Sometimes the stress levels of just existing can be enough to send me into a complete burnout spiral. Luckily, I have a nice rotation of shows to keep coming back to, like a warm blanket on a chilly fall day.
6
Lost
Stream Lost on Netflix or Hulu
You might not immediately think of Lost as a show that can bring any sort of comfort, what with its complex mysteries and heavy human drama. But for me, Lost is a series that I have binge-watched more than perhaps any other drama out there. I love the messy characters trying their best to overcome dire, mystical situations on some island while dealing with their own regular baggage.
There’s also a sense of togetherness inherent to Lost, with its messaging of “Live together, die alone.” It’s enough to remind me that, even when the walls feel like they’re closing in, there’s a sense that I’m not alone in feeling this way. That is the real power of Lost.
5
Friends
Stream Friends on HBO Max
Look, I get it: Friends hasn’t exactly aged well, and it’s received its fair share of (much-deserved) backlash recently for its mean-spiritedness and casual bigotry. As someone who grew up watching it, though, Friends has remained a reliable anchor for me throughout the years when life was at its worst. Centering on a group of, well, friends just trying to navigate their 20s and 30s is highly relatable to me. Other than the “somehow living in New York City without high-paying jobs” aspect of it.
There’s no denying that the core group of characters are extremely flawed people, and Friends doesn’t always do a great job of calling them out for it within the narrative. Ross, in particular, gets away with a lot more than he should. But like with Lost, there can be something comforting about watching disastrous fictional people struggle, because it can absolutely put your own problems into perspective.
4
Supernatural
Stream Supernatural on Netflix
Normally, I’m not one to even touch the horror genre when my stress levels are maxed out, but Supernatural is different. Despite its more suspenseful moments, there’s something about watching brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) travel across America putting down monsters and demons that I find rather soothing.
Yes, Supernatural experiences peaks and valleys when it comes to quality, but the brotherly bond remains. And when I’m in the throes of substantial burnout, there’s something appealing about the idea of abandoning my stationary life and hitting the road and leaving my troubles behind. While playing some Kansas on the radio, of course.
3
Schitt’s Creek
Stream Schitt’s Creek on Hulu
What could possibly be better than watching a once-wealthy family lose everything and be forced to move to a rundown hotel in a small Canadian town? Turns out, not much, especially when that family is the Rose family. Schitt’s Creek cleaned the award-season house during its run, and for good reason. If you’re looking for something witty, charming, and surprisingly heartwarming, this is your sitcom.
Out of all the shows on this list, Schitt’s Creek is the one I find myself returning to when the depression sets in on top of the burnout. And like the Rose family, it reminds me that I, too, can always become a better version of myself, though maybe without the riches-to-rags arc accompanying it.
2
What We Do in the Shadows
Stream What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu
An outrageous vampire comedy series in the mockumentary style, What We Do in the Shadows is the perfect series for anyone looking for some crassness in their comedy. For me, it’s a series that I have to be in the right headspace for, and that headspace is usually burnout mode. There’s nothing remotely realistic about this show, and that’s what makes it so appealing. Well, that and its zany cast of lovably flawed characters.
The quality sort of wanes in the final two seasons, but the journey itself remains worth it. From stories about the advantages of immortality to hijinks involving witches, ancient vampires, and familiars trying their hardest to become vampires, What We Do in the Shadows just ticks all the right boxes for me when life isn’t particularly great. And if you’re looking for some surprisingly effective romance, this show’s got you covered.
1
Ted Lasso
Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
Ted Lasso is that show for when I can feel the burnout starting to subside; when I need that little extra boost to get things going again. It’s a series that makes no apologies for its earnestness, and I respect it immensely for that. Its eponymous character, played with stunning conviction by Jason Sudeikis, is someone I wish could be my everyday life coach. The character is an endless well of inspiration who affects the lives of everyone around him.
More than that, he touches the lives of the audience. Ted Lasso is a revelation, and a show that I will continue to revisit often, especially when life doesn’t seem as hopeful as Lasso makes it out to be.
Hopefully, these shows can help you with your own burnout struggles. Of course, if you’re looking for movies you can watch over and over again, we have you covered there, too.
