Like many things in life, comfort viewing is a bit like comfort food. When the world has been particularly chaotic, sometimes the best remedy is putting something familiar on the telly, grabbing a coffee, and letting your brain switch off for a bit.

There are a few shows that fall firmly into that category for me.

First up would have to be The Big Bang Theory. More specifically, the character of Sheldon Cooper. There’s something oddly reassuring about Sheldon’s complete inability to bend to social norms. His routines, logic, and absolute certainty about how the universe should function are strangely comforting to watch. 

Next on the list is How I Met Your Mother. It’s one of those shows you can dip in and out of without much effort, and it manages to balance ridiculous humour with the occasional moment that actually tugs at the heartstrings. (Like Marshal’s father’s death) The characters feel like old friends at this point, which is probably why it keeps finding its way back onto my screen.

And finally, there’s Batman. Pretty much any of the films featuring the Dark Knight will do the trick. There’s just something timeless about the character and the world of Gotham.

That said, the one exception for me would be The 89 Batman film, while it was awesome as a kid to see this dark, action film, after growing up on the flamboyant (occasionally camp) 66 Batman with my hero Adam West. it’s clear Tim Burton had never read a comic book in his life.

So those are my repeat offenders when it comes to TV and film. Familiar stories, familiar characters, and just enough escapism to give the mind a bit of breathing room.

Stay safe,
BC