As the long, sun-drenched days of summer begin to shorten and a crisp chill perfumes the evening air, a familiar, almost primal instinct takes hold. It’s the season of chunky knits, spiced lattes, and the warm glow of a flickering screen. Autumn is not just a change in weather; it’s a change in mood, a collective exhale that invites us to slow down, get cozy, and seek out the familiar. And in the world of television, this translates to one of our most cherished rituals: the annual comfort rewatch.

A "comfort series" is more than just a show you enjoy; it’s a televised security blanket. It’s a world you know intimately, populated by characters who feel like old friends. There are no shocking twists, no stressful cliffhangers—just the gentle, predictable rhythm of a story you love. According to the latest trends bubbling up on TikTok and Pinterest, the "cozy season" aesthetic for 2025 is all about embracing nostalgia, low-stakes fantasy, and the intellectual coziness of "dark academia." It’s about finding warmth and solace in stories that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

This list is a curated guide to that feeling. We’ve scoured the cultural landscape to find 14 perfect comfort series to accompany you through the autumn months. From the fast-talking residents of Stars Hollow to the comforting chaos of a New York coffee house, these are the shows that pair perfectly with a rainy Sunday afternoon and a warm cup of tea. These are the stories that feel like coming home.

1. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

If autumn were a television show, it would be Gilmore Girls. No series is more intrinsically linked to the season of falling leaves and cozy sweaters. The show’s entire aesthetic, from the charming, foliage-draped town of Stars Hollow to the characters' seemingly endless supply of knitwear, screams autumn. The story follows the incredibly close, fast-talking relationship between single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her whip-smart teenage daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel). Their lives are a whirlwind of pop-culture references, copious amounts of coffee, and complex family dynamics, particularly with Lorelai's wealthy, traditional parents.

Rewatching Gilmore Girls in the autumn feels less like watching a show and more like a seasonal pilgrimage. The early seasons, with Rory navigating the halls of Chilton, perfectly tap into the "dark academia" trend, making it the ideal back-to-school watch. The town of Stars Hollow itself is a character, a quirky, idyllic haven filled with eccentric but lovable townspeople and endless seasonal festivals. But the true comfort lies in the show's central relationship. The unwavering bond between Lorelai and Rory is the warm, beating heart of the series. Their witty banter is a comforting rhythm, their loyalty to each other a source of constant reassurance. It’s a show about love, family, and finding your place in the world, and it remains one of the most beloved binge-worthy series of all time.

2. Friends (1994-2004)

For two generations, the opening chords of "I'll Be There for You" have been a Pavlovian trigger for comfort. Friends is perhaps the ultimate comfort sitcom, a show whose rhythms and jokes are so ingrained in our cultural consciousness that watching it feels like reciting a familiar prayer. Set in an impossibly large and affordable New York City apartment, the series follows six friends—Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross—as they navigate work, love, and life in their twenties and thirties.

The appeal of rewatching Friends is rooted in its profound familiarity. You know that Ross and Rachel will be on a break. You know Chandler will make a sarcastic comment. You know Joey won't share his food. There are no surprises, and that is precisely the point. The show exists in a cozy, pre-9/11, pre-social media bubble that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully simple. The iconic Thanksgiving episodes are, of course, a perfect autumn tradition, but the entire series has a warm, inviting quality that is perfect for a lazy afternoon on the couch. It’s a show about the family you choose, and for millions of people, spending time with these six characters feels like catching up with their own. Its enduring popularity places it firmly on the list of shows to watch on a rainy weekend.

3. The Office (US) (2005-2013)

While a mockumentary about a mid-level paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, might not seem like an obvious choice for a comfort show, The Office has become a security blanket for an entire generation. The series chronicles the everyday lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin, led by their well-meaning but hopelessly inept regional manager, Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The show’s cringe-comedy and awkward silences might cause you to peek through your fingers, but beneath the surface lies a deep well of warmth and humanity.

