Watch, Read & Listen

Why Your Favorite Comfort Show Is on Repeat—Plus, 27 Shows Worth Rewatching

written by PATTY SCHEPEL

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best tv shows to rewatch"
best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Ron Tom / © ABC / Courtesy of Everett Collection
Source: Ron Tom / © ABC / Courtesy of Everett Collection

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve rewatched the TV show Friends. I’m not embarrassed to say that I’ve seen each episode of all 10 seasons more than I can count on my fingers either. Anyone who gets me when I yell “Pivooooot!” or “We were on a break!” has my respect. From Friends to Grey’s Anatomy to The Vampire Diaries, there’s just something about watching a beloved show over and over again.

Rewatching something like Gilmore Girls brings me the same joy as it did the first time, and I don’t have to be paying close attention once I’ve seen it already (although, it is fun to catch something I didn’t notice at first). Whether a show is playing in the background while I’m making dinner or on while I’m doing my favorite grandma hobby, it truly brings me comfort. Does this sound familiar to you, too?

Thanks to Netflix and other streaming services, we’re typically treated to new shows year-round. But sometimes, the tried-and-true oldies but goodies are too good not to put on the TV—again. Whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall, there are more than a handful of shows that make me want to cozy up with my favorite characters I know and love. Need something to give you that feeling of joy and comfort right now? If you need a little inspo of shows to rewatch once the kids are in bed, here are some of our favorites—dramas, comedies, and more—that we’re loving for a rewatch any time of the year. Plus, we’re diving into the reason why you relive that joy or get that warm and cozy feeling every time that one show is played on repeat.

Why You Rewatch Your Favorite TV Shows

There’s a reason why your favorite shows never get old. One study from the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology revealed that people rewatch their favorite TV shows when they are lonely, they want to feel like they belong, or they want to get that feel-good vibe back into their lives. No wonder I feel like the fourth wheel to the This Is Us sibling trio or why the team dynamic on Ted Lasso makes me feel like I, too, can make a difference on a sports team. These shows throw us into the lives and storylines of all these characters. It’s a feel-good escape that momentarily takes us out of the busyness of the outside noise. With all this talk of television rewatches, keep scrolling for the best TV shows to watch right now!

Best Drama TV Shows to Rewatch

Sit back and be a bystander to television dramas. From legal dramas to medical dramas to fantasy romances, browse the best ones to rewatch.

This Is Us

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 6

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Ron Batzdorff/NBC | 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

While not exactly a series we watched when we still had braces, the series aired its finale in May 2022 and we’ve been missing it ever since. If you, too, miss heartfelt speeches and Pearson family drama, let this show rip your heart out once again with a rewatch.

Desperate Housewives

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 8

Before there were the Real Housewives, there was Desperate Housewives, and this show definitely deserves another round of viewing. I watched it again a few years ago and truly forgot how good it was—the storylines are so dramatic and twisty. Add it to your list ASAP!

The West Wing

Where to Watch: Max | Seasons: 7

Life can get complicated, especially when you’re helping run the country. Add this political drama to your rewatch queue for an escape with a stellar cast.

Game of Thrones

Where to Watch: Max | Seasons: 8

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Macall B. Polay / HBO

If you’re a fantasy genre girlie, rewatching Game of Thrones will definitely throw you into the world of dragons and magic. I’ve watched this series two times through, and I had a different experience both times. There’s so much I missed the first time around. I already want to watch it again!

The Vampire Diaries

Where to Watch: Max | Number of Seasons: 8

While The Vampire Diaries is perfect to rewatch in the fall, I know plenty of people who watch it all year-round. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous after the final credits, be sure to turn on the two spin-off series, The Originals and Legaciesfor even more of your favorite Mystic Falls characters. 

Parenthood

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 6

The perfect “feel-good yet I’m crying” kind of show that I’ve personally watched two times all the way through. Rewatch the complex relationship of four adult siblings and their own families as they face everyday challenges that we can relate to all too well. By the end of it, you’ll feel like you’re part of the Braverman family, too.

Scandal

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 7

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Danny Feld / © ABC / Courtesy of Everett Collection

Need some Olivia Pope back in your life? You’ll get more than enough drama from a marathon viewing of Scandal—and love every second of it.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 7

Sabrina happens to be one of my favorites. Feel all sorts of nostalgia with the original 1996 sitcom, or venture into a whole new world with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix. 

Charmed

Where to Watch: Peacock | Number of Seasons: 8

Become an honorary Halliwell sister by giving this heartfelt and magical show a rewatch this fall. Descendants of good witches, you’ll laugh, cry, and cheer on Piper, Prue, Phoebe, and Paige as they navigate having supernatural powers in a natural world.

Grey’s Anatomy

Where to Watch: Netflix | Number of Seasons: 21 (and counting!)

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Disney / Anne Marie Fox

This list is supposed to be focused on shows that have come to a conclusion, but with 21 seasons under its belt (and season 22 already renewed), it felt OK to add Grey’s Anatomy to this list. All those episodes will keep you busy for a while! And if you catch up to current time, might as well go and watch the Grey’s spin-off Private Practice on Hulu as well.

