If you're someone who needs some background noise to drift off, especially the TV, you're not alone! A new study looked at some of the most popular television shows and determined which ones are actually the most relaxing to watch before bed.

Researchers at AmberWillo analyzed a wide range of factors, including content rating, genre intensity, episode length, and whether a show contains violence, gore, or overly intense scenes. After scoring each series out of 100, one TV show stood out far above the rest as the most calming nighttime watch.

The Most Relaxing TV Show to Watch at Night

According to the findings, Bluey earned the highest overall score, making it the most soothing show to fall asleep to.

First released in 2018, the animated series has built a massive fanbase among both kids and adults, and in 2024 it became the most-streamed show of the entire year with more than 55 billion minutes watched. Here's more on the list:

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Familiar Favorites Still Rank High

Coming in next is Seinfeld, which received the second-highest overall score. The classic comedy has remained a go-to comfort show for decades thanks to its easy-viewing format and roughly 20-minute episodes. In third place is Mr. Bean, which scored just slightly lower. So random, right?

The 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice ranked fourth in the study and was highlighted for its romantic tone and slower pacing, while the U.S. version of The Office rounded out the top five. I'm honestly surprised The Office wasn't higher on the list. And of course, Friends.


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According to the researchers, choosing lighter shows at night may help viewers regulate stress and wind down more effectively. The most calming series tended to share the same traits: shorter runtimes, gentle pacing, and little to no disturbing content. Familiarity also played a major role, with long-running comedies offering a sense of comfort without requiring focus or emotional investment.

Whether you're putting on a favorite sitcom, a cozy period drama, or a short animated episode, the right show may be just the thing that helps you finally fall asleep a little easier.

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Gallery Credit: Erica Russell

Did Anyone Watch These TV Shows in the 1980s and 1990s?

While you might think “watching while distracted” is a modern habit, even back in the day the TV was just… there, humming along while you did other things. These were the shows that weren’t exactly “must-see TV,” more like “might-see TV” — part of the culture, but you had to wonder: who was actually watching?

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

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