety.
Of course, all this is subjective. For some, for example, Twin Peaks is cozy, or at least contrastingly cozy. For some, Stranger Things is cozy. And for others, it's comforting to watch TV shows they watched during happier times in their lives. But today we'll focus on stories with a soft, kind atmosphere without strong contrasts. The kind you want to hide in - at least for an evening.
We invite you to share your favorite cozy TV series in the comments.
The series in the list are sorted from newest to oldest by the release date of the first season.
Man on the inside
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy
IMDB rating 7.7/10
Year 2024+
This comedy series was created by Michael Schur, the creator of such projects as Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, which is also in our selection. Michael was inspired, oddly enough, by the 2020 Chilean documentary The Mole Agent.
The series' protagonist, Charles, is a widower and retired former engineering professor. Feeling lonely after the death of his wife, he responds to a job offer from private investigator Julie Kovalenko, who offers him to be "her man" in investigating a burglary at the Pacific View nursing home in San Francisco. He accepts and moves into the facility, where he meets a variety of residents and staff, including the manager, Didi.
The series received rave reviews from critics, who praised the show's warm and witty atmosphere, as well as Ted Danson's brilliant performance. "The Informant" has been renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere on Netflix this year.
Shrinking
Platform Apple TV+
Genre comedy, drama
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2023+
The main character Jimmy is a psychotherapist. But after the tragic death of his wife, the profession does not help him much. He falls into a deep crisis, arranges parties, gets carried away, forgets about the needs of his teenage daughter. And at the same time, all these parties do not make him feel even a little better. One day he decides to change his approach to work and begins to tell his patients exactly what he thinks, and literally interferes in their lives.
This unconventional approach displeases his colleague and mentor Dr. Paul (the legendary Harrison Ford in his first major television role), but gradually brings unexpected results - not only for the patients, but also for Jimmy himself, who finally begins to face his own grief, rather than run away from it, and tries to rebuild his relationship with his daughter.
From the creators of Ted Lasso and Scrubs, the series skillfully balances between bittersweet comedy and heartwarming drama. It tackles tough topics like loss, grief, and mental health with ease, building a world where everything can be solved by talking things out and listening to others.
Welcome to Wrexham
Platform FX, Hulu, Disney+
Genre documentary, sports
IMDB rating 8.3/10
Year 2022+
Surprisingly, our selection also includes a documentary. The series tells the story of how Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McEwen bought one of the oldest football clubs in the world – Wrexham AFC (founded in 1864) from the Welsh town of the same name.
It might seem like just another sports series, but if you squint a little, you'll see that Welcome to Wrexham is actually a warm and heartfelt story about community, revival, faith and how sport can bring people together. It's almost Ted Lasso, but with real players and a real club.
The town of Wrexham has been going through tough times, and their beloved football club has been teetering on the brink of survival for years. And here come two American actors who, with no particular experience in football, decide to invest their money, energy and heart into reviving the club.
The series does a great job of telling the stories of ordinary people – fans, players, club staff and the people of Wrexham. You’ll learn about their hopes, dreams, fears and the place football has in their lives. And even if you’re not at all interested in sport, the series can still be drawn in by its humanity and sincerity. And there’s also the witty commentary from Reynolds and Mackettany.
All Creatures Great and Small
Platform PBS Masterpiece, Channel 5
Genre drama, family
IMDB rating 8.6/10
Year 2020+
This adaptation of James Herriot's semi-autobiographical books, and a reboot of the classic 1978-1990 series, takes viewers to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales of the late 1930s, where young vet James begins his career in a rural practice.
His mentor is the eccentric Siegfried Farnon. James gradually gains the trust of the local farmers, falls in love with Yorkshire and its people, and finds his place in this small but surprisingly rich world. This series is a true ode to rural life with its simple joys, sincere people and genuine beauty of nature.
The special magic of "All Creatures..." lies in its rhythm: unhurried, calm, close to the natural flow of life. There are no wild passions or sharp plot twists, but there is the warmth of human communication, the joy of professional victories, gentle humor and, of course, many stories about animals - from wayward horses to miniature dogs.
