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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Shay ·

30 Shows to Binge For a Little Joy!


Happy happy APRIL, friends!

I don’t know about you, but I’m really excited about this month ahead of us.  If you’re looking for some “spring-y” April posts, don’t forget, you can check them all out RIGHT HERE including posts like CHARMING SPRING TOWNS TO VISIT IN THE US, TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE SPRING CLEANING, 13 REASONS WHY I FINALLY DECIDED TO LOVE SPRING, and more!

This “fall girl” is really starting to enjoy this season 🙂 .

Today, I thought we’d have a light and happy post to hopefully add a little bit of JOY into the beginning of your month.  In February, I shared my 30 FEEL GOOD FILMS which was so much fun because in the comment section, YOU all shared over 100 other movie ideas for us all to watch and enjoy as well.

I mentioned in that post, but I’ll repeat myself here…the older I get, the more aware I am of the content I consume.  Yes, yes, I love a dark and meaty Netflix show just as much as the next girl (I’m talking to you, Taylor Sheridan), but overall, I really want to consume only happy, positive, encouraging and uplifting content.  The real world is dark enough that I don’t think I need to overload my brain and thought life with many other *extra* dark things.

Thus, today’s post 🙂 .

I rounded up 30 SHOWS TO BINGE FOR A LITTLE JOY.  These are the tried and true television series that I turn to that always make me laugh, make me smile, don’t weigh me down and bring me joy.

I’m sharing mine and then I hope you share yours too in the comment section.

Here are my 30 SHOWS TO BINGE FOR A LITTLE JOY:

There is A LOT of happiness right there on that list 🙂 .

Okay, please spill it!  Which shows do you turn to time and time again when you need a lighthearted laugh on TV?  We would all love to know!

Happy April, friends!  I hope you all have the BEST start to your month! xx

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Comments

  2. Lauren says

    This is perfect timing!! I just started maternity leave yesterday and sat down to watch something but nothing looked good. I have been wanting to watch some of these shows and forgot about them until just now. Thank you!!

  5. Polly Pover says

    Great list! As a dog lover, you would love All Creatures Great and Small! Also, it is set in England and the scenery is incredible!!!

  6. Jess says

    With love, Meghan was my most recent binge. It’s more of a cooking/hosting show. I know she’s not everyone’s favorite but I loved all the tips and tricks. Everything made me excited for Spring!

    • Kim G says

      Me too ! I know public opinion is strong here but I loved her show. My heart was so happy and inspired. I stated big dream plans for a greenhouse and all the herbs / flowers that ever were.

  8. Jess S says

    These are wonderful and I totally agree that there is enough sadness in the world that it’s nice to have joy and happiness in our shows. I thought for sure that you’d have “I love Lucy”. 🙂 I’d add the most recent season of survivor (48). I’ve cried happy tears multiple times this season and even my husband is now invested in it! 🥰

  9. Marianne says

    All Creatures Great and Small on PBS Masterpiece. Season 5 just came out recently. Here is the description:

    James Alfred Wight’s series of books that were written under the pen name James Herriot, are based on his experiences as a veterinary surgeon in England from 1940 to 1992. This series based on the novels chronicles the heartwarming and humorous adventures of James, a young country vet who lives and works in Yorkshire in the late 1930s. The show revolves around a trio of veterinary surgeons, including Siegfried Farnon, who hires James into his veterinary practice at Skeldale House. Besides Siegfried and James, there is Siegfried’s younger brother, Tristan, and Mrs. Hall, their housekeeper.

    • Kelly says

      I love All Creatures Great and Small! There are so many good shows on PBS Masterpiece!

  10. Sheaffer says

    There are sooooooooooooo many shows on your list that I’ve never seen! I better get to work.

  13. Kelly says

    Shrinking with Harrison Ford is my new favorite show & if you haven’t seen Clarkson’s Farm, you must. It’s so funny!!! 😆

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Okay, I only watched the first episode and quit, but Sheaffer says it’s her new favorite show. I need to recommit.

      • LM says

        You absolutely must watch. It is probably the best show I have ever watched when I consider acting, writing, and story arc. It is perfection!

    • Kerry says

      I second, third, and fourth Clarkson’s Farm!!!! Once you get a couple of episodes in, you get totally hooked!!!

  14. Charman says

    My husband and I recently watched All Creatures Great and Small. It was delightful! I also love Poldark and Call the Midwife. I don’t think I will ever tire of re-watching them.

  15. Paige E says

    I go back over and over to Madam Secretary (especially love the marriage and family), Gilmore Girls (great to “listen” to since lots of fast dialogue,) and Call the Midwives (has some medical emergency things, but overall very feel good, faith in humanity, and a big faith in God component). Have a great day!

  17. Kim Harrigan says

    Just started watching younger, really fun show, also will have to check out a few others you mentioned that I have never watched.

  18. Selena says

    Love on the Spectrum on Netflix! It’s the most precious show, suitable for family viewing. It absolutely brings joy. Happy April, Shay!

