Nothing feels better than putting on a feel-good show, and luckily, Netflix has loads of them in its extensive library. But with so many choices, finding the ones worth your time can take nearly as long as finishing a series, which is why I’ve picked three of the best below.
If you’re in need of a quick mood boost this week, these Netflix shows are the perfect place to start. Easy to watch and packed with charm, they offer comforting storylines, lovable characters, and just the right amount of humor to help you unwind and reset. So without further ado, here are three feel-good Netflix shows to brighten your mood.
‘Derry Girls’ (2018)
Drawing from Lisa McGee’s own experiences growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, “Derry Girls” is a sitcom defined by clever writing and endearing characters. It concluded in 2022 after three seasons totaling 19 episodes, each running under 25 minutes. In an era of overextended TV runs, its concise format is especially refreshing. This comedy stands out as a special series that feels unexpectedly relatable.
“Derry Girls” follows Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) and her tight-knit group of friends as they navigate their teenage years in 1990s Derry, Northern Ireland. Alongside her eccentric cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), anxious Clare (Louisa Harland), rebellious Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), and Michelle’s English cousin James (Dylan Llewellyn), Erin deals with school life at a strict Catholic girls’ school, family chaos, and constant misadventures.
Watch "Derry Girls" on Netflix now
‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000)
If there’s a more charming or cozy fictional town in TV history than Stars Hollow, Connecticut, it’s hard to think of one. The quirky New England setting is more than just a backdrop in “Gilmore Girls” since it functions as a character itself. While it includes its share of soap-opera drama, it also captures the messiness of growing up in a way that feels natural and unforced.
“Gilmore Girls” follows Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham), a quick-witted single mother, and her academically driven teenage daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they live in the quirky town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Lorelai runs an inn while Rory attends an elite prep school, bringing new pressures and opportunities. Meanwhile, regular Friday dinners with Lorelai’s wealthy parents pull them back into a world she once left behind.
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‘Sweet Magnolias’ (2020)
The definition of guilty pleasure TV is “Sweet Magnolias,” as it infuses a sweet, endearing friendship drama with just the right amount of small-town escapism. Following three lifelong friends navigating life’s ups and downs together, it’s a series that never tries to be anything more complicated than comforting and watchable. Sometimes all you need is pure comfort TV that’s easy to sink into after a long day.
“Sweet Magnolias” follows three lifelong friends — Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Helen (Heather Headley), and Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott) — in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina, as they navigate the ups and downs of their daily lives. Maddie adjusts to a major change in her family while raising her children, Helen balances her demanding career with personal decisions, and Dana Sue runs a restaurant while dealing with challenges at home.
Watch "Sweet Magnolias" on Netflix now
