30 greatest Netflix exhibits to go to sleep to as a result of wow we’d like some zzzzzs

Should you’ve been scrolling by means of your Netflix queue in the course of the night time, you are not alone. 

Between the 2024 presidential election and tax season, the general local weather disaster, the warfare on reproductive rights, and warfare world wide, society can really feel like a waking nightmare. Nobody would blame you for overlooking your greatest judgment and discovering consolation wherever you possibly can. Sure, falling asleep with the TV on is not “nice” for us. (Blue gentle, we all know.) 

Nonetheless, it has been a assist throughout tough occasions. So, whereas we’re not recommending you choose up this behavior, we’re comfortable to assist these of you who’re already doing it. Higher than counting sheep, by a large margin, listed here are 30 of the very best exhibits on Netflix to go to sleep to.

30. Cunk on Earth

Philomena Cunk is, I’m unhappy to say, not an actual individual. Over the 5 episodes of Cunk on Earth, I really started to want that I shared a world with such a profoundly insightful particular person. Alas, she’s a personality created by the actress and comic Diane Morgan. First showing on the BBC sequence Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe, she was instantly acknowledged for her singular genius, and so Cunk spun off into her personal sequence — first there was Cunk on Britain, after which in 2022 got here Cunk on Earth. 

The sequence sees Cunk explaining the historical past of the world as solely she might, from “Beginnings” up by means of “The Arse Finish of Historical past,” largely by interviewing unsuspecting scientists and thinkers and asking a sequence of completely deranged questions that stagger the thoughts. It is most likely the funniest present on Netflix proper now. So why is it good to go to sleep to? As a result of she’s British, clearly. The whole lot stated in that accent is straight-up sweet-dreams lullaby-land. Even this assortment of uproarious buffoonery. — Jason Adams, Leisure Reporter

watch: Cunk on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

29. Derry Women

I can’t be the one individual utterly enchanted by the voices of the Derry Women. Set in ’90s Northern Eire, this heartwarming portrayal of teenage friendship is likely one of the rowdiest choice on this checklist — so if you actually need to sleep, the present should not be your first choose. However for those who suppose you would do with a number of laughs earlier than drifting off, look no additional than this bunch. They’re the very best. — Alison Foreman, Leisure Author

watch: Derry Women is now streaming on Netflix.

28. Worn Tales

Shirts! Sneakers! Jockstraps! Oh my. This eight-episode 2021 docuseries will get a large assortment of individuals telling the tales of the objects of clothes they’ve beloved and lived in, and it is by turns humorous and poignant, however most of all, like so lots of the garments it depicts, comforting. We have all received that sweater or that pair of socks there is a humorous story behind and that we might by no means ever in 1,000,000 lifetimes do away with. This sequence is right here to inform us we’re not alone. Effectively, perhaps the nude woodworker is alone. These are numerous sharp instruments and blunt devices swinging round your genitals, for those who ask me. — J.A.

watch: Worn Tales is now streaming on Netflix.

27. Historical past 101

I do not learn about you, however historical past class in highschool was the place I took all my greatest naps. Methuselah, I hardly knew ya. And the 20-or-so-minute-long nugget-sized episodes of Historical past 101 are excellent while you want a tough wallop of chilly information and figures to knock you into sweet-dream-land. Tackling fascinating topics like “GPS” and “Excessive Fructose Corn Syrup” (sure, actually) utilizing animated charts and graphs… properly, I can barely end that sentence with out nodding off. It is melatonin for the eyes! — J.A.

watch: Historical past 101 is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Samurai Connoisseur

Primarily based on Masayuki Kusumi’s manga sequence a few retired man named Takeshi who awakens his internal samurai by discovering good native meals to eat, this 12-episode sequence stars longtime character actor Naoto Takenaka, whose immensely genial presence will make you’re feeling heat and welcome proper from the beginning. And that is earlier than you even get misplaced amongst his easy adventures, spanning round 20 minutes every, which see him take up strolling for a interest, or questioning how his new sun shades make him look. It does not get extra low-key, low-stakes, and extremely pleasant.  — J.A.

watch: Samurai Connoisseur is now streaming on Netflix.

