Let’s face it: sometimes your therapist’s best advice comes via your TV remote.
In fact, psychologists and relationship experts often find wisdom in our favorite shows – assigning episodes like homework or citing them in sessions to spark “aha” moments.
From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies (and even reality TV), the following seven series are as entertaining as they are enlightening. They depict love, friendship, and family in ways that ring true, offering a masterclass in communication, empathy, and growth.
Grab the popcorn and get ready for some couch therapy – these are the shows experts say can teach us all a little something about relationships.
1. This Is Us (Drama)
NBC’s This Is Us isn’t just a tear-jerker; it’s a case study in family dynamics that therapists adore.
The Pearson clan’s multigenerational saga tackles everything from marital spats to sibling rivalries with raw honesty and compassion.
Psychologist Mariana Plata even admits, “as a psychologist, I’ve recommended [‘This Is Us’] to both colleagues and loved ones alike”.
Why?
The show masterfully illustrates how communication and empathy can bridge rifts, and how life’s big challenges – adoption, identity, grief – shape (but need not break) a family.
Each character’s journey doubles as a gentle lesson: no family is perfect, but open hearts and open dialogue go a long way in keeping love intact.
Watching This Is Us feels like free therapy with a side of tissues – reminding us that understanding and growth often blossom from life’s toughest moments.
2. Ted Lasso (Comedy-Drama)
Believe in belief – and the power of healthy communication. Ted Lasso may be about an upbeat American football coach in England, but psychologists point out it’s basically a playbook for positive relationships.
Many expert viewers say Ted feels “like a ray of light in dark times”, thanks largely to how it portrays friendships and romance.
Take the fan-favorite couple, retired footballer Roy and PR whiz Keeley: their refreshingly drama-free love showcases habits relationship guru John Gottman would applaud.
They use “soft start-ups” (raising issues gently, sans blame) and mutual respect to navigate conflicts – skills decades of research link to happy partnerships.
Even when disagreements pop up, Roy and Keeley lean in and listen, proving that honesty and humor can tame most tiffs.
Ultimately, Ted Lasso wins hearts not just for its feel-good laughs, but for modeling kindness, vulnerability, and teamwork in every relationship it touches. It’s a comedy with soul, showing that being a goldfish (letting go of grudges) and believing in each other are the real victories.
3. Bluey (Animated Family Series)
Surprise: one of the savviest shows about family relationships stars a cartoon Blue Heeler puppy. Bluey, an Australian kids’ show, has captured the hearts of parents and therapists worldwide.
Media psychologist Dr. Pamela Rutledge gushes that “Bluey isn’t just a cartoon… it’s a masterclass for parents, filled with the chaos, joy, and tiny heartbreaks of raising children”.
Each 7-minute episode follows Bluey, little sister Bingo, and their playful mum and dad through relatable slice-of-life adventures. What makes Bluey special is how it models healthy dynamics: Mom and Dad (Chilli and Bandit) are present and patient, embracing “good enough” parenting over perfection.
They play with their kids (not just supervise), apologize when they mess up, and turn everyday moments into opportunities for empathy and fun.
Bluey also tackles real-life challenges – loss, frustration, new siblings – in gentle, age-appropriate ways that often leave grown-ups misty-eyed. The show’s warmth and humor remind us that strong family bonds are built on love, play, and listening (even if it’s a five-year-old’s imaginary game).
Watching Bluey might just inspire you to be a more mindful parent – or at least appreciate your own folks a bit more.
4. Couples Therapy (Reality/Docuseries)
What if you could be a fly on the wall in a real therapist’s office? Showtime’s Couples Therapy delivers exactly that, with an unscripted peek into Dr. Orna Guralnik’s sessions with real-life couples.
Far from trashy reality TV, this docuseries has earned praise from clinicians for its authenticity and insight. “Couples talk over each other, shut down, scream, say hurtful things, cry – all while Dr. Orna puts on a masterclass of therapeutic intervention,” writes one couples counselor, who was “transfixed” by the show.
In each episode, we witness intimate conflicts and breakthroughs that feel eerily familiar (yes, even happy couples struggle with sex, money, and in-laws).
The genius is seeing therapy in action: Dr. Orna guides partners toward honest communication and self-reflection, modeling how empathy and accountability can slowly heal deep rifts.
As this therapist-reviewer suggests “watching an episode or two” of Couples Therapy if you’re curious what real counseling entails – you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the messy, hard, but ultimately hopeful work of making relationships better.
It’s raw, dramatic, and at times heartwarming to see that even the most tangled relationships can find clarity with a little help.
