If you've had a stressful day, sometimes it's easiest to go home, put on a face mask [1], have a glass of wine, and then go right to bed. But what if you're having trouble falling asleep and that sketchy sleepy tea you bought on a whim at a farmers market a few weeks ago just isn't cutting it? (It said it was organic, OK?!) Well, that's where the following TV shows come in. From light comedies to put you in a good mood to the soothing visuals of Chip and Joanna Gaines covering every home in Texas in shiplap, these series will have you snoozin' in no time.
Portlandia
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein's Portlandia is delightfully absurd enough to make you forget you were even stressed in the first place. As a bonus, you might even end up dreaming that you actually get to visit Toni and Candace's bookstore.
Watch it on Netflix now [3].
Blue Planet
I have a strong, if irrational, phobia of fish (don't ask), and even I find Blue Planet incredibly soothing to watch before bed. Maybe it's David Attenborough's voice?
Watch it on Netflix now [4].
The Great British Baking Show
You know how in Chopped they play that superintense music in the background? The songs that are like, "DUN dun DUN dun DUNNN"? They do not do that in The Great British Baking Show [5]. Instead of a cooking show full of manufactured drama — c'mon, Chopped . . . you can afford a second ice cream machine! — this one is full of calming music, genuine sportsmanship (those group hugs!), and delicious treats.
Watch it on Netflix now [6].
Friends
Sure, some moments in Friends can be a little stressful to watch ("WE WERE ON A BREAK!"), but when it comes to shows that you can have on in the background as you get ready for bed, this one reigns supreme.
Watch it on Netflix now [7].
Downton Abbey
This historical drama follows the lives of the prestigious Crawley family, who live in a sprawling Edwardian country house outfitted with a number of servants. A compelling narrative shifts back and forth between the upstairs and the downstairs, but there's never any situation as shocking as, say, the Red Wedding. It's just reserved British temperaments and gorgeous clothes!
Watch it on Amazon now [8].
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
The late, great chef travels to a variety of exotic places to sample local cuisines in this critically acclaimed CNN series. The only downside to watching this before bed? You might need to seek out a midnight snack.
Watch it on Netflix now [9].
Fixer Upper
Chip and Jo Gaines take the worst homes in the best neighbourhoods and transform them into truly spectacular spaces for the people of Waco, TX. The only thing that's remotely stressful about watching it is wondering if the two of them are finally going to go too far and shiplap an entire room . . .
Watch it on Amazon now [10].
The Golden Girls
To be fair, there's never a bad time to watch Golden Girls, right? If you haven't had the pleasure yet, however, the hilarious, timeless sitcom stars Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty as four seniors and best friends who live together in South Florida.
Watch it on Amazon now [11].
Bill Nye Saves the World and Bill Nye: The Science Guy
If you're the type of person who needs a little intellectual stimulation before bed, consider Bill Nye Saves the World and Bill Nye: The Science Guy, both of which are streaming on Netflix.
Watch both [12] Bill Nye shows on Netflix now [13].
Chef's Table
Too good for Food Network? Well then, this Emmy-nominated docuseries about culinary stars around the world who specialise in gourmet food with innovative desserts is for you.
Watch it on Netflix now [14].
Cosmos
With news that Cosmos is returning for a second season [15] on National Geographic, there's no better time to catch up. The science documentary series is hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and the star of the Emmy-nominated Star Talk, and will transport you to the farthest reaches of the universe.
Watch it now [16].
Bob's Burgers
There are a few animated shows I like to watch before getting into bed — Adventure Time, Rick and Morty — but Bob's Burgers is far and away my favourite. Yes, there are some cringeworthy scenes, but the genuine love the Belchers have for one another more than makes up for it.
Watch it on Hulu now [17].