The series is beautifully entertaining. It has beautiful scenery, a faithful reproduction of the era and good actors. It reminds us of the importance of simple values: kindness, honesty, conscientious work and love for all living things - big and small. But this is England in the late 1930s, so the foreboding of war hangs in the air, and the events of seasons 4-5 take place already in 1940-1941.
Mythic Quest
Platform Apple TV+
Genre comedy
IMDB rating 7.7/10
Year 2020+
Since we love games, we couldn't pass up a show like Mythic Quest. This sitcom follows a team of developers of a popular online game who are geniuses, eccentric loners, perfectionists, and hopeless procrastinators at the same time. If you've ever worked on a creative team, you'll recognize this hellish and wonderful combination.
The main character, Ian, is a narcissistic creative director who is confident that he has the entire project on his shoulders. However, other characters, including the brilliant developer Poppy, the calm producer David, and the cynical screenwriter S. V. Longbottom, have their own thoughts on the subject.
Despite the sarcasm and office chaos, the series is very warm and witty. Sometimes - suddenly touching. Well, all the seasons are equally good, but there are several special episodes in the series that are completely different from the rest, but surprisingly deep.
Real developers from Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft Film & Television participated in the creation.
Ted Lasso
Platform Apple TV+
Genre comedy, drama, sports
IMDB rating 8.8/10
Year 2020+
If you never thought a TV series about a football team could cheer you up better than hot cocoa on a rainy day, meet Ted Lasso. He's an American football coach who knows absolutely nothing about "our" football, but suddenly gets the job of head coach of the British football team. And so begins one of the most lighthearted, humane and inspiring stories of recent years.
At the center is kindness. Not glossy or artificial, but real, stubborn kindness that irritates, disarms, heals and changes the people around you. Yes, there will be difficulties, traumas, angry fans and inner demons. But at the same time - humor, support, cookies and faith in people.
Ted Lasso is like therapy with a British accent: not painless, but always with hope. And I really want to believe that there are more people like Ted in the world than I think. It was recently announced that the fourth season of the series will be released.
The English Game
Platform Netflix
Genre drama, historical
IMDB rating 7.6/10
Year 2020
A historical miniseries about the origins of modern football, created by Julian Fellowes, the same man who brought us Downton Abbey. The plot centers on the confrontation between the upper class players who traditionally dominated football in the 19th century and the working class, who are breaking into the big matches for the first time. Two men with very different destinies and values must understand each other in order to change not only the game, but also the system itself.
This series is not only about football, but also about friendship, dignity, class inequality and… humanity. It is quiet, restrained and very warm – even when there are competitions and tears on the screen. A good choice for those who like stories about changes that start small and reach the heart.
Ghosts
Platforms BBC One, HBO Max
Genre comedy, fantasy
IMDB rating 8.4/10
Year 2019–2023
Imagine an old English manor house with a rich history, inhabited by at least a dozen ghosts. Each of them has their own era, their own habits, their own quirks. They are stuck in the house for centuries, until one day a modern couple, Alison and Mike, move there with the dream of turning the manor into a hotel.
After an accident, Alison begins to see and hear ghosts, but Mike does not, which creates a lot of comical situations. The ghosts, despite their "deadness", turn out to be surprisingly alive - with a lot of characters, arguments and funny moments.
"Ghosts" is a series that gives both laughter and warmth. Despite its fantastic shell, it says a lot about friendship, fear of change, memory and how we leave a mark on history - even if we are long gone. The perfect choice for an evening when you want something light, fun, but with meaning. There is an American version of the series with the same plot.
Modern Love
Platform Amazon Prime Video
Genre: romance, anthology
IMDB rating 7.9/10
Year 2019-2021
Modern Love is especially suitable for those looking for something tender, human and emotionally honest. This is an anthology from Amazon Prime, each episode of which is a separate story about love, intimacy, loss, support, second chances or even self-love. All of this is based on real essays from the Modern Love column in The New York Times. But presented without exaggeration. The tone of the series is warm, intimate, sometimes touchingly sad, but always with faith in people. There are no survival dramas or plot explosions here - just small stories that show how multifaceted human feelings can be.
