,

During Crazy Times, Here Are the Shows We Binge When We Need Comfort

Insecure, Psych, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Living Single are the shows we dive into when we need a positive pick me up.

Photo: Raymond Liu/HBO

Let’s be honest, it’s rough out there right now. The news is pretty much all bad at the moment. You need to be informed, but you also need to protect your mental health. To help you find balance in these uncertain times, we’ve put together a helpful list of comfort TV shows that will keep you entertained and centered while we work through heartbreaking world affairs.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS7xHq3LNfU

The detectives of Brooklyn’s 99th precinct frequently find themselves caught up in over the top nonsense. When the world is falling apart, getting lost in Nine-Nine shenanigans will be like a fresh bowl of chicken soup.

Psych - Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV_7LoLbFzs

Shawn and Gus are friendship goals. Through all the ridiculous absurdity of their cases, these lifelong friends never doubt one another. Even when one of them is completely going off the rails, the other has their back. They’re hilarious and inspiring.

The Mandalorian - Disney+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDqK0tL9V5M

Nothing on TV is more comforting than watching Baby Yoda discover his force abilities for the first time and bond with Din Djarin.

Sister Sister - Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I69sZbobCrY

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s coming of age comedy takes us back to our own teenage years. We are instantly thankful they are over.

The Good Place - Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iavoCaLq1G8

Never has death been as funny as it was in this superb comedy. Through four seasons we followed six friends across the most absurd version of the afterlife we’ve ever seen. It never failed to make us feel better after we watched.

Sanford and Son - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzfICbSmytM

When you need a pick me up, nothing will work better than Fred calling his son a “dummy,” then telling Elizabeth “it’s the big one.” Redd Foxx is a comedic genius who makes it look effortless.

The Golden Girls - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTqy2GoccZY

No matter how bad your day has been, the instant that theme song kicks in, it makes all your problems go away. Plus, it’s hard to stay down once Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia start slinging those classic one-liners.

Living Single - Max, Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvshVx8V3bQ

We will never get tired of Max’s digs at Regine, Synclaire and Overton’s sweet love story or Max and Kyle’s undeniable chemistry. This show is truly special and was ahead of its time.

Black-ish - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljkem11zuW8

It’s always fun to revisit the comedic brilliance of Tracee Ellis Ross, Marsai Martin and Jenifer Lewis.

Abbott Elementary - Hulu

Photo: ABC/Gilles Mingasson

Abbott Elementary is just flat out hilarious. No matter what sort of mood you’re in, this new classic will make you fall off the couch laughing.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Paramount+, Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV8sZaIjYIQ

What’s fun about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is watching Will Smith grow as an actor, and enjoying how the chemistry of the cast evolves into something truly special.

227 - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHogeyS3Kh0

Yes, everyone on 227 is amazing, but let’s be honest, it’s Jackée Harry’s genius portrayal of Sandra that keeps us coming back to this ‘80s classic.

Insecure - Netflix

Photo: Raymond Liu/HBO

There’s something really comforting about the idea that Issa and Molly’s lives are just as messy as ours. It’s also inspiring to find their way out of the chaos.

The Bernie Mac Show - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81dbrgKvDBs

Bernie Mac’s genius takes us back to a simpler time, reminding us of our own childhoods.

The New Edition Story - Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9JgT40vwYw

This unflinching miniseries following the R&B supergroup is unquestionably one of the best music biopics ever made. NE chose a warts and all version of their story and we’re all the beneficiaries of something special.

Good Times - Amazon Freevee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8CrNEOT8hQ

While Good Times is not what anyone would ever call “feel good” TV, checking in with the Evans feels like putting on your favorite pair of pajamas. It just feels right.

A Different World - Max, Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeoYAw26sos

Don’t act like you’re not still deeply invested in Whitley and Dwayne’s love story.

Scandal - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db0nJKgd__g

Watching Olivia Pope eviscerate men who think they can hang with her never gets old. It provides the extra boost you need to deal with your incompetent co-worker.

Family Matters - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjktYbLMjHQ

Yes, there’s way too much Urkel nonsense, but let’s never forget how groundbreaking the Winslow family was.

9-1-1 - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXIZn-Rfc90

Obviously, Angela Bassett is fantastic. But what makes this show work is that even when the first responders can’t save the day, there’s still an emotional payoff. It’s like a warm hug.

Law & Order - NBC, Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1FEhAFDbVA

You always know what you’re going to get with the Law & Order. The well-worn formula feels like a familiar pair of slippers. Plus, once you get to a certain point in the episode, you’re hooked and must finish it.

Key & Peele - Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efiW2K8gASM

The absurdity and comedic genius of Key & Peele will instantly take your mind off of any outside chaos currently invading your life.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Ever-Growing List of Lawsuits Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

The Ever-Growing List of Lawsuits Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Even after a "victory" in the federal case against him, Diddy still has an uphill legal battle that could cost him millions ...
Take a Look Inside Michael Jordan's Former Chicago-Area Mansion, Which You Can Now Airbnb For This Heart-Clutching Price

Take a Look Inside Michael Jordan’s Former Chicago-Area Mansion, Which You Can Now Airbnb For This Heart-Clutching Price

The iconic basketball player's old ultra-luxury living pad in Chicago can be your home for a massive price ...

Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...
Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts -- And What Does That Say About Us?

Why Are There Still Black People Listening To R. Kelly At The Summer Cookouts — And What Does That Say About Us?

Despite convictions and backlash, his music continues to collect streams. Why is the "Pied Piper" still on the cookout playlist? ...
How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

How Diddy Could Still End Up With a Long Sentence, Despite The Acquittals

Even with credit for time served, Diddy, 55, wouldn’t be free to break out the baby oil until 2031 ...
Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith's And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Why the Internet is Convinced Stephen A. Smith’s And His Daughter Samantha Are Twins

Samantha Smith is the spitting image of her controversial sports commentator dad ...
Flint's Water Crisis Ends With A Major Development

Flint’s Water Crisis Ends With A Major Development

This milestone marks a record for one of the worst water crises in the nation's history ...
NBA's Mike Beasley's Alleged Gambling Issues Have Him Owing Money to <i>Who??</i>

NBA’s Mike Beasley’s Alleged Gambling Issues Have Him Owing Money to Who??

The amount of money Beasley apparently owes to his barber is insane ...
Diddy's Dramatic Reaction to His Trial Verdict Says it All...

Diddy’s Dramatic Reaction to His Trial Verdict Says it All…

After giving death stares to reporters and throwing up heart symbols to his children throughout the trial, Diddy's demeanor has taken a turn ...
Lizzo Reveals The Meals She Ate To Lose 100 Pounds

Lizzo Reveals The Meals She Ate To Lose 100 Pounds

The popular singer is finally sharing some secrets behind her amazing weight loss journey and we're taking notes! ...
Seven Singers That Black People Swear Can Sing, But We Know They Can't

Seven Singers That Black People Swear Can Sing, But We Know They Can’t

Can we have a frank and honest conversation? It is time we told the truth ...
Halle Bailey Debuts Potential New Man Amid DDG Drama and the Internet Says It's About Time!

Halle Bailey Debuts Potential New Man Amid DDG Drama and the Internet Says It’s About Time!

Bailey appears to be basking in her newfound happiness and a newfound man. And the social media streets are hot about it! ...