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Original poster

Looking for a long running 'warm' series

110 replies

santasnothere · 01/03/2022 22:11

I find myself needing to watch 30-60 mins of TV to unwind before bed.
I used to read but my eyes aren't what they used to be and they get too tired.

I don't have Netflix or the like at the moment, so I can't have a browse, but happy to pay for a subscription service.

I have loved:

Desperate housewives
Gilmore Girls
Gossip Girls
Mad men

That sort of thing is what I'm looking for.
I love period dramas too, but couldn't get into call the midwife or downtown abbey.

Anything with too much tension or jeopardy doesn't work - I need something gentle!

I'm ideally looking for lots of series to see me through to Christmas! Smile

OP posts:
Snoopsnoggysnog · 02/03/2022 00:07

@RobertsRadio

Us, tv series currently showing on iPlayer, absolutely wonderful. I also loved Detectorists, Motherland, Alma’s Not Normal, Back to Life and Mum - all fantastic shows.

If you like long running US tv shows I would also recommend ER.

I really enjoyed Us as well!

Also a PO said Call my agent, it’s brilliant but 1 hour episodes and you said you wanted something shorter.

Aspidistra1 · 02/03/2022 00:12

Hope Street on BBC iplayer. Gentle Northern Irish Police Drama about the community. Not too tense, plenty sheep.

Aspidistra1 · 02/03/2022 00:13

Also Starstruck with Rose Matafeo on iPlayer. 20 minutes episodes, essentially RomCom.

PurplePansy05 · 02/03/2022 00:28

Another vote for This Is Us (Amazon Prime).
Virgin River on Netflix, too.

MostIneptThatEverStepped · 02/03/2022 00:30

Don't forget Frasier!! It is so well written and funny and there are 11 seasons!!

pawpaws2022 · 02/03/2022 00:31

another vote for heartland
Anne with an E as well

MyNameIsAlexDrake · 02/03/2022 00:43

Gavin and Stacey, if you've not already watched it, all on iplayer.

Bollix · 02/03/2022 00:54

Also...

My Crazy Ex Girlfriend (no swearing)
Space Force (swearing 🙈)
Veep (swearing too 🙉)

All funny & easy to watch

Luckyelephant1 · 02/03/2022 01:03

Definitely Grey's Anatomy although I did stop watching around season 11ish- there's 18 seasons! But 1-6 were fantastic.

TravelDreamLife · 02/03/2022 05:38

For those who like Miss Fisher's Muder Mysteries. There's a reboot called Miss Fisher's Modern Muder Mysteries, set in the 60's. 2 seasons (so far).

A similar one, but present day has Lucy Lawless called My life is Muder. Set in Aus & NZ. 2 seasons (so far).

If you want multiple seasons When Calls the Heart is an easy watch. 8 seasons. 9 starting next week. There's a spin off called When Hope calls. One season so far.

I don't know which channels for UK, sorry, I'm in Oz.

DockOTheBay · 02/03/2022 06:24

@VashtaNerada

Outlander?
Is that a warm programme? I don't remember it very well but doesn't it hasn't have a plot line of a character being whipped, then later tortured and raped?
DockOTheBay · 02/03/2022 06:27

@Luckyelephant1

Definitely Grey's Anatomy although I did stop watching around season 11ish- there's 18 seasons! But 1-6 were fantastic.
Another good show but I don't think it fits the bill. Lots of death and disasters.
Nellodee · 02/03/2022 06:38

Doc Martin? Martin Clunes is a socially inferior doctor who moves from London to a remote Cornish village. Ran forever and is as comforting as it gets, if I recall correctly.

Bigboysmademedoit · 02/03/2022 06:47

Ghosts
The Detectorists
Moone Boy

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 02/03/2022 06:48

This is us
Schitts creek
Brothers & Sisters
Virgin River
Grace & Frankie

20viona · 02/03/2022 06:52

Greys anatomy.
Pretty little liars.

HoppingPavlova · 02/03/2022 06:52

Virgin River, ‘warm’ and extremely easy watching. I used to pop it in when very tired as plot was spoon fed to you, no thought required but very watchable if that makes sense.

Seee · 02/03/2022 07:04

Better things
Catastrophe
Ray Donovan
Ozark
This is Us
Good Wife / Good Fight
Grace and Frankie

Just a few...

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 02/03/2022 07:11

Stella - Ruth Jones comedy drama set in the Valleys of South Wales. I think it was originally on Sky, but I watched it on a combo of dvd and Prime.

BurgerKingAddict · 02/03/2022 08:55

@Seee Ozark is excellent but I think it’s anxiety inducing Grin
Catastrophe is SO good.

Mrsjayy · 02/03/2022 09:03

Oh yes Ghosts half hour of pure joy 😊

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 02/03/2022 09:04

Not a drama, but you can't get much more calming and cheering than The Repair Shop.

gingerhills · 02/03/2022 09:14

Parks & Rec. Ideal gentle comedy.
Frasier maybe, if you like the characters.
Frankie & Grace

Original poster
santasnothere · 02/03/2022 09:19

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions here.
Lots I've already seen or dismissed (This is Us was way too angsty for me!)

I'm going to try Ozark - but a lot earlier in the evening if I have time as it looks really good but not bedtime watching as I'll never get to sleep worrying Smile

I've settled on Sweet Magnolias - I'm hoping that will fit the bill for a bit

OP posts:
XelaM · 02/03/2022 23:48

"Parenthood"!!! It's sooo good! My favourite warm TV show. I steamed it free online, but it's on Prime as well