The comfort of The Office comes from its incredible ensemble cast and the slow, beautiful evolution of its central relationships. The slow-burn romance between the charming prankster Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and the shy but sweet receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) is one of the most beloved love stories in television history. Even Michael Scott, a character who could have been insufferable, is imbued with a deep-seated loneliness and a desperate need to be loved that makes him strangely endearing. Rewatching the series allows you to appreciate the intricate tapestry of inside jokes, character callbacks, and the genuine affection that grows between these co-workers. It’s a show that finds beauty in the mundane and reminds us that even in the most boring of settings, you can find your family.

4. New Girl (2011-2018)

If you’re looking for a comfort show that is a pure, concentrated shot of joyful chaos, look no further than New Girl. The series begins when the adorkable and recently single Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel) moves into a loft apartment with three single men: the perpetually grumpy but secretly soft-hearted Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), the hyper-competitive and hilariously vain Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and the intense but lovable Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris). What follows is a whirlwind of insane schemes, heartfelt confessions, and the invention of a convoluted drinking game called "True American."

New Girl is a masterclass in hangout sitcom writing. The plots are often secondary to the sheer joy of watching this incredibly talented cast bounce off each other. The chemistry between the loft-mates is electric, and their rapid-fire banter is consistently hilarious. But what makes it a true comfort show is its unwavering optimism and kindness. Despite their flaws and frequent bad decisions, these characters genuinely love and support each other. The central "will-they-won't-they" between Jess and Nick is both a source of comedic tension and genuine romantic sweetness. It’s a show that celebrates the weirdness of its characters and the beauty of found family. It’s impossible to watch an episode of New Girl without smiling, making it the perfect antidote to a gloomy autumn day.

5. When Calls the Heart (2014-Present)

For those whose idea of comfort involves sweeping romance, stunning landscapes, and a healthy dose of old-fashioned values, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart is the perfect autumn escape. Inspired by the books of Janette Oke, the series follows Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher from a wealthy, high-society family who moves to the small coal-mining town of Hope Valley in Western Canada in the early 1910s. There, she must adapt to a simpler, more rugged way of life while navigating friendships, community challenges, and a budding romance with the town's handsome Mountie, Jack Thornton.

When Calls the Heart is the epitome of gentle, low-stakes television. It is a show with a huge, compassionate heart, where the central themes are community, faith, and perseverance. The town of Hope Valley is an idealized vision of the past, a place where neighbors help each other and every problem can be solved with a little bit of kindness and cooperation. The romantic storylines are sweet and chaste, building slowly over time. It’s a show that is completely devoid of cynicism, offering a warm and reassuring viewing experience. It’s the perfect series to have on in the background while you bake, knit, or simply curl up with a blanket, a truly wholesome choice for family viewing, much like some of the best family-friendly summer flicks.

6. Bones (2005-2017)

For many, the ultimate comfort watch is a classic procedural, and Bones is one of the coziest and most character-driven examples of the genre. The series pairs the brilliant but socially inept forensic anthropologist, Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel), with the charming and intuitive FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz). Together with a lovable team of scientists at the Jeffersonian Institute, they solve a new, often gruesome, murder each week.

While the "case-of-the-week" structure provides a satisfying and predictable rhythm, the true comfort of Bones lies in its characters. The long-running "will-they-won't-they" romance between Brennan and Booth is the anchor of the entire series, a perfectly executed slow burn that is incredibly rewarding to watch unfold. The supporting cast, affectionately known as the "squints," become a true found family, and their personal triumphs and tragedies are just as important as the cases they solve. The show expertly balances its scientific and investigative elements with a wonderful sense of humour and genuine heart. It’s a show that makes you feel like you're part of the team, a familiar and brilliant group of friends you can always count on to solve the puzzle, making it a perfect binge-watch for a rainy weekend.

7. Charmed (Original Series) (1998-2006)

Tapping directly into the powerful 90s and Y2K nostalgia trend, the original series of Charmed is a perfect autumn rewatch. The series follows the Halliwell sisters—Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), later joined by Paige (Rose McGowan)—who discover they are the "Charmed Ones," the most powerful good witches of all time. Each sister has a unique magical power, and together, their "Power of Three" protects the innocent from the various demons, warlocks, and other evil beings that plague San Francisco.

