From shows like “The Office”(2005-2013) and “Grey’s Anatomy”(2005), comfort shows are shaping the nightly routines of college students across many campuses, revealing how media can ease our stress.
After a long day of classes, some may doom scroll on their phone, watch a few TikToks or watch a show that brings them comfort.
Some might ponder why they always rewatch the same show. It is a form of emotional regulation. Comfort shows give a sense of security that helps to reduce stress. When watching a show they have seen before, people know what's going to happen and who all the characters are. It removes the feeling of the unknown and anxiety that can come with watching a new show.
Comfort shows have no particular genre, with shows such as “The Office,” “Gilmore Girls”(2000-2007) “Friends” (1994-2004) and “New Girl” (2011-2018) being advertised as comfort shows. Some mark their love for comfort shows as feelings of nostalgia, with nostalgia culture being shown to be an important part of modern collegiate culture.
The appeal of comfort shows for many goes beyond nostalgia. For some college students, it becomes a routine to decompress, whether it's just playing the show in the background while doing homework or household chores or sitting down to watch an episode after a long day. Comfort shows offer a feeling of calm and structure on days that can be overwhelming and busy.
Psychologists use the “mere exposure effect,” which is the idea that the more we are exposed to or experience something, the more we like it. Familiar shows serve as emotional touchstones, evoking memories of comfort and happier moments. This can make students feel grounded and mentally lighter.
Individuals' brains release dopamine, often called the feel-good chemical, when they watch comfort shows. Dopamine is linked to many things, such as pleasure, motivation and reward. It is what gives people the rush of happiness when they enjoy things. This chemical reaction helps explain why pressing play on a familiar show can lift moods — it's the brain rewarding itself.
When life feels uncertain, juggling exams, peer pressure and plans, turning on the show one knows the exact timeline of and the events that unfold can bring reassurance. It's one of the few areas in a college student's life when the outcome is guaranteed.
With the new range of streaming platforms, it is easy to access a variety of shows. Instead of making the steps to commit to a new show, students can just press the play the next episode button. It is the convenience, combined with comfort and the ability to escape the stress of college and balancing a life outside of it.
Different types of media can serve various emotional needs, giving support during hard times. For those experiencing anxiety, it is better to choose more calming shows. For depression, it's better to watch things that encourage joy, and for trauma, it’s better to watch things that make one feel safe and comfortable.
Social media has played a significant role in keeping comfort shows relevant. When searching for comfort shows, millions of different videos with various suggestions pop up. For example, on TikTok, videos such as @znia.k’s come up, showcasing and suggesting many of their own favorite comfort shows to other TikTok users. These shared online experiences create a sense of community among people from diverse backgrounds who laugh at the same jokes and quote the same lines.
Look at comfort shows through a different lens and add a deeper meaning. They are more than just “meaningless TV shows.” They are a form of self-care.
Ultimately, comfort shows are meant to help viewers slow down, escape from the real world, and find peace in familiar things. It gives students the space to breathe, laugh, and feel at home, away from home. It serves as a reminder for one to take care of oneself, watch the show, breathe and relax. So next time you hit play, remind yourself you’re not wasting your time.
Rewatching is not being stuck in the past but finding comfort in things people already know are OK.
