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Original poster

TV that's comforting but not utter rubbish

127 replies

MarkWithaC · 30/08/2023 13:04

I have Covid. I'm finishing off some work and then am going to take to the sofa with a duvet. I need cheering, comforting but diverting things to watch.
I've just binged Last Tango in Halifax (well, I have two more to watch, but am going to need more!). I'm looking for things along those lines; TV that pulls you along and makes you feel a bit cosseted without insulting your intelligence.
TIA!

OP posts:
Bigboysmademedoit · 30/08/2023 18:02

Detectorists - love it.

BashCandicoot · 30/08/2023 18:04

BishyBarnyBee · 30/08/2023 13:06

Really enjoying Series 2 of American Ghosts on Iplayer at the moment.

UK version and US Series 1 also lovely.

Gently funny and occasionally very moving.

Ooh really? I’ve refused to even watch the US version because it’s bound to be shite and make me angry. I absolutely LOVE the UK one ♥️

User1659463 · 30/08/2023 18:08

A Place to Call Home, Australian drama set in the 50s

ErosandAgape · 30/08/2023 18:15

KaarijasBowlCut · 30/08/2023 15:33

It's wonderful, isn't it? A great recommendation for fun with substance.

I didn't have much hope for the British remake, Ten Percent, but it was still very enjoyable albeit in a different way. It's on Amazon Prime Video.

Show quote history

I couldn’t bear to try the UK version because the French one was so French, and I couldn’t imagine anyone bettering Isabelle Huppert playing herself…

Another vote for Ted Lasso, which is adorable and funny.

wintersprinter81 · 30/08/2023 18:19

Ted Lasso - heartwarming

The Great - easy, witty and a hilarious performance from Nicolas Hoult

Mum

This Way Up - ashling bea

Big Boys - Channel 4 - very warm and wonderful

Heartstopper - heartwarming

Colin from Accounts - took me one episode but then I loved it!

JennyJone · 30/08/2023 18:30

BippityBobbityBoo · 30/08/2023 13:28

Another vote for detectorists, it’s lovely

Another vote from me

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MarkWithaC · 30/08/2023 19:04

Oh yes, The Great! Not that I want to be ill for long, but I am compiling quite an epic to-watch list Grin

Bad Sisters: no, I loved it. Found it, not exactly comforting, but easy to watch because the writing and acting are just so good. I felt in thoroughly safe hands. Maybe that's what I mean by 'comfort' telly. I also love a gloomy subtitled drama on the likes of Walter Presents; there's something about them being slightly formulaic but generally well-written and well-acted that I find relaxing.

OP posts:
Ladybird69 · 30/08/2023 19:36

Chesapeake shores
schitts creak is wonderful
Mom with Alison janney

User1659463 · 30/08/2023 19:45

Virgin River and the new series is on September 7th, can't wait.

Pollywoddles · 30/08/2023 19:46

imfae · 30/08/2023 13:20

If you haven’t already watched the Detectorists I would really recommend it . I put off watching it as thought I wouldn't really be interested in metal detecting . But although that is the backdrop it is really about the characters and very gentle , moving with fantastic actors .

Also loved “Mum “ . Could try bbc iPlayer for both .

Came here to say Detectorists too!

Rachierach11 · 30/08/2023 19:53

Ted Lasso! I don't think I will ever find something as good as this and it makes me sad that I've already seen it because I want to watch it again for the first time

JaneyGee · 30/08/2023 20:36

How about Cranford? Or the BBC adaptation of Bleak House with Charles Dance? They are arguably the best TV adaptations of classic novels.

Personally, my vote would go to I Claudius.

MerryBeard · 30/08/2023 20:52

I loved The Durrells. Have to recommend that you don't watch the last episode as I found it too sad and the series feels complete without it.

AppleTurnover1000Degrees · 30/08/2023 20:55

HerculesMulligan · 30/08/2023 13:15

Five Bedrooms. There are 3 seasons on iPlayer and the 4th is due at the weekend. Basically an Aussie Cold Feet, but really warm and engaging to watch.

I'm watching this tonight and really enjoying it. I hadn't heard of it till I saw your post. Thank you.

Craftycorvid · 30/08/2023 20:56

Detectorists is just perfection! It’s so hard to write gentle comedy that isn’t twee, but this is so lovely and heartfelt. For something less gentle but still endearing, the short series of ‘Murder on….’ with Jonny Vegas is great - silly but sweet. I also liked ‘The Power of Parker’.

You also just cannot beat ‘Repair Shop’ if you want your cockles properly warming for you.

EileenBrysonsTeabags · 30/08/2023 21:03

Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix is delightful, super heartwarming and totally wonderful.
I’m saving it up to watch again next time I’m poorly.

notacooldad · 30/08/2023 21:05

Only Murders in the Building on Disney+ is brilliant. Only about 35 min per episode too and, despite the name, really lovely and funny
I agree this, it’s great.

itsnotmeitsu · 30/08/2023 21:27

It's not something that I'd normally think about watching but I happened across 'Father Brown', with Mark Williams as the main character and a good supporting cast. I find it intriguing and soothing, and also amusing. It's a series with several layers.

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MarkWithaC · 30/08/2023 21:34

JaneyGee · 30/08/2023 20:36

How about Cranford? Or the BBC adaptation of Bleak House with Charles Dance? They are arguably the best TV adaptations of classic novels.

Personally, my vote would go to I Claudius.

I, Claudius is a GENIUS suggestion! It was originally on before my time and I’ve just never got round to it.

I’ve also been wanting to get into The Repair Shop, so that’s a good reminder, thank you.

OP posts:
MorrisZapp · 30/08/2023 23:13

7eleven · 30/08/2023 13:48

How about working your way through the Harry Potter films?!

We do the entire thing every Christmas. Every year there's another beloved character for my teenager to shout 'RIP!' at.

Back to cosy viewing, my mum swears by Rosemary and Thyme if she's under the weather. People usually found poisoned in the begonias, Felicity cutesy and Ma Larkin in twin beds, bickering adorably. And plenty of spottable actors. MN fave Sean Dooley was a disreputable ride on lawn mower guy until felled by foul means.

BitOutOfPractice · 30/08/2023 23:17

imfae · 30/08/2023 13:20

If you haven’t already watched the Detectorists I would really recommend it . I put off watching it as thought I wouldn't really be interested in metal detecting . But although that is the backdrop it is really about the characters and very gentle , moving with fantastic actors .

Also loved “Mum “ . Could try bbc iPlayer for both .

I came here to say this exactly. Loved Detectorists a lot.

I also loved Ghosts too.

HeartandSeoul · 30/08/2023 23:32

EileenBrysonsTeabags · 30/08/2023 21:03

Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix is delightful, super heartwarming and totally wonderful.
I’m saving it up to watch again next time I’m poorly.

This is one of my favourites Kdramas (another one being CLOY). My daughter and I randomly say quotes from EAW when reminded of it (if we see an image of a whale, for example) 😁. When watching Kdramas, I need to give it my full attention (subtitles), so haven’t been able to watch any for a while 😞.

OP, may I suggest The Split (BBC series). It is an excellent drama series, with amazing cast members.

SheilaFentiman · 30/08/2023 23:47

Only Murders in the Building
Brooklyn 99
The Good Place
Hawkeye

YouLetDougalDoAFuneral · 31/08/2023 00:07

Death in Paradise, proper comfort viewing with added escapism.

Sorry about the Covid, this strain is brutal!

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