It’s getting to that point in the year when, at times, everything starts to feel a little overwhelming. Right at the cusp of October, which is when it’ll be Christmas in the blink of an eye, September seems to have a flow of time that feels like molasses. For college students, classes start to ramp up, midterms taunt from around the corner and homesickness is as common as a cold.
But there’s always one thing that can make it all better, if even just for a little bit: a comfort TV show.
Every family seems to have that one show, the one that’s always on in the background. The one that’s played on repeat, yet serves as more of a backtrack to daily life in the household. No one ever gets tired of it, no one ever questions hearing the same episode for the third time that week. It’s just there, keeping everyone just a little bit more sane than they would be without it.
For instance, my family’s comfort show is, without a doubt, Friends. If you were to step into my home late on a Wednesday night, you’d be likely to hear one of Chandler’s sarcastic comments or Phoebe singing in Central Perk. From Joey trying and failing to speak French, to the trials and tribulations of Rachel and Ross, we know it all. It’s a serious addiction.
Nothing on TV? Turn on Friends. Bored on a weekday night? Turn on Friends. Just got home and need an instant reflex to carry out? You guessed it, turn on Friends.
Whether it’s an entire family affair or one person turning something on before they go to bed, everyone seems to have that one show they always come back to when they need something to hold on to. While some may call these unhealthy obsessions that are surefire ways to lead to becoming a couch potato, they’re actually really vital to surviving college and daily life in general.
While yes, there are feel-good shows like The Office that are good when you just need a laugh, finding your comfort show is extremely important for, well, comfort. If you’re part of a family that doesn’t have that one specific show, or haven’t found one on your own, go ahead and give one the honor of that title. If you need to have that anchor to make you feel at ease, or just need to listen to characters you love melt away the craziness of classes or work, finding a comfort show can really be a lifesaver.
It takes you out of the moment, makes you think about anything but the stress you may be going through on that certain day. It can even be a little home away from home. Add your favorite comfort snack, and you’re all set for a little mindless mental therapy. Flip it on and relax. You don’t even need to watch it. Just let it play and take you out of everything, if only for a little while. Be that couch potato and let some fiction make it all better.
As The Rembrandts sing in the opening theme to Friends, that show will be there for you when the rain starts to pour, like it’s been there before. Because, in a way, you’re there for it too.
Jackson Horvat is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Jackson by tweeting him at @horvatjackson.