25. The Hidden Lives of Pets

There’s a bunny rabbit that paints! I repeat: a bunny rabbit that paints! Should you’re not bought on that alone, I’m undecided we converse the identical language. In these 4 half-hour episodes, all narrated by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, The Hidden Lives of Pets takes a have a look at the issues our little furry, feathery, or in any other case feeling buddies can do moreover your typical fetch and squawk. Come for the dancing cockatoo, chuckle with the racing tortoises, however reside for that portray bunny rabbit. — J.A.

watch: The Hidden Lives of Pets is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Comedians in Vehicles Getting Espresso

I am midway to sleep-town by the point I end studying your complete title Comedians in Vehicles Getting Espresso, by no means thoughts the present itself, which is certainly simply an excuse for some comedians to get some espresso and experience round in vehicles.Reality in promoting for as soon as! Particularly it is Jerry Seinfeld of tv’s Seinfeld who’s driving, after which some random humorous individual joins him for the episode’s experience — all people from Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig has hopped into Jerry’s passenger seat (it is much less soiled than that sounds) and for 15-ish minutes they chat about no matter nonsense strikes their fancy. No excessive stakes, simply cordial chit-chat, a fast out and in like a nighttime speak present with out the grinning band-leader blowing his saxophone in your face. — J.A.

watch: Comedians in Vehicles Getting Espresso is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Queer Eye

If you wish to get essentially the most out of Queer Eye, it’s best to positively pay full consideration to each minute of this pleasant actuality sequence. However for those who’re rewatching the present like us, be at liberty to go to sleep mid-hero narrative. Journey with the Fab 5 to see the sequence’ fortunate individuals grasp self-love by means of grooming, cooking, vogue, inside design, and no matter Karamo Brown has been as much as recently. It is simply pretty. — A.F.

watch: Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Cat Individuals

My boyfriend likes to look at cat movies proper earlier than falling asleep, and Cat Individuals is principally that catty idea on steroids. Every half-hour episode focuses on one obsessed cat proprietor and their corresponding feline, and it is 30 mainlined minutes of soothing purr-fection. There is a cat who surfs! A cat rapper! A girl who crafts 3D-felt portraits of her three favourite furbabies! It is a paw-rade of fine feels that’ll ship you straight off to cat-nap heaven. — J.A.

watch: Cat Individuals is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Chimp Empire

A lot of what makes a nature present enjoyable comes right down to its narrator. That is why David Attenborough is a factor. And Chimp Empire struck gold due to the graceful, dulcet tones of two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. In any other case, it is only a bunch of chimpanzees screeching at one another! However Ali makes all of it go down just like the smoothest AM radio you’ve got ever heard. Set amid the biggest group of chimps on the planet, who reside within the Ngogo rainforest of Uganda, the four-episode sequence deep dives into their day-to-day routines, their rivalries, their loves. These are the times of the chimp’s lives, and we’re residing for it, child. — J.A. 

watch: Chimp Empire is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Seinfeld

Maybe my New Yorker self is displaying by placing this one on this checklist, however the native affiliate station right here in New York used to play reruns of this traditional ’90s sitcom each weeknight from 11 p.m. til midnight, and I can’t even start to inform you what number of occasions I’ve fallen quick asleep to the soothing sounds of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer asking what’s the cope with these little baggage of peanuts they offer you on airplanes. And since slicing the wire and counting on streaming solely, that is as shut as I’ll ever get to that sense of city-boy consolation ever once more. 