American Horror Story

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 12

While not exactly cozy vibes, AHS is beloved by its viewers for a reason, and it’s especially perfect to rewatch during spooky season. For the ultimate spooky vibes, head to American Horror Story and enjoy (or cover your face with a blanket, which would be my approach).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 7

I did watch this show growing up and basically have zero recollection of what happened, so a rewatch would be like a whole new experience. If you need a refresh too, the name pretty much says it all. Follow along as teenager Buffy Summers utilizes her strength and abilities to fight vampires.

Supernatural

Where to Watch: Netflix | Number of Seasons: 15

One more long-running show we’ll add to this list: Supernatural. We were gifted with 15 seasons, so it may take you all of fall to get through it. But trust us, you’ll be hooked from the first demon slaying.

Best Comedy TV Shows to Rewatch

Boost your endorphins with this list of witty and comedic television shows. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or do both at the same time, you’ll surely find one here that’s worth watching a time or two.

Ted Lasso

Where to Watch: Apple TV+ | Seasons: 3

the best shows to rewatch
Source: AppleTV+

Ted Lasso is still winning hearts with the anticipation of its fourth season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rewatch the first three seasons until then. Join Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso as he tries to turn an English soccer team around. While everything is seemingly working against this inexperienced coach, his natural positivity, charm, and hope are what make him a true leader. I didn’t know I could laugh and cry at the same time while watching a series like this!

Friends

Where to Watch: Max and Hulu | Number of Seasons: 10

A Friends rewatch is good anytime of year and there’s a season or episode for any season of life you’re in. From breakups to career changes to pregnancies, this show will have you feeling like you’re the seventh member of the friend group. Plus, you can get all of the Rachel Green outfit inspo to spruce up your mom fashion game.

The Mindy Project

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 6

Mindy Kaling is the funny best friend we’re all searching for. Maybe this friendship will never become a reality, but at least we can spend 30 minutes per episode with her through Hulu. Follow along as she navigates her personal and professional life as an OB/GYN.

30-Rock

Where to Watch: Peacock | Seasons: 7

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: NBC Universal

This show doesn’t disappoint when it comes to belly laughs. For Liz Lemon, being the head writer for a comedy show is full of chaos, mishaps, and fun along the way.

The Office

Where to Watch: Peacock | Number of Seasons: 9

As a recent rewatcher of The Office, I can tell you that I literally LOL-ed multiple times during each episode. This show really holds up. Plus, with a new Office spin-off show coming in fall 2025, now’s the perfect time to refamiliarize yourself with the original Dunder Mifflin crew.

Sex and The City

Where to Watch: Netflix and Max | Number of Seasons: 6

SATC is just a generally enjoyable nostalgic show. I originally watched it during college with all my girlfriends crammed into a tiny dorm and dreamed of my future life in New York City. I was totally a Carrie (but what 20-something thought any differently?). Now we can enjoy the old and the new by watching And Just Like That on Max as well. 

Gilmore Girls

Where to Watch: Netflix and Hulu | Number of Seasons: 7

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Robert Voets / ©Netflix / Courtesy of Everett Collection

Not only is Gilmore Girls my personal favorite TV show, it’s a must-view cozy rewatch. When an independent mom has a brainiac daughter and they live in a picturesque New England town, heartwarming chaos ensues. Watch all seven seasons, plus Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life on Netflix.

Glee

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 6

Even if you just have this on in the background to hear the music, it’s a great choice. A one-of-a-kind show, sing along as the students in a high school glee club learn major life lessons between classes.

The Good Place

Where to Watch: Netflix | Number of Seasons: 4

With only four seasons, it won’t take you too long to get through this recent cult favorite. Thanks to a chance error, Eleanor Shellstrop ends up in “the good place” after she dies. Now, she’s determined not to leave.

Parks and Recreation

Where to Watch: Peacock | Number of Seasons: 7

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: Chris Haston/NBC | 2014 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

I can’t remember a time that Amy Poehler didn’t make me laugh. This laugh-out-loud show about the hilariously lovable Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indian is certainly worth a rewatch (or original watch if you haven’t seen it yet!).

Schitt’s Creek

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 6

If you haven’t visited Schitt’s Creek in far too long, now’s the time to check back in on your favorite rich family who lost it all, only to gain so much more in the end. Cheer on some of the most iconic character development arcs ever and laugh your butt off while watching this series again and again.

New Girl

Where to Watch: Hulu | Number of Seasons: 7

Sometimes you need a quirky, feel-good, light comedy and if ever there was a time, now is when you need it most. New Girl fully delivers on that!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Where to Watch: Netflix and Peacock | Seasons: 8

best tv shows to rewatch
Source: NBC | 2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Laugh your way through this hilarious comedy and join Detective Jake Peralta as he solves cases with his NYPD crew. Detectives can crack jokes and save the day all at once!

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Where to Watch: Hulu and Max | Number of Seasons: 6

There’s nothing quite like a ’90s sitcom to set your mind at ease. Now’s as good a time as any to catch up on old episodes and brush up on your rendition of the theme song (but let’s be real, anyone who grew up in the ’90s for sure still has this memorized). When you’re done binging, watch the 2020 cast reunion special on Max next!

patty schepel the everymom editorial intern
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant

As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.