  19. Erin says

    All Creatures Great and Small. TRUST ME. This is the happiest, quaintest, coziest show of all time. If you can watch this and somehow not have the desire to sit around Mrs. Hall’s breakfast table, I’m in shock. Check it out!!

    I don’t do dark or heavy. At all.

  20. Dylan says

    Happy April Shay! Unrelated question but I wanted to know if you’ve thought about getting your 12th!! piercing (your tragus ring looks so cool!). Have you decided on anything? A forward helix (or 2 to make it 13!) would look so cool!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I haven’t thought any more about it. I guess that means I might be settled at 11?!

  21. Erika Slaughter says

    I’d add Call the Midwife! SUCH a feel good show and I’m seeing Jesus ALL OVER those episodes!

  22. Amber Phelps says

    Hi Shay! I love this list! My husband and I
    are watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine with our
    teenage sons. It’s hilarious. We were in NYC
    in February and we drove to Brooklyn so that
    we could take a picture in front of the precinct that serves as the outside facade of
    the fictional 99th precinct. My kids said it was one of their favorite parts of the trip. 😂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      My friend Jo keeps telling me to watch that one too. She says she watches it every night before bed. I need to check it out. Your kids sound EXACTLY like my kids. Bahaha!

  23. Mandi says

    Heartland! Sweet & wholesome! Watch on Pureflix and the curse words will be deleted out (although they are few and far between as it is).

  24. Beck says

    Seaside Hotel (it’s in Dutch with subtitles – I’ve watched it over and over at least 5 times. It just leaves you relaxed and calm), All Creatures Great and Small, Call the Midwife, West Wing, Madam Secretary, to name a few.

  25. Leslie S says

    I like Building Outside The Lines, a man and his teen daughter who build interesting projects with unusual materials. Home Town Takeover, Renovation Aloha, Beach Cottage Chronicles and cooking shows like Molly Yeh.

  26. Elizabeth Whisler says

    Sweet Magnolias! Sometimes there are a little meatier topics but the overall feel is a charming southern town and a group of girlfriends determined to keep it that way.

    Fresh Off the Boat is funny too!

  27. K.K. says

    My husband and I are just now watching Frasier together little by little, and we love it!! 🙂

      • Jess says

        Fraiser is my absolute favorite! I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen it. The Golden Girls is my sister’s fave. My oldest daughter used to LOVE watching the milder episodes with her – her 4th birthday was Golden Girls themed. She’d carry the little funko dolls on her straw bag everywhere. We had to stop her from watching it then, before she started to understand it!
        I’ve started to watch the series on hallmark +. I really liked the Spencer Sisters and Carter!

  28. Karleigh Johnson says

    This is a great list! Definitely adding to my current list.

    I really like the spring here in central Texas. I LOVE fall just like you. My husband and I got married in the spring, I like the longer days and I love being able to go on family walks and bike rides after work. I need to work on my summer attitude 😂 with little kids and it being SO hot, I get cranky that we can’t be outside more and for longer periods of time and every summer I tell my husband we’re moving (I’ve lived in Texas my entire life, 33 years)…so maybe I’m the problem and need to adjust my attitude instead. I’ll give it a try this summer, wish me luck 😅

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      From one Texas girl to another, it is VERY hard to have a good attitude during the summer. 😉

  29. Katie Hahn says

    Nobody Wants This on netflix is fun and lighthearted too! Season 2 is coming soon!

  30. Kim says

    The Middle!! We never watched it during its regular season run, but we have now binge watched all 9 seasons multiple times. Give it several episodes, but these characters will grow on you (and sometimes irritate you ;). There is always a little redeeming nugget at the end of each episode, and you’ll end up wishing you were sunshine like Sue. It’s the best overlooked and underrated show – our whole family loves it.

  31. Sarah M. says

    Downton, Derry Girls, and Emily in Paris – yes!!
    I also love a The Great British Baking Show (and our Canadian version too), so pleasant and amazing what people can do.

  32. Jessica says

    Young Sheldon, especially the early episodes are hysterical and light hearted! They crack our whole family up.

  33. Laura Holmes says

    I share the same thoughts on what I consume. A few years ago, I stopped watching news and have chosen to read it instead. I can’t tell you what a world of difference eliminating the tone and opinion of broadcasters and networks does for stress levels. I also stopped watching anything that I thought was too dark or upsetting or caused me additional stress. Instead I use my shows and movies to help relax and add enjoyment and levity. Soooo many of my favorites are already on your list! Frasier, King of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond, Seinfeld, Gilmore Girls, Schitts Creek. I love these! I wish the 1/2 hour network sitcom was still alive and well.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I stopped watching/listening to the news a few years ago too, and it has been one of the very best things I’ve done for myself too.

  34. Beth Valenta says

    Always a Friends girl at the end of the night, but I also love old Rosanne and Mike and Molly.

  35. Jenna says

    My new favorite show is Running Point on Netflix! I love anything that Kate Hudson is staring in and this does not disappoint! It’s like the basketball version of Ted Lasso. I also second watching Love On The Spectrum! It’s such a sweet show!

