45 Lighthearted TV Shows to Watch Right Now

45 Lighthearted TV Shows to Watch Right Now

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Sometimes, all you need is a dose of pure joy and laughter to brighten your day. These TV shows are the perfect remedy, offering delightful escapism and feel-good moments that will leave you with a warm, contagious smile. So, sit back, relax, and let these shows be your ultimate source of comfort, providing much-needed respite from the everyday hustle. So here’s to the joyous side of television and the best lighthearted TV shows that are guaranteed to brighten your day.

41. Shrill

7.3

Country

United States of America

Actors

Aidy Bryant, John Cameron Mitchell, Lolly Adefope, Luka Jones

Moods

Binge-Worthy, Feel-Good, Inspiring

It’s no fun being plus-sized—or at least, that’s the message that we get everywhere, from tragic documentaries to self-help articles to shows that make weight the butt of every joke. Fat people are often perceived as inactive and sad and stubborn when those aren’t mutually exclusive with one’s size. In fact, there’s nothing inherently wrong with being big. 

In Shrill, our plus-sized hero Annie (played by the lovable Aidy Bryant) knocks down all those lazy myths with her sharp wit and buoyant charm. She goes on everyday adventures that prove she can be just as delightful (and exasperating) as any witty millennial writer trying to make it big in her city. Annie isn’t perfect, but the fun lies in seeing her grow (not transform) into a better person.

42. Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock

7.3

Country

United States of America

Actors

Dave Goelz, Donna Kimball, Karen Prell, Lili Cooper

Moods

Easy, Feel-Good, Lighthearted

As classic children’s TV done in the same style as The Muppets, this reboot of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock manages to thread together wacky adventures, an environmental message, lots of music, and light satire about human behavior in less-than-30-minute chunks. This show is firmly for kids first, with the carefree, somewhat naive subterranean Fraggles meant to be childlike in nature as they learn how to accept others’ differences and their own complicated feelings through kindness and community. But parents who are at all interested in colorful variety shows should still find lots to enjoy, be it in the intricate craft of puppetry across various species of creatures, or in the genuinely catchy songs that range from innocent earworms to beautifully composed anthems straight out of the musical theater tradition.

43. Play It Cool, Guys

7.3

Country

Japan

Actors

Chiaki Kobayashi, Haruka Shiraishi, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Kengo Takanashi

Moods

Easy, Feel-Good, Funny

There’s a classic male character trope of stoic guys that don’t seem to be fazed by anything. Play It Cool, Guys has an ensemble cast of four of these cool characters, but they aren’t quite put together as others might think. While on the outside, they seemingly handle setbacks easily, the show’s short vignettes and corresponding internal monologues reveal their relatable day-to-day clumsiness. The contrast makes these characters feel so endearing, more so as they get to know each other. As the show progresses with their friendship, the series feels like kind reassurance for all clumsy people out there.

44. Reboot

7.2

Country

United States of America

Actors

Calum Worthy, Johnny Knoxville, Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key

Moods

Easy, Feel-Good, Funny

In Reboot, a famous sitcom from the early 2000s is revived for a modern audience. While members of the cast attempt to rekindle their fame, the writers behind the show stir up endless debates about what constitutes “funny” in an age of political correctness. The hijinks and meta-humor that arise from this are admirable, but what really makes Reboot tick is its obvious love for the sitcom format. Underneath all the jokes is a commitment to TV comedies; like the most typical of them, Reboot switches from laugh-out-loud hilarity to tender moments of joy and sorrow. The only difference is that Reboot benefits from being self-aware—it’s unafraid to make fun of itself and all the people and shows that came before it. 

45. A Perfect Story

7.2

Country

Spain

Actors

Álvaro Mel, Ana Belén, Ane Gabarain, Anna Castillo

Moods

Easy, Feel-Good, Lighthearted

Based on a novel, A Perfect Story feels like a classic, straightforward romcom series. All of the elements are familiar to fans of the genre – running away from a wedding, bar meet-cutes, and fake relationships – but there’s a certain charm whenever these familiar elements show up. The show alternates between the timelines of Margot and David, taking its sweet time in the first episode before their timelines merge. And when they catch each other’s eye, it’s easy to root for these well-meaning characters looking for their match. While the story could be easily condensed into a film, the length allows the main duo to delve into a slowburn, friends-to-lovers romance.

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

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