Fans Obsessed: Admit to Watching Favorite Comfort TV Shows Over 60 Times!

Highlight of London

In my opinion, Matt Berry’s finest performance is in Toast of London. The show is incredibly funny, featuring absurd plots and unexpected yet fitting celebrity appearances, alongside a plethora of brilliant, whimsical jokes. It’s a prime example of a comedy series where the main character isn’t very likable, yet somehow, you find yourself cheering for him. I’ve watched the entire series from start to finish no less than 15 times. Every significant relationship in my life comes to a point where I find out if they appreciate Toast of London as much as I do. Rhys, 24, Cardiff

Discovering Lark Rise to Candleford

I came across Lark Rise to Candleford just when I needed a respite from the turmoil of today’s political scene. I steer clear of news shows and reality TV, preferring the simplicity and gentleness of this series. Tim K, 60, Brooklyn, New York, US

Mapp and Lucia

The 1985 TV adaptation of E.F. Benson’s novels is a masterpiece, with a flawless cast. The setting, the sets, and the costumes are all exquisitely done, and the narrative feels delightfully detached from contemporary issues, making it an ideal escape. I first viewed it with my soon-to-be husband and later shared it with our friends. Over our 38 years together, we watched it numerous times. It provided comfort when he passed away two years ago due to cancer, and it continues to stand the test of time as a perfect fictional getaway. Ben, Bedfordshire

Rescue Operations at Sea

I find the RNLI docuseries Rescue Operations at Sea oddly soothing. It mixes the danger of underestimating the sea’s power with the valor of volunteer rescuers who always seem to arrive just in time. Knowing that there are people ready to save others in dire situations is reassuring, much like the appeal of hospital and ambulance shows. However, I’m not likely to be on a troubled boat anytime soon! Maddy Paxman, 67, London

The Detectorists

Every winter, my spouse and I make it a tradition to rewatch The Detectorists. When it’s cold and rainy outside, this show brings us the warm and sunny evenings of the English countryside. The humor in the show is richly layered, revealing new jokes and storylines with each viewing. It’s a gentle form of comedy that playfully pokes fun at its characters’ quirks and hobbies against the beautiful backdrop of the Suffolk landscape, accompanied by Johnny Flynn’s moving theme song. Sam, Ely, Cambridgeshire

Schitt’s Creek

Schitt’s Creek is the ultimate comfort series for me. I’ve been a fan of Catherine O’Hara since her days on SCTV with Eugene Levy back in the 70s. The show had me in tears by the end, but they were tears of joy. I’m surprised none of the Guardian’s writers have highlighted this gem. Meg, 58, Sussex

Circling the Globe with Michael Palin

Michael Palin’s journey around the world in 80 days combines adventure with a touch of nostalgia. Watching it as a young man, it seemed to offer a window to places I had yet to visit. Now, it brings back memories of a time before smartphones dominated our travels. A particular scene stands out: Palin watching a sunset over the Bay of Bengal while trying to catch football scores. It’s a travelogue that feels more genuine than any of its successors. Robert Smith, 59, Newcastle-under-Lyme

The Original Perry Mason

The original Perry Mason series, which aired from 1957 to 1966, set the standard for legal dramas, influencing countless successors like Law & Order. The stories are smart and captivating, though somewhat formulaic, but the cast is exceptional. They deliver performances that truly serve the story, helping to create a world where justice invariably prevails—a welcome fantasy. Phil Hundley, Chicago, US

The Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls entered my life through its availability on Netflix. Snappy and sassy, it portrays strong yet imperfect women in an idyllic Connecticut setting. Despite some dated references, it’s a joy to follow through the seasons of pumpkins and picturesque winters to hopeful, sunny days. It’s a show that brings joy to both me and my daughter, even though we’re nothing like the mother-daughter duo it depicts. Jayne Stead, York

Poirot

We’ve watched every episode of this series about Agatha Christie’s detective at least twice and are going through them again. Each viewing brings something new to notice—be it Miss Lemon’s hairstyles, Hastings’ sweaters, or Poirot’s iconic moustache. The settings are fabulous, and we often forget the murderer’s identity, probably because it’s the least intriguing part of the show. Carol Bloomfield, 67, Durham

Superstore

Working from home allows me the luxury of a midday nap, during which I always play an episode of Superstore. I watch one episode, sleep through the next, and wake up during the third. Having the familiar voices in the background is incredibly comforting, almost like having family nearby. I wonder if Netflix knows someone has rewatched their show more than 60 times. Elisabeth Kaplan, Vienna, Austria

The Planets

I’m endlessly fascinated by documentaries about space, but I keep returning to Brian Cox’s series, The Planets. The sheer wonder of learning more about these distant worlds never gets old. They’re far beyond our reach, yet each discovery shows how incredible and diverse they are. Unlike nature documentaries, which often carry a tone of loss, the exploration of these planets underscores humanity’s better qualities—our drive to reach out and understand the cosmos. Tom, 48, Brighton

John Wilson’s How-To Guide

How to With John Wilson is an exceptionally original and intriguing documentary series that blends humor, philosophy, and the whimsical with the mundane. It’s never dull, despite its seemingly everyday subjects. The series appears simple, but the editing process must be incredibly complex, requiring countless hours to bring each unique topic to life. I’ve recommended it to everyone I know. Matthew Grundy, Manchester

First Dates

I adore Fred Sirieix’s dating show, First Dates. It exudes a feel-good vibe in a charming setting, showcasing a variety of people from diverse backgrounds. It reminds me of the excitement of my own first dates. There’s nothing quite like that thrill, and the show captures this essence beautifully, with Fred and Merlin expertly guiding the experience. Laurie, West Midlands

Friends

I don’t usually rewatch TV shows, but I make an exception for Friends. I’ve seen episodes in reruns over the years, and during a particularly tough time last year, I rewatched all the seasons from the beginning on Netflix. I remember watching the pilot and thinking it was silly, but I quickly became a fan. Decades later, it still makes me feel less lonely, like having real friends around. Vanessa, Dorset

Time Team

I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology. I discovered Time Team in the US during the pandemic and have watched all the episodes, thanks to YouTube. The show remains my go-to for comfort, featuring Tony, Carenza, dear Mick with his jumpers and wine, and Phil, my hero. My husband indulges my fondness for this show, my happy place. Patti Powell, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Richard Osman’s Game House

Richard Osman’s House of Games features mild celebrities competing gently for a quirky trophy. Richard excels at fostering a supportive atmosphere for those lagging behind. It’s refreshing to see such amiable contestants who never resort to brash or loud behaviors. It’s the perfect way to wind down the day. Pamela Leemeijer, 78, Buntingford, Hertfordshire