5. Love on the Spectrum (Reality Dating)
Dating shows often trade in drama and toxic tropes – but Love on the Spectrum flips the script with pure authenticity.
This Australian-turned-Netflix reality series follows autistic young adults venturing into romance, and it’s been hailed by therapists as a refreshingly earnest portrayal of dating and love.
“It highlights real people with real feelings, navigating vulnerability in its truest form,” writes therapist Alyson Curtis, who calls the show “a rare and radiant gift” for viewers tired of cynical reality TV.
Indeed, Love on the Spectrum swaps manufactured conflict for genuine connection.
We see awkward but sweet first dates, frank conversations about hopes and fears, and families providing tender support. The cast’s neurodivergent perspective sheds light on challenges many of us take for granted – decoding social cues, overcoming sensory overload – yet the emotional stakes (first kisses, heartbreaks, engagements) are universally relatable.
By rooting for these lovable singles, viewers learn the value of patience, clear communication, and embracing each other’s differences.
In a world of dramatic rose ceremonies, Love on the Spectrum stands out as a gentle reminder that real love is about understanding and accepting someone as they are, quirks and all.
6. Modern Family (Comedy)
Behind the laughs and lovable chaos of Modern Family lies a surprisingly solid blueprint for healthy relationships.
Psychologists have pointed to the show’s couples – goofy Phil and Type-A Claire, or uptight Mitchell and theatrical Cam – as examples of partners who balance each other out with humor and love.
Yes, the Pritchett-Dunphy clan bickers over bedtime and curfews, but they also communicate (often hilariously) and support each other through life’s ups and downs. One marriage counselor noted how Phil and Claire share responsibilities and keep laughter at the heart of their marriage – crucial ingredients for any long-term duo.
“While Phil may be aloof and irritate Claire, at the end of the day they complement each other and make each other laugh,” therapist Puja Parikh observes, adding that they’ve built a life together that works precisely because they embrace each other’s quirks.
Modern Family also earns praise for showing different family structures (blended families, same-sex parents, intergenerational dynamics) all held together by acceptance and understanding.
Amid the witty one-liners and pratfalls, the show sneaks in a heartwarming lesson: families (and friendships) thrive when everyone feels heard, appreciated, and free to be themselves – weirdness and all.
7. Sex Education (Teen Dramedy)
Hilarious and heartfelt, Netflix’s Sex Education is like an advanced course in communication disguised as a teen comedy. The premise: an awkward high-schooler and his sex therapist mom help peers navigate the cringe-worthy minefield of adolescence.
The result: a frank, funny exploration of topics adults often struggle to discuss.
Therapists have lauded Sex Education as “TV gold” for its bold, accurate take on everything from consent and sexual identity to trauma and intimacy.
The show’s writers did their homework – covering key lessons like enthusiastic consent, the importance of masturbation for self-discovery, and how to support a friend through assault recovery.
Crucially, it normalizes talking about feelings and boundaries, whether between BFFs or in the bedroom. Viewers watch characters awkwardly fumble through tough conversations and, in turn, gain courage to tackle their own.
As psychologist Vania Sukola notes, Sex Education’s ability to portray “how imperative it is to learn how to talk about sex” – and actually get it right – is a breath of fresh air.
But beyond the steamy subjects, the show champions empathy: every storyline – be it a mother-daughter rift or a secret romance – emphasizes listening and being honest about one’s needs.
Sex Education proves that when it comes to relationships (at any age), wisdom is sexy, shame is overrated, and communication is truly key.
Final thoughts: watch with intention
Good TV is an emotional sandbox. When you watch a family fight on This Is Us or Roy & Keeley navigate a bump in Ted Lasso, you get a safe “rehearsal space” to notice triggers, name feelings, and ask, What would I do differently?
Use these shows as mirrors—not measuring sticks. No family is scripted — yours doesn’t need primetime polish to be real and loving.
Try this three-step watch ritual:
- Pause at a charged moment;
- Name what each character wants (connection, autonomy, repair);
- Bridge to real life—“When do we do this?”
Swap hot takes for curious questions. Watch with a partner, friend, kid, or even your therapist; shared viewing lowers defenses and opens conversations that would feel heavy if started cold.
Remember: edited storylines compress years of work into 42 minutes.
If a scene hits close to home, jot it down and bring it to counseling.
Media can spark insight — sustained change still happens in real relationships, one honest conversation at a time.
So queue one of these seven shows, grab someone you care about, and hit play—your next breakthrough might start with, “Pause it… can we talk about this?”
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