Best comfort shows

“How I Met Your Mother”

As the semester begins, the workload piles in, and schedules get busy. The best part of my day is when I simply return to my dorm and ignore the world around me to tune in to yet another episode of Craig Thomas and Carter Bays’ classic sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.”

The captivating storytelling structure brings out the wit and charms of life among five friends who reside in New York City, including characters played by world-renowned comedians Jason Segal and Neil Patrick Harris. Most of the show's charm comes from humorous punchlines, emotional pulls and ironic plot schemes which carry the dynamics of this brilliant performance through nine seasons.

I can promise you that there are iconic moments of this sitcom that you will never forget with features of small musical acts and guest stars such as Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Bryan Cranston and William Zabka.

If you ever get tired of rewatching Friends or New Girl on repeat this would be the perfect content to try out next. - Jessica Goldstein

Jessica Goldstein is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email jng5536@psu.edu.

“Insecure”

“Insecure” is a top-tier TV show. The best way to describe this show is real, which emphasizes its feeling of comfort. From the first episode of Season 1 Issa Rae the main character, writer and producer captured fans' hearts.

“Insecure” is an HBO MAX comedy-drama series, that first aired in October of 2016 and ran for five seasons after.

Full of comedy, illustrating the reality of hating a job, complicated relationships with friends and loved ones, all the way to holding down the bum of a boyfriend while navigating life.

When Issa Rae starts rapping in that mirror, just know she’s about to spit game to you.

This show is binge-worthy, the characters are relatable and the comedy is genuine. There’s so much to love about this show.

For fans who love a love triangle, this show is one of the best on modern black TV.

For those who have never seen it, expect the unexpected and appreciate the plot's authenticity. - Gabrielle Marston

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.

“Parks and Recreation”

When it comes to sitcoms, they can be known for their snippy and dry humor. It’s typically entertaining but few sitcoms can rival the warmth and optimism of NBC’s hit series “Parks and Recreation.”

This show is the perfect comfort watch is the hopefulness and goodness the show thrives on. Viewers root for Leslie Knope, a bureaucrat with hopes for a future in politics because it’s established that she would be a positive force in the world.

Contrasting “Parks and Rec” to another political comedy “Veep,” in “Parks and Rec” viewers can escape to a fantasy world where politicians are good and fight for the everyday person rather than be reminded of the harsh realities of the real world in “Veep.”

It’s not to say that “Parks and Rec” isn’t satirical or doesn’t make obvious the darkness there is in government. But the series allows viewers to see characters bounce back

All of the main characters are established as fundamentally good people who love and support one another. It’s impossible not to want the best for them and the show expertly navigates their journies and leaves viewers satisfied with the result.

“Parks and Rec” is a classic sitcom that leads with kindness and empathy, which makes it a perfect watch to help with a push through a hard time. - Sophia D’Ovidio

Sophia D’Ovidio is a fourth-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.