As someone who pays for far too many streaming services, I pride myself on watching a lot of television. It’s important to me that I stay up to date on the brand new shows everyone is talking about. Sometimes, though, when I’m exhausted after a long day, it’s easier to opt for something simpler. Something funny and lighthearted, but not massively overstimulating. For any tired moms out there, I’m sure this feeling rings true. When your kids have used up every ounce of your mental energy for the day, a short episode of a simple show is the best (and only) way to go.
Luckily, we have you covered. From beloved sitcoms to brand new docuseries, this TV roundup includes over 50 low-stimulation shows for adults. Many of these shows are slower-paced, with calming storylines and visuals.
These low-stimulation series are perfect for the overworked moms out there who need a brain break before bed, or just something they can passively view while tackling other tasks. Across every streaming service, we’ve selected low-stimulation shows for adults that have charming characters and immersive plots, but require little mental energy to watch.
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Low-stimulation drama series
My Life With the Walter Boys
Where to watch: Netflix
If there’s one trope that always wins in my heart, it’s the teenage love triangle. In this tale of young love, Manhattan teen Jackie Howard moves onto her family friend’s Colorado Ranch after her parents’ death. Soon, she finds herself caught between two brothers. Don’t be scared off by the heavy opening to this series—it’s an easy watch that requires little energy.
Sweet Magnolias
Where to watch: Netflix
Another win for female friendship! Sweet Magnolias follows three lifelong best friends in their small town of Serenity, South Carolina as they navigate relationship drama, career issues, and starting over, even when they don’t want to.
Virgin River
Where to watch: Netflix
When a nurse practitioner moves from Los Angeles to remote northern California, she’s swept into an unexpected romance with even more surprising implications. If you’re looking for an easy and romantic watch, this is it.
Atypical
Where to watch: Netflix
In this heartfelt Netflix dramedy, Sam Gardner—a teen on the autism spectrum—decides he wants a girlfriend. Eventually, his entire family is pushed onto a path of accelerated self-discovery, one that includes milestones like college and romantic relationships.
The Crown
Where to watch: Netflix
The Crown is unique in its blend of real-life people and events with fiction, following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the personal events that shaped her life. Though emotional, it’s a slower-paced series to turn on before bed and enjoy.
Downton Abbey
Where to watch: Peacock
If you’re a fan of historical fiction and period dramas, then this one is for you. Downton Abbey follows the aristocratic Crawley family through the social changes of the early 20th century, from the sinking of the Titanic to the pressures of World War I.
The Gilded Age
Where to watch: HBO Max
The divide between “old money” and “new money” in 1880s America is brought to life in this historical drama series that fans of Downton Abbey will love. No surprise, as The Gilded Age comes from the same acclaimed British writer, director, actor, and novelist Julian Fellowes. Season three debuted in June 2025.
Hart of Dixie
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
When Dr. Zoe Hart unexpectedly inherits a general medicine practice in a small town, she’s ripped from her life in New York City and forced to navigate her culture shock living in Bluebell, Alabama. Though it’s small town setting may feel familiar and overdone, Hart of Dixie has some great character moments as Zoe learns to care for patients as people, not just cases.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the past two years, you’ve heard of TSITP. Belly is the bachelorette of Cousins Beach as she finds herself caught between brothers Conrad and Jeremiah, her lifelong family friends. Despite its high level of drama, it couldn’t be easier to watch—plus, the backdrop scenery of the show is beautiful.
Good Witch
Where to watch: AppleTV+
Nothing screams “low stimulation” more than a Hallmark series. Cassandra Nightingale isn’t fazed when she moves into her small town’s supposedly “haunted house.” And when she opens up her own aromatherapy shop, she’ll change the residents’ lives in small and big ways.
One Tree Hill
Where to watch: HBO Max
In this hit early 2000s series, two estranged brothers—popular basketball player Nathan Scott and outsider Lucas Scott—navigate life in Tree Hill, North Carolina. The show is widely loved for its blend of romance, drama, and complicated family dynamics.