  36. Lauren Matthews says

    Love this list! Some others that always make me laugh are Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Big Bang Theory, and Golden Girls. And we just finished Shrinking, and I loved it!

  37. Melissa says

    Shrinking with Harrison Ford is so good! The humor reminds me of Ted Lasso. Also Nobody Wants This on Netflix!

  39. Kimberly Gray says

    Still love me some Cosby show. Fav episode when the family takes turns dancing down the staircase.

  40. Angie says

    Friday Night Lights!
    We just watched all 5 seasons again for the second time, watched the whole first season (the longest) in 2 days while cozied up in a cabin in the mountains.

  42. Julie Hicks says

    It’s not necessarily a “feel good” show but we can watch the original NCIS any time of the day or night. Feel good shows would include Shrinking (fave), Mike & Molly, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (currently in first season but we actually laugh out loud when watching), Cheers, Hot in Cleveland, Be My Guest (Ina Garten).

  43. Elizabeth Hadley says

    On Hulu: Baby Daddy is super funny!
    I also agree with you, the content you consume will help your mood! Thanks for some great recommendations!

    • Lindsey says

      Oh, this was such a charming feel-good show. I laughed out loud several times too. Loved it!

  46. Michelle says

    I LOOOOVE The King of Queens!! Some other feel good favorites of mine are Roseanne & Three’s Company. 😁

  47. SS says

    Ok we had some faves on your list, too… I am sure there are others… but here are a few…
    We like Life in Pieces – was a series, I think on Hulu now
    Royal Pains – Netflix
    Eli Stone – an oldie
    Boston Legal – oldie
    Just finished watching or still watching
    Man on the inside with Ted Danson – Netflix
    Wild Cards – still on – season 2 is on CW, think season one is on Prime
    Ghosts – if you haven’t watched it’s pretty funny it’s on CBS

    • Jess says

      Ghosts is hilarious!! It took me a few episodes to really get into it, I’m glad I didn’t quit!

  48. Yolanda McLean says

    I rewatch Gilmore Girls all the way through a couple of times a year. Little House on the Prairie too. Me and my husband rewatch Everybody Loves Raymond on repeat, as soon as we finish the last episode we start over again. Heartland is another good one. I used to watch Gilmore Girls once a year in the Fall, but it’s an easy one to watch when other things in life feel noisy. Someone mentioned Clarkson Farm and we loved that show too!

  49. Sarah says

    My boyfriend LOVES Seinfeld. I mean the man has seen every episode a million times, I swear! It’s his feel good and is turning into mine. Miss him? Turn on Seinfeld and the giggles remind me of him. He’s memorized all of it and has a “there’s a Seinfeld episode for that” reply to just about everything we talk about! hahaha

  50. Stephanie P says

    A few others:
    1. the Big Bang Theory is great and very funny.
    2. Just finished English Teacher on Hulu. 8 hilarious episodes (note…is slightly raunchy in parts).
    3. Never have I ever on Netflix (wholesome and funny).
    4. Hacks (not for kids, but funny for adults).
    5. For us Gen Xers, loved Family Ties.

  51. Alison says

    It doesn’t fit the bill of a sitcom, but Sweet Magnolias is my ultimate joy show! I turn on reruns in the background when I’m having a drab day.
    With Love, Meghan was a pleasant surprise too!

  52. Rachel says

    Big Bang Theory, now that my son is older, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air! The early ones are so funny and kinda goofy. My son walked in when it was on last week, watched a couple of minutes, and said, “This is the most 90s thing I’ve ever seen!”

  53. Caroline says

    I’ve recently discovered Dog House, UK which is about a British shelter that finds the perfect match for families looking for a dog.

    Also early episodes of Will and Grace always make me giggle.

  54. Laura @ Our Grand Lives says

    I’ve been thinking about Parenthood recently and how much we loved that show! I loved Peter Krause and recently started watching him in 911, too. I’ve also been enjoying When Calls the Heart. It’s a sweet show, too! Thanks for the great ideas and reminders!

  55. Laura @ Our Grand Lives says

    I almost forgot about Friday Night Lights… my grown daughters and I like to binge watch that one, too, when we’re at the lake and it’s raining.

  56. Caitlin Davies says

    I don’t know where I was for younger, I just binged it and loved it!! My vote was for Josh.

    Also really enjoy Virgin River!

  62. Becky Carl says

    Andy Griffith Show
    Medium
    911
    Keeping Up Appearances (British comedy)
    Peanut Butter Falcon (movie)
    New Shows:
    Doc
    Tracker
    The Pitt (Max)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I feel like I need to up my game on so many of these! I keep hearing The Pitt is REALLY GOOD!

  63. Pamela Garrett says

    I really enjoyed With Love, Meghan…so calm, relaxing, and inspiring. I absolutely love Call the Midwife. Besides Gilmore Girls, which is always a good background show, my favorite shows are reruns of Different World on Netflix (season 2 through the end) and The Kitchen on Food Network

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