All 9 seasons of our foursome’s legendary antics doing nothing are right here for the bingeing; simply choose a random episode, curl up on the sofa, and earlier than you possibly can say “grasp of my area,” I’ll be loud night breathing in your ear. And never even Frank Costanza’s most unhinged rant might shake me!  — J.A.

watch: Seinfeld is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Heartstopper

We’re now two seasons deep into Alice Oseman’s candy queer teen romance, and neither the sweetness nor the romance has soured the slightest. Primarily based on Oseman’s personal webcomic and transferred to Netflix in 2022, this story of shy boy Charlie (Joe Locke) falling for the recent and in style rugby hunk Nick (Equipment Connor) has captured hearts and imaginations throughout the spectrum, and nonetheless exhibits no indicators of slowing down as we sit and watch for the third season. The sequence is sort of too candy for its personal good, however its corny embrace of its personal youthful swoon feels 1) applicable to what love felt like at that age, and a pair of) will most definitely ship you off smiling into the sweetest desires conceivable. — J.A. 

watch: Heartstopper is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Life in Coloration with David Attenborough

There are few voices extra soothing than David Attenborough’s, and there are few visuals extra soothing than the great thing about nature. In Life in Coloration with David Attenborough, you get each! Attenborough guides us by means of the completely different makes use of the animal kingdom has for colour on this three-part docuseries, which options actually superb footage — and exquisite colours, in fact. — Belen Edwards, Leisure Reporter 

watch: Life in Coloration with David Attenborough is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Alien Worlds

If you wish to have some actually bonkers desires, there’s no higher method to get that creativeness churning than Alien Worlds, a four-part docuseries that makes use of CG and the ramblings of scientists to think about what the life-forms of different planets might appear to be, given different elements of their improvement. Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, the present depicts the rise and fall of civilizations of unknown creatures on 4 imagined planets, demonstrating how our scientific legal guidelines right here on Earth would get utilized to some very completely different, theoretical circumstances. Largely it’s simply weirdo creature nirvana, just like the bar in Star Wars on steroids. — J.A.

watch: Alien Worlds is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Infants

Few issues are as spectacularly infectious as the enjoyment of little children. In Netflix’s Infants, documentarians observe an entire bunch of cuties throughout their first years of life — analyzing how these tiny people be taught, develop, and discover our world. Should you discover infants cute, you will love this present. However honest warning, it’s possible you’ll battle to sleep by means of the night time for those who do not put your TV on a timer. , with the crying and all. — A.F.

watch: Infants is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Summary: The Artwork of Design

Good filmmakers know that a wonderful method to seize a viewer’s consideration is to point out somebody totally engaged with a sensible exercise proper in entrance of them. It is extremely simple to get hypnotized watching Anthony Perkins clear the tub in Psycho, or Delphine Seyrig washing dishes in Jeanne Dielman. That very same mindset applies to Summary: The Artwork of Design, which can captivate you thru its interviews with significantly proficient craftspeople simply speaking about and showcasing their beautiful craft. Whether or not it is Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter (the Black Panther films) or the legendary Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, there’s such a wealthy consideration to precision and element on show that your complete day and your entire worries will simply soften away. — J.A.

watch: Summary: The Artwork of Design is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Hilda

It’s best to positively give Hilda your full consideration, however as soon as you’ve got made your means by means of this charming animated present, it is one you will need to come again to time and again for heat fuzzy consolation. Hilda (voiced by Bella Ramsey) is a younger explorer whose neighbors simply occur to be creatures from folklore — elves, trolls, rat kings, and extra. From its lovely animation model to its all-around cozy vibe, Hilda is a wonderful look ahead to while you’re awake or for while you need to be lulled off to desires of light journey. — B.E. 

watch: Hilda is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Gudetama: An Eggcellent Journey

When exhausted your self, who higher to vibe on than the world’s most exhausted sentient egg? Created in Japan in 2013 for an animated sequence, Gudetama (aka the little egg yolk who couldn’t be bothered) lastly made the defeated, depressed leap to the U.S. with the 10-episode sequence An Eggcellent Journey in 2022. Most episodes, which plop the fantastically animated little fella into the true world alongside a child chick who befriends them, are not than 10 minutes — simply sufficient time to shrug your worries off into the frying pan of sleepy oblivion. — J.A.

watch: Gudetama: An Eggcellent Journey is now streaming on Netflix.