Gilmore Girls
Where to watch: Netflix
A comfort classic, if there ever was one. This multi-season show follows Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, as they navigate life in the charming town of Stars Hallow, Connecticut. With romance, family drama, and lots of small town charm, this is an easy one to turn on while you fold laundry or finish cleaning up the kitchen.
Firefly Lane
Where to watch: Netflix
Following the story of lifelong best friends Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart, Firefly Lane captures multiple decades of love, loss, and the trials of motherhood. If you want a healthy mixture of drama and humor, this is the show for you.
Little House on the Prairie
Where to watch: Peacock
Another major source of nostalgia, the warm, inviting feel of the Ingalls family makes Little House on the Prairie the ideal bedtime relaxation companion.
Cooking, culture, and travel shows
The Reluctant Traveler
Where to watch: AppleTV+
Another travel series you won’t want to turn off, Eugene Levy steps out of his comfort zone as he explores the world’s most intriguing destinations.
Tucci in Italy
Where to watch: Disney+
As someone who loves to travel, feeling like I can visit a different country from my bedroom is an instant hook for me. Tucci in Italy manages just that as Stanley Tucci unpacks the connection between Italy’s food, art, land, and people.
The Great British Baking Show
Where to watch: Netflix
Sometimes you just need some feel-good reality television. In this 10-week competition, a batch of amateur bakers face off in a competition to be crowned the UK’s very best. But unlike other reality competitions, this wholesome show is calm and soothing to watch, without the manufactured drama.
Chef’s Table
Where to watch: Netflix
The trailer alone for this Emmy-nominated Netflix series will leave you feeling calmer—and maybe a little bit hungry. Chef’s Table features culinary stars from all over the world as they innovate for the next generation of foodies. If travel + food is your dream low-stimulation show, give Chef’s Table a try.
With Love, Meghan
Where to watch: Netflix
If you’re looking for Nancy Meyers vibes to wind down, turn on Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. While some people were critical of this show, it was a meaningful watch for many moms and there’s certainly no harm in being transported to a dreamy kitchen or blissful backyard setting.
Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting
Where to watch: Hulu
Have you ever seen internet clips of that soft-spoken guy painting “happy little trees,” mountains, and clouds? It was probably Bob Ross. His television series is the most-watched art TV show in history—and for good reason. Nothing captures low-stimulation entertainment quite like watching someone else paint.
Antiques Roadshow
Where to watch: Netflix
This long-running series, where people bring in their household items for appraisal, requires little mental energy from the viewer. And like the best low-stimulation shows, you may even learn a little something.
Love on the Spectrum
Where to watch: Netflix
Dating shows are constantly expanding and breaking barriers, and Love on the Spectrum is just another example of this evolution. A romantic documentary series that will have you grinning ear to ear, watch as people on the autism spectrum navigate the dating world with the help of their family and friends.
Low-stimulation home and real estate series
Dream Home Makeover with Shae McGee
Where to watch: Netflix
If you love the home aesthetics of all-things Studio McGee, then you’ll definitely want to sit back and relax to Dream Home Makeover on Netflix. Get design inspo from Shae McGee herself as she completely makes over homes that need a little Cinderella story.
House Hunters
Where to watch: Disney+
There’s nothing quite like watching someone else hunt for a home from the comfort of your own. House Hunters is the epitome of a low-stimulation show you can watch with your partner before bed, while talking over something with them or even checking something else off of your to-do list.
Property Brothers
Where to watch: HBO Max
Another real estate show that can double as background noise, these brothers help families purchase and renovate the home of their dreams. The content is low stress and easy to consume—perfect for a pre-bedtime binge.
Love It or List It
Where to watch: HBO Max
In this HGTV favorite, homeowners ready for a change have to decide if they want to keep their newly-renovated home or list it and purchase something better. For a late evening watch session, this is an ideal pick.
