Hey there, fellow TV buffs! So, 2021 is chugging along, and honestly, sometimes it feels like we need a giant hug from our screens, right? Between the news cycle and, well, gestures vaguely at everything, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. But fear not! Your friendly neighborhood entertainment guru (that’s me!) has been diligently scouring the streaming universe to bring you the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to feel-good TV. Think of this as your official guide to ditching the doomscrolling and diving headfirst into a warm, fuzzy blanket of televised joy. So grab your comfiest PJs, maybe a mug of something delightful (hot chocolate? Tea? Something a little stronger? No judgment here!), and let’s get to it!
We’re talking about shows that make you laugh until your sides hurt, cry happy tears, or just leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that lingers long after the credits roll. These are the shows that remind us of the good in the world, the power of connection, and maybe even the sheer silliness of it all. No heavy dramas that require a therapist on standby, just pure, unadulterated comfort viewing. Ready to be cheered up? Let’s dive into the 10 best feel-good TV shows of 2021 so far!
1. Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
Okay, okay, I know this one premiered in 2020, but it’s so good and its second season dropped in 2021, cementing its status as a perennial feel-good champion. If you haven’t met Ted Lasso yet, you are seriously missing out. This American football coach with an impossibly optimistic outlook is hired to manage a professional soccer team in England, despite knowing absolutely nothing about soccer. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Wrong! Ted’s unwavering kindness, his folksy wisdom, and his sheer refusal to be cynical are utterly infectious. He tackles every challenge with a smile and a biscuit (or three).
The supporting cast is just as brilliant, with characters who are flawed, relatable, and ultimately, good-hearted. It’s a show about empathy, teamwork, and believing in yourself, even when things get tough. Plus, the jokes are genuinely hilarious. I’m talking witty banter, laugh-out-loud physical comedy, and the occasional perfectly delivered dad joke that will make you groan and giggle simultaneously. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to be a better person, which, let’s be honest, is a rare and precious gift. If you need a reminder that there are still good people in the world, Ted Lasso is your guy. Believe!
2. Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)
Another one that’s technically not new to 2021, but its final season was a massive event and it continues to be a go-to for comfort viewing, so it absolutely deserves a spot. The Rose family, a ridiculously wealthy bunch, loses everything and is forced to relocate to a small, rundown town they once bought as a joke: Schitt’s Creek. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming journey of a family learning to live without their riches and discovering the true meaning of love, family, and… well, community.
The characters are perfection. From Johnny’s earnest attempts at business, to Moira’s dramatic pronouncements and ever-changing wigs, to David’s dry wit and David-esque fashion sense, and Alexis’s surprisingly relatable journey of self-discovery – they are all just chefs kiss. The writing is sharp, the humor is sophisticated yet accessible, and the emotional beats are earned and deeply moving. Watching the Roses evolve and find happiness in the most unexpected place is incredibly rewarding. It’s a masterclass in character development and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest treasures are the ones money can’t buy.
3. The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
Ah, the gentle hum of a tent filled with passionate bakers, the whir of mixers, and the ever-present threat of a soggy bottom. Is there anything more comforting than GBBS? This show is a national treasure, and its 2021 season (and collection of specials) delivered the usual dose of wholesome goodness. It’s a competition, sure, but it’s a competition where the contestants genuinely seem to like and support each other. No backstabbing, no manufactured drama, just people doing their best to create edible art.
The judges, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, are fair and encouraging, and the hosts (this year it was Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas) bring a delightful dose of quirky humor. It’s the perfect show to watch while you’re multitasking – folding laundry, chopping vegetables, or just trying to relax. The bakes themselves are often stunning, and even when they go spectacularly wrong (which is often!), it’s done with such good humor that you can’t help but smile. It’s a reminder of the joy of creation, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the simple pleasure of a well-baked cake. Sighs contentedly.
4. Reservation Dogs (FX/Hulu)
This show is a breath of fresh air, a hilarious and poignant look at the lives of four Indigenous teenagers living in rural Oklahoma. They’re dreaming of escaping to California, but in the meantime, they’re getting into all sorts of mischief and navigating the complexities of adolescence. What makes it so special is its authentic voice, its sharp humor, and its deep well of heart. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, it’s a show that feels incredibly real and deeply personal.
The young actors are phenomenal, bringing their characters to life with incredible charisma and natural talent. You’ll find yourself rooting for these kids, laughing at their antics, and perhaps even shedding a tear or two. It’s a show that explores themes of identity, community, grief, and hope with a unique blend of surreal humor and grounded reality. It’s not afraid to be funny, even when dealing with serious topics, and that’s what makes it so powerful. If you’re looking for something original, authentic, and utterly captivating, give Reservation Dogs a watch. You won’t regret it.
5. Abbott Elementary (ABC/Hulu)
Okay, this one just started its run in late 2021, but it’s already made such a huge splash that it’s impossible to ignore. This mockumentary-style sitcom follows a group of passionate, dedicated teachers at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Think of it as a love letter to educators, filled with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of reality. The characters are brilliantly drawn, each with their own quirks and motivations, and the ensemble cast is stellar.
