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After a hard day, week, or even a year, sometimes all you need to do is stick your eyes into your laptop screen and spend the entire night laughing, snorting, and crying over a comforting TV series or a feel-good film and teleport yourself into the fictional world where your everyday worries and issues don’t exist or matter.
Thankfully, Netflix is filled to the brim with heartwarming TV shows that envelop you like a hug whenever you want to abandon all your duties and tasks and just binge a show with ice cream, popcorn, or takeout to keep you company. There’s no shortage of these comforting shows that viewers can choose from at any given time.
16
‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)
Developed by Ins Choi and Kevin White
It’s TV’s favorite Korean-Canadian family in Kim’s Convenience. Set in the urban landscape of Toronto’s Moss Park neighborhood, Mr. Sang-il Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Mrs. Yong-mi Kim (Jean Yoon), a.k.a. “Appa” and “Umma”, run a quaint little convenience store by the corner of a busy street, where they greet customers from all walks of life. As first-generation immigrants, their endearing lack of generational/cross-cultural knowledge sometimes puts them in hilariously awkward situations. From giving the memorable “gay discount” to not offering tips to service workers, despite having settled in Canada for quite a while, the two still have a lot to learn.
A show that strives for Asian-American representation, Kim’s Convenience injects Korean cultural references while keeping it fun and fresh, such as Appa demonstrating Hapkido and certain superstitions in Korean culture (e.g. writing your name in red ink is only for the deceased). But what makes Kim’s Convenience endearing is how, like most people of older generations, Appa and Umma genuinely want to keep up with the modern times. With two Canadian-born children, the estranged son Jung Kim (Simu Liu) and artsy photography student Janet Kim (Andrea Bang), there are bound to be clashes along the way. But at the end of the day, they all learn to forgive each other and are willing to learn from their mistakes. – Dyah Ayu Larasati
15
‘Dash & Lily’ (2020)
Created by Joe Tracz
As bright and cheery as Christmas lights, Dash & Lily is a holiday teen rom-com based on David Levithan and Rachel Cohn‘s book Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares. The Netflix series follows the budding romance between two New York teens, Dash (Austin Abrams) and Lily (Midori Francis). Although they’ve never met, they keep fortuitously trading a notebook back and forth, sending each other on dares around the city during Christmastime.
The holiday season doubles the magic of this whimsical tale of two teenagers discovering themselves and their love for each other, though it’s still fun to watch during any other time of the year. With the power to lighten up the grumpiest Grinch with the coldest and smallest of hearts, Dash & Lily is the secret to feel-good shows on Netflix.
14
‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015–2020)
Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock
After being freed from being held captive by a doomsday cult leader for 15 years, Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is left with a large sum of money and her entire life to figure out. Instead of going back to her Bunker Memories in Indiana, she decides to stay in New York City. When a penny-pinching, in-need-of-a-roommate Broadway actor, Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), takes her in and teaches her necessary life skills, the sky’s the limit for Kimmy.
Produced by Robert Carlock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt clings to 30 Rock‘s goofy sense of humor and drops the cynicism. Kimmy emerges as one of television’s most likable characters yet, as she goes through each day with infectious optimism and a unique curiosity that inspires viewers to embrace similar traits in themselves.
13
‘Firefly Lane’ (2021–2023)
Created By Maggie Friedman
Based on the eponymous novel by Kristin Hannah, Firefly Lane, follows two childhood friends and their lifelong friendship. Starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalk, Firefly Lane focuses on Tully Hart (Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Chalke), and their friendship for over three decades as they navigate the ups and downs in various aspects of their lives. A series focuses on the two women and their friendship, which progresses and evolves through college life, marriage, parenthood, and midlife crisis, joining the list of similar shows about female friendships that will warm your heart.
The drama series has been well-received by fans and critics alike and has been praised for touching upon important issues like addiction, ageism, and sexual abuse. Firefly Lane is a touching, emotional, and understated portrayal of female friendships, and addresses several realistic topics. With only two seasons, it is a short and sweet series with strong narrative and powerful characterizations, portrayed brilliantly by Heigl and Chalke. — Maddie P
Created by Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld developed, directed, and hosted the online series and wholly unique talk show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Each episode shows Seinfeld driving about in a different classic car, picking up a fellow comedian, and then going out for coffee and chatting. What do they talk about? Everything and nothing. It all depends on who the lucky guest is.
With its innovative premise and engaging and hilarious host, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is a wonderful gem of a show. From Tina Fey to Barack Obama, the show has featured a number of the industry’s funniest and most intriguing personalities. The series, now streaming on Netflix, will have viewers laughing out loud and enjoying Seinfeld’s interaction with his guests. What’s not to love about a great combination of comedy, cars, and coffee?
11
‘Cunk on Earth’ (2022)
Created by Charlie Brooker
Cunk on Earth is an award-winning British mockumentary series that follows Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) as she travels the globe and interviews real-world experts (who believe they’re making a legitimate documentary). Awkward pauses and bizarre questions will soon give way to gut-busting laughter, for audiences at least.