And there's a great cast: Dev Patel, Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Christine Milioti, Andrew Scott and many others.
The Kominsky Method
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy, drama
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2018-2021
Old age is certainly a difficult time... But this charming, witty, and sometimes touching comedy-drama tells the story of aging gracefully and finding meaning in life in its late fall. Meet Sandy Kominsky (Michael Douglas), a former Hollywood star turned acting coach. And his best friend and agent, Norman Newlander (Alan Arkin).
The series is not afraid to talk about topics that are rarely covered on screen with such sincerity: health problems of the elderly, the loss of loved ones, relationships with adult children, loneliness and the search for new romantic connections at an age that exceeds the draft age in our country. And the series does this with unsurpassed humor, wisdom and warmth.
"The Kominsky Method" is a perfect balance between comedy and drama. You'll either laugh at the sarcastic dialogue between two old friends or feel a lump in your throat from the touching moments of true male friendship, which becomes especially valuable in later life.
This series is one of the last appearances on screen by the talented Alan Arkin, the actor died in the summer of 2023.
Friends from College
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy, drama
IMDB rating 6.9/10
Year 2017-2019
A comedy-drama series about a group of friends who met while studying at Harvard and continue to stay in touch two decades later, trying to balance nostalgia for their youth with the challenges of adulthood.
The series begins when literary agent Ethan and his wife Lisa move to New York City, where their old college friends are already living. This reunion triggers a flurry of comic situations, hidden feelings, and unresolved issues from the past.
While the series sometimes tackles some pretty dramatic topics (marital infidelity, fertility issues, professional setbacks), it does so with just the right amount of humor and warmth. There's something comforting and familiar about "College Friends"—the sense that no matter how much the world changes around you, old friends remain a constant with which you can weather any storms of life.
This Is Us
Platform Hulu
Genre drama
IMDB rating 8.7/10
Year 2016-2022
This Is Us is a warm and deeply human family drama that tells the story of the Pearson family through different time periods. The series weaves together the past and present, showing how childhood events shape us and influence our adult lives.
The plot centers on the unusual triplets (Kevin, Kate, and Randall), their parents, and the next generations of the family. The series touches on difficult topics – loss, racial identity, alcoholism, weight issues, acceptance, and family drama – but does so with such warmth and sincerity that after each episode, your heart feels lighter.
Essentially, this series was created to evoke emotions, but mostly they are cathartic and healing. A good choice for those looking for an emotional yet cozy drama that reminds them of the importance of family relationships.
The Good Place
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy, fantasy, philosophy
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2016-2020
It all starts with death… Very strange for such a collection, isn't it? But even such a sad event can be played in a way that will be fun. So, the main character Eleanor dies and ends up in the "Good Place" - a paradise corner of the afterlife, created by the architect Michael. Everything would be fine, but there is one problem: Eleanor understands that she ended up there by mistake, because she didn't behave so well during her life. But she doesn't want to be in the "Bad Place" at all. So the heroine tries to hide her secret and enlists the support of her "destined" betrothed Chidi (yes, in The Good Place everyone meets their real other halves). Chidi was a professor of ethics in his lifetime in order to become a better version of himself. Gradually, the socialite Tagani and the "silly" DJ Jason join this process, and together they create the most incredible support group in the universe.
The series skillfully combines simple sitcom humor with deep philosophical questions about morality, ethics, the meaning of life, and the possibility of personal growth. But what makes The Good Place most comforting is its fundamental optimism—the belief that people can improve, that everyone deserves a second chance, and that what matters most in life (and beyond) are the connections we make with others. So maybe everything will be okay?
The Durrells
Platforms PBS Masterpiece, ITV
Genre comedy, drama, biography
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2016-2019
Have you ever read the works of zoologist and writer Gerald Durrell? If so, then you are already familiar with the main character of the series - the author himself at a young age. And if you have come across "My Family and Other Animals", "Birds, Beasts and Kin" and "The Garden of the Gods", then you are probably well acquainted with the other participants in this warm and light series, which is based on these magical books.