12. The World’s Most Wonderful Trip Leases

If tourism slash actual property porn is your drug of selection, you gained’t discover extra dopamine than you do out of The World’s Most Wonderful Trip Leases. Every 30-minute-ish episode is often based mostly round a theme — trendy houses, eco-friendly houses, houses constructed into timber. It then sends its three hosts (Luis D. Ortiz, Jo Franco and Megan Batoon) to a variation on every theme, form of just like the three bears in Goldilocks. Luis finds the luxurious model, Jo finds the very best price range, whereas Megan susses out the weirdest, most singular examples. However largely you’re simply oohing and ahhing on the actually attractive places. — J.A.

watch: The World’s Most Wonderful Trip Leases is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Gilmore Women

The “consolation” in “consolation TV” doesn’t get far more comfy than it does within the land of Stars Hole, the setting of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s sequence Gilmore Women. Following the trials and tribulations of Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and her teen daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they attempt to discover self-realization and romance throughout its seven seasons, the present (and Stars Hole) seems like dwelling to lots of people who watched the characters develop and alter and speak actual quick at each other for these seven years. There may be even one thing comforting about that fast patter, the rhythm of which finally blurs every part right into a comfortable white noise. It’s the field fan of serial aughts storytelling, principally. — J.A.

watch: Gilmore Women is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Evening on Earth 

The majestic surroundings of a superb nature documentary at all times pairs properly with a nap. Evening on Earth, narrated by Orange Is the New Black‘s Samira Wiley, is an particularly good TV selection because it paperwork what many different species are as much as whereas we’re all in mattress. It is lovely however a bit of sensitive with quantity, so preserve this one on low lest you be shocked by a roar or growl. — A.F.

watch: Evening on Earth is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Thoughts, Defined 

Typically talking, the entire Defined docuseries are good picks for falling asleep. The episodes are evenly paced, participating however not overly so, and straightforward to begin over do you have to nod off and resolve you need to catch it at a later time. Within the order of this reporter’s private expertise, the Defined sequence from most to least simple to go to sleep to are: The Thoughts, Intercourse, the principle Defined sequence, after which … Coronavirus. (Yeah, I do not advocate that one. Not for sleeping, anyway.) — A.F.

watch: The Thoughts, Defined is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Grace and Frankie

Let these two fierce, fearless, fabulous females information you into a calming slumber. Be a part of Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin because the titular Grace and Frankie, plus Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, June Diane Raphael, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn, and Brooklyn Decker within the warmest, most loving sitcom obtainable on Netflix. Nothing says consolation TV like a half hour with the Hanson-Bergsteins. — A.F.

watch: Grace and Frankie is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Our Universe

I’ll see your David Attenborough and lift him one Mr. Morgan Freeman! The voice of God himself narrates this six-part docuseries that makes an attempt to inform the story of every part, from the Large Bang all the way in which right down to The whole lot In all places All at As soon as or thereabouts. (And it does so and not using a single bagel in sight! High that, Michelle Yeoh.) Themed round itty-bitty little topics like gravity or the weather, every episode tries to seize the magnificence of creation, from star to shining star. However underneath Freeman’s dulcet tones unfathomable enormity by some means turns into absolute solace. — J.A.

  watch: Our Universe is now streaming on Netflix.

6. All the way down to Earth with Zac Efron

As our critic Alison Foreman wrote in her evaluate of the sequence, it is a “journey value taking for those who love Zac or imagine you’ve the capability to like Zac, however you should love Zac to like All the way down to Earth.” Fortunately for All the way down to Earth, lots of people have remembered that they do certainly love Zac Efron after his critically acclaimed flip within the wrestling drama The Iron Claw hit final yr, so now’s the right time to return and watch this climate-science-concerned travelogue sequence.