Rewatching Charmed is like opening a time capsule. The fashion, the music, and the dial-up modems are a delightful trip down memory lane. The show perfectly blends a "demon-of-the-week" format with the ongoing serialized story of the sisters' personal lives, from their careers to their often-complicated love interests (hello, Cole Turner). At its core, however, Charmed is a show about sisterhood. The bond between the Halliwells is what gives the series its enduring heart. They fight, they make up, they support each other, and they always face the forces of darkness together. It’s a show that is both a fun, supernatural adventure and a heartwarming story about the magic of family.

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Another icon of 90s and 2000s television, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a perfect rewatch for the spooky season. The series follows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a high school student who learns she is the "Slayer," the one girl in all the world with the strength and skill to fight vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. With the help of her "Watcher," Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), and her loyal friends, the "Scooby Gang," she defends her hometown of Sunnydale from the Hellmouth it was built upon.

Created by Joss Whedon, Buffy is a masterclass in storytelling. It brilliantly used supernatural monsters as metaphors for the very real horrors of adolescence—from high school bullies and heartbreak to loneliness and the fear of growing up. The show is incredibly versatile, seamlessly shifting from horror to comedy to heartbreaking drama, often within a single episode. The writing is whip-smart, filled with witty banter and pop-culture references that still hold up today. Rewatching the series allows you to appreciate its incredible character development, its complex seasonal arcs (the Mayor in Season 3 is a particular highlight), and its groundbreaking musical episode, "Once More, with Feeling." It’s a show that is both incredibly entertaining and surprisingly profound.

9. Supernatural (2005-2020)

For fifteen seasons, Sam and Dean Winchester were television’s stalwart guardians against the dark. Supernatural follows two brothers who were raised by their father to be "hunters," tracking down and eliminating every kind of supernatural evil you can imagine, from ghosts and werewolves to demons and angels. Driving across the country in their iconic 1967 Chevy Impala, they live a life of cheap motels, fake credit cards, and classic rock, all in the name of "saving people, hunting things, the family business."

The sheer length of Supernatural makes it an intimidating prospect for a new viewer, but for a rewatch, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. You can dip in and out of the fantastic monster-of-the-week episodes or get lost in the sprawling, epic mythology of the Winchester family's destiny. The show is famous for its meta-humour, constantly breaking the fourth wall and poking fun at its own tropes. But the undeniable heart of the series is the bond between Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles). Their co-dependent, ride-or-die relationship is the emotional anchor of the entire show. It’s a story about found family, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil, a perfect saga to get lost in as the nights draw in. The show’s journey feels like an epic road trip, making it a great escape.

10. Gossip Girl (Original Series) (2007-2012)

"XOXO, Gossip Girl." For a dose of high-fashion, high-drama nostalgia, the original Gossip Girl is an unbeatable autumn rewatch. The series pulls us into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite, a group of privileged teenagers attending prep school on the Upper East Side. Their every move, secret, and betrayal is chronicled by the omniscient, anonymous blogger known as Gossip Girl (voiced by Kristen Bell). The story centres on the complex friendship between "it girl" Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and queen bee Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), and their tangled relationships with a cast of handsome, wealthy young men.

Gossip Girl is pure, decadent escapism. The fashion is iconic, the drama is deliciously over-the-top, and the New York City setting is a character in itself. The back-to-school setting of the early seasons perfectly aligns with the autumn "academia" aesthetic, albeit a much more glamorous version. Rewatching the show allows you to revel in the scheming, the witty one-liners (courtesy of the unforgettable Blair Waldorf), and the surprisingly complex character dynamics. It’s a time capsule of late 2000s pop culture and a reminder of a time when a blog could hold an entire city captive. For those who enjoy stories about iconic characters, it's a must-watch, just as a deep dive into Batman's villains is for comic fans.

