Are you curious about what the millennials are watching these days, or rather, what they were watching and continue to watch? New series don't stand a chance against these millennial comfort shows!
Grey's Anatomy is probably the first one you think of when you think about millennial comfort shows. With 20 seasons and counting, plus its loyal fan base, it is sure to be a reliable favorite for future generations.
You can't have a list of millennial comfort shows without Friends; next to Grey's, it's basically the holy grail of television. Its superpower is that it makes you feel better, no matter what kind of mood you're in. She has the range, darling.
Gilmore Girls is one of the most addicting shows, with the catchiest theme song to grace the 2000s. Millennials could not resist what would become a cult classic, eventually leading to a revival miniseries on Netflix in 2016.
As someone who watched Smallville way after it aired, I completely understand the hype now. At the time, it was one of the most exciting things in pop culture. I'm only slightly upset that I was late to the party. Bring back shows like this!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is another show I watched a little too late, but better late than never. It's a millennial favorite for a reason, okay? Out of all the vampire shows, this is the one. Buffy forever!
I haven't met a millennial who doesn't love this show. New Girl is one of the best sitcoms to ever do it. We've memorized the entire series to prove it and feel more comfortable than ever quoting Schmidt's iconic line, "Youths!"
Who doesn't love Andy Samberg? Those who don't can leave. Millennials and even Gen Z love Brooklyn Nine-Nine and will choose it over watching a new show any day. It truly never gets old.
You know I had to throw SpongeBob SquarePants in here. Every millennial you've ever met quotes this show regularly. We basically watched SpongeBob like it was our job. How else would we know what's better than 24?
Of course, The Office made the list. There was a time when you couldn't go anywhere without someone mentioning The Office, and chances are, that person was a millennial. Though the excitement may have finally worn off, you better believe we're still watching this show in our downtime.
How I Met Your Mother is one of the most appealing sitcoms despite its controversial ending. Though the series may have its flaws, its humor and heart make it a worthy comfort show. Just maybe skip the last season?
Where would we, as a society, be without Broad City? The show ranks on numerous best-of lists and is a go-to for women everywhere needing a comfort watch. If you're feeling extra nostalgic, watch the web series it was based on.
I believe most women have fond memories of watching Sex and the City with their friends growing up, no matter how cringe-worthy it may be. Sure, you can watch the movies or the reboot, but nothing beats the original series.
The grip The O.C. had on not just teens but audiences of all ages in the early 2000s was truly something else. Its themes and messages still resonate with fans today, making it a popular pick among our favorite comfort shows.
Supernatural developed quite the cult following during its 15-season run. The majority of that cult? You guessed it, millennials. Fans couldn't get enough of Jensen Ackles and Jared Paladecki as Dean and Sam Winchester. Let's just say the series lasted 15 years for a reason.
Quoting Parks and Recreation has to be one of my favorite pastimes. The show gave us some of the most lovable and relatable characters that we find ourselves rooting for again and again as if we haven't already seen it seven times before. Go ahead, treat yourself to another rewatch!
Not everyone likes sketch comedy, but everyone seems to love Key & Peele. Its cleverness and quality set it apart, and it is essentially a masterclass in comedy. We'll never say the name Aaron the same way ever again.
Gossip Girl is what most would call a guilty pleasure, and millennials ate it up. The show inspired various series of a similar genre for years to come, as well as a longing for a life in the big city.
Workaholics may be the most underrated show on this list, but those who have seen it understand its significance. This stoner comedy series holds a special place in millennials' hearts. It's such a shame that the movie didn't end up happening!
Shelby Weimer is a content creator and comedy writer based in Brooklyn, New York, who grew up watching and quoting way too many movies, inevitably leading her to earn a film degree (oh no) with a focus on screenwriting. She is well-versed in the world of TV and film production, having worked in just about every role in the entertainment industry, from background actor to producer. Shelby has written for various online publications, including Screen Rant and Vocal Media, but more importantly, her writing was featured on TikTok by comedian Matt Braunger. When she isn’t loving on her cat or working on scripts and sketch ideas, she’s most likely listening to her music a little too loud or watching Love Island. Both? In the words of Tulio and Miguel from the extremely underrated DreamWorks animated film The Road to El Dorado, “Both is good.”
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