Best Easy, Cheesy, Cozy Shows to Binge on Maternity Leave

Best Shows to Binge on Maternity Leave

A good show can turn the exhausting job of keeping a newborn alive into something cozy—maybe even something that helps you look forward to those middle-of-the-night feeds.

When you’re bleary-eyed and full of hormones, complicated plot twists and tear-jerker dramas are off the table. You need comfort TV that’s easy to follow, light on the feels, and packed with enough seasons to keep autoplay busy.

Criteria:

Multiple seasons for binge potential
Feel-good vibes, nothing too emotional or confusing
Fan faves, but not as obvious as Friends or Modern Family becuase if you haven’t seen those, start there.

Grab your Boppy and queue up these 15 winners.

1. Hart of Dixie

Small-town charm, Southern accents, and quirky characters make this the TV equivalent of sweet tea and a front-porch swing.

2. Outer Banks

Teen treasure hunts, boat chases, and sun-soaked Carolina scenery bring vacation energy straight to your couch.

3. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Beach houses, first loves, and gentle drama give you summer vibes even if you’re rocking sweatpants in January.

4. Emily in Paris

Bold outfits, questionable choices, and pastry-filled Parisian streets let you travel without leaving the nursery.

5. Gilmore Girls

Fast-talking mother-daughter duo, endless coffee, and Stars Hollow coziness are perfect for background comfort.

6. Virgin River

Rugged mountain views, small-town drama, and a love story that unfolds at a soothing pace.

7. Sweet Magnolias

Southern sisterhood, spa nights, and margarita meetups offer wholesome comfort with relatable mom moments.

8. Jane the Virgin

Telenovela twists, warm humor, and heart-filled family vibes keep things lively without stressing you out.

9. Friday Night Lights

Clear eyes, full hearts, and Texas football create surprising tenderness that’s still easy to follow on low sleep.

10. Schitt’s Creek

From motel life to small-town love, this comedy’s warm fuzzies and quick episodes make it endlessly rewatchable.

11. The Good Place

A quirky afterlife, lovable misfits, and four brisk seasons deliver laughs and light philosophy without heavy lifting.

12. Chesapeake Shores

Seaside Maryland scenery, family reconnections, and Hallmark-level comfort for when you crave chill coastal vibes.

13. Atypical

A heartfelt coming-of-age story with plenty of humor and four seasons that balance sweet moments and gentle laughs.

14. New Girl

Roommate shenanigans, quick jokes, and a whole lot of friendship energy keep spirits high through seven seasons.

15. The Good Witch

Wholesome magic, charming small-town life, and feel-good storylines run through seven seasons (plus movies) for pure comfort.