5 sure-fire Netflix comfort shows I download to every device I own

Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek Published Aug 6, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT Derek Malcolm has been covering the worlds of tech and entertainment for more than two decades. Before coming to How-To Geek in 2025, Derek was a contributing editor and writer for the A/V and Home Theater section at Digital Trends, where he wrangled and wrote everything from what to watch on Netflix to reviews, explainers, and guides on the latest Bluetooth speakers, turntables, projectors, and other A/V gear. Based in Toronto, Derek graduated from Humber College's Journalism program in 1999, after which he started covering the worlds of music, movies, TV, and celebrity for publications such as TV Guide, Hello! magazine, and Inside Entertainment. He then got the bug for covering tech and gadgets in 2006, when he served as editor-in-chief of Canadian tech magazine Connected for more than a decade. An avid skier, when all the snow's gone Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter or cheering on his favorite F1 team, McLaren. Sign in to your How-To Geek account If you're like me, your life of streaming usually happens at home or somewhere with a strong Wi-Fi connection—but not always. Between flights, subways, cottage/camping weekends, waiting rooms, or the random dead zone, I've often found having a handful of comfort shows downloaded on the Netflix app on my devices really handy. You could make a part-time job of keeping up with downloads of the latest shows and movies, but when I need a sure-fire hit—they're familiar, guaranteed to deliver, and endlessly watchable—I'm all set. I love crushable comedy shows, stand-up specials, riveting documentaries, and incredible grown-up animation (my top pick is at the end). These five shows have earned a permanent spot in the downloads folder of my iPhone and iPad and are ready to roll when the signal isn't. 5 Blue Eye Samurai Stunning, Emmy-winning revenge animation with a second season coming ​One of my favorite adult animated series ever, Blue Eye Samurai debuted on Netflix in November 2023 with eight, hour-ish episodes that are both absolutely stunning to look at (even on a small screen) and deliver a crushing revenge story that is infinitely rewatchable. The series follows Mizu (Maya Erskine), a mixed-race sword master in Edo-era Japan who disguises herself as a man (and hides her piercing blue eyes behind the coolest sunglasses ever), as she hunts down the four white men who could be her father. The incredible finale episode, The Great Fire of Meireki, features a brutal final duel with one of her fatherly candidates, against the backdrop of a burning city. Masi Oka (Heroes), Brenda Song (Running Point), and Randall Park (WandaVision) lend their voices in supporting roles, and with a second season on the way, I’ll be making room on my devices. ​ Blue Eye Samurai Release Date November 3, 2023 Cast Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, Darren Barnet, Randall Park, Kenneth Branagh Showrunner Michael Green, Amber Noizumi Directors Jane Wu Writers Michael Green, Amber Noizumi Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Netflix 4 Brooklyn Nine-Nine If Jake and Boyle ever need a third, I'm so in Coolcoolcoolcoolcool, I get to write about one of my favorite comedy shows of all time. Endlessly quotable, funny as all heck, and with an ensemble cast of characters that grow so endearing that you feel like you actually know them and play favorites—I’m looking at you, Capt. Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher, R.I.P.)—Brooklyn Nine-Nine has a permanent spot in my downloads. Currently, only seasons 5 to 8 are streaming on Netflix (you can find it all on Peacock, though), but that’s tons of great 22-minute episodes of the gang at Brooklyn’s 99th police precinct, which includes hot-shot, clowning detective Jake (Andy Samberg), anal-retentive Amy (Melissa Fumero), badass Latina, Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz), muscle-bound supervisor, Terry (Terry Crews), and Jake's right-hand man, Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio). Come for the main cast chemistry, but stay for the amazing recurring guest characters like Craig Robinson’s serial backstabber, Doug Judy, and Jason Mantzoukas’ unhinged detective, Adrian Pimento. Noice! Brooklyn Nine-Nine Release Date 2013 - 2021-00-00 Network NBC, FOX Cast Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero, Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, Stephanie Beatriz, Andre Braugher, Dirk Blocker, Joel McKinnon Miller, Chelsea Peretti, Marc Evan Jackson, Kyra Sedgwick, Kelvin Brown, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rocky McMurray, Romy Rosemont, Stephen Wu, Adam Sandler, Joe Theismann, Anthony Azizi, Scott Michael Morgan, Artemis Pebdani, Helen Slayton-Hughes, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Becky Thyre, Andy Richter, Jacquie Barnbrook, Annie Korzen Showrunner Michael Schur, Dan Goor Directors Michael McDonald, Claire Scanlon, Linda Mendoza, Dean Holland, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Victor Nelli Jr., Craig Zisk, Tristram Shapeero, Rebecca Asher, Eric Appel, Maggie Carey, Alex Reid, Giovani Lampassi, Nisha Ganatra, Ryan Case, Trent O'Donnell, Matt Nodella, Jamie Babbit, Ken Whittingham, Max Winkler, Akiva Schaffer, Fred Goss, Jaffar Mahmood, Julie Anne Robinson Writers Gabe Liedman, Phil Augusta Jackson, Tricia McAlpin, Justin Noble, Lakshmi Sundaram, Andrew Guest, Matt O'Brien, Jeff Topolski, Lang Fisher, Gil Ozeri, Brian