Top 10 Nostalgic Comfort Shows That Keep People Coming Back

#10: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

If you’re looking to relax, “recreation” is right in the name! “Parks and Rec” may not be the only mockumentary sitcom with a great ensemble cast, but its particular lineup is absolutely incredible. Every single character brings something great to the table, from Leslie’s endlessly inspiring optimism, to Ron’s deadpan masculinity, to April’s caustic sarcasm, they’re all perfect at what they do and are fantastically entertaining together. And while living in Pawnee would probably give us heart disease, it might be worth it to interact with all its other colorful residents. As it is, we’ll have to settle for rewatching the show yet again.

#9: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1999-)

Now, granted, a cop show that focuses specifically on sex crimes may seem like a strange thing to comfort watch on paper. However, the “Law & Order” formula is tried and true, with a defined structure for practically every episode, which makes every series in the franchise great to put on whenever. “SVU” in particular has had the longest run of not only every “Law & Order,” but every live-action American primetime series, meaning that even if you watch all of it, you’re bound to get more out of a rewatch. Plus, Mariska Hargitay’s powerhouse performance as Olivia Benson never gets old.

#8: “The Simpsons” (1989-)

While “The Simpsons” is no longer the cultural force it once was, its earlier seasons helped turn it into a household name for good reason. We see so much of ourselves in the Simpson family and all the residents of Springfield. The writing is witty, the lines are iconic and quotable, and the whole thing feels like it had its yellow finger on the pulse of America, or at least pop culture. Whether it’s through endless reruns or streaming, sitting down with “The Simpsons” is often the only thing keeping us from “having a cow, man.”

#7: “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-)

There are several longrunning medical dramas people are nostalgic for out there, but “Grey’s Anatomy” is arguably the most rewatchable. The high stakes cases in each episode are certainly worth revisiting, but it’s the cast and their relationships that viewers take the most comfort in. With the show running for over two decades, there’s years’ worth of character development, loves, and losses to return to and take joy and sorrow in all over again. Sure, we could watch something new. Or, we can watch interns become attendings, and the whole saga of McDreamy and Meredith for the hundredth time.

#6: “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

Ted Mosby telling his kids the story of how he met their mother also happens to be quite a comfy watch for us. Ted, Marshall, Lily, Robin and Barney’s lives are as funny as they are heartbreaking or heartwarming. Featuring nonlinear narratives, foreshadowing, and running gags galore, “How I Met Your Mother” rewards rewatchers with new details you may have missed the first time (or the twentieth), while also providing plenty of laughs and occasional tears. No matter how many times we’ve seen the show, it’s guaranteed to be legen-...wait for it…

#5: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

Sometimes you just want to cozy up with a show about nothing. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer’s misadventures in the minutiae of social interactions are endlessly entertaining. “Seinfeld”’s dozens of pop culture-defining iconic quotes and outlandish situations are still incredible decades after it aired. Who doesn’t love to consider all the little aspects of life with Jerry? Or see how deep a hole George can dig himself? Or enjoy Elaine’s many corporate snafus? Or bust a gut at whatever chaos Kramer finds himself in? “Seinfeld” may be about nothing, but it’s all the more relatable and comforting for it.

#4: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

There are many supernatural teen dramas, but the godmother of them all is “Buffy.” The eponymous Slayer and her “Scooby gang” of friends face issues both fantastical and mundane, and it’s all so very watchable. The dialogue is snappy and gets funnier with age, the dramatic moments still hit us like a stake through the heart, and the show perfectly balances episodic plots with seasonal storylines. Buffy may not be as immortal as the vampires she kills, but as long as fans keep the love for her show alive, it will never die.

#3: “Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

Some shows just capture a vibe like no others - and “Gilmore Girls” is the epitome of autumn. Still, whether it’s a blustery fall day or not, it’s never a bad time to curl up to watch Lorelai and Rory or the other oddball residents of Stars Hollow. The central mother-daughter friendship remains unmatched on television, while the witty repartee is nearly without equal too. Although some of Rory’s life choices make us want to throw something even now, the relationships, atmosphere, and overall feel of “Gilmore Girls” is like a warm blanket on a cold day.

#2: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)

Like the Avatar cycle of the titular character, this animated adventure show only improves through repetition. Aang’s journey to save the world may be fraught with danger and action, but it’s also loaded with comedy, wholesome moments of friendship, and life lessons whose truth only sinks in over time. The world itself is vast, well-realized, and fun to get lost in. Whether you grew up with “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or first saw it as an adult, it’s sure to cheer you up and enlighten you no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

#1: “Friends” (1994-2004)

Predictable? Maybe, but “Friends” has remained popular for decades for good reason. The ultimate nostalgic comfort sitcom, “Friends” is so easy to just put on and feel better. The lives and loves of Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, and Phoebe are as comforting and familiar to many of us as our own. While we may not have giant apartments or be able to hang out at Central Perk all day with these funny, amazing characters, watching and rewatching “Friends” helps us maintain that fantasy. From its opening theme song to its closing credits, “Friends” promises to “be there for you,” and the series has kept that agreement all these years.

Is there an older show you can’t stop rewatching that we forgot? Make us say “D’oh!” and share your favorites in the comments!