These self-care TV shows are guaranteed feel-good entertainment
2022 has already been a year full of ups and downs (some pretty major ones, though we won't go into that here). Right now, things feel uncertain, exhausting and just a bit ‘meh’. Enter: self-care TV shows for your next sofa binge.
Step forward the feel-good TV shows that feel like a warm hug. Here at GLAMOUR, we are defining self-care TV as the light-hearted, bingeable series that require little concentration but deliver the ultimate reward: escapism and happiness. And as they require little concentration, you will be able to watch them as you work. Win-win.
In this comprehensive list there are NO harrowing crime dramas that will keep you awake at night (we're looking at you, The Family Next Door) and instead, these shows serve up JOY ONLY.
If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud moment, look no further than our sisters of lol, the Derry Girls. The Channel 4 comedy features a group of friends who navigate growing up in mid-90s Ireland, during the Irish Troubles. With miracles, Take That concerts, and even a polar bear or two, this is the girl gang that EVERYONE wants to be a part of.
Looking for some self-care with a side of hilarious drama? Look no further than Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover. The US reality series follows Shea and Syd McGee as they help families to achieve their interior design dreams. Definitely have this one on in the background but make sure you tune back in to catch the jaw-dropping transformations.
Then there's Twentysomething: Austin, Netflix's fun new reality show where eight American twenty-somethings move to Austin, Texas in pursuit of an exciting new life. Love, friendship and drama are all on the cards!
You've also got Instant Hotel, where four couples transform their homes into Airbnbs and judge each other based on the quality of their short-term stay. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the iconic mother-daughter duo, Babe and Bondi, who have a margarita-themed home (yes, you read that correctly). Whilst we can’t book a one-way trip to Margaritaville right now, check into Netflix now for a one-way ticket down under.
With the classic self-care shows, Friends and Will & Grace and some under-the-radar lols from the likes of Grace & Frankie and Broad City, here is our roundup of the ultimate feel-good TV shows. They may not be good for the brain cells (who cares, our brains need a well-earned break anyway), but they’re good for the soul…
Simon Ridgway/NETFLIX © 2020The Duchess
What is it? Written, directed and played by the inimitable Katherine Ryan, The Duchess was an instant success the moment it hit our small screens. Following the life of a single mother and her precocious daughter as they navigate love, friendships and the concept of family, the series manages to deal with some pretty big issues in Ryan's own brand of astute humour. Plus, the fashion is a character all of its own.
Where can I watch? Netflix.
ISABELLA B. VOSMIKOVA/NETFLIXNever Have I Ever
What is it? Never Have I Ever is an American coming-of-age comedy-drama created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher (all hail), and follows a first-generation Indian-American teenager who, after a traumatic year, wants to improve her status at school, but friends, family, and feelings don't make it easy on her.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Apple TVTed Lasso
What is it? With two series to smash through, Ted Lasso follows the story of an American football coach, hired to manage a British soccer team; what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination and biscuits (we love a man with a solid appreciation for biscuits). Every episode teaches a valuable lesson that sometimes we take for granted, and is sure to leave you feeling soothed and uplifted in equal measure.
Where can I watch it? Apple TV
Disney PixarSoul
What is it? Ask anyone who has watched Soul if they liked it and they're very likely to go gooey-eyed as they tell you about how heartwarmingly brilliant it is. Basically, the animated story is that a jazz musician, stuck in a mediocre job, finally gets his big break. However, when a wrong step takes him to the Great Before, he tries to help an infant soul in order to return to reality. Be warned, it does tug at the heartstrings, so if you're feeling delicate than you might not last the course, but it's worth preserving for the ending - oh, and the cast who voice the characters, including Tina Fey and Jamie Foxx.
Where can I watch it? Disney+
Disney PixarTurning Red
What is it? Turning Red follows the journey of 13-year-old Meilin (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) as she turns into a giant red panda, which effectively doubles as a not-so-subtle metaphor for puberty. And though the animated tale has big entertainment value, it also has a more educational, important undertone: to help parents of very young children explain the physical and emotional changes women and vagina-having people go through during this rite of passage. Don't worry though, it's totally endearing and will have you shaking with laughter, even if it is educational too.
Where can I watch it? Disney+
NBCThe Good Place
What is it? Starring Kristen Bell, Jameela Jamil and Maya Rudolph among others, The Good Place is the hilarious story of a salesperson (Kristen) who, after living a morally corrupt life, finds herself in a heaven-like afterlife in a case of mistaken identity. As she tries to disguise her past life to stay there, chaos, hilarity and some truly tender moments ensue.
