From Ted Lasso to Schitt’s Creek: Best feel good TV shows to binge

If you are not planning to tune into the NRL grand final this weekend and are sick of bingeing crime dramas, here are the television shows to turn to when you feel like a warm hug.

Of course crime shows will never go out of style but there is no doubt the pandemic has changed our viewing habits.

With the real world feeling very heavy right now, it’s no wonder that people are turning to television that makes them feel good in their downtime.

Some of the most binged, water cooler and also award-winning shows of the last 12 months have been all about spreading the good vibes.

So if you’re in need of a nice warm hug, here are the shows to wrap your eyes around.

TED LASSO

Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis in a scene from Ted Lasso.

Who could have predicted that the hero we all needed during lockdown was an American NFL coach with a moustache and a can do attitude?

Jason Sudeikis’ Ted Lasso has become one of the most talked about shows on social media over the past 12 months and it’s not hard to see why.

The comedy series centres around Lasso, who, moves to the UK to coach a flailing soccer side. But while trying to teach them to become better players, he teaches us all how to be better humans.

The show was the darling of the Emmy’s, winning Best Comedy and picking up gongs for its main actors Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein. You don’t need to be a soccer fan to enjoy this – you need to be a life fan!

Steam on Apple +

The cast of Ted Lasso at the 73rd Prime time Emmy Awards on September 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images.

BACK TO THE RAFTERS

One of Australian TV’s favourite families, the Rafters, are back!

The Logie winning cast from Pack to the Rafters has returned just when we need them most. Picking up six years since we last saw them, Julie and Dave Rafter (played by Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson respectively) get the family back together to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.

What the show did so well it was on Channel 7 was deal with the highs and lows of being human, but, through the safety net of family.

The viewers knew the Rafters could get through anything. And the creators take that same sense of certainty into the reboot.

Stream on Amazon Prime Video

SCHITT’S CREEK

It made history as the first comedy series to win all the awards at last years Emmy’s and for good reason … it’s really funny.

It centres around a wealthy family, The Roses, who after losing all their money are forced to move to a small town, Schitt’s Creek, which they purchased as a joke.

Starring father and son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, as well as the iconic Catherine O’Hare and Annie Murphy, this show will make you laugh, and cry, and laugh again. All six seasons are available now to watch.

Stream on Netflix

FRIENDS

Pictures of the 'Friends' reunion. Picture: Warner Bros Entertainment Inc/Binge

Friends was already the most comfortable of all comfort shows and this year they released a reunion special to make us feel even more warm and fuzzy.

All 10 seasons of the award-winning show are available to stream on Binge, as is the reunion special which saw stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer return to the show’s soundstage to reminisce. Stream on Stream on Binge

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in Only Murder in the Building.

Certified super fresh by Rotten Tomatoes (it currently has a 100 per cent rating from critics) the reason this show is so delightful is down to its leads: comedy greats Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

The silly approach to crime tells the story of three true crime obsessed strangers who suddenly fine themselves wrapped in one. This is for people who crave crime adventures, but don’t want the dark disturbing violence.

Stream on Disney+

Rose Matafeo for Star Struck.

STARSTRUCK

Cross Notting Hill with Fleabag, and you’ve got this rom-com which will make you smile.

Co-written and starring New Zealand stand-up Rose Matafeo, it tells the story of twenty-something Jessie (Matafeo), who has a one-night stand with film star Tom (Nikesh Patel.) Stream on ABC iview

Originally published as From Ted Lasso to Schitt’s Creek: Best feel good TV shows to binge