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It’s officially February, which for many signals the return to everyday routine. Back to the office, meetings, and recovering from all that associated stress with a relaxing, high-octane workplace drama on TV each night. Not me! I’m still clinging to the last vestiges of summer.
If your brain’s barely clicking into gear, you might also want a reprieve with feel-good viewing. There’s only so many reruns of Gilmore Girls and Friends you can watch, so what are some more recent options? Here are 10 shows to try when you need company, ranked from warm and fuzzy to cold comfort.
Abbott Elementary (Disney+)
Your favourite teachers at Willard R. Abbott Public School are back for another term. In season five, we once again follow the ever-optimistic Janine Teagues (played by Quinta Brunson, the show’s creator) and her colleagues as they try to keep their Philadelphia school afloat. It’s wholesome, but not in an annoying way. A real highlight is Sheryl Lee Ralph playing kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard, who serves more knowing eye-rolls than a cafeteria attendant.
Feel-good rating: Getting an A+ on your end-of-year physics exam, 10/10.
Muster Dogs (ABC iview)
I’ve got one word to say to you: puppies. Training to be working dogs. OK, that’s six words. But what’s more heartwarming than a reality series about Australian working dogs and their trainers? In its fourth season, new trainers are paired with fresh pups to turn muster-ready in a year. Even if you’re not a dog person, there’s something beautiful about witnessing the relationships that form.
Feel-good rating: Puppies, wrapped in more puppies, and finally, another layer of puppies, 10/10.
Heartstopper (Netflix)
What if Heated Rivalry, but PG-rated? Granted, Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) aren’t competitive sportspeople, but their teenage romance has the same deep yearning of a First Great Love. Without the swearing. Or the mind games. It’s sweet, reflective, and in later seasons, digs into some tricky topics without being didactic for a series based on YA graphic novels. While season three ended in 2024, keep an eye out for the finale to the franchise, Heartstopper Forever coming out later this year.
Feel-good rating: Get in the car, you’re going Christmas shopping with your favourite lesbian grandmothers, 9/10.
The Great British Bake Off (Binge)
Do you know what a vacherin glacé is? Of course not, nobody does, except for the contestants on Bake Off. This is comfort TV at its most intense: the challenges, the hopes and dreams, and importantly, the intricate dessert failures. Who could forget that incredible comeback cake that went viral this year? The latest season was the last for long-time judge Dame Prue Leith, with Nigella Lawson stepping in this year despite some nerves: “If I see my job as eating, it’s not too daunting. I can eat.”
Feel-good rating: The whiff of a freshly baked croissant, 8/10.
Dog Park (ABC iview)
Middle-aged misanthrope Roland (Leon Ford) is a careers counsellor whose routine takes a U-turn when he finds himself looking after the family dog, Beattie. With his wife away on an extended work trip in the US, he’s also in charge of their teenage daughter. What’s a grumpy man to do when it’s unlikely his wife will return? Enter: the local park and its oddball crew of dog owners (IYKYK). There’s less laugh-out-loud moments than quiet, knowing smirks; if you’ve ever entered a dog park, you’ll recognise the characters — including yourself.
Feel-good rating: Your childhood friend shows up at your door with a bottle of wine, 7/10.
Top End Bub (Amazon Prime)
This spin-off series to 2019’s Top End Wedding sees Miranda Tapsell return as Lauren who, along with her husband Ned (Gwilym Lee), makes an urgent return to the NT. Can the pair become unexpected parents to Taya (AKA Bub)? Despite some heavy themes and family chaos, this sweet show has the added bonus of transporting you to picturesque Darwin and surrounds.
Feel-good rating: Breakfast in bed while the kids are still asleep, 7/10.
Daddy Issues (SBS On Demand)
A pregnant 20-something asks her dad to move in with her. Gemma (Aimee Lou Wood) shines in season one, and continues to in the latest season alongside the rest of her dysfunctional family. Sharp and witty, if there’s any takeaway it’s personal gratitude your own family isn’t as messed up
Feel-good rating: You realise “best before” is different to “use by” and you have milk for your coffee, 7/10.
Bridgerton (Netflix)
If you like your feel-good TV served with a side of Regency capers, boy will you be excited about the return of Bridgerton. Season four focuses on Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha). Throw in masquerade balls, gossip, tittering and none of the scarlet fever and syphilis — and you have yourself a night of ridiculous escapism. You just have to go with it.
Feel-good rating: An invitation to high tea and your rich friend is paying, 6/10.
Shrinking (Apple TV)
It’s probably no surprise this series was co-created by Bill Lawrence, the same guy who co-created Ted Lasso and long before that, Scrubs. It has the same wholesome, comedic take on messy characters in high-pressure professions. This time, it’s therapists. When it’s not cheesy, there are some genuinely funny moments. Like the first episode of the latest season, where Paul (Harrison Ford) meets Gerry (Michael J. Fox) in a neurological clinic waiting room. As the casting shows, you’re in very capable hands.
Feel-good rating: You know that feeling when you finish a crossword puzzle? Parts of it were a bit painful, but you’re left satisfied? 6/10.
Dear Life (Stan)
A grieving widow tracking down the recipients of her partner’s organ donations isn’t your typical feel-good dramedy. And largely, it isn’t comfy viewing in the traditional sense. But there is something life-affirming about watching Lillian (Brooke Satchwell) unravel in grief, and going along for the ride.
Feel-good rating: You wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat realising you’re going to die one day, 3/10.
What’s your favourite feel-good TV show? Tell us in the comments below.
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