32 Feel-Good TV Shows To Binge When You Can't Travel

Who says you can't travel from the comfort of your couch?

Your passport is taking a rest, you’re social distancing, and the world might be be feeling a little smaller than you'd like. Solution: #QuarantineAndChill with a feel-good TV binge that will satisfy your wanderlust.

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From drool-worthy eats and stunning scenery to in-depth cultural takes, these comforting shows will have you mentally jet-setting to another reality in no time.

1. Master of None

Netflix

Few TV episodes capture the cultural beauty of New York like Master of None's "New York, I Love You" episode. If it doesn't have you feeling wanderlust for New York, the rest of the series definitely will — filming locations include the Brooklyn Museum and several foodie hotspots, like Carbone in Greenwich Village. And how could we forget all the stunning shots of Italy, where he briefly moves to study the art of pasta-making?

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Queer Eye: We're in Japan!

Netflix

This four-episode season takes the Fab Five to Japan where they transform the lives of four locals (aka "heroes") despite the language barrier. Mostly filmed in Tokyo, we get an insider look at the culture (with the help of Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara) through the eyes of the five makeover experts, and it's beyond heartwarming.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Insecure

HBO

From day parties at the Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills and wine tasting at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles to the California African American Museum — following Issa and her friends around LA will satisfy all your wanderlust cravings for a trip to the City of Angels. Plus, what's more LA than becoming a Lyft driver for some extra cash? (Which Issa Rae actually tried to do IRL).

Where to watch: Hulu

4. Chef’s Table

Netflix

This genre-defining docuseries takes us into the minds, kitchens, and communities of some of the world's most esteemed chefs — like Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico City and René Redzepi of Noma in Copenhagen. Watching famous chefs overcome personal and professional hurdles, against a backdrop of stunning scenery and mind-blowing eats? Yes, please. Even if you're not a foodie, the storytelling and filming is so captivating, you'll probably be hooked in no time.

Where to watch: Netflix

5. Street Food

Netflix

If you loved Chef's Table, you'll want to check out this nine-episode docuseries from the same creators. This time you're heading into some of the world's best street food markets. They've swapped big name chefs for local street food vendors who have such inspirational stories and quirky personalities, you'll wonder how they found them. The food is equally unique, and exceptionally shot.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Anne with an E

Netflix

Red roads, white sand beaches, and wind-swept rolling hills... if Prince Edward Island (PEI) wasn't on your radar before, it will be now. This drama is based on the beloved Canadian novel, Anne of Green Gables, that the island is known for. The story is set in a fictional 19th century village and parts of the show were filmed in rural Ontario, but it still beautifully captures the island. Plus the coming-of-age story is entertaining and heartwarming to boot.

Where to watch: Netflix

7. Salt Fat Acid Heat

Netflix

Samin Nosrat's laugh is enough reason to watch this four-episode documentary series, but the destinations are a delight, too. Each episode explores how the elements in the show's title are essential to cooking in different countries around the world. Listening to soy sauce bubbles in Japan, taking her first bite of 40-month-aged Parmesan in Italy, and cooking Persian rice with her mom — the feel-good moments from Nosrat are endless.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. Game of Thrones

HBO

So maybe GoT isn't the most feel-good show out there, but the fictional lands of Westeros and Essos are so wanderlust-worthy that we couldn't resist. From majestic seaside cities to sweeping deserts and frozen tundras — this epic series will have you dreaming of a trip around the globe. One that you can actually take some day: King's Landing was filmed in the walled Croatian city of Dubrovnik and the home of House Stark, Winterfell, was shot in an 18th-century castle in Northern Ireland.

Where to watch: HBO

9. Portlandia

IFC

Leave it to Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein to make fun of the Ace Hotel, long brunch waits, locally-sourced chicken, and still make us want to go to Portland. This sketch-comedy series is a hilarious parody of Stumptown and all it's odd eccentricities, and totally hilarious. You won't find any wanderlust-worthy shots here, but you'll definitely immerse yourself in the world of Portland.

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Tales By Light

National Geographic

It's no surprise that this Australian documentary reality series is so visually breathtaking — it's all about professional photographers and what goes into making a powerful image. From swimming with giant manta rays in Indonesia to capturing the vibrant Holi festival in India, the storytelling is powerful and the scenery is stunning.