Quinta Brunson, who also created the show, is a revelation as Janine Teagues, an optimistic but sometimes overwhelmed second-grade teacher. The humor comes from the everyday struggles of teaching, the absurdities of the education system, and the genuine camaraderie between the teachers. It’s witty, it’s smart, and it’s surprisingly moving. It’s a show that will make you laugh out loud, nod in recognition, and maybe even want to volunteer at your local school. It’s a true gem that champions the unsung heroes of our society.
6. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
This show is an absolute delight! It stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three strangers who share an obsession with true crime podcasts. When a murder occurs in their upscale New York City apartment building, they decide to start their own podcast to investigate. It’s a delightful blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, with a healthy dose of meta-commentary on the true crime phenomenon.
The chemistry between Martin, Short, and Gomez is electric. They play off each other perfectly, creating a dynamic trio that is both hilarious and endearing. The mystery itself is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. But what truly makes this show feel-good is its charm, its wit, and its underlying message of finding connection in unexpected places. It’s a show that’s smart without being pretentious, funny without being mean-spirited, and ultimately, incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking for a show that’s both entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming, this is it.
7. Hacks (HBO Max)
This is another one that premiered in 2021 and has quickly become a critical darling, and for good reason! It follows the story of Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a legendary but aging Las Vegas comedian, who is forced to team up with a young, entitled, and "canceled" comedy writer, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), to workshop her new material. It’s a battle of the generations, a clash of comedic styles, and a surprisingly touching exploration of mentorship and ambition.
Jean Smart is absolutely phenomenal as Deborah, delivering a performance that is both hilariously sharp and deeply vulnerable. Hannah Einbinder is a fantastic foil as Ava, bringing a modern sensibility and a relatable awkwardness to the role. The writing is razor-sharp, packed with witty dialogue and biting observations about the entertainment industry. But beneath the comedic surface, there’s a genuine warmth and a compelling dynamic between the two leads. It’s a show that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even shed a tear. It’s a testament to the power of finding your voice and the courage to evolve, no matter your age.
8. Mythic Quest (Apple TV+)
If you’re a gamer, or even if you just appreciate a good workplace comedy, you’re going to love Mythic Quest. This show is set in a fictional video game studio and follows the eccentric personalities who work there. It’s a hilarious satire of the gaming industry, with plenty of inside jokes and clever observations. But it’s also surprisingly heartfelt, exploring themes of collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of passion.
The characters are all wonderfully flawed and incredibly funny. Ian Grimm (Rob McElhenney), the narcissistic creative director, is a masterclass in cringe comedy, but he also has his moments of surprising depth. The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing their A-game. The show knows how to balance its humor with genuine emotional beats, and the standalone episodes, in particular, are often incredibly moving. It’s a show that celebrates the joy of creation and the messy, wonderful process of making something together. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch.
9. Heartstopper (Netflix)
Okay, so this one technically dropped in April 2022, but I’m bending the rules just a little because it is the absolute epitome of feel-good TV and it’s just too good not to mention. If you haven’t seen it yet, put it on your radar for 2022! It’s based on the beloved graphic novel series and tells the story of Charlie, a shy, openly gay teenager, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, who meet at an all-boys school and fall in love.
This show is pure sunshine. It’s incredibly sweet, tender, and wonderfully uplifting. The performances from Kit Connor and Joe Locke as Nick and Charlie are so genuine and heartwarming, you’ll find yourself completely invested in their budding romance. It’s a show that celebrates first love, friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance with such grace and joy. There’s a gentle, unhurried pace that allows you to really soak in the emotions. It’s the kind of show that will make you feel like you’re falling in love for the first time all over again. Seriously, it’s just lovely.
(Okay, okay, I know I cheated on the 2021 rule, but I promise it’s worth the peek ahead!)
10. The Madame Blanc Mysteries (Acorn TV)
For those who love a cozy mystery with a touch of British charm, this one is a winner. Jean-Pierre’s enigmatic wife, Jean, is found dead in a small village in the South of France, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a collection of expensive jewellery that suddenly goes missing. Jean, a seemingly ordinary woman, is revealed to have a hidden past and a knack for solving mysteries herself.
The show has a wonderful sense of place, with the picturesque French setting adding to its charm. Sally Lindsay is fantastic as Jean, portraying her with a perfect blend of intelligence, resilience, and understated wit. The mysteries are engaging without being too gruesome, and the supporting characters are quirky and memorable. It’s the perfect show for a relaxing evening, offering a gentle puzzle to unravel and a sense of escapism. Think of it as a delightful escape to a sunnier (and more mysterious) clime.
And there you have it, folks! Ten fantastic shows that have brought a healthy dose of joy, laughter, and warmth to our screens in 2021. In a world that can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, these shows are like little pockets of happiness, reminding us of the good, the funny, and the beautiful things in life. They prove that even in challenging times, connection, kindness, and a good dose of humor can make all the difference. So go forth, indulge in some serious comfort viewing, and let these stories lift your spirits. After all, a little bit of feel-good TV is good for the soul. Happy watching, and remember to keep that smile going!