Reich, Matt Murray, Andy Gosche, Brigitte Liebowitz, Alison Agosti, Nick Perdue, Beau Rawlins, Aeysha Carr, Andy Bobrow, David Quandt, Matt Lawton, Vanessa Ramos, Kylie Condon, Stephanie Amante-Ritter Main Genre Comedy Creator(s) Daniel J. Goor, Michael Schur Producers Matthew Nodella, Andy Samberg, Norm Hiscock, Richard H. Prince, Cortney Carrillo, Carol Kolb, Neil Campbell, David Phillips Seasons 8 Story By Michael Schur Streaming Service(s) Peacock Executive Producer(s) Daniel J. Goor, Michael Schur, David Miner, Luke Del Tredici, David Phillips 3 Anthony Jeselnik: Fire in the Maternity Ward His bait-and-switch comedy gets me every time I like to keep some stand-up comedy available on my devices, in case I need a good laugh, and Anthony Jeselnik’s second Netflix comedy special, Fire in the Maternity Ward, delivers, no matter how many times I watch it. Comedy’s most committed villain, Jeselnik's dark and edgy comedy isn’t for everyone. But his meticulously crafted one-liners are each built on brilliant misdirection—you think the joke is going one way right until the last possible word, when they almost always take a punchy, sometimes groan-worthy turn. Fire in the Maternity Ward is one of Jeselnik’s best (2015’s Thoughts and Prayers is up there, too), and it’s just over an hour of the laugh sniper’s jokes where everything is on the table. Quiz 8 Questions · Test Your KnowledgeNetflix standup specialsTrivia challenge Think you know your favorite comedians' Netflix specials? Prove it with this quiz. ComedySpecialsComediansNetflixStand-Up Begin John Mulaney filmed his 2018 Netflix special 'Kid Gorgeous' at which famous New York City venue? AMadison Square GardenBCarnegie HallCRadio City Music HallDThe Beacon Theatre Correct! John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City was filmed at Radio City Music Hall in 2018. The special won Mulaney an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special, cementing his place as one of comedy's top storytellers. Not quite — the special was filmed at Radio City Music Hall. John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City was a massive hit for Netflix in 2018, and Mulaney's sharp storytelling earned the special an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. Continue Bill Burr's 2019 Netflix special, which was filmed at The O2 Arena in London, is titled what? AF**k Your FeelingsBPaper TigerCWalk Your Way OutDLet It Go That's right! Bill Burr: Paper Tiger was filmed at The O2 Arena in London and released on Netflix in 2019. It was a landmark moment for Burr, as performing at such a massive international venue showed just how far his global fanbase had grown. Not quite — the correct answer is Paper Tiger. Bill Burr: Paper Tiger was filmed at The O2 Arena in London, a huge milestone for Burr that demonstrated his massive international following. It dropped on Netflix in 2019 to strong reviews. Continue Shane Gillis released his debut Netflix special in 2023. What is it called? ABeautiful DogsBTater SaladCLive in AustinDGood Guy Correct! Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs was released on Netflix in 2023 and became a breakout hit, helping solidify Gillis as one of the most talked-about comedians of his generation. The special showcased his laid-back, character-driven storytelling style. Not quite — Shane Gillis's debut Netflix special is called Beautiful Dogs. Released in 2023, it was a major success for Gillis and helped establish him as a dominant voice in modern stand-up comedy. Good Guy came later in 2024. Continue Dave Chappelle's 2019 Netflix special Sticks & Stones earned him which major award? AA Peabody AwardBA Grammy Award for Best Comedy AlbumCAn Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety SpecialDA Golden Globe for Best Performance That's right! Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2020. Despite its controversy at the time of release, the special became one of the most discussed comedy specials of the year and further cemented Chappelle's legendary status. Not quite — Sticks & Stones won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2020. The special was deeply controversial when it dropped in 2019, but it went on to win one of comedy's most prestigious recording honors the following year. Continue Nate Bargatze's Netflix special The Tennessee Kid is named in reference to what? AA nickname given to him by David LettermanBHis hometown of Old Hickory, Tennessee, and his clean, small-town comedic personaCA song by country legend Kenny RogersDHis high school football nickname Correct! The title The Tennessee Kid reflects Nate Bargatze's roots in Old Hickory, Tennessee, and his wholesome, small-town comedic identity. Released in 2019, the special introduced many viewers to his gentle, relatable humor and became one of Netflix's most rewatchable comedy specials. Not quite — the title reflects Bargatze's roots in Old Hickory, Tennessee, and his clean, small-town comedic style. The Tennessee Kid, released in 2019, was a breakthrough moment that introduced a huge new audience to his warm and relatable brand of humor. Continue Anthony Jeselnik's 2019 Netflix special is titled Fire in the Maternity Ward. What style of comedy is Jeselnik best known for? AObservational, family-friendly humorBDark, shock-value one-liners and anti-jokesCPolitical satire and impressionsDSelf-deprecating storytelling about relationships Exactly right! Anthony Jeselnik is renowned for his dark, meticulously crafted one-liners that subvert expectations and push boundaries. Fire in the Maternity Ward, released in 2019, is a prime example