Where to watch: Netflix

11. Broad City

Comedy Central

Watching Abbi and Illana, two broke twenty-somethings, navigate life in NYC on a budget is equally hilarious as it is inspirational. From Madison Square Park and Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo to Central Park and Organic Planet Pharmacy in Williamsburg, the lovable BFFs adventure all over the city proving you don't need to be rich to live large in NYC.

Where to watch: Hulu

12. The Great British Baking Show

BBC Studios

If your idea of an ideal getaway looks like eating sweet treats in the British countryside... this is your show. It's a simple TV-contest format but the judges are cheeky, the desserts look delectable, and the entire show just feels like a warm hug. Plus, with 10 seasons to date, you'll be distracted for days.

Where to watch: Netflix, PBS

13. Lost

ABC

So maybe Lost isn't the most feel-good show but it definitely gives us wanderlust. It's not hard to get wrapped up in the characters' struggle to solve the *fictional* mysteries of the island, but it's also not hard to notice the lush jungles, rugged mountains, and deserted white sand beaches that surround them. You'll find comfort knowing the island exists IRL (without any black smoke monsters) — it's the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and there's actually tours that visit all the filming locations.

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime

14. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

CNN

This 12-season docuseries is a must for travelers and foodies alike. From overlooked eats in bustling capital cities to surprising traditions in some of the most remote corners of the world, the late Anthony Bourdain dives deep into food culture and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty along the way. Already watched this epic adventure series? Check out the underrated precursor, No Reservations.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube

15. The Kindness Diaries

Netflix

In a time when people are social distancing, it's refreshing to see that we're more connected than we think. Host Leon Logothetis travels the world without money, food, or a place to stay, relying totally on the kindness of strangers. He encounters breathtaking landscapes and heartwarming stories, and totally sells us on budget travel.

Where to watch: Netflix

16. Restaurants on the Edge

Netflix

On the surface, this docuseries may seem like your average restaurant makeover show, but it's so much more. The destinations are beautifully shot, they actually dig deep into local food culture, and watching the restaurant owners react to their makeovers is super touching. Queer Eye-meets-Chef's Table? Yes please.

Where to watch: Netflix

17. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Amazon Prime

Watching Midge try to become a stand-up comic in New York City at a time when the housewife life was the norm is super uplifting (no surprise, it's made by the same creator of Gilmore Girls). From performing at The Gaslight Café in Greenwich Village to celebrating Yom Kippur in her ritzy Upper West Side apartment, the show transports us into 1950s New York with wanderlust-worthy detours to the Catskills and Paris.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

18. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Netflix

If you've ever travelled with your family, this one is for you. From a Thai full moon party to exploring Cambodia's Angkor Wat, British stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall journeys all across Southeast Asia with his father, Michael — and their unscripted interactions are priceless.

Where to watch: Netflix

19. Gentefied

Netflix

This charming dramedy is basically a love letter to Boyle Heights, a Latinx neighborhood east of downtown LA. From an inside look at the life of a mariachi musician, to the inner-workings of a family-run taco shop, to on the line at a white tablecloth restaurant — the show dishes up a fresh take on LA's Latinx community. Any cravings for a foodie trip to LA will surely be satisfied with all the vibrant food shots at the taquerias and fine dining restaurants... *drool*.

Where to watch: Netflix

20. Planet Earth

BBC

Eleven episodes of Planet Earth take us from soaring mountain peaks and lush jungle forests to the depths of the ocean — all with David Attenborough's soothing voice to guide the way. Already seen it? Thankfully there are several similar nature series to binge, like Planet Earth II, Our Planet, and The Blue Planet (because who wouldn't want that calming voice on repeat right now?).