Every episode sees Efron tackling a brand new place, from spas in Iceland to beehives on NYC rooftops. The Hairspray star makes the rounds, doling out wholesome residing recommendation in between all of the “dude”s and “woah”s and flashes of abs. Level being, simply while you suppose Zac may ask an excessive amount of of us, he brings it again right down to Earth, and it is all clean as will be. — J.A. 

watch: All the way down to Earth with Zac Efron is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Get Organized with The Residence Edit

Bask within the satisfaction of symmetry, order, and all issues categorization with this home-makeover present led by the women of The Residence Edit. A cheery, much less philosophical Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Get Organized follows skilled organizers Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin as they modify lives (sometimes with stuff from The Container Retailer). — A.F.

watch: Get Organized with The Residence Edit  is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Change Your Thoughts

Medication! All of us love ’em! And now we will discover out every part there’s to learn about them due to this 2022 four-episode docuseries based mostly on Michael Pollan’s 2018 ebook of the identical title. The 4 episodes focus in on the key hallucinogens: LSD (aka acid), psilocybin (aka mushrooms), MDMA (aka ecstasy), and mescaline (right here, particularly peyote). As a substitute of the same old nannying “Simply say no” mindset, the sequence really dives in deep throughout its hour-long episodes to have a look at the medicine’ histories and advantages. Pollan speaks to scientists and consultants and it is all fascinating, after which, like its personal little microdose of serotonin, it will have your eyes rolling again in your head all by itself. — J.A.

watch: Change Your Thoughts is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The UnXplained With William Shatner

Anyone who is aware of something about something is aware of there’s nothing higher constructed to go to sleep to than The Historical past Channel. Simply ask your grandfather — oh wait, you possibly can’t, he is sleeping in entrance of The Historical past Channel proper now. And so this sequence, which started airing on Historical past in 2019 and has had half of its six seasons ported over to Netflix up to now couple of years, is simply a few of that slumber magic sprinkled over onto the streamer. 

Hosted by Star Trek legend William Shatner (sure, the very one who will get his identify within the title and every part), every episode dives into a number of of our biggest mysteries — issues like, “Hey, what is the cope with the pyramids?” and “Blood rain? No thanks!” And it does so with all of the goofy power Shatner’s been slathering over science-fiction for many years. So transfer over, Grandpa. You have received firm. — J.A.

watch: The UnXplained With William Shatner is now streaming on Netflix.

2. The Nice British Baking Present

I’ve stated it as soon as and I am going to say it once more: Cooking exhibits are the very best style of tv to go to sleep to, bar none. The mouth-watering visuals, inviting sounds, and sometimes cheery expertise kind a cocoon of comforting content material, excellent for drifting off to Snoozeville. (Cooking exhibits are so ideally suited to falling asleep, we’ve an entire checklist devoted to that particular streaming want.) Should you’re on the lookout for the very best of the very best, go along with none aside from The Nice British Baking Present. Candy desires, bakers. — A.F.

watch: The Nice British Baking Present is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Headspace: Information to Sleep

If all else fails, why not go straight to the supply? A seven-part sequence created in 2021 for Netflix by the sleep-aid app Headspace, these animated shorts (each runs at underneath 20 minutes) will lull your mind with easily delivered information about desires or sleeping tablets or meditation. And every episode ends with a “guided wind-down” designed to hold you straight into slumber-town. There’s additionally an interactive model known as “Unwind Your Thoughts” and an eight-episode sequence known as “Information to Meditation” if you might want to name within the large weapons. — J.A.

watch: Headspace: Information to Sleep is now streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Feb. 27, 2024, 3:18 p.m. EST This text has been up to date to mirror the present choice on Netflix.