By Juniper Gardner, Second Year, Philosophy and Politics
It’s that time of year again. As paracetamol and Berocca fly off the shelves in every pharmacy in Bristol, the newest wave of freshers are fighting off the infamous freshers' flu – a rite of passage for every student experiencing university life for the first time. If you find yourself battling this, and are in need of some entertainment in these testing times, here is a list of perfectly bingeable shows for you to get lost in.
Fresh Meat (2011)
No show better encapsulates the feeling of starting your University life than Fresh Meat. Following the lives of six freshers at Manchester Medlock University, this show comedically documents the trials and tribulations of university life - from ‘flatcest’ and partying, to the crippling stress of assignments and deadlines. What makes Fresh Meat stand out is its painfully accurate depiction of first-year living, opposed to the glorification of college/university life we often see (wink wink Legally Blonde, Pitch Perfect, etc). A posh private school boy, a hedonistic party girl, an idealist determined to hide her wealthy upbringing, a reclusive older student, a temperamental narcissist, and a pleasant yet insecure everyman all forced to live together, fight with each other, and figure out what they want to do with their lives: it truly is a tale as old as time. Through their respective differences, we see each character come into their own, one way or another, as we witness their journey from prospective students to graduates. If you’re looking for reassurance in this new period of your life (as well as a little humour), this show is perfect for you.
Sex and The City (1998)
The exploration of love, lust, sex, and friendship in late 90s Manhattan, by the achingly stylish and effortlessly chic sex columnist, Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), truly stands the test of time. This is the perfect show to watch when experiencing city life for the first time - you would be hard struck to find a character that you can’t relate to. Are you a straightforward cynic like Miranda? Or are you an eternal optimist like Charlotte? Regardless of where you fall, there is an undeniable comfort in how Sex and The City portrays these different archetypes successfully overcoming issue after issue, while staying true to who they are. This show also sensitively addresses issues that are still relevant today, which is something fairly atypical of a show first released in the 90s. Though some moments have not necessarily aged the best (the less said about ‘Cock a Doodle Do!’, the better), the show must be praised for the way that ‘taboo’ topics were treated, especially in an era that marked the start of using regular people and their issues as material for salacious tabloids. The humility that it treats its characters with, and subsequently the viewers with, makes Sex and The City a perfect watch for freshers undergoing probably the biggest change of their lives so far. Even nowadays, watching THE Carrie Bradshaw completely embarrass herself for a situationship that does not care if she lives or dies should give all of us hope.
Overcompensating (2025)
Moving away from home is never easy, especially if it’s for the first time. University is, for many people, a chance to explore yourself and figure out who you truly are. On this note, Overcompensating, a comedy created by and starring Bennito Skinner, explores the universal experience during your time as a fresher, where the thrill of being alone for the first time makes you question: who actually am I? This daunting question is one that our protagonist, Benny Scanlon (played by Bennito Skinner), has to face as he struggles to come to terms with his queer identity. The unlikely comedy that ensues from this is one that exemplifies the challenges of living authentically in a time of such great change. With star-studded cameos such as Charli XCX and Bowen Yang, Overcompensating’s biting humour and lack of shyness in tackling the most classically awkward university scenarios, makes it one of the most refreshing comedies that has come out in recent years.
Derry Girls (2018)
Are you reminiscing about your life before university and how it might change? Sometimes the best way to prepare for your new journey ahead, is to appreciate the journey that got you here. Written by Lisa McGee, Derry Girls presents a hilarious throwback to the (not so) glorious days of secondary school, finding comedy in the core events of every teenager’s life - from first crushes to results day stress, buckle up for a stroll through the past. Centred around Erin Quinn (played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson) and her eclectic friend group in a mid-90s Derry setting, Derry Girls is a nostalgic love letter to an era defined by The Cranberries and denim. It is hard not to fall in love with the show’s distinct aesthetic. This, paired with its authentic dialogue and witty writing, makes Derry Girls the perfect show to reminisce about being a teenager before moving into your adult life.
Sophia Stockden
The Good Place (2016)
‘Hangxiety’ can be debilitating, especially for potentially your first night out outside your home town. Has something you did last night left you questioning your better judgement? The Good Place is the perfect show for you (and your headache). The show focuses on Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason (played by Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, and Manny Jacinto) as they navigate the afterlife. You will be consoled by the rifeness of conversations on ethics, regret, and how it is never too late to become a better person. Philosophically interesting but not too heavy or hard to follow, The Good Place is the perfect watch for those days in freshers’ week where even the most menial tasks are a struggle. What’s more, the show’s core principle, that making mistakes and trying again is a fundamental part of life and that everyone has the potential to become a better person, is something that every fresher should internalise and take forward into the rest of their university journey.
Featured Image: IMDB / Fresh Meat, Sex and The City, Overcompensating, Derry Girls
What's your favourite comfort show?