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, iTunes, Vudu

21. Friday Night Lights

NBC

You might not think a drama about a high school football team would make you want to travel to Texas, but think again. The show takes us deep into small town life — the camaraderie and community, but also the pursuit to fulfill big city dreams. The characters are lovable and honest, and the stories are optimistic which makes it the ultimate all-American comfort show. Plus, *clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose* is just the mantra we need right now.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu

22. Taco Chronicles

Netflix

If you liked Ugly Delicious and Street Food, you'll love this Spanish language docuseries that's all about tacos. Each drool-worthy episode hones in on a specific taco and the region where it's popular (like tacos al pastor in Mexico City and carnitas in the state of Michoacán). It'll have you totally rethinking the iconic dish and dreaming of a taco-inspired road trip across Mexico.

Where to watch: Netflix

23. Atlanta

FX

This two-season series tackles tough issues in a comedic light, with the Southern city of Atlanta as the backdrop. Watching Earn, Paper Boi, and Darius chow down at Cameli's Pizza, J.R. Crickets (known for their wings), and old school Zesto Drive-In will absolutely leave you craving a foodie trip to Atlanta.

Where to watch: Hulu

24. Somebody Feed Phil

Netflix

Honest, curious, and polite — Phil Rosenthal (the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond) is pretty much the perfect person to watch eat his way around the world. The second season is even better than the first, with dining partners like Nelson Mandela's grandson in Cape Town and dinner with Massimo Bottura in Brooklyn.

Where to watch: Netflix

25. Tales of the City

Netflix

San Francisco to Tales of the City is basically New York to Sex and the City — it plays a leading role in the show. The original mini-series of the same name was a 90s hit for offering a positive portrayal of the Bay Area's LGBT community in the 1970s. The feel-good 2019 reboot takes the story to modern day, and is just as much of a love letter to San Francisco as the first.

Where to watch: Netflix

26. Conan Without Borders

TBS

Our favorite late night shows are on pause, so why not hit the road with beloved late night host Conan O’Brian? From learning salsa in Cuba and becoming a K-pop star in South Korea to getting a Bar mitzvah in Israel and attempting to speak French in Haiti — no matter where he goes, we’re laughing the whole way.

Where to watch: Netflix

27. Downton Abbey

PBS

Even if you're not usually into period dramas, its pretty easy to slip into the world of Downton Abbey. The Crawley family, with their immaculate early 20th century costumes, live in a stunning castle in the English county of Yorkshire. We get a glimpse of what life was like for British aristocracy (and their servants) in this addictive, beautifully-shot series.

Where to watch: PBS, Amazon Prime

28. Ugly Delicious

Netflix

Celebrity chef David Chang doesn't shy away from tackling food stereotypes around the globe (like misconceptions about MSG in the "Fried Rice" episode of season one). And with quirky animations, vibrant food shots, and lovable guest stars (like Aziz Ansari), it's super comforting to watch. The timing of the second season release couldn't be better.

Where to watch: Netflix

29. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Netflix

If you devoured Ugly Delicious in a hot second (#ItMe), David Chang made a follow-up. We're still traveling around the world for food, but this time it's less about the learning and more about the guest star. It's easy conversation over a seemingly constant flow of food. Chang and Seth Rogan eating through a bad case of the munchies in Vancouver, for example, is just what we need to see right now.

Where to watch: Netflix

30. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

BBC Two

From sweeping landscape shots to bewildering architecture (like a donut-shaped house), this addictive British miniseries is a must for travelers who love luxury and design. Watching architect Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin tour unbelievable architectural wonders in all kinds of dreamy environments is the ultimate escape.

Where to watch: Netflix

31. Kim’s Convenience

CBC Television

Arguably no show makes us want to visit Toronto more than this feel-good comedy about a Canadian-Korean family and their convenience store (which actually exists IRL). OCAD, Grange Park, Kensington Market — the show is teeming with Toronto hotspots. Plus, the funny intergenerational and cross-racial misunderstandings perfectly capture the city's multiculturalism.

Where to watch: Netfix

32. High Maintenance

HBO

This comedy-drama series takes us into the lives of "The Guy," a weed dealer in Brooklyn, and all of his clients (like Lena Dunham and Hannibal Burris). It perfectly captures the diversity of New Yorkers, plus the recurring shots of him biking across bridges, down the leafy streets of Fort Greene, and through bustling traffic in Manhattan are totally wanderlust-worthy.

Where to watch: HBO

What TV shows are curing your wanderlust right now? Add 'em to the comments below!

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