Nature docuseries
America’s National Parks
Where to watch: Disney+
Another way to travel through your television screen, America’s National Parks conveys the beauty and wonder of each park’s landscape with meticulous detail. If there’s any series that made me want to travel around the United States more, it’s this one.
Planet Earth
Where to watch: HBO Max
With three breathtaking seasons and narrated by the soothing voice of British biologist Sir David Attenborough, each episode of Planet Earth will have you seeing our miraculous world in a new way.
Animals Up Close
Where to watch: Disney+
This Disney+ original series follows Bertie Gregory as he travels the world to capture animals like never before. Similar to Tucci in Italy, it’s a window into parts of the world and the creatures that inhabit them from the comfort of your bedroom.
Comfort comedies to rewatch
While comedies might not always fit the definition of a low-stimulation show, they certainly are feel-good viewing or something you can put on in the background. Plus, if you’re watching one of your comfort shows, it can be restorative—something every mom could use.
Young Sheldon
Where to watch: Hulu
If you’ve ever seen an episode of Big Bang Theory, you absolutely have to watch this one. The series chronicles the childhood of boy genius Sheldon Cooper in his small town in Texas. It’s become a family favorite in my household when we just need to relax.
Grace and Frankie
Where to watch: Netflix
One thing there can never be enough of is TV shows that highlight strong female friendship, and Grace and Frankie fits that bill. When their husbands suddenly announce they’re in love and are leaving their wives for each other, Grace and Frankie—well into their 70s—forge a life-altering bond.
Jury Duty
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In this hit mockumentary series, Ronald Gladden is swept into what he believes is a documentary series about a real jury trial. Little does he know everyone else is an actor, and the show is about him. With hidden cameras and tons of laughs, the show feels akin to other hits like The Office.
Schitt’s Creek
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
When the ultra-wealthy Rose family loses everything and is forced to relocate to the small town of Schitt’s Creek, they must find a new definition of family as they build their lives. With a star-studded cast, this is a comedy classic to rewatch when you need a pick-me-up.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
You may recognize this title for being critically acclaimed, and let me tell you—its 22 Emmys are warranted. Midge Maisel, a blossoming stand-up comedian in 1950s New York City, has to rethink everything when her husband leaves her. She’s a charming main character you’ll root for.
Community
Where to watch: Hulu
A widely-loved sitcom, Community follows suspended lawyer Jeff Winger as he’s forced to enroll in Greendale Community College. His quirky study group is more than meets the eye, and the show manages to explore themes like found family.
Only Murders in the Building
Where to watch: Hulu
In this series, three unlikely neighbors—played by Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez—team up to start their own true crime podcast when a murder occurs in their apartment building. Soon, their podcast turns into a full-fledged investigation, one that will have you on the edge of your seat, without all the big scares and emotions of real true crime documentaries.
Shrinking
Where to watch: AppleTV+
Jimmy is a therapist, but he can’t seem to get a handle on his own life after the passing of his wife. In this comedy series, audiences watch as Jimmy helps his grieving patients with rather unconventional methods, and eventually learns to face his own pain.
30 Rock
Where to watch: Hulu
In this iconic single-camera sitcom starring Tina Fey, the head writer of a fictional live comedy show tries (and fails, at times) to manage her staff. If you’re looking for lots of laughs without too much seriousness, this one is for you.
New Girl
Where to watch: Hulu
Some shows will go down in history, and New Girl is one of them. Jess and her three (all male) roommates are beloved around the world, and if you haven’t met them already, now is the time.
The Mindy Project
Where to watch: Hulu
Dr. Mindy Lahiri is a quirky New York City OB-GYN who is in search of her own happy romantic ending. Her hilarious banter with her quirky colleagues makes this show an easy source of laughs.
Modern Family
Where to watch: Hulu
Another sitcom for the ages, Modern Family is a comedy series that reminds viewers that the cookie-cutter nuclear family is a thing of the past. If there’s any show on this list with the most quotable moments, it’s this one.