Where can I watch? Netflix
Colin Hutton/ BBCMotherland
What is it? If nothing else, Motherland will make you feel so much better about your own life, as the frazzled parents rush around looking after their children, avoiding (and sometimes failing to avoid) catastrophe, social humiliation and screaming out loud as they. From a kids birthday party gone wrong to a swimming trip that has cheek-reddening consequences, the sitcom's three series (all written by an award-winning team that includes Sharon Hogan and Graham Lineham) is an endearing look into middle class parenting. We defy you not to feel the second-hand embarrassment that rolls in thick and fast as the episodes unfold.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN/NETFLIXQueer Eye
What is it? The cult show needs little introduction, but we'll give it one anyway ( mainly because that is the format of this article). With six seasons to binge, the fab five have travelled all over America - and now the world - to make over those most in need, offering much more than style advice along the way. It's endearing, it's funny, it's incredibly emosh and it's social commentary is just on point.
Where can I watch? Netflix
Mosa Hlophe/NetflixYoung Famous and African
What is it? If we had a buzzer to signal when a new, must-watch reality series was available, we'd be pressing it intensely right now. The series evokes luxury and success among the African elite, following a group of successful African entertainers and entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, South Africa. Expect glamour, gasps, laughter and a large dollop of drama.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
JABARI JACOBS/NETFLIXTwentysomething: Austin
What is it? The new reality show follows eight American twenty-somethings as they start a new life in Austin, post-lockdown. What happens when you put a group of carefree singletons in a house together? Friendship, drama and a lot of sexual tension is a start.
Where can I watch? Netflix.
Disney+My Wife and Kids
What is it? If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good family series then My Wife and Kids is it. The early noughties sitcom follows Michael Kyle, his wife Jane and their three kids, Michael Jr, Claire and Kady, whose traditional family life is far from the ordinary. 90s babies would have binged this years ago so prepare for all the nostalgic feels when you rewatch.
Where can I watch? Disney+
MALCOLM JACKSON/LIONSGATESelling Tampa
What is it? Selling Sunset fans are in for a treat with Netflix's exciting new spin-off, Selling Tampa. The franchise is headed out East as we follow a new group of real estate agents showing off Florida's real estate market, whilst bringing us a fresh batch of property porn and drama. We can't wait!
Where can I watch? Netflix
Girlfriends
What is it? Starring Queen Tracee Ellis Ross, Girlfriends follows four women as they navigate their friendships, all while serving classic noughties looks.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Inc.The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
What is it? Not just Will Smith's first claim to fame, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
Where can I watch it? BBC iPlayer
One on One
What is it? This often-overlooked sitcom may have been cancelled back in 2006, but it still remains an absolute classic. It follows Flex who unexpectedly becomes a full-time single dad after his ex-wife takes a job out of the country, and his teenage daughter moves in. Expect chaos and lots of celeb cameos.
Where can I watch it? Amazon Prime
NetflixBelow Deck
What is it? A US reality show set on a luxury working yacht. Carrying eccentric and filthy rich guests, the yacht is also home to an eclectic bunch of young crew members working the charters while navigating their own relationships, free time, and chores.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixNew Girl
What is it? Seven seasons of pure unadulterated joy and lols from five friends sharing one loft in Los Angeles. Although Jess is supposed to be the central character, we can't decide who we love more after getting to know Schmitt, CeCe, Winston and Nick.
Where can I watch it? Amazon, Netflix
NetflixDream Home Makeover
What is it? Follow wholesome home decorators Shea and Syd McGee, the couple who founded Insta-famous Studio McGee, as they transform family life across the US one dream home makeover at a time.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixGilmore Girls
What is it? Following the friendships, romances and conflicts in the lives of mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory, Gilmore Girlsis the much-loved drama that made a major comeback in 2016 when it came to Netflix almost a decade after the first series. Rewatch or watch from the beginning, it's a hard-recommend from us.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixGet Organized with the Home Edit
What is it? Going inside the homes of Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria and Khloe Kardashian, Get Organized with the Home Edit is the addictive home makeover show brought to you by the dream team behind viral Instagram account, The Home Edit. That's Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin who you'll fall hard for from Episode 1.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixQueer Eye
What is it? Netflix’s lifestyle makeover show starring The Fab Five is self-care TV in a nutshell. Endearing, heart-warming and entertaining, Queer Eye is the only show that’ll make you laugh and cry at the same time. Kleenex at the ready!
