Readers name the TV series they turn to for comfort

Respondents nominated a wide range of television series they rewatch for comfort, from comedies such as Toast of London and Detectorists to period dramas, travelogues and factual series including Lark Rise to Candleford and Saving Lives at Sea.

Rhys, 24, of Cardiff called Toast of London "hilarious", praising its daft plots, left-field cameos and nonsensical gags and saying he had watched it from beginning to end at least 15 times. Tim K, 60, of Brooklyn said Lark Rise to Candleford offered a "simpler, kinder world" that helped him avoid news and the current political climate. Ben from Bedfordshire described the 1985 Mapp & Lucia as an immaculate, comforting retreat he watched repeatedly with his late husband.

Maddy Paxman, 67, in London said the RNLI docuseries Saving Lives at Sea was "strangely relaxing", citing the combination of jeopardy and the volunteers who, in the series, arrive "in the nick of time". Sam from Ely said Detectorists is rewatched each winter for its slow, layered humour and Suffolk backdrop, and Meg, 58, in Sussex called Schitt's Creek a "perfect comfort show", in particular praising Catherine O'Hara.

Other favourites mentioned included Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin, Perry Mason (1957–1966), Gilmore Girls, Poirot, Superstore, The Planets, How to With John Wilson, First Dates, Friends, Time Team and Richard Osman's House of Games.

Key Topics

Culture, Detectorists, Mapp & Lucia, Schitt's Creek, Poirot, Time Team