Feeling overwhelmed? Like the world is spinning just a little too fast? You’re definitely not alone. In today’s hustle and bustle, finding moments of peace and quiet can feel like a luxury. One of the simplest and most accessible ways to unwind after a long day, or even during a quick break, is by indulging in some calming entertainment.
We all know the feeling of sinking into the couch and letting a good show wash over us. But with so much content available across various streaming services, finding the truly relaxing things to watch can be a task in itself.
That’s where we come in! We’ve curated an expansive list of 30 relaxing tv shows and other soothing content designed to help you de-stress, find your center, and maybe even drift off into a peaceful slumber. Whether you’re looking for lighthearted laughter, captivating visuals, or simply something familiar and comforting, this guide has got you covered.
Think of this as your go-to resource when you need to hit the pause button on life and just breathe. We absolutely love the feeling of finding that perfect show that just melts the stress away, and we’re excited to share our favorites with you. So, grab a cozy blanket, maybe a warm drink, and let’s dive into a world of calming entertainment.
The Ultimate Guide to Relaxing Entertainment
When we talk about relaxing things to watch, it’s not just about mindless viewing. It’s about finding content that positively impacts your mood, helps you disconnect from worries, and promotes a sense of calm. This could mean different things to different people.
For some, it’s the comforting familiarity of an american comedy television series that brings a smile to their face. For others, it might be the stunning visuals of a nature documentary or the gentle rhythm of a baking competition.
It’s important to be mindful of your screen time and how it affects you. While watching relaxing tv shows can be a great way to unwind, moderation is key. The goal is to feel relaxed and refreshed, not glued to the screen for hours on end. Consider setting time limits and being intentional about your viewing choices.
Beyond television, there’s a whole world of other soothing content to explore. Think about the power of calming music to ease your mind or the tranquility that washes over you when listening to nature sounds. Even something as simple as turning on some white noise can create a peaceful atmosphere, especially if you’re trying to fall asleep.
Let’s explore some specific options across different categories to help you find your perfect dose of relaxation.
Feel-Good Comedies & Sitcoms
Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh to lift your spirits and forget about the day’s stresses. These feel-good comedies and sitcoms are designed to bring a smile to your face and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
- Parks and Recreation: This beloved american comedy television series follows the hilarious and heartwarming antics of the Parks Department in Pawnee, Indiana. Its optimistic tone, quirky characters, and genuinely funny storylines make it a perfect choice for when you need a dose of good mood. Available on various streaming services.
- The Good Place: What happens when you die? This witty and philosophical comedy explores the afterlife with a light touch and plenty of laughs. Its clever writing and endearing characters make it surprisingly relaxing despite its deeper themes. You can find it on streaming services like Netflix.
- Ted Lasso: This heartwarming and optimistic series follows an american football coach who is hired to coach a professional soccer club in England, despite having no experience. Ted’s unwavering positivity and kindness are truly infectious, making this show an absolute joy to watch and a great way to feel relaxed. Available on Apple TV+.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine: This hilarious ensemble comedy follows the detectives of the 99th precinct in Brooklyn. Its fast-paced humor, lovable characters, and heartwarming friendships make it a guaranteed mood-booster. Check it out on streaming platforms like Hulu.
- Schitt’s Creek: This Canadian sitcom tells the story of a wealthy family who suddenly find themselves broke and forced to move to a small town they once bought as a joke. Its witty writing, quirky characters, and heartwarming evolution make it a truly comforting and relaxing watch. Available on platforms like Netflix.
- The Office (US): While known for its cringe humor, the underlying warmth and familiarity of this iconic american comedy television series can be incredibly comforting. The everyday office dynamics and the characters’ relatable struggles make it a show many turn to for easy viewing. Find it on streaming services like Peacock.
- Abbott Elementary: This fresh and funny mockumentary-style sitcom follows the dedicated teachers at an underfunded elementary school in Philadelphia. Its sharp writing, relatable characters, and optimistic outlook make it a delightful and relaxing watch. Available on Hulu and other platforms.
- Community: This quirky and meta-humorous sitcom follows a group of diverse students at a community college. Its clever writing, pop culture references, and strong ensemble cast make it a fun and engaging way to unwind. You can find it on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Cozy Mystery & Drama
For those who enjoy a bit of a storyline without the high stakes and tension, cozy mysteries and gentle dramas can be the perfect relaxing things to watch.
- The Great British Baking Show: While technically a competition, the show’s gentle pace, beautiful visuals of delicious baked goods, and supportive atmosphere create a surprisingly calming viewing experience. It’s hard not to feel good while watching talented bakers create culinary masterpieces. Available on Netflix.