Morgan’s comedic prowess and deadpan delivery are at the heart of this series and have rightly earned her a nomination for the British Academy Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance. Her performance makes the series a true standout, as she doesn’t shy away from truly cringe-worthy comedy that results in some hilarious scenes with confused interviewees. Any fan of cringe humor has likely already seen this meme-factory of a show, which has garnered significant buzz online for its distinct humor.
10
‘Murderville’ (2022)
Developed by Krister Johnson
Based on the British series Murder in Successville, Netflix’s Murderville is a procedural crime comedy starring Will Arnett as Senior Detective Terry Seattle. In charge of the Homicide Division, there’s never a quiet day in the office. Every day, Terry gets handed a new murder case to solve, from the death of a magician’s assistant who got sawed in half to the murder of a chief health inspector who digested poisoned soup. To keep things interesting, throughout the entire six-episode series, Terry is joined by a new celebrity guest star as his partner. But here’s the best part – these guest stars aren’t given a script.
Arnett alone is already a formidable, comedic force to begin with. Best known for his appearances in BoJack Horseman to Arrested Development, Arnett has the comedic chops to ad-lib his way through random scenarios and keep the improv up without breaking character. But when he’s paired with the likes of Conan O’Brien, Kumail Nanjiani, and even NFL legend Marshawn Lynch, these celebrity guests not only have to anticipate the shenanigans Arnett pulls out of his sleeves, but they also actually have to solve the murder case. From Nanjiani “ugly-walking” through a high school hallway, to O’Brien explaining the morbid concept of death to a small girl, it’s nothing but surprises in Murderville. – Dyah Ayu Larasati
9
‘Good Girls’ (2018–2021)
Created by Jenna Bans
A crime comedy-drama, Good Girls follows three mothers in suburban Detroit – Elizabeth/Beth, Annie, and Ruby, whose financial struggles and piling debts push them to rob a local supermarket where Annie is an employee. But when the FBI and the local mob get involved, it complicates their plans, and they quickly get embroiled in a dangerous scheme that leads to more heists, debts, secrets, and familial crises.
During its four-season run, Good Girls earned mostly positive reviews for its casting and acting, with increasing viewership. Christina Hendricks, Mae Whitman, and Retta deliver remarkable performances as the titular protagonists, with their compelling on-screen chemistry serving as the driving force of the dramedy. Good Girls is a celebration of female friendships told in a darkly funny and exciting narrative. Simultaneously, the show also explores the personal struggles of the titular protagonists, as they navigate family relationships, parenthood, and marriage, in an intimate, heartwarming, and relatable narrative. — Maddie P
8
‘Dead to Me’ (2019–2022)
Created by Liz Feldman
A dark comedy-drama, Dead to Me follows the story of Jen, a recently widowed realtor who lost her husband in a hit-and-run accident. Then she meets Judy, another grieving woman from her support group, and an unexpected friendship begins, as the two women navigate loss, grief, and survival. Meanwhile, Judy does her best to hold back a shocking secret from Jen which constantly challenges their friendship. Christina Applegate produces the show and stars as Jen in a solid performance, alongside Linda Cardellini delivering an equally compelling portrayal of Judy.
Dead to Me is a highly acclaimed series with compelling casting and a powerful narrative. At its heart, the show is about friendship, loss, grief, and forgiveness, and yet it is essentially a suspenseful plot with a good deal of crime thriller elements. It is an emotionally comforting yet thrilling show with shocking plot twists and the heartfelt dynamics of the female leads. Judy’s fierce optimism and zeal for life complement Jen’s sardonic, hard-hitting personality, and balances the narrative, and making it a truly feel-good show. — Maddie P
7
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
Created by Michael Schur
When Eleanor (Kristen Bell) discovers she has died and is now in a heaven-esque corner of the universe, she just knows it’s a mistake. When the neighborhood director Michael (Ted Danson) chooses her “soulmate” Chidi Anagonye (William Jackson Harper), she is certain something is gravely wrong. Soon, it is made clear that The Good Place is much more complicated than she might think, and the group of unlikely friends she gathers try to figure it all out.
In comparison to other shows about death and the afterlife, The Good Place is incredibly lighthearted, and each episode might be the most heartfelt 20 minutes you spend on Netflix. Aside from being one of the best comedies on Netflix, it’s one of the ultimate feel-good TV shows that’s fun to watch over and over.
6
‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)
Developed by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce
Based on the 1975 series of the same title, the revamped 2017 version of One Day at a Time follows the everyday life of a Cuban-American family residing in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Single mother Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado), a former United States Army Nurse Corps, tries to adjust back into civilian life all while raising two very different yet equally outspoken children: the opinionated, over-achiever Elena (Isabella Gomez) and the cool cucumber Alex (Marcel Ruiz). Helping Penelope out is her Cuban mother, Lydia Riera (Rita Moreno), whose old-school traditions sometimes buts head with the other millennial members at home.
