Wholesome film and TV recommendations for switching off from the news

[OptingOutOfTheMadness]

As the username says, I need to opt out of the madness that is going on in the world. I’ve also had a really stressful 9 months and need to bring down stress.

So, I’m trying to stop watching the news, and I can’t deal with the amount of negative or crap TV on offer. Every other channel is about crime or murder.

Aside from my stash of books please recommend some wholesome series and movies where I can escape the madness.

This week I’ve watched;

Wedding Crashers
Sliding Doors

Not great movies, but better than the trash on TV!

Any recommendations? I like period dramas, funny movies, no murders or violence please.

Motherland and Amandaland for a laugh and Medici or Hotel Portofino if you like period dramas and also The Durrells

I like the remake of all creatures great and small on Christmas 5. Loved firefly lane, virgin river, Emily in Paris and sweet magnolias on Netflix as they're easy watching series.

Paddington. Yes I'm an adult 😂

But they are just so wholesome and easy watches. And genuinely good films.

13 Going on 30
Overboard
Modern Family
Friday Night Dinner
Benidorm

The Other Bennett Sister on iPlayer might be up your street - Mary Bennett's story.

Benidorm always makes me smile, as well as Detectorists. Im enjoying the very old reruns of Man About the House and Mind your Language too.

Darling Buds of May, Gavin and Stacey, The Other Bennett Sister, Finding Nemo, or anything by David Attenborough.

Detectorists is so lovely, I think that will fit your requirements OP.

Also have a look at Small Prophets in the IPlayer and Schitt’s Creek.

The film Marvellous is good too.

The film Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix is rather lovely.

Alan and Amanda’s Greek Job
Last One Laughing
Can You Keep a Secret?
Curb Your Enthusiasm

Have you watched the BBC comedy Here We Go on
IPlayer?

Schitt's Creek
The Office (American)

If you have Amazon Prime, this is really lovely
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/apr/11/american-classic-review-kevin-kline-laura-linney-comedy

Offspring (Australian)

I am rewatching schitts creek it has been added to bbc iplayer, it takes a few episodes to get into but its fab,

Motherland and mum on BBC iplayer