12 Lighthearted Shows I Stream When I’m Feeling Stressed

Queer Eye follows the clients of the Fab Five, a group of optimistic, kind experts who help people revamp different aspects of their lives, from their interior design set-ups to fashion choices. At the end of the day, it's about how you can take concrete actions to be your best self, which is an empowering message if you don't feel like you have any control.

Where to watch it: Netflix

Featuring the voices of comedians such as John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, and Maya Rudolph, Big Mouth is a gross-out comedy about middle school students who navigate puberty with their not-so-imaginary hormone monsters. The silly, raunchy humor is cathartic, and the empathy for characters who grapple with mental health issues can make those with anxiety feel heard.

Where to watch it: Netflix

At first glance, Retsuko, the main character in Aggretsuko, is just an adorable red panda from the makers of Hello Kitty. And it's true, the animated series is cutesy and easy on the eyes. But Retsuko is also quite relatable, suffering from anxieties around her job and hilariously expressing her pent-up rage through death metal karaoke. (Maybe the last part isn't so relatable, but it's pretty funny nonetheless.)

Where to watch it: Netflix

If there's one word that could describe the essence of Gilmore Girls, it'd be hygge. Set in the charming town of Stars Hollow, the show follows the whimsical, sometimes dramatic lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter whose close relationship will make you feel all safe and warm. The theme song, "Where You Lead," is the perfect, wholesome salve for anxiety from the get-go of each episode — plus, it's performed by the great Carole King and her own daughter, Louise Goffin.

Where to watch it: Netflix, iTunes

There are fewer things more soothing to the soul than the reminder of human companionship. The Golden Girls is about four women in their prime living together in a cozy house in Florida. They all care for each other and have distinct quirks and personalities that'll have you smiling from ear to ear. (I'm a bit of a Dorothy myself.) The show can help you take a step back and appreciate the little things in life since it's about gratitude for your loved ones; the theme song, after all, is called "Thank You For Being a Friend~"

Where to watch it: Hulu, iTunes, Amazon

Friends had to make it onto this list. It's classic, light, funny, and super quotable. Even if only for thirty minutes, you can count on the show to shut your mind off and take you on the frothy misadventures of its six silly main characters.

Where to watch it: Netflix, iTunes

Brooklyn's 99th precinct features a diverse, lovable crew that's almost always up to something mischievous besides fighting crime. The mishmash of Andy Samberg's goof and Chelsea Peretti's dry humor will encourage you to laugh out your worries. And indeed, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is so good that it sparked an outcry from fans following its cancellation from Fox. Luckily, NBC picked it up soon after and saved the day!

Where to watch it: Hulu, iTunes, Amazon

Often dubbed as "the show about nothing," Seinfeld, like Friends, allows you to shut down your anxiety as you laugh over the silly little things in life and how they affect this little group of Manhattanites.

Where to watch it: Hulu, iTunes, Amazon

Is there a better way to escape your worries than internalizing the poppy optimism of a series about celebrity musicians coaching aspiring artists in a reality competition? Even if there's constructive criticism on The Voice, it's rarely ever mean-spirited. At the end of the day, the show features pretty rad music and makes for good, lighthearted entertainment.

Where to watch it: Hulu

Hey Janet, can you take away my existential dread? No? OK, maybe a face mask and scented candles will do. But in all seriousness, The Good Place is full of bright, cheerful set designs and silly jokes that takes the edge off of whatever's troubling your mind.

Where to watch it: Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon

The striking visuals of Planet Earth is great for winding down, connecting with nature, and appreciating all that's beautiful about the world around you. Couldn't get enough of the breathtaking landscapes in the 2006 miniseries? Luckily, there's a Planet Earth II for you to get your fix of beautiful nature cinema after you're all done with the first collection.

Where to watch it: Netflix, iTunes, Amazon

The heavens blessed us the day they sent The Great British Baking Show. If you haven't seen it, it's a positively delightful baking competition that will make you feel like baking some fancy bread in the shape of a lion.

Where to watch it: Netflix