#FamilyIsEverything
15 feel-good shows that you can watch with your family on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
Turn to these TV shows, all streaming right now, for an instant pick-me-up
It’s been two months since India went into a nationwide lockdown and it's been a strange time for everyone. We are all waiting for a brighter tomorrow, but in the meanwhile we’re also trying not to go stir crazy. For me, binge watching shows with my sister has always been the perfect comfort blanket in hard times. So while we wait for this time to pass, we’re finding comfort in walking down the streets of Stars Hollow, waking up in Apartment 20 and watching Dhruv and Kavya make sandwiches at three in the morning.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your days, or a show that you can watch with your family, add these happy shows to your watch now list, as they might just do the trick.
Gilmore Girls
Coffee, Pop-Tarts and lots of books—this feel-good dramedy will knock your socks off with its comic timing, ridiculous puns and sharp writing. Gilmore Girls follows the mother-daughter duo, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), as they navigate the ups and downs of daily life. The show explores the ever-evolving themes of family, romance, education and generational divides, making it the perfect choice for your daily escape from reality.
Streaming on Netflix
Friends
One can never go wrong with Friends. The story of six best friends is definitely everyone’s favourite re-watch. This ‘90s sitcom is a burst of nostalgia and a laugh-out-loud reminder of the family we choose. It remains ingrained in our pop culture, even that rare someone who hasn’t seen a single episode would know the lyrics of ‘Smelly Cat’ and that Joey doesn’t share his food and of course, Chandler’s not good at advice, but he can help you with a sarcastic comment.
Streaming on Netflix
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek didn't happen overnight, it took its time to find its rhythm. Now touted as the funniest shows of the decade, it's the story of how a rich family is forced to leave their pampered lives and move to a small town after losing their fortune. Evolving over time, it takes on a moral shape with real values and makes sure to make you laugh at the same time.
Streaming on Netflix
Full House
Want to do nostalgia right? Full House is your best bet. It follows the antics of the Tanner family, reminding us of the importance of family in the good old days. And once it’s over and you find yourself craving more screen time with the Tanner family, you can sit back and enjoy its reboot, Fuller House.
Streaming on Netflix
Sarabhai vs Sarabhai
This dysfunctional family entertained the Indian audience in the early 2000s with its funny, relatable and chaotic life. The show was built on the quirks of each member of the family—Maya’s perfect vocabulary, Rosesh’s poetry, Monisha’s middle class habits, and Indravardhan and Sahil managing at all. It’s memorable characters and quirky one-liners make people laugh even today.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
Atypical
A coming-of-age comedy, Atypical is centred around an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum named Sam, who's seeking a girlfriend as well as independence. Shedding light on autism, the show sends the message of inclusion and compassion, no matter the circumstances, making it easily relatable in modern times. An emotional ride that makes for a great investment after a long day of reading emails.
Streaming on Netflix
Modern Family
Bringing to life a fresh perspective, Modern Family first debuted in 2009 and portrayed the modern day interpretation of the changing family structure. The makers have used a mockumentary style approach (like in The Office) to highlight the daily ongoings of the Pritchett, Dunphy and Tucker families as they poke fun at themselves, and at each other. And one cannot forget the hysterical family squabbles.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
The Middle
Midwestern American values make for a wholesome comedy, don’t believe us, you will after you watch The Middle. Relying on the unique characteristics of the Heck family to bring the big laughs—Axl, the oldest, who couldn’t care less; Sue, the middle child, who is trying find her way in life; Brick with his many eccentricities; Frankie, the mother, dealing with the family and Mike trying to bring the family together with minimum involvement. It’s the perfect family watch that one can watch and forget about the outside world for some time.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Kim's Convenience
Kim’s Convenience follows a Canadian-Korean family that runs a convenience store—Mr. Kim (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), who is the typical dad and is friendly only when required, his daughter, who’s stubborn like her dad and is trying to make it as an artist, Mrs. Kim, who is holding it all together and their son, Jung, who left the house when he was 16. The show not only reflects the values that any family can easily relate to it will also leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling right till the very end.
Streaming on Netflix
Downton Abbey
Creator Julian Fellowes’s period drama, Downton Abbey, revolves around the Crawley family—the owners of Downton Estate—and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era. Throughout the series, one witnesses a number of life-changing moments from the sinking of the titanic in the opening scene of the series to the outbreak of the first World War, there is a lot going on in the world. It’s witty, well dressed (have you seen their costumes?) and charismatic—making it a great watch.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Jane The Virgin
This telenovela has everything that you can imagine and more. Jane The Virgin follows Jane, who decides to save herself for marriage. Now in a telenovela, things usually don’t go as planned and she is artificial inseminated (accidentally) and ends up pregnant. Twist. Further, her boss is the father of her baby. There are drug lords, secret twins, love triangles, evil professors, conspiracies, return of the dead—these are just some of the controversies that surround Jane. It's a telenovela—it's supposed to be over the top.
Streaming on Netflix
Laakhon Mein Ek
Set in the fictional village of Sitlapur, comedian Biswa Kalyan Rath’s Laakhon Mein Ek explores different issues faced by India's youth—from engineering and IIT coaching classes to healthcare in rural sectors, it covers it all. It’s engaging plot and heartwarming dialogues will keep you glued to the couch.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
This Is Us
This Is Us is an American family-drama that follows the lives of the Pearson family. It’s the story of three triplets, Kevin, Kate and Randall, and their amazing parents and how each deal with their own set of issues. The story expands into the past, present and future and it's safe to say that the ‘Big Three’ will more than likely have you reach for that box of tissues.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
Parenthood
If you think that This Is Us took you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, you haven’t met the Braverman clan. Parenthood revolves around the patriarch of the family, Zeek Braverman, his wife, Camille Braverman, and their four children Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia and their families. This tear-jerking dramedy explores everything from teen abortion to childhood autism and adoption struggles.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Little Things
The premise of Little Things is simple: it’s important to enjoy the little things in life to make life worth living. Following the life of a very relatable couple, Dhruv Vats and Kavya Kulkarni, the show explores how the two deal with the complicated world of relationships, careers and aspirations in the fast-paced city of Mumbai.
Streaming on Netflix
Also read:
10 childhood classics on Disney+ Hotstar that are perfect if you need a little pick-me-up