Abbott Elementary
Where to watch: Hulu
This mockumentary sitcom follows a dedicated group of teachers at an underfunded elementary school in Philadelphia. As they navigate limited resources and district bureaucracy, it’s the characters’ unique personalities that drives the story (and the viewer) into more episodes.
Black-ish
Where to watch: Hulu
Black-ish is a comedy series that follows the Johnson Family as they try to maintain their Black identities while raising their family in a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood. It blends serious themes with lighthearted comedy and is ideal for a late-night watch.
Parks and Recreation
Where to watch: Peacock
Another mockumentary sitcom, Parks and Rec follows city employee Leslie Knope as she tries to improve her town alongside frustrating local politics and well-meaning colleagues. It is an easy before-bed watch that blends the familiarity of workplace drama and politics with heartwarming character development.
The Office
Where to watch: Peacock
Possibly taking the cake as the most famous sitcom on this list, The Office is led by the incomparable Michael Scott (played by Steve Carrell) as office feuds unfold at a paper supply company. Even if you’ve seen this one already, a rewatch is a great source of low-stimulation entertainment.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Where to watch: Peacock
Though police force-centered series are not unusual, Brooklyn Nine-Nine stands on its own for its humorous tone and lovable, relatable characters. The story centers around Jake Peralta, a talented if careless detective, and his new boss, Captain Raymond Holt, whose no-nonsense leadership style is a shock to Jake’s system.
The Middle
Where to watch: Peacock
Another childhood favorite of mine, The Middle tackles the ups and downs of everyday life for one middle-class, American family. Patricia Heaton leads the show’s ensemble with grace and humor—add it to your watchlist.
Ted Lasso
Where to watch: AppleTV+
When an American football coach is hired to manage a British football team, he must make up for his lack of knowledge with his charm and enthusiasm. If you’ve heard everyone talking about this feel-good comedy, don’t let it make you wary—it’s worth watching.
Friends
Where to watch: HBO Max
No show on this list has had the cultural impact that Friends has achieved. This timeless comedy follows six young adults in New York City as they navigate friendship, romance, and the pressures of every day life.
Somebody Somewhere
Where to watch: HBO Max
Nothing beats the feeling of a new television series warming your heart, and Somebody Somewhere is bound to do just that. Sam, played by Bridget Everett, is a lonely woman in her 40s who just happens to find community with the person whom she least expects: her coworker, Joel.
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Where to watch: HBO Max
If you want a temporary escape to the drama of your college days, The Sex Life of College Girls is just the fix you need. Its main cast of characters includes a hilariously immature group of freshman girls who are trying their best to navigate the dating world—with many ups and downs.
Sex and the City
Where to watch: HBO Max
Carrie Bradshaw and her chaotic best friends take center stage in this celebrated comedy series taking place in New York City. The series, though humorous, has a lot to say about modern womanhood and is easy to binge before bed.
Girls
Where to watch: HBO Max
Similar to Sex and the City in many ways, Girls follows four millennial women in New York City as they make the messy transition from college to full-fledged adulthood. With stars like Allison Williams and Adam Driver, this series is destined to be your new addiction if you haven’t watched yet.
Bored to Death
Where to watch: HBO Max
In this comedy series, a struggling writer decides—after getting dumped by his girlfriend—to moonlight as a private detective. Aided by his two chaotic best friends, Bored to Death is both humorous and endearing.
Ghosts
Where to watch: Paramount+
In this CBS comedy, a young couple inherits an old estate, only to find it teeming with ghosts. While having a light horror aspect, this series is charming and simple—perfect to watch while you unwind.
Everybody Loves Raymond
Where to watch: Paramount+
In this ’90s family sitcom, Ray Barone navigates life with his wife, children, and overbearing parents who live just across the street. The relationships in this show will remind you of your own family dynamics.
Colin From Accounts
Where to watch: Paramount+
In this Australian comedy series, two strangers’ lives become intertwined when they accidentally injure (and eventually adopt) a stray dog. The relationships in this show will warm your heart and clear your mind after a busy day.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.