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Gogglebox
What is it? Our go-to for laidback, easy, cheering watching. If you don't already know, Gogglebox is essentially a show where you watch people watching TV. Sounds boring, but it's anything but. The more you watch it, the more you get to the sofa-dwelling families, and they never fail to put a smile on your face. Best friends Jenny and Lee from Hull in particular bring us so much joy!
Where can I watch it? All 4
Workin' Moms
What is it? A new Netflix comedy show about four new mums who meet at a judgemental mummy's group and form unlikely friendships. Trying to juggle parenthood, love lives and their return to work after maternity leave, it's a bawdy, honest and spot-on comedy about what it means to be a modern mum.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixTidying Up With Marie Kondo
What is it? Jump on board the self improvement ship with Marie Kondo’s oddly soothing cleaning series that teaches people how to declutter their lives, homes and workplaces. It’s captured the nation’s hearts and continues to be our go-to series when we want to check out from the world for an hour or two. Tidying never felt so good.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
This Country
What is it? A mockumentary set in a typical Cotswolds village and following cousins Kerry and Lee 'Kurtan' Mucklowe, played by real-life brother and sister duo Daisy May Cooper (if you need a laugh, follow her on Instagram) and Charlie Cooper. It's a hilarious show about the banality of living in rural England with tons of laughs and even more heart.
Where can I watch it? BBC iPlayer
Broad City
What is it? Two women, Abbi and Ilana, living in New York City and trying to get the hang of life and navigate minimum wage jobs, casual sex, irritating roommates, drugs and so much more. It's feisty, feminist, feel-good and will make you want to call your best friend ASAP.
Where can I watch it? Amazon Prime
NetflixSelling Sunset
What is it? The latest venture from The Hills creator Adam Divello is an explosive eight-part Netflix series about a Hollywood real estate agency and its fiercely ambitious female realtors as they attempt to sell some of the world’s most exclusive homes to celebrities and affluent individuals. Prepare to binge the whole series in one sitting.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
NetflixDerry Girls
What is it? Set in 1990s Northern Ireland at the time of the Troubles, Derry Girlsis far cheerier than it sounds. One episode in and we guarantee you’ll be crying with laughter. Take our word for it.
Where can I watch it? Netflix and All 4
Last Tango In Halifax
What is it? Believe us on this one, this is PURE escapism. All five seasons of the show are available on BBC iPlayer RIGHT NOW. This romantic comedy involves Alan Buttershaw and Celia Dawson, two 70-something widowed people who rekindle their love decades later on Facebook after their respective grandsons put their profiles online. Their relationship is a celebration of the power of love at any age, but it comes with obstacles - namely their families. Alan's daughter, Gillian, and Celia's daughter, Caroline, are polar opposites but that provides all the comedy you need right now.
Where can I watch it? BBC iPlayer
Sex Education
What is it? What's not to love about sex education? Its well, educational when it comes to sex, explores the funny and heartfelt experience of growing up all whilst providing some much needed comedy. The problem is, three seasons are NOT enough.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Grace and Frankie
What is it? What could be better for the soul than a TV comedy based around Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin? The pair play Grace and Frankie who find out that their husbands are leaving them for each other. What ensues is 7 seasons of comedy gold as the pair navigate their new single lives. We are obsessed.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
The Goop Lab
What is it? You may not fully believe in all the effects of the wellness trends that Gwyneth Paltrow and her Goop team explore but her soothing voice and her jaw to the floor exploration of vaginas, drugs and what appears to be an exorcism will allow you to ignore your intrusive anxious thoughts for a solid six hours of streaming.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Schitt's Creek
What is it? Schitt's Creekfollows a wealthy married couple who suddenly go bankrupt and the only remaining asset they have is an ugly small town named, you guessed it, Schitt's Creek. All 71 episodes are on Netflix now, so what are you waiting for?
Where can I watch it? Netflix
Ru Paul's Drag Race
What is it? With isolation in full flow why not follow the drag queens in Ru Paul's Drag Race and lip synch for your life? The show follows a series of drag queens who complete to be the best.
Where can I watch it? Netflix
The Great British Bake Off
What is it? Sorry but could there be anything better for the soul than watching other people bake and joke about 'soggy bottoms?'
Where can I watch it? All 4
The Big Flower Fight
What is it? Essentially The Great British Bake Off, but with flowers! Pretty floral sculptors, festooned with flowers and foliage, bursting with colour and some LOLs along the way. Have you ever heard of anything more cheering?
Where can I watch it? Netflix
