Here Are 31 TV Shows That Have Changed People's Lives In A Significant Way

    "I literally found my best friend because of our mutual love for a hot wizard."

    Nora Dominick
    by Nora Dominick

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which TV series has significantly changed their lives. Here are some of the inspiring stories:

    1. Supernatural

    The CW

    "I was in an abusive relationship when I found Supernatural on DVD. I started the show because I found that when we watched the show, it was the only time I wasn't being abused. Eventually, I got myself out of the relationship, and my love for Supernatural only grew. I now have a son whose middle name is Castiel, and he coincidentally shares a birthday with Dean Winchester."

    —cdowenlol54

    2. This Is Us

    NBC

    "I connect with Kate in a way that I've never connected with any other character on TV. I've had issues with weight, and watching Kate deal with it has made me feel less alone. I've lost a parent and had to deal with all the grief that comes with it. And then, last year, I suffered a miscarriage the same day the episode where Kate suffers one aired. Seeing yourself represented onscreen is something that This Is Us has given me, and I'll be forever grateful."

    —chessak2

    3. One Day at a Time

    Netflix

    "The show is incredible because it shines a light on some topics that other comedy series don't often talk about. They've discussed single parenting, PTSD, anxiety, identity, racism, and so much more. The show has opened my eyes to some of the struggles happening to families every day."

    —cynthiafoster

    4. The Wire

    HBO

    "I never truly understood just how abject poverty and violence affects people until I watched this show. I grew up in a white, middle-class family in a typical suburban neighborhood, with two parents that loved each other. The Wire opened my eyes to how minorities aren't afforded the same opportunities as I am. I'm much more aware of the privilege I have and that I need to use those privileges to help make the world a more equal place to live."

    —kristenw4513138e2

    5. Law & Order: SVU

    NBC

    "After watching years and years of Olivia Benson kicking ass, it made me realize I wanted to do something to help sexual assault victims. I’ve been an ER nurse for over five years now, and have been the head of our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at my hospital for almost two years. The show changed my life and the lives of so many others."

    —amandat4887b39ea

    6. Supergirl

    The CW

    "As women, we shouldn’t be afraid of showing our strength and fighting for equality. Supergirl helped teach me that it's OK to be strong and tough, and to always fight for what you believe in."

    —carlsmb21

    7. A Different World

    NBC

    "At the time, there were no depictions of educated young Black people on television. Watching this show allowed me to imagine and dream about my college experience as a young Black female. I could not wait to get to college so I could live out every episode."

    —kdwesternbg4

    8. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

    NBC

    "Rosa's coming-out storyline helped me realize that my sexuality is valid. Watching her be unapologetic about her bisexuality was incredible to see on television. The series overall isn't afraid to be funny and serious, while also diving into important issues. It has helped me so much."

    —c40c0809d1

    9. Friends

    NBC

    "I'm from Brazil, and when I watched Friends for the first time, the Portuguese subtitles were terrible, and none of the jokes made sense. I ended up learning English in order to watch the show."

    —isabeller49b471d79

    10. Friday Night Lights

    NBC

    "I came from a very broken home with parents who fought all the time. Coach Taylor and Tami's relationship was one of the first times I was exposed to what a loving relationship looked like."

    —gelynm2

    11. BoJack Horseman

    Netflix

    "This show has an unwavering approach to talking about mental illness and addiction. I've never watched a TV show that impacted me so much. After watching a few episodes, I got back in touch with the therapist I stopped seeing years ago and decided to start getting help. The writers and creators of this show helped me in ways that I never thought were possible."

    —jennr4ab11fa64

    12. Frasier

    NBC

    "When my mom was really sick, she was rarely able to sleep through the night. So, we'd stay up late and watch Frasier. I love this show because although it was a terrible period for my mom, some of my favorite memories are when we would just sit and watch this show."

    —caitlinm18

    13. Sherlock

    BBC

    "I was at the lowest point in my depression when I found Sherlock. By joining the fandom and reading fan fiction, I discovered what it meant to be asexual. It was something I’ve felt my whole life, and I didn’t realize that other people felt that way too. I can honestly say that Sherlock saved my life."

    —catiel47f51c341

    14. The West Wing

    NBC

    "My roommate introduced me to the show right after the 2016 presidential election. Watching quick-witted politicians try to make positive change was amazing to see, and something I desperately needed. Allison Janney's character was especially inspiring. Her confidence and tenacity continue to encourage me to navigate this tough political climate."

    —kgray853

    15. Hey Arnold!

    Nickelodeon

    "I was raised by my grandparents, and I used to get upset when there would be parents days at school. Hey Arnold! showed me that being raised by your grandparents was alright, and a non-traditional family was pretty cool."

    —elainam47e50a4bc

    16. The Handmaid's Tale

    Hulu

    "While the show is incredibly tense, it has allowed my aunt and me to have an open dialogue about certain political and social struggles we're experiencing, as women, today. The show acts as a cautionary tale of what could happen if we continue to diminish women's rights."