Well, if you don't know each other, the series is a great reason to get to know each other. Gerald Durrell himself is a unique person, and immersing yourself in his extraordinary childhood is a real pleasure. So we invite you to the sunny Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s.
This is the story of how an eccentric British family (a widowed mother and her four children of different ages) adapts to life on an idyllic Mediterranean island. The series captivates with its sincerity, the magnificent landscapes of Corfu, colorful local characters and warm family relationships. Despite disputes and everyday difficulties, the Durrells always come together as a real family, demonstrating that together they can overcome any obstacles.
Grace and Frankie
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy, drama
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2015-2022
Grace and Frankie is a series about hope, new beginnings, and a life that doesn't end after 70. The story starts with shocking news for the main characters: their husbands Robert and Sol, who have been business partners for decades, admit that they have been in love with each other for 20 years and plan to get married.
Grace (Jane Fonda), a former businesswoman who is reserved and elegant, and Frankie (Lily Tomlin), a free-spirited hippie artist who never really got along, suddenly find themselves in the same boat. They are forced to share a beach house and together navigate the breakup of their marriages and discover a new phase of life.
Their shared adventures, discoveries, and gradual rapprochement create an atmosphere of warmth, humor, and the belief that it's never too late to start over. The series effortlessly balances between funny moments and deeply emotional scenes, demonstrating that friendship can emerge at the most unexpected times and with the most unlikely people.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy
IMDB rating 7.5/10
Year 2015-2019
This is a bright and incredibly positive comedy from the creators of 30 Rock, Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The series tells the story of Kimmy Schmidt, who, after 15 years in an underground bunker of an apocalypse cult, decides to start a new life in New York.
Kimmy, brilliantly played by Ellie Kemper, faces the modern world with childlike spontaneity and unbridled enthusiasm. Her motto, "You can endure anything for 10 seconds," becomes a true philosophy of positive thinking.
The series is filled with absurd humor, vibrant characters, and unexpected twists. In addition to Kimmy, there is her eccentric roommate and friend Titus Andronicus (Titus Burgess), wealthy but troubled employer Jacqueline Voorhees (Jane Krakowski), and eccentric landlady Lillian (Carol Kane).
Parks and Recreation
Platform Peacock
Genre comedy, mockumentary
IMDB rating 8.6/10
Year 2009–2015
This is the kind of show that's all about loving people, even if they're a little eccentric at times. It centers on Leslie Knope, an incorrigible optimist and employee of the parks department in a small town in Indiana. She believes wholeheartedly in local government, democracy, good deeds, waffles, and Joe Biden (yes, literally).
At first glance, it's just a mockumentary-style office comedy, but in fact it's one of the warmest stories about friendship, teamwork, support, and how to remain a bright person in an, to put it mildly, imperfect world. Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes just tears, but always with love.
The Office (US)
Platform Netflix
Genre comedy, mockumentary
IMDB rating 9.0/10
Year 2005-2013
This smash hit show transformed the ordinary office of the Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, into one of the most cozy places in the TV universe. Filmed in a pseudo-documentary style, it shows the daily lives of office workers under the guidance of eccentric and sometimes inappropriate regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell).
At first glance, nothing special: ordinary people, monotonous work, petty office dramas. But it is this ordinariness that creates the magic of the series. With each episode, you become more and more attached to the characters: from the dry and sarcastic Jim, in love with the receptionist Pam, to the eccentric Dwight with his beet farm and absurd theories of survival.
The Office makes you feel like you're part of this strange office family, where true friendship, care, and love are hidden under the mask of daily misunderstandings.
Doc Martin
Platform ITV
Genre comedy, drama
IMDB rating 8.4/10
Year 2004-2022
Doc Martin is a British series about a successful London surgeon, Martin Ellingham, who, due to certain circumstances, has to radically change his life and move to work as a village doctor in the picturesque coastal town of Porthveen in Cornwall.
The magnificent landscapes of the Cornish coast, the eccentric and colorful locals, and the main character himself - a brilliant doctor with terrible social skills and a complete lack of tact - create a special cozy world that you want to return to again and again.