of his signature style — each joke is carefully designed to shock, then twist the audience's assumptions. Not quite — Jeselnik is famous for his dark, shock-value one-liners and anti-jokes. Fire in the Maternity Ward, his 2019 Netflix special, showcases his precise comedic craftsmanship, where every punchline is engineered to catch audiences completely off guard. Continue Ali Wong's groundbreaking 2016 Netflix special Baby Cobra was notable for what striking visual detail during her performance? AShe performed entirely seated on a stoolBShe was seven and a half months pregnant during the tapingCShe wore a traditional Vietnamese áo dài throughoutDShe performed in total darkness with only a spotlight That's right! Ali Wong performed Baby Cobra while seven and a half months pregnant, which became one of the most iconic images in modern stand-up comedy. The special was a massive word-of-mouth hit on Netflix and launched Wong into mainstream stardom almost overnight. Not quite — Ali Wong was seven and a half months pregnant when she filmed Baby Cobra in 2016. That image became iconic in the comedy world, and the special's raw, unfiltered humor about pregnancy, relationships, and ambition made it a runaway Netflix hit. Continue Which of these comedians released TWO back-to-back Netflix specials in a single year, both filmed on the same night? ABill BurrBNate BargatzeCDave ChappelleDJohn Mulaney Correct! Dave Chappelle released two Netflix specials simultaneously in 2017 — The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas — both filmed on the same night at different venues years earlier. It was an unconventional and highly talked-about debut that marked his long-awaited return to the spotlight. Not quite — it was Dave Chappelle who pulled off this unique feat. In 2017, Netflix released two Chappelle specials at once: The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas, both filmed on the same night. It was a bold and memorable comeback move that got the entire comedy world talking. See My Score Challenge CompleteYour Score / 8 Thanks for playing! Try Again 2 Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure A real-life treasure hunt that reveals new clues every watch I wrote about this weird and wonderfully fascinating Netflix documentary series last year when it was released, and I’ve gone back to it several times since as it’s just the kind of niche-society deep dive I love. Here’s the wild story: In 2010, eccentric Santa Fe art dealer Forrest Fenn hid a literal treasure chest supposedly filled with more than $1 million in jewels and gold somewhere in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains. He then published a memoir that contained a poem with all the clues necessary to find it. Needless to say, treasure hunting obsessives from all over the world descended on the region to search for it, including the four oddball and charismatic main protagonists featured in Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure’s addictive three episodes. Every time I watch it, I find some new tidbit that thickens the plot. Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure Release Date 2025 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Main Genre Documentary Producers Jared McGilliard, Chad Mumm, Mark W. Olsen Seasons 1 The greatest video game adaptation of all time I’ve never played League of Legends, and I probably never will. And that’s fine by me, because it’s not required to understand or enjoy what I think is one of the best animated series of all time, Arcane: League of Legends. The absolutely gorgeous two-season closed-loop Netflix show was the first streaming series—and the first based on a video game—to win the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. It’s the intense and heartbreaking story of sisters Vi (Hawkeye's Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Fallout's Ella Purnell), who end up embittered and on both sides of a war between the above-ground ruling class in Piltover and its poisoned, destitute undercity, Zaun. Arcane has everything—cool steampunk tech, alternate timelines and dimensional realities, mysterious power, incredible fight and action sequences, and a beautiful family story at its core. It has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, to boot. Network Netflix Cast Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Jason Spisak, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, Katie Leung, JB Blanc, Shelby Young, Reed Shannon, Amirah Vann, Mia Sinclair Jenness, Yuri Lowenthal, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Roger Craig Smith, Miles Brown, MIYAVI, Fred Tatasciore, Erica Lindbeck, Krizia Bajos, Bill Lobley, Brett Tucker, Kimberly Brooks, Faustino Duran Showrunner Christian Linke Directors Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall Writers Amanda Overton, Nick Luddington, Mollie Bickley St. John, Ben St. John, Giovanna Sarquis, Henry G.M. Jones Franchise(s) League of Legends Main Genre Animation Seasons 2 Streaming Service(s) Netflix Executive Producer(s) Christian Linke, Brandon Beck, Thomas Vu, Marc Merrill, Jane Chung, Brian Wright, Melinda Wunsch Dilger, Arnaud Delord, Alex Yee, Pascal Charrue Comfort shows that never need a signal It’s not like I use these five favorite Netflix shows all the time, but I have to say that whenever I’ve been in a zero-signal pinch, it’s been nice to have a good selection of sure-fire hits to turn to. For more picks and weekly watchlists, check out How-To Geek's streaming coverage. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four Live TV No Price Starting at $8/month