Top 20 shows that help Brits destress

Jack Peat

Brits turn to The Office, Love Island and even the The Jeffrey Dahmer Story to chill out

The TV shows to turn to when feeling stressed include Friends, The Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing.

A poll of 2,000 adults found Killing Eve, Sex and the City and Love Island were also among the top 20 feel-good programmes that help people relax.

The Simpsons, Breaking Bad and Married at First Sight also made the list.

More than half (54 per cent) will turn to their television when tensions are high, with work, relationships and money worries being the most common reasons for doing so.

And 48 per cent instantly feel better when their favourite show is on, with an average of just 18 minutes needed to be shown before people feel calm and composed.

it also emerged 36 per cent turn to TV marathons to help when the pressure is full on.

Mirjam Laux, at Roku, which commissioned the survey, said: “With Christmas just around the corner, our research has revealed the perfect TV viewing formula to ward off festive stress.

“From worries about finding the perfect gift, to stresses about cooking Christmas dinner and pleasing your in-laws, it’s easy to forget that the festive season should be a time to unwind, feel good, and catch up on all your favourite shows.”

The research also found comedies (42 per cent), dramas (24 per cent) and documentaries (23 per cent) are the most common genres to watch when feeling stressed.

As many as 71 per cent think TV shows provide a sense of escapism, as 49 per cent said they make them forget about the outside world.

Nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) are always on the lookout for a new series, with 39 per cent keen to make it last by limiting themselves to one or two episodes at any one time.

Although it appears this isn’t a thing for a whole series, as 43 per cent admit to having multiple on the go at once, according to the OnePoll study.

And when it comes to finding a box set to enjoy, it takes 56 per cent longer to search for one than it does to watch it.

The sofa is where 65 per cent prefer to start a series from but 31 per cent would rather opt for their bed, while a fifth enjoy doing it during exercise.

The perfect time to unwind in front of the TV was found to be between 8pm and 9pm (13 per cent) with snacks (25 per cent) and a blanket (37 per cent) absolute must haves.

Mirjam Laux added: “We want to ensure viewers have all the most popular live TV and streaming channels at your fingertips, offering something for everyone – and getting the entire family into the Christmas spirit this year.”