Parenting is full of unexpected challenges. Sometimes the day feels like a whirlwind of meals, school runs, and bedtime struggles, leaving you mentally drained. On those days, comfort TV can feel like a little oasis in the chaos.
These are the shows I turn to again and again when life feels overwhelming. They are familiar, easy to watch, and provide the kind of laughter or reassurance parents crave. If you want tips for fitting TV into a busy schedule, check out: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Finding Time for TV and Screen Time.
Friends: Classic Laughs That Never Fail
Friends is timeless for a reason. Short, 20–25 minute episodes filled with humour and heart make it perfect for parents who need a quick escape.
Why it works for parents:
📺 Predictable, light-hearted plots that don’t require intense focus
📺 Familiar characters that feel like old friends
📺 Perfect for a single episode when energy is low
Parent tip: Keep a few episodes queued for moments when the house is finally quiet. You’ll feel instantly comforted.
Where to watch: Netflix UK
2.
Call the Midwife: Warm, Heartfelt Drama
My wife loves Call the Midwife, and I completely understand why. The show is heartwarming, emotional, and full of relatable family and community stories. Set in 1950s–60s East London, it follows midwives and the families they care for. The episodes are just the right length to fit into an evening when parenting life allows a quiet moment.
Why it works for parents:
📺 Engaging stories that resonate with real-life parenting moments
📺 Short enough to watch one or two episodes in the evening
📺 Comforting mix of humour, emotion, and community spirit
Parent tip: Perfect for quiet evenings or weekends when you have a little more time to settle into the stories.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
The Great British Bake Off: Gentle and Feel-Good
Sometimes you don’t want a plot-heavy show, just a soothing, feel-good series. The Great British Bake Off is perfect for that. The gentle competition, happy endings, and familiar faces make it a great pick-me-up.
Why it works for parents:
📺 Short segments with predictable, happy outcomes
📺 Relaxing and visually appealing
📺 Can be watched in bits or full episodes depending on time
Parent tip: Use it as a quiet evening treat. The soothing narration and camaraderie between contestants are surprisingly calming.
Where to watch: Channel 4 / All 4
4.
Parks and Recreation: Laughter That Lifts Your Mood
I am a huge fan of Parks and Recreation and have watched it at least five times. The 20–30 minute episodes make it ideal for parents who want to enjoy TV without committing to long hours. The awkward humour and lovable characters never fail to lift my mood, even after the busiest days.
Why it works for parents:
📺 Uplifting humour that is relatable for work and life
📺 Characters you enjoy spending time with
📺 Episodes are short enough to watch without guilt
Parent tip: Save your favourite episodes for particularly stressful days. Sometimes one small episode is all you need to reset.
Where to watch: Netflix UK / Amazon Prime Video
5. Friday Night Dinner: Chaotic Family Fun
Friday Night Dinner follows a British family and their hilarious Friday evening dinners. Short, 25-minute episodes full of absurd family chaos make it perfect for parents who want a laugh and nothing too heavy.
I actually started watching this show on my own, just looking for something funny after a long day. Over time, my wife would sit in while it was on and gradually started watching the odd episode herself. Now she’s a huge fan too, and it’s become one of those shows we enjoy together or separately when we need a laugh.
Why it works for parents:
📺 Quick episodes packed with humour
📺 Relatable family moments
📺 Easy to rewatch when life feels overwhelming
📺 Shows how shared TV moments can grow organically
Parent tip: Ideal for evenings when you need a laugh but don’t have time for anything long. It’s perfect for winding down after a busy day, whether you’re watching alone or with someone else.
Where to watch: All 4 / Netflix UK
Our Final Thoughts
Comfort TV isn’t about wasting time; it’s about giving yourself a small, meaningful break in the middle of parenting life. These shows provide familiar laughs, gentle stories, and short episodes that fit around nap times, school runs, or bedtime chaos.
Even when life feels overwhelming, carving out a few moments to watch a favourite episode can help you recharge, laugh, and feel a little more like yourself.
For tips on planning TV around your busy parenting schedule and enjoying shows without guilt, see our: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Finding Time for TV and Screen Time.