With three generations of Cuban Americans living under one roof, there’s bound to be chaos in every corner. Not only. But if there’s one thing about One Day at a Time, is that there is so much heart infused in its humor. In between slapstick comedy and tongue-in-cheek jokes, the series delivers a story of persistence, resilience, and forgiveness. The Alvarez isn’t a perfect family – every one of them has their own flaws and issues to work out. From Penelope acknowledging her PTSD, and the reappearance of the children’s estranged father, to Elena coming to terms with her sexuality, whenever the tides get rough, they’ll always have each other to rely on. – Dyah Ayu Larasati
5
‘Queer Eye’ (2018–)
Created by David Collins
Queer Eye is unequivocally Netflix’s most successful reality television series. A reboot of the 2000s series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Queer Eye hosts the Fab Five: experts Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, and Karamo Brown, who travel around the world and help people get their lives together with fantastic advice and their skills to transform.
From advising about personal grooming, home renovation, style, food, and life, the show isn’t smooth sailing but is always well-intentioned. Each member of the Fab Five has become iconic in their own right, as they each contribute something vital to making the series the success that it is. Full disclosure: Gather your tissues and get ready to love this show through the tears, as some episodes are truly moving.
4
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)
Developed by Dan Goor and Michael Schur
“Nine-nine!” There’s always a new case or an outrageous shenanigan in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In the fictional 99th Precinct of the New York City Police, Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), famous for his stellar arrest record and infamous for his disgusting personal hygiene, is the department’s favorite darling. Not everyone is pleased though, especially his Type A, super competitive work rival, Detective Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero). But the precinct is about to get the shock of their lives with the arrival of its new commanding officer, Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher). Let’s just say, Holt isn’t the biggest fan of Peralta’s questionable work ethic.
Every episode feels like a skit, and there’s nothing to complain about that. With zany ensemble characters like the hapless chap Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) and the macho-but-huge-softie Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a workplace comedy that not only follows detectives tackling different cases (which are just as wacky), but also their personal lives outside of the department. Top it off with memorable cold openings, running gags (e.g. Halloween heists), and the occasional guest star appearances, it’s no wonder why the show has become a pop culture staple of the 2010s. – Dyah Ayu Larasati
3
‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015–2022)
Created by Marta Kaufman and Howard J. Morris
This Netflix original is a one-of-a-kind comedy-drama about female friendship between two radically opposite women who are brought together by a twist of fate. Grace and Frankie follows the titular septuagenarian women who discover that their respective husbands have been in a secret relationship with each other for 40 years. On this discovery, the two wives end up having to share a home, where they discover a whole new way to live and tolerate each other while having a lot of joy, pain, hurt, and wild misadventures.
9-to-5 costars and friends, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as the titular protagonists. The free-spirited, eccentric Frankie and the stiff-upper-lipped Grace constantly contrast and complement each other throughout the story. The longest-running Netflix original drama has been highly acclaimed for exploring hard-hitting issues about aging through good humor and well-written characters that became one of the best comedy duos of the 2020s. A story about self-discovery and reinventing life, Grace and Frankie is a hopeful and aspirational show for all ages, even if it seems to target an older audience. — Maddie P
2
‘A Man on the Inside’ (2024)
Created by Michael Schur
A Man on the Inside is a comedy series focusing on Charles, a retired professor and recent widower seeking focus and purpose in life, when he gets a job at a private investigation firm. Hired to go undercover at a local retirement home, Charles finds a new lease on life as he discovers and connects with people at the Pacific View Retirement Community. Cheers star Ted Danson plays the titular role, in one of the most heartwarming characters that he has ever played.
Based on Maite Alberdi‘s 2020 documentary The Mole Agent, A Man on the Inside is a lighthearted look at many real-life issues, focusing on the older generation, but it is equally colorful, quirky, and intelligent. The narrative beautifully balances its wit and humor with deeply sentimental moments, making it a wholesome, hearty show. The series opened to critical acclaim, thanks to Danson’s brilliant and breezy performance as the charming and sociable retired professor with not-so-sharp sleuthing skills. — Maddie P
1
‘Heartstopper’ (2022–)
Created by Alice Oseman
The modern tale of saccharine love, Heartstopper, quickly became part of the best feel-good Netflix shows when it premiered in 2022. It follows Charlie (Joe Locke), a recently outed British gay teen who develops an unrequited crush on Nicholas “Nick” Nelson (Kit Connor), a straight jock at his all-boys grammar school. Despite his friends’ warnings, Charlie continues to lean into the crush, unlocking something in Nick he didn’t know existed.
Inspired by a webtoon and graphic novel of the same name, the show features characters of every gender and sexuality. The novel is squeal-worthy, and its Netflix TV adaptation has people of all ages swooning over Nick and Charlie. Fans were not disappointed by Heartstopper Season 2, which introduced more endearing characters each with their own well-written arcs, proving enduring interest in Netflix’s hit series.
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