    —harleejo

    17. Merlin

    BBC One

    "I loved this show so much that I created a fan blog on Tumblr, which led me to meeting my best friend. We live hundreds of miles from each other, so every year we plan amazing trips just to see each other. I’ve been to cities and places that I never would have dreamed of visiting because of her. I literally found my best friend because of our mutual love for a hot wizard."

    —whitneys4a5bc796d

    18. Veronica Mars

    The CW

    "I was super shy and didn’t have a lot of friends in high school. When I watched Veronica Mars, it was incredible to see Veronica as an outsider, but she was also kickass and confident. The show made me realize that high school is just something you have to get through. I realized that my self-worth wasn’t based on what anyone else thought."

    —kassidyqp

    19. Boy Meets World

    ABC

    "I’m currently a social studies teacher because of Mr. Feeny. I have one of his quotes posted in my classroom. Growing up, watching Mr. Feeny really connect with his students stuck with me, and I wanted to be that person for someone."

    —valerielynn

    20. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

    Travel Channel

    "It's sad to look back on it now, but the show completely changed my view of the world. Anthony Bourdain taught me to not judge other cultures from an arm's length, but to immerse myself as best as possible."

    —erics49b0510d8

    21. Once Upon a Time

    ABC

    "I started watching the show in college, at a point when I was considering dropping out. While watching the show, I realized that you can always find the bright side in any situation. It may not be in front of you, but it will always find you."

    —stephaniegriffiths44

    22. Charmed

    The WB

    "Charmed was the first time I remember seeing vulnerable, kickass, three-dimensional women on TV. Watching three sisters fight demons while navigating life left a lasting impact on me. It helped me realize just how empowering women can be, especially when we work together."

    —giannaw46bbc5340

    23. You're the Worst

    FXX

    "Gretchen in You're the Worst has mirrored my struggles with depression. It's the first time a TV show has accurately portrayed my struggle with trying to maintain the relationships in my life while also taking time for myself. I'm so glad the show came into my life at the exact time I needed it."

    —lostnfound101

    24. One Tree Hill

    The CW

    "The show has allowed me to meet and connect with people around the world, which is truly incredible. It's also my perfect escape. Whenever something is happening in my life, I can always return to Tree Hill and connect with these characters. From Brooke Davis to Nathan Scott, these characters have shaped me and changed my life in more ways than one."

    —lx1231

    25. Lucifer

    Fox / Netflix

    "The show helped me to not feel ashamed and insecure about going to therapy. Lucifer sees a therapist in nearly every episode, and there's no stigma. His friends and family know that he does, and it's never a punchline. This representation helped me stay in therapy."

    —lightheart16

    26. Wynonna Earp

    SYFY

    "This show is incredible in putting women and LGBT characters at the center of stories. I've never watched a show with such dynamic, three-dimensional characters that aren't afraid to be vulnerable, fierce, and honest. Importantly, this show has created the most welcoming fandom I've ever seen. This show has changed my life because I've been welcomed into a community that isn't afraid to be their quirky, most authentic selves. I've met close friends through our sheer love of the show, and it's incredible."

    —noradominick

    27. The Good Doctor

    ABC

    "I’m mildly autistic, so I’ve always had the sense of being different, and I was bullied a lot. The Good Doctor made me feel represented and seen. It showed not only the nice people who care enough to see past the disability, but also the prejudice autistic people face every day. I now feel that autistic people, like me, are going to have a bigger chance at success once people see past the awkwardness to the intelligent person beneath."

    —chanl

    28. Glee

    Fox

    "The show had a profound impact on my middle and high school years. Being able to see the characters deal with their problems and watching such a diverse ensemble was extremely encouraging. The show definitely shaped how I see the world today."

    —aliothgreen

    29. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

    The WB

    "I have PTSD, and having a show with vibrant characters and witty dialogue to focus on helped tremendously. The characters became a part of who I am, and I wouldn't be where I am today without the show."

    —a4592f8eb2

    30. Will & Grace

    NBC

    "The show gave me the courage to come out to my family. We were then able to watch episodes together, and they could better understand my life. Will and Grace's friendship helped my family realize that I will have a normal life."

    —Matty Cormier, Facebook

    31. Shadowhunters

    Freeform

    "Shadowhunters, particularly Alec Lightwood, has helped me fight my eating disorder. I realized that a lot of my unhappiness came from the paralyzing fear of having to come out to my friends and family. From Alec, I’ve learned that it’s OK to go against the values that you’ve been raised on. He gave me hope that I can overcome my fears and be happy with myself. The Shadowhunters fandom has become a second family to me, and I can always count on them. The show saved my life, and even though my journey is far from over, I’m more hopeful and definitely happier."

    —@brvkenalec, Twitter

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