I’m at a stage in my life where waking up is often attached to a sense of existential dread. Naturally, I need a little help putting a smile on my face throughout the day. If the world isn’t literally on fire — and let’s be honest, when isn’t it? — then I’m busy extinguishing smaller fires in my own life. I need levity; I need a few laughs.
That’s why, for the past few months, I’ve been tuning into Pluto’s free More Sitcoms channel. It’s one of hundreds of free streaming options Pluto offers, yet it uniquely succeeds in soothing my tired soul with its smorgasbord of classic television. These are the shows I used to watch with my parents and friends, or the ones that served as the familiar background noise of my youth.
In other words, it offers a specific kind of bliss that only older TV can achieve. I can have it on everywhere around me at home, creating a buffer for those moments when the scariness of life tries to get in the way.
Why I can't stop watching Pluto's More TV Sitcoms channel
Out of all the channels on Pluto TV, More Sitcoms provides the most variety when it comes to the vintage shows I crave. Whether it’s reruns of an old favorite like "The King of Queens" (yes, I truly do enjoy Kevin James’ antics) or slightly more recent hits like "Ghosts," this comedy channel delivers exactly the nostalgia and diversity I want from a streaming platform.
Because I remember giggling at a pre-"Saw" Shawnee Smith while my parents made dinner during "Becker," I tune into that classic to get lost in a better time — a time when taxes weren't due and my only real concern was hitting a high score in Dance Dance Revolution.
I flash back to being a child again whenever I catch "Married... with Children" and hear the unmistakable tones of Sinatra’s "Love and Marriage" over the opening credits. It makes me remember my old living room fondly, my collection of Disney toys, and oohing and ahhing over Kelly’s outfits — though I've come to appreciate Peg’s style much more now that I've grown up.
A portrait of the world that was
Of course, it isn’t all about nostalgia. These shows offer a simpler, less complex experience where you can jump in, grab a few laughs, and leave your heavy emotions at the door. You don’t have to worry about grueling character arcs or other "irritating" additions found in today’s prestige comedies. Usually, these stories revolved around families or unique characters that looked nothing like my actual life. Plus, the theme music was always pretty good.
I love tuning into this channel to get my fix of the "olden days." It serves as a reminder of what life looked like when I was a kid and a source of grounding comfort when I’m feeling upset about the state of things. The channel never rests, it never forces me to listen to the news or upsetting broadcasts, and it has everything I like in one place.
It is eternal comedy, frozen in time — a portrait of a world that was, playing on a loop over and over again. I’ll take that and a good thunderstorm over the harried pace of "on-demand" culture and smart-aleck storytelling any day.
Watch Pluto's More Sitcoms channel for free
