FRIENDS HAS A weirdly soothing effect on my soul.
I started watching it in 1996 – two years after it debuted – and I still remember the first episode I saw. FYI; it was The One with the Football.
You know, Thanksgiving, the Geller Cup, and a random Dutch woman with the iciest blonde bob I’d ever laid eyes on.
I was hooked, caught up on the episodes I missed, tuned into RTÉ 2 every Monday night at 9pm for the latest episode, and may have shed a small tear when the show ended in 2004.
When the camera panned around Monica’s empty apartment and the six sets of keys could be seen on the kitchen counter? Sorry now, but how could I actually say goodbye?
Well, as it turns out I didn’t have to – and likely never will – since the show is rarely off our screens.
For me, Friends is the ultimate comfort viewing. Given the fact I know the show’s arc inside out and can recite some scenes verbatim, it doesn’t require my whole attention so I just let it wash over me while still laughing out loud.
We asked you which show was your visual version of a comfort blanket, and here’s what you guys had to say.
The West Wing
Watched it all the way through at least six times and love it – even the post-Aaron Sorkin seasons. The characters feel like friends and those walk-and-talk scenes are iconic.
The US Office
Nothing makes me happier than seeing this is playing on Comedy Central. While the last few seasons let me down, the first four or five are amazing. The only show I’d literally laugh out loud at.
Cougartown
Will always get you a giggle and a great sarcastic dig.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
No matter how bad a person I am, no matter how gross or stupid, no matter what silly embarrassing thing I’ve done – at least I’m not as terrible a person as them.
Another shout-out for It’s Always Sunny, and for much the same reason.
The characters and their lives are so ridiculous it makes for the perfect escapism. Also, they’re horrible people and it still works out for them As a person who tries to do their best in this world, it’s very encouraging!
Modern Family
It’s always guaranteed to make me laugh.
Fraser
I like to pretend I know what the big words mean!
Parks and Recreation
Simply because it’s so funny and light – there is nothing bad or serious in it. It’s the perfect antidote to the bad news cycle.
Brooklyn 99
It never fails to make me laugh.
CSI
It’s so bad, it’s good and it’s great veg-watching when you’re hungover.
Gossip Girl
It keeps my dream of moving back to NYC alive in my soul.
Father Ted
Every time it just surprises me again, and it’s hilarious.
Friday Night Lights
The perfect mix of emotion, romance, drama and one of the greatest love stories ever – Coach and Tammy Taylor.
Another shout-out for Friday Night Lights
I find Friday Night Lights so f*cking comforting. I was devastated when they took it off Netflix!
