TV Shows That Will Help Reduce Your Anxiety

Without a doubt, this has been one of the most stressful years of our lives, and lately, with all the uncertainty surrounding the election results, that anxiety has only intensified. But amidst all the chaos, we do have control over one thing: the remote.

Even though the pandemic has halted production schedules of our favorite new shows, there are still plenty of old favorites that can bring us some much-needed joy right now. From familiar comedies to captivating dramas, these TV shows will take your mind off of the current state of the world, even if only for a few hours (Or a few days if you get the binge bug!)

1. The Office (US Version)

Michael doing his best "Tab 2020" impression. I think he's pretty spot on.

My first choice is the most tried and true if you want to take your mind off of your stressors. I’ve been binge-watching The Office on and off for the past few years, and this show has gotten me through everything from anxiety-ridden all-nighters in college, to lonely nights while living abroad last year. If you haven’t watched this modern classic yet, I highly recommend getting started. Follow the quirky and hilarious employees of Dunder Mifflin as they navigate the weird and wacky antics of lead man and regional manager, Michael Scott. Each episode delivers unforgettable jokes and quotable lines that will be sure to make you laugh and cry (from laughing so much).

Where to Watch: Netflix (until January 2021), then Peacock (free with ads)

2. Parks and Recreation

There’s some debate on which is better: The Office or Parks and Rec. To me, however, I see them as equals. The two workplace comedies are very similar in style, mostly because they share the same creative minds. Thanks to the comedic legends of Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, we have two delightful TV shows to binge when we need a pick-me-up. So, thankfully, if you like The Office, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll enjoy Parks and Rec, too. In this municipal mockumentary, get a glimpse into the fictional city of Pawnee and all the shenanigans of its local government. With each political pursuit, Leslie Knope and the parks department embark on a series of entertaining adventures that will make you want to move to this wacky town.

Where to Watch: Peacock

3. New Girl

One of the best antidotes to stress is silliness, and no show does silly better than New Girl. Filled with quick wit and an oddball cast of characters, New Girl will provide you with the kinds of belly laughs that can cure an upset stomach (diagnosis: bundle of nerves). Follow along with leading lady Jess and her lovable roommates as they stumble their way through the trials and tribulations of early adulthood. From pursuing questionable relationships to participating in elaborate, and sometimes dangerous, prank wars, the characters in New Girl never fail to entertain even the most troubled of minds.

Where to Watch: Netflix

4. The Great British Baking Show

One thing I’ve learned since becoming a fan of the show is that The Great British Baking Show is the most relaxing competition program I’ve ever seen. In stark contrast to typical competitive American cooking shows, The Great British Baking Show is a soothing and supportive environment where all contestants root for each other to succeed. It’s this type of positive atmosphere, along with calming music and pleasant commentary, which fosters the perfect conditions for a restful viewing experience that might even turn into a long nap.

Where to Watch: Netflix (New episodes streaming every Friday… you read that right. New episodes! They created a “bubble” in order to film during the pandemic)

5. Downton Abbey

Although I’m not usually keen to turn on a drama when trying to relax, Downton Abbey is the comfort I didn’t know I needed. Tuning into Downton Abbey is like stepping into a portal to a world completely different than your own. Over the past couple weeks, I have immersed myself in the drama and intrigue of daily life in the early twentieth century in Britain, for both the wealthy aristocratic Crawley family and their all-knowing servants. Follow along with the exciting twists and turns, as well as the wonderfully amusing dry humor that only the Brits can provide.

Where to Watch: Peacock

6. Nostalgic Disney Channel Shows

Even Stevens was my favorite show as a kid!

There’s nothing like watching old childhood TV shows to put your mind at ease and bring you back to simpler times. Since there weren’t streaming services back in the day, as a kid, I had 2 options: Disney or Nickelodeon. It seemed to be a pretty even split among children my age, and I was a proud Disney kid, watching favorites like Even Stevens, That’s So Raven, and Lizzie McGuire. Now, with Disney+, I can re-watch all of my favorite shows that I used to enjoy while devouring Spaghettios at dinnertime (Ok, maybe I still do that today, too). So when the world feels a bit overwhelming (ahem… all of this week), take time away from doom scrolling and relive some of your favorite childhood memories.

Where to Watch: Disney+

Now that you’ve gotten some ideas for what to watch to calm your nerves during these crazy times, it’s time to snuggle up with your favorite blanket, warm up with a cup of herbal tea (my favorite: Sleepytime Extra), and settle in for a restful day of bingeing. And, of course, some nervous scrolling now and then. You’re only human.

I’m always looking for new shows to watch, especially if they’ll make me feel a bit better right now. So if you have any shows that help you calm down that I haven’t listed, please comment below! We could all use any suggestions right about now.