Content Warning: This post is about some of the sad realities of life, like loss, and then having to live with the feelings associated with loss. If you want something less serious, then you might prefer this list of “Robot Chicken” skits.

Not to brag, but I’ve done some extensive grieving.

This weekend I unexpectedly lost my dog, Rosie, and I’m devastated. In between bouts of crying, smothering my other dog with affection, and neglecting my real work, I’ve been binge-watching sitcoms to distract myself. As I’m not the only person who’s ever experienced grief, I figured I may as well put some of these suggestions in a helpful list.

One: Little House on the Prairie (1974 – 1983), streaming on Amazon Prime

When my mom was in the hospital, I watched hours of this show. I have a deep, obsessive love for all things Laura Ingalls Wilder, and growing up I adored this show. I also used to watch it with her in the mornings before school, so that’s probably why this is such a comfort watch for me. It’s not a sitcom, but it does feature many iconic moments courtesy of Alison Arngrim, the premiere prairie bitch.

Two: Bob’s Burgers (2011 – hopefully forever), streaming on Hulu+

I watched this show in its entirety all last year whenever I needed comfort. I even organized a list of my top ten favorite episodes. I also highly recommend the movie, which is easy to get into even if you haven’t watched the show, and has a lot of catchy tunes.

Three: The Nanny (1993-1999), streaming on Max

Fran Drescher is a bad bitch and I love her. Her show “The Nanny” continues to age like a fine wine, while also existing as an impressive time capsule to the 90’s. As I’m currently in the middle of a rewatch, I have to say my favorite interactions are between Niles the Butler and C.C. Babcock, aka the 90s version of Enemies-to-lovers. However, I also love pretty much everything Fran Drescher says and does on the show, and I think anyone with taste will agree that she’s flawless.

Four: The IT Crowd (2006 – 2013), streaming on BritBox

“The IT Crowd” is a very funny British show about a bunch of people working at a random business doing basic IT work. It has some of the greatest tech advice of all time (“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”), as well as a few extremely funny, talented people in the cast.

Five: The Big Bang Theory (2007 – 2019), streaming on Max

I AM ASHAMED OF THIS.

This show is not good. I only started watching it because I was curious if it talked about environmental science (and I have a weird fascination with the Sheldon/Amy dynamic). I’ve written about it now several times, and I can even admit that “Young Sheldon” is a good show. However, I have to be honest and admit that when I was feeling low, “The Big Bang Theory” was there for me, in its crass, offensive way.

If you need other shows to comfort you or make you feel cozy on a rainy day, I put together this list of obvious and non-obvious options that I still really like. In addition, if you’re looking for a funny show that will not distract you from your grief, but instead force you to feel it in all its prickly glory, then I highly recommend the insightful Netflix show “Human Resources.” I’m still grieving over the fact that it only had two seasons.

All jokes aside, I’m still very sad about my dog and I will be for some time. I’m sorry if you found this list because you were looking for distractions from your own problems. I hope that your pain eases soon and that you’re treating yourself kindly. If a TV marathon is what you need for that kindness, then I’ve got you covered.