Although Doc Martin (as the locals call him) can be unbearably rude, his professionalism and hidden kindness endear him to viewers. And his awkward relationship with the local teacher adds a special warmth and humor to the series.
Wonderfalls
Platform Amazon
Genre drama, fantasy, comedy
IMDB rating 8.3/10
Year 2004
This series is a real gem that almost no one has seen. But it's definitely worth watching if you want comfort. This is the story of 24-year-old Jay, a philosophy graduate. She feels very lonely and is stuck in a low-paying job selling souvenirs near Niagara Falls. But suddenly something strange happens - souvenir lion cubs, monkeys, wax figures and other objects begin to approach her. You know how it happens: you're walking around, and a plastic flamingo says "do good."
At first glance, it's a light comedy with a slightly eccentric plot. But in reality, it's a story about finding yourself, meaning, responsibility, and good deeds that change not only others, but yourself as well. And, what's nice, it's all done with humor, a bit of sarcasm, and without unnecessary pathos.
Unfortunately, "The Niagara Falls" is another series from the "too cool to last more than one season" category. But even this one season is enough to fall in love with it and then, after watching it, look at ceramic monkeys with completely different eyes.
The 10th Kingdom
Platform Amazon Prime Video
Genre fairy tale, fantasy, comedy, drama
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Year 2000
Frankly speaking, I hesitated whether to include "The Tenth Kingdom" in the selection, because although it is wrapped in a fairy tale shell, it is able to immerse the viewer very deeply in complex topics and leaves behind a feeling of slight sadness for what did not happen and will not happen. And I'm not just talking about the second season, which was hinted at at the end. However, this story is completely finished.
In this 2000 miniseries, modern New York (still with the Twin Towers) intersects with the magical kingdoms from the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. The plot centers on a girl named Virginia and her father, who accidentally find themselves in a magical world where they meet werewolves, evil queens, trolls, spells, princes, Snow White, Cinderella... And also the most charismatic Wolf, who is the absolute decoration of the series. "The Tenth Kingdom" is a very warm, sincere and cozy work, a real fairy-tale escape from reality. However, it is one of those works that can be perceived simply as a fairy tale, but you can find something very personal in it.
Good night sweetheart
Platform Amazon Prime Video
Genre comedy, fantasy
IMDB rating 7.4/10
Year 1993–1999, special episode in 2016
There's 1990s London, 1940s London, and a main character balancing between two time periods, as well as between two marriages.
Gary is not a hero, not a scientist, but an ordinary TV host who accidentally finds a portal in time. In his wartime past, he sings jazz in a pub, helps people, and sometimes just takes a break from the hustle and bustle of his modern world.
There is warm humor, a leisurely rhythm, pleasant music and a world you want to escape to when the present is tiring. Of course, there are nuances – a double life, a moral gray area, but all this is played with such British charm that even scandals seem cozy. Like war, when you know for sure that it will end and the world will not fall.
Jeeves and Wooster
Platform ITV
Genre British comedy
IMDB rating 8.4/10
Year 1990-1993
A classic as it is! Meet Bertie Wooster – the heir to wealthy parents and a lovable ignoramus, played on screen by Hugh Laurie, the future Dr. House. And next to him – his impeccable valet Jeeves, imperturbable, sophisticated, always one step ahead. This role was masterfully played by Stephen Fry – an actor, writer, intellectual and, in general, a national treasure of Great Britain. Laurie and Fry are old friends in real life.
Jeeves is not just a servant. He is the embodiment of calm and wisdom. His face remains impenetrable even when Bertie finds himself in an excessively absurd situation, which happens regularly. One always creates problems, the other skillfully gets rid of them and makes a cup of tea at the most tense moment.
Set in the 1920s and 1930s, mostly in London and the country estates of the English aristocracy, it features stagecoaches, ladies and gentlemen, garden parties, five o'clock teas, perfectly starched collars and the absurd relatives that Worcester has plenty of.
Jeeves and Wooster is based on the short story series by Sir P. G. Wodehouse, a classic of British humor. It ran for four seasons (1990–1993), beautifully adapting the author's works with warmth, irony, and charming British leisureliness.