Summary
Anxiety among US adultshas been increasing in recent years. In fact, every one of us will experience it at some point in our lives. Data shows that almost20% of US citizens struggle with anxiety, with women experiencing it at a higher percentage.
The media in general has the opportunity to make anxious people a little bit less stressed by offering a smooth escape to some of the most anxiety-ridden moments. SomeTV shows to considerwhen anxiety strikes areFriends, the animated adult seriesBob’s Burgers, and the American reality TV showImpractical Jokers.
8The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross
30 Minutes Therapy-Like Session
In the 1980s, the talented Bob Ross starred in the showThe Joyof Painting. The name of the show says it all. Bob patiently goes through each painting while giving knowledgeable tips on which brush and color to use and how to use them. Each episode is around thirty minutes, and viewers can see a beautiful piece by the end.
This TV show isn’t only for painters; many viewers admit that they watch an episode every day just to be able to relax for a bit. Bob Ross even inspired some people to start a new hobby because he makes it look so easy and relaxing. It’s a perfect show to watch when feeling anxious.
7Bob’s Burgers
An Animated Series Centered Around Bob’s Family And Their Struggles
Bob’s Burgersis a must-watch when anxiety kicks in. In this adult animation sitcom, viewers can followthe life of Bob’s family,who share their struggles and achievements with the viewers. This family has a burger restaurant and the episodes are fun, distracting, and authentic.
The show is easy to follow, and the characters are entertaining. It will for sure distract anyone who is going through a hard time. It’s a pleasant escape with humor and a strong focus on family, giving a feel-good vibe.
6Friends
A Beloved Sitcom Revolving Around Six Friends In New York
No words are needed for theAmerican sitcomFriends. The first episode came out in the 1990s, and since then it’s been one of the most rewatchable TV shows globally. The plot presents six friends living in New York—Joey, Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, and Ross. And all of them have a relatable personality that makes it fun to watch.
These friends portray what friendships are supposed to be. They support each other through the ups and downs of life, making it a reassuring, fun, and very comforting TV show to watch when feeling anxious.
5The Office
A Sitcom With A Characteristic Awkward Humor
The Office(US) has divided critics. Some people give up on the first episode because it can be hard to get the awkward vibe of the show. However, for those who get through the first episodes, it gets increasingly funnier over time. The plot centers around the day-to-day life of corporate people who work at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Pennsylvania.
Each episode shows the relatable life of an office worker, including fun and weird interactions, not-so-good leadership, and some pranks between coworkers. Regardless of the chaos, the team grows together and creates long-term relationships. It’s a nice show that will distract any busyhead.
4Modern Family
Three Families Raising Their Kids In A Modern Way
Modern Familycenters around three families. Jay and his young wife Gloria (played by Sofía Vergara) who have two sons. Claire and Phil, who are struggling to raise their three kids, and then Mitchell and Cameron, who adopt a daughter named Lily. These families couldn’t be more different, but they all share one thing in common—they live a life full of laughs and struggles and attempt to parent their kids the best they can.
Modern Familyhas a relatable and realistic cast, making it a comforting show to watch. The show has a mix of humor with wholehearted moments. The portrait of ups and downs, struggles, and joy gives viewers a sense of normalcy, so it’s a great option to watch when anxious.
3Bridgerton
A Regency Romance With Stunning Visuals And Costumes
Bridgertonis a romance centering around a variety of families, specifically the wealthy Bridgerton family, where the goal is to find love and marry. However, many scandals and gossip come in between, which are reported by a secret gossip writer—Lady Whistledown.
Many viewers saidBridgertonis a great show to get distracted for a bit. It doesn’t cause any anxiety; it’s really pleasant and easy to follow with a mix of humor and drama. In addition, the show is set in Regency-era London, where viewers canappreciate the elegant costumesand high-society conversations and behaviors.
2South Park
Four Animated Kids Exploring Real-Life Problems With Humor
South Parkis an adult animation created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The show revolves around four elementary school friends—Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Eric Cartman—living in South Park. Every episode is different, and it covers many (sometimes realistic) events, like politics, pop culture, religion, and technology.
The show is famous for its dark humor, creative writing, and smart puns. It’s a great TV show to follow because it uses humor as an escape from real-world problems.
1Impractical Jokers
Four Lifelong Friends Bringing Laughs To Everyone
Impractical Jokersis a reality TV show that uses a hidden camera to prank people on the street. The show stars comedians and friends Joe, Q, Sal, and Murr, who are the ones embarrassing themselves in order to bring smiles to everyone who watches. And they do that just perfectly.
The show purely focuses on laughs, which areproven to stimulate the brain, get rid of any tension, and increase the overall mood, making it a great option to put on whenever feeling anxious.
