Sometimes you want television that challenges you. Something that’s genre bending, envelope pushing, plot twisting. Something that’s the screen equivalent of an exercise routine. But other times, you want a show that carries adjectives you’d use for a sweater — cosy, comforting, familiar. Something built around a good yarn.
And although a show’s perceived snuggle-up factor largely depends on the viewer — their age, life history, preferences, etc. — there are some generally agreed upon commonalities. The storylines have enough drama to keep things interesting but not so much that they cause heart palpitations or require a flow chart to follow.
The setting is safe and often a small town. Characters are relatable and good-hearted, with charming quirks. And the themes are uplifting, nostalgic and predictable — who cares if they’re sometimes unrealistic?
What that in mind, here are some suggestions for comfort viewing in a few categories. Because in the dead of the Canadian winter, you can always appreciate a good sweater.
Current shows
1. All Creatures Great and Small
This drama debuted near the start of the pandemic, and it instantly earned fans with its throwback to the English countryside circa the 1930s. Based on James Herriot’s books about his experiences as a vet, it’s a revival of the previous BBC series of the same name, which ran from 1978 to 1990. Season 6 launches Jan. 11 on PBS.
2. The Great Canadian Baking Show
The worst thing that could happen on this show is that a soufflé falls, or chocolate isn’t tempered properly, or a Bundt cake is overbaked. The CBC competition wrapped its ninth season in November, and all seasons are available on CBC Gem. The Great British Baking Show, on which it’s based, also streams on the platform.
3. Queer Eye
The Netflix docuseries gives people in unfortunate circumstances a makeover in five areas: fashion, beauty, food, home, and culture and relationships. The “Heros” often have heart-wrenching stories, and each member of makeover team (known as The Fab 5) approaches his task with empathy and expertise. The 10th and final season premières this year. Have a box of tissues ready.
4. Ted Lasso
This is another one that debuted early in the pandemic, and it centres on an American football coach who takes a job coaching a British soccer team. He’s optimistic, overly cheery, and fond of a motivational quote. Season 3 of the Apple TV+ dramatic comedy ended in May 2023, but season 4 is now in production.
5. Virgin River
The Netflix drama centres on a nurse practitioner who moves to a small town to rebuild her life. She connects with the local bar owner and — you guessed it — romance ensues. Filmed in British Columbia, the show will be back for a seventh season.
Old favourites
If you’re looking for a laugh, go for tried-and-true sitcoms such as Friends, The Office, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, or Schitt’s Creek. Full House and its Netflix revival, Fuller House, never presented a problem that couldn’t be solved with a hug.
If you like a dose of drama, on the other hand, try Hart of Dixie, This Is Us, Grace and Frankie, or Gilmore Girls — arguably the comfort show to rule them all. The wild card in this category is The Joy of Painting, the instructional PBS show featuring Bob Ross and his irrepressible Afro.
Can’t-miss genres
In “serious” television, formulaic is treated like an F-word. Not so when it comes to shows on HGTV and Food Network, as well as Flavour Network and Home Network in Canada.
A house will likely be renovated; a meal will likely be made. Maybe there’ll be some competition to spice things up. But for the most part, you know what you’re getting — and you’ll probably be happy about it.