11. The Good Witch (2015-2021)

Another gem from the Hallmark Channel, The Good Witch is the television equivalent of a warm, sweet slice of apple pie. Based on a series of successful TV movies, the show follows the enigmatic Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell), the owner of a shop called Bell, Book & Candle in the charming town of Middleton. Cassie seems to have a unique, intuitive, and possibly magical ability to help the people around her solve their problems. The series documents her life as she raises her daughter, Grace, and navigates a new romance with the town's recently arrived doctor, Sam Radford.

Like When Calls the Heart, The Good Witch is a show defined by its gentle, comforting, and completely conflict-averse nature. The problems faced by the residents of Middleton are always low-stakes and are usually resolved with a little bit of sage advice and a knowing smile from Cassie. The "is she or isn't she a witch?" question is always kept tantalizingly ambiguous, adding a touch of whimsical magic to the proceedings. The show’s aesthetic, particularly its celebration of autumn and Halloween in its seasonal specials, makes it a perfect fit for this time of year. It’s a sweet, simple, and utterly charming series that is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

12. One Tree Hill (2003-2012)

For those who lean into the more melancholic, "sad girl autumn" vibe, One Tree Hill is a perfect choice. This sprawling teen-turned-adult drama follows the lives of two half-brothers, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who start as bitter rivals on the high school basketball court in Tree Hill, North Carolina. The series explores their evolving relationship, as well as the lives of their friends, including the artistic Peyton Sawyer, the bubbly Brooke Davis, and the intelligent Haley James.

One Tree Hill was famous for its earnest, often overly dramatic, voiceovers and its incredible taste in indie music. The soundtrack alone is a perfect time capsule of the 2000s indie scene. The show tackled serious issues with a level of sincerity that was both admired and sometimes parodied. Rewatching it now is a masterclass in nostalgia, a return to a world of high-stakes basketball games, epic love triangles, and profound, quote-worthy declarations of love and friendship. It’s a show with a huge, bleeding heart, and its exploration of friendship, family, and finding your way through tragedy makes it a deeply affecting and comforting watch, especially on a grey, rainy day.

13. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

For a dose of historical comfort, there is nothing quite like a return visit to Downton Abbey. Julian Fellowes' sprawling ensemble drama chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era. Set in a magnificent English country estate, the series documents the major historical events of the early 20th century—from the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of World War I to the Roaring Twenties—and their impact on both the upstairs family and the downstairs staff.

Downton Abbey is pure, luxurious escapism. The costumes are exquisite, the settings are breathtaking, and the drama is always served with a side of impeccable manners. The show is a fascinating look at a dying way of life, a world of rigid social hierarchies that is on the brink of massive change. But the comfort comes from the incredible ensemble of characters, particularly the witty and formidable Dowager Countess, played to perfection by Maggie Smith. Her acid-tongued one-liners are worth the price of admission alone. The show is a beautiful, sweeping, and deeply human saga about family, loyalty, and tradition in a rapidly changing world. It's a grand story, much like the epics seen in the world of Marvel or DC.

14. Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

A more recent addition to the comfort watch canon, Only Murders in the Building has quickly established itself as a perfect autumn series. The show follows three unlikely neighbors in a historic Upper West Side apartment building: Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), a semi-retired actor; Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), a flamboyant and struggling Broadway director; and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), a mysterious and artistic young woman. The trio bond over their shared love of true crime podcasts and, when a suspicious death occurs in their building, they decide to start their own podcast to solve the murder.

The show is a brilliant blend of cozy mystery, heartfelt comedy, and intergenerational friendship. The chemistry between the legendary comedic duo of Martin and Short and the wonderfully deadpan Gomez is an absolute delight. The series has a warm, autumnal aesthetic, with its focus on cozy sweaters, beautiful old architecture, and the intellectual pursuit of a good mystery. It’s a show that is both cleverly plotted and incredibly funny, but it also has a surprising amount of heart, exploring themes of loneliness and the need for connection in a big city. It’s a modern classic in the making and a perfect addition to any autumn rewatch list. The show’s focus on investigation makes it a great watch for fans of the detective shows of the 2010s and 2000s. It’s also a perfect show for a rainy weekend.

