Can anybody recommend me a series that's light and soapy but well acted?

[User5612347]

I'm watching The White Lotus but I'm finding it quite dark and depressing. I loved Nashville and Desperate Housewives back in the day. Is there anything with a similar vibe on any of the streaming services? I don't have Apple but I have Netflix and Now.

Heartland is wonderful, it got me through the dark days of lockdown. It’s about a Canadian horse ranch.

the latter seasons (there are like 17) are on Netflix but I’d recommend starting from the beginning if you can find it.

Last Tango in Halifax - top quality actors, great dialogue, funny and warm but just a lovely soap opera really.

It looks like the first 6 series are on UP family from Prime, and there is a free month trial. IIRC, I watched some on UP family when I watched it. We must be due series 18 soon, hopefully.

Totally agree with this. Definitely ticks the box for 'gentle' and is really well acted. I loved it.

Oh yes!! Definitely this. I bloody loved it.

Schitts Creek, Entourage, Downton Abbey

Definitely not light and soapy!

Devious Maids on ITVx.

Hacks is brilliant

I love the Morning Show but not sure it’s light and soapy.

Another vote for Hacks.

Parenthood!!! It's so so good

I struggle with anything too dark nowadays.

I agree with pp suggestions of This Is Us and Gilmore Girls. Gilmore girls was a comfort watch for me when recovering from a painful injury.

Another vote for The Marvellous Mrs Maisel

I have found my people! I binged the first 15 series in lockdown and it was a beautiful escape from the dark and gloom! Can’t wait for season 18 to finally arrive over here! Absolutely gorgeous show.

I just finished watching Big Little Lies, and I think it fits your requirements well! I really enjoyed it.

Edited to add: The first season, at least. The second season gets quite serious.

Brothers and sisters would be perfect for this. Can’t believe nobody’s suggested it as it usually comes up on these threads. Loved it

Definitely Virgin River

The four seasons on Netflix

Another for Schitts Creek ✓

You said light and soapy. No idea why people are suggesting anything else...

Peaky blinders, This is Us, even Ginny and Georgia are not light and soapy.

I really liked This is Us. Maybe light and soapy wasn't exactly what I mean because I like drama but I just can't stomach violence as entertainment at the moment.
Two separate people in real life recommended Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age to me so they are going on the list.

Schmigadoon was a lot of fun, at least season 1. A very happy watch.

The Good Place, though it's not soapy exactly, but it's feel-good and genuinely funny.

How about Doc Martin on ITVx, or Call the Midwife on iPlayer, both popular long running series.

At the moment I'm watching Darby and Joan on U which I'm enjoying

Why Women Kill

Ginny and Georgia, it's on Netflix.
Or Never Have I Ever, also on Netflix.

Have you seen Modern Family? It’s my favorite show - so funny and comforting.

I think Gilmore Girls also fits the brief - light, easy watching, you get into the story and characters .