In a column for RTÉ, Caoimhe Mahon argues that rewatching 2000s television classics like Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Bold Type, and Gossip Girl offers twenty-somethings a reliable blend of light-hearted escapism and relatable realism while navigating early adulthood.
The Comfort of 2000s Television
- Mahon argues that noughties comfort shows provide essential escapism, effortless fashion, and timeless soundtracks for viewers in their twenties.
- The author highlights Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Bold Type, and Gossip Girl as her four favorite comfort shows.
Why Friends Remains the Ultimate Compass
More than twenty years after its finale on May 6th, 2004, Friends remains the quintessential comfort classic. Mahon writes that she quotes the show on a weekly basis and stores it firmly in her bank of regular comfort shows.
Among the most comforting moments, Monica asks Phoebe if she has a plan, to which Phoebe responds: “I don’t even have a pla.”
Small-Town Charm and Metropolitan Chaos in TV Shows
Moving beyond the classic sitcom format, Mahon explores the appeal of small-town charm through Gilmore Girls. The show’s protagonist, Rory Gilmore, starts with immense ambition before facing complicated relationships and identity crises.
For those drawn to metropolitan chaos, The Bold Type and Gossip Girl capture the highs and lows of living in New York City. Mahon describes The Bold Type as a love letter to young women building a life post-college, while Gossip Girl presents a messy, ultra-glamorous world where characters navigate whirlwind relationships.
| Show Title | Primary Setting | Core Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Friends | New York City | Navigating early career and unpredictable adulthood |
| Gilmore Girls | Stars Hollow | Small-town charm, ambition, and identity crises |
| The Bold Type | New York City | Climbing the career ladder and modern dating |
| Gossip Girl | New York City | High-society drama and whirlwind relationships |
Revisiting Familiar Worlds
Mahon concludes that these shows provide a welcome change of scenery and pace through their familiar, charming, and multi-faceted storytelling.