- All Creatures Great and Small (2020): This charming and heartwarming series follows the adventures of a young veterinary surgeon in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. Its stunning scenery, gentle storytelling, and endearing characters make it a truly relaxing escape. You can find it on platforms like PBS Masterpiece (often available through amazon prime video).
- Call the Midwife: Set in the East End of London in the 1950s and 60s, this heartwarming drama follows a group of midwives as they navigate the joys and challenges of their profession. Its focus on community, compassion, and resilience makes it a comforting and uplifting watch. Available on Netflix.
- Gilmore Girls: This beloved series follows the lives of a witty and fast-talking mother and daughter in a charming small town. Its comforting atmosphere, quirky characters, and focus on relationships make it a perfect choice for a relaxing binge-watch. Find it on Netflix.
- Heartland: This long-running Canadian drama follows the Fleming family as they navigate life on their Alberta horse ranch. Its beautiful scenery, focus on family and animals, and gentle storytelling make it a comforting and relaxing watch. Available on Netflix.
- When Calls the Heart: Set in a small coal-mining town in the early 20th century, this historical drama follows a young schoolteacher as she adjusts to life in a new community. Its focus on faith, community, and romance makes it a heartwarming and relaxing option. Available on Hallmark Channel and streaming platforms.
Nature & Travel Documentaries
Sometimes, the most relaxing things to watch are those that transport you to another world, filled with stunning visuals and soothing sounds. Nature and travel documentaries can offer a sense of peace and wonder.
- Planet Earth (and its sequels): These breathtaking documentaries showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of our planet. The stunning cinematography, calming narration, and captivating footage of wildlife and landscapes are incredibly soothing to watch. Available on various streaming services.
- Blue Planet (and its sequels): Dive into the depths of the ocean with these stunning documentaries that explore the fascinating world beneath the waves. The mesmerizing visuals and calming sounds of the ocean can be incredibly relaxing. Find them on platforms like Discovery+.
- Our Planet: Narrated by David Attenborough, this visually stunning series highlights the fragility of our planet and the importance of conservation. While it addresses important issues, the breathtaking imagery and calming narration make it a relaxing and thought-provoking watch. Available on Netflix.
- Tales by Light: This documentary series follows professional photographers as they travel to some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. The stunning photography and inspiring stories are sure to evoke a sense of calm and wonder. Available on Netflix.
- Moving Art: This series features stunning time-lapse footage of nature, underwater scenes, and cityscapes, set to calming music. It’s designed specifically to be a relaxing and visually immersive experience. Available on Netflix.
- Calm: While not a traditional TV show, the Calm app offers a variety of visually stunning nature scenes and soundscapes that can be incredibly relaxing to watch and listen to. Many of these visuals are available on platforms like YouTube as well. Imagine a screen filled with a calm ocean or the gentle sway of trees.
Comforting Baking & Home Improvement Shows
There’s something inherently satisfying and relaxing about watching someone create something beautiful, whether it’s a delicious cake or a transformed living space.
- The Great Pottery Throw Down: Similar in tone to The Great British Baking Show, this charming competition follows amateur potters as they create beautiful and intricate ceramic pieces. The gentle pace and focus on craftsmanship make it surprisingly relaxing. Available on HBO Max.
- Escape to the Country: This British reality show follows people as they search for their dream home in the countryside. The beautiful scenery and the slow pace of house hunting can be quite soothing to watch. Available on various streaming services.
- Grand Designs: While sometimes featuring stressful moments, the overall focus on innovative architecture and the transformation of spaces can be incredibly satisfying and even inspiring. Available on platforms like BritBox.
- Dream Home Makeover: This heartwarming series follows Shea and Syd McGee as they help families transform their homes into beautiful and functional spaces. The stunning before-and-after reveals and the focus on creating comfortable living environments can be very relaxing to watch. Available on Netflix.
- Get Organized with The Home Edit: If you find satisfaction in order and organization, this show is for you. Follow Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin as they declutter and organize celebrity and everyday clients’ homes. The visually appealing transformations can be surprisingly calming. Available on Netflix.
Animated & Nostalgic Favorites: A Touch of Comfort and Familiarity
Sometimes, the most relaxing things to watch are the ones that bring back fond memories or offer a gentle and whimsical escape.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: This beloved animated series is not just for kids. Its beautiful animation, engaging storyline, and themes of balance and harmony make it a surprisingly relaxing and captivating watch for all ages. Available on Netflix.
