Feeling Overwhelmed? Science Says Rewatching Your Favorite Show Can Help Ground You

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During a recent meeting here at The Sunday Paper, a serious conversation about the news of the day took a more lighthearted turn when we discovered that many of us were re-watching favorite TV shows we’d already seen.

It turns out our collective impulse to re-watch old favorites is backed by science: According to research, revisiting familiar stories can help recharge our emotional batteries, reduce anxiety, and even restore a sense of control when the world feels chaotic. Experts say these familiar stories act like a soft landing for the brain: they require less cognitive effort than following new plot lines, they offer reliable emotional payoffs, and they reconnect us with feelings of comfort, safety, and even identity. In times of stress, nostalgia isn’t indulgent—it’s regulating.

So, if you’re feeling overstimulated, worn down by the news, or simply fatigued by the uncertainty of life these days, go ahead and lean into that urge to re-watch an old favorite. Need some inspiration? Here’s what we’re turning to right now for comfort in these chaotic times. And we’d love to hear what you’re “comfort watching” these days! Drop us a note in the comments below to fill us in.

30 Rock

This comedy follows Liz Lemon, the head writer of a chaotic sketch comedy show, as she navigates eccentric coworkers, demanding bosses, and her own messy personal life. With rapid-fire jokes and an unforgettable cast led by Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock is both absurd and oddly insightful.

ER

This medical drama that aired from 1994 to 2009 follows the intense, fast-paced lives of doctors and nurses at a fictional Chicago emergency room. It’s easy to get lost in the urgent medical crises and personal struggles and triumphs of the doctors, nurses, and patients we get to know during each show.

All In The Family

This sitcom centers on Archie Bunker, a working-class man with outspoken (and often bigoted) views, and the generational and cultural clashes within his household. Set in 1970s Queens, the show tackled controversial issues—race, gender, politics, and more—with humor, heart, and unflinching honesty. 

West Wing

This political drama offers an idealized, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the White House under President Josiah Bartlet. With rapid-fire dialogue and a cast of smart, it blends sharp writing with optimism, portraying public service as both deeply human and deeply meaningful. 

Veep

This political satire follows Selina Meyer, a wildly ambitious and hilariously self-absorbed vice president as she fumbles her way through Washington, D.C. With biting humor and relentless cynicism, the show skewers the absurdity of modern politics, media spin, and personal ego.

Modern Family

This mockumentary-style sitcom follows the lives of three interconnected families, each offering a different take on love, parenting, and modern life. With its blend of heart and humor, the show explores everything from generational gaps to cultural clashes—always with warmth and wit.

Singles

This comedy-drama follows a group of close friends navigating love and life during their late 20s and early 30s. From changing relationships to career crossroads to identity crises, the series captures the humor, heartbreak, and hope of modern single life. 

Madam Secretary

This political drama follows Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned Secretary of State, as she navigates international diplomacy, office politics, and family life. Played by Téa Leoni, McCord brings intelligence, integrity, and a moral compass to a high-stakes world of global crises and domestic challenges.

Friends

This beloved sitcom follows six close-knit friends we all know well—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—navigating life, love, and careers in New York City. With its iconic catchphrases, memorable moments, and heartfelt humor, the show became a cultural touchstone for a generation.

Parks and Rec

This mockumentary-style comedy follows the endlessly optimistic Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks Department of fictional Pawnee, Indiana, as she works to improve her quirky town. With its sharp writing and earnest spirit, Parks and Rec is a joyful celebration of community, friendship, and doing good—however small the scale.