Conclusion

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the comfort series has become an essential form of self-care. It’s a conscious choice to retreat into a world where we know the outcome, where the characters feel like family, and where the prevailing feeling is one of warmth and reassurance. The fourteen shows on this list are more than just entertainment; they are destinations. They are the charming streets of Stars Hollow, the familiar couch at Central Perk, the hallowed halls of Downton Abbey. As autumn settles in, embracing the cozy and the familiar is not just a trend; it’s a way to recharge our batteries and find a little bit of joy in the stories that know us best. So, pick a favorite, press play, and let the comforting glow of the screen be your personal fireside this season.

External Links

1. IMDb: Most Popular TV Shows: See what shows are currently trending with a global audience.

2. Rotten Tomatoes: TV Shows: Explore critical ratings and audience scores for a wide variety of television series.

3. Vulture's "The Comfort-Food TV That’s Getting Us Through": An article exploring the phenomenon of comfort television.

4. The Official Gilmore Girls Instagram: Get a dose of Stars Hollow nostalgia on your social media feed.

5. The "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" Fan Wiki: A comprehensive fan-run wiki for all things The Office.

6. The official Hallmark Channel website: Find more information on shows like When Calls the Heart and The Good Witch.

7. The r/supernatural Subreddit: Join one of the largest and most active fan communities for the show on Reddit.

8. Vogue's "Every Outfit on Gossip Girl": A retrospective look at the iconic fashion from the original series.

FAQs

1. What exactly is a "comfort series"? A comfort series is a TV show, usually one you have seen before, that you rewatch to evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and reassurance. Its familiar plot and characters provide a low-stress, relaxing viewing experience.

   
   

2. Why is autumn considered the peak season for rewatching shows? Autumn, often called "cozy season," is associated with staying indoors, cooler weather, and holidays focused on home and family. This creates a cultural mood that is conducive to seeking out familiar and comforting forms of entertainment.

3. Are all these shows available on one streaming service? No, the shows on this list are spread across various streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, Hulu, Peacock, and Hallmark Movies Now. Streaming rights change frequently, so it's always best to check a service like JustWatch to see where a show is currently available.

4. Which of these shows are most suitable for family viewing? When Calls the Heart, The Good Witch, and The Croods (a movie, but in the spirit) are excellent choices for all-ages family viewing. Shows like Friends and The Office are generally suitable for older teens and adults.

   
   

5. I love the "dark academia" aesthetic. Which show should I watch? Gilmore Girls, especially the early seasons focusing on Rory's time at Chilton, is the quintessential choice for a cozy, light academia vibe. For a more modern and mystery-focused take, Only Murders in the Building is perfect.

6. Are there any good comfort shows that are still airing new episodes? Yes, from this list, When Calls the Heart and Only Murders in the Building are still producing new seasons.

   
   

7. What if my favorite comfort show isn't on this list? This list is based on current trends and popular choices, but the concept of a comfort show is deeply personal! The best comfort show is whichever one brings you the most joy and relaxation.

8. I like the idea of a cozy mystery. Where should I start? Only Murders in the Building is a great modern starting point with its blend of comedy and clever plotting. For a more classic procedural feel with great character relationships, Bones is an excellent choice.

9. Why do we rewatch shows we've already seen? Psychologically, rewatching a familiar show reduces anxiety and mental load. Since you already know the outcome, there's no stress or suspense, allowing your brain to relax and simply enjoy the journey with characters you love. It provides a sense of predictability and control in an often-unpredictable world.

   
   

10. Do any of these shows have associated podcasts or fan communities? Absolutely! Most of these shows have thriving fan communities on platforms like Reddit and dedicated fan-run wikis. There are also numerous rewatch podcasts for shows like Gilmore Girls ("Gilmore Guys"), The Office ("Office Ladies"), and Supernatural ("Supernatural Then and Now").

    
    

Meta Description

As the cozy season begins, dive into our list of the 14 best comfort series to rewatch this autumn. From 'Gilmore Girls' to 'Friends,' find the perfect nostalgic show to pair with a warm blanket and a rainy day.