- Studio Ghibli Films: While technically movies, many Studio Ghibli films like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “Spirited Away” offer a sense of wonder, beauty, and gentle storytelling that can be incredibly relaxing. Many are available on HBO Max.
- Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting: The calm and soothing voice of Bob Ross, combined with the mesmerizing process of creating beautiful landscapes on canvas, makes this classic show an incredibly relaxing and even meditative experience. You can find episodes on YouTube and various streaming platforms.
- Paddington (TV Series): Based on the beloved children’s books, this charming animated series follows the adventures of the polite and well-meaning bear, Paddington. Its gentle humor and heartwarming stories make it a delightful and relaxing watch for the whole family. Available on various platforms.
- Classic Cartoons: Sometimes, revisiting your favorite childhood cartoons can be incredibly comforting and relaxing. Think about shows like “Looney Tunes,” “Tom and Jerry,” or “Peanuts” for a dose of nostalgia and lighthearted fun. Many classic cartoons are available on various streaming services.
Beyond the Screen: Other Soothing Content for Relaxation
While relaxing tv shows are a popular choice, don’t forget the power of other forms of soothing content:
- Calming Music: Whether it’s classical music, instrumental pieces, or ambient soundscapes, calming music can have a profound effect on your mood and help you feel relaxed. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music offer a wide variety of playlists designed for relaxation.
- Nature Sounds: The gentle sounds of rain, ocean waves, or a forest breeze can be incredibly soothing and help to reduce stress. Many apps and streaming platforms offer dedicated nature sounds tracks.
- White Noise: This consistent background noise can help to block out distractions and create a sense of calm, making it particularly helpful for sleep or focus. You can find white noise apps and generators online.
Comparison of Relaxing Content Options
To help you decide what kind of relaxing content might be best for you, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Relaxing TV Shows | Calming Music | Nature Sounds | White Noise |
| Engagement | Can be highly engaging due to storylines & visuals | Can be passively enjoyed or actively listened to | Generally passive listening | Typically passive listening |
| Visuals | Often visually appealing and immersive | Primarily auditory | Can be paired with calming visuals | No inherent visual component |
| Story/Narrative | Often features storylines and character development | Typically no narrative | No narrative | No narrative |
| Accessibility | Widely available on streaming services | Easily accessible through music streaming platforms | Readily available through apps and streaming services | Easily generated through apps and online resources |
| Best Used For | Unwinding after work, light entertainment, distraction | Background relaxation, studying, meditation, sleep | Stress reduction, meditation, sleep, creating ambiance | Blocking distractions, sleep, focus |
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Path to Relaxation
In a world that often feels overwhelming, taking time to relax and recharge is crucial for our well-being. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in a feel-good american comedy television series, escape to the tranquility of nature documentaries available on amazon prime video, or simply unwind to the sounds of a calm ocean, finding the right relaxing things to watch and listen to can make a significant difference in your overall mood and stress levels.
We hope this expansive list has provided you with plenty of inspiration to explore the world of calming entertainment. Remember to be mindful of your screen time and to also consider the benefits of other soothing content like calming music and nature sounds. Ultimately, the best way to find what works for you is to experiment and discover what helps you feel relaxed and at peace. So, go ahead, put your feet up, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
FAQs:
What are relaxing tv shows?
Relaxing TV shows are programs that tend to be lighthearted, visually appealing, and generally low-stress to watch. They often feature comforting themes, familiar characters, or soothing visuals, making them ideal for unwinding after a long day. These shows typically aim to evoke a good mood and help viewers feel relaxed, rather than creating suspense or anxiety.
What are some relaxing tv shows for adults?
Some relaxing tv shows for adults include feel-good comedies like “Parks and Recreation” or “The Good Place,” cozy mysteries like “Murder, She Wrote,” nature documentaries like “Planet Earth,” and comforting baking shows like “The Great British Baking Show.”
Other options include gentle dramas like “Call the Midwife” and charming series like “Ted Lasso,” all available across various streaming services. The key is to find shows that offer a sense of comfort and escapism without being overly demanding or stressful to watch.
What are some relaxing tv shows for kids?
Relaxing TV shows for kids often feature gentle narratives, colorful animation, and positive messages. Examples include “Bluey,” known for its heartwarming stories and gentle humor, “Paddington,” with its charming adventures, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” which focuses on social-emotional learning in a calming way, and nature documentaries designed for younger audiences that showcase the beauty of the natural world. These shows typically aim to be engaging without being overly stimulating, helping kids to wind down and feel at ease.
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