With the beginning of any season, there are palpable moments that become the makeup of what it entails. How cold or warm the weather is, the type of food you’re eating, the clothes worn, and markedly, the shows and movies you choose to watch. Arguably, fall is a season fueled by consuming “cozy” shows as the leaves and weather start changing. Cherished shows from the early 2000’s evoke this sense of escapism and sentimentality, which is perfect for autumn.
The fall signifies a time of comfort. It’s the feeling you get when you put on a soft pair of socks or when you come home to a warm cup of tea. It’s a sense of ease that can’t be mimicked often.
Nostalgia acts as the perfect catalyst this time of year. When you feel nostalgic, yes, it is a little sad and reminiscent of a time in your life you wish you could go back to and relive. However, feelings of nostalgia also bring comfort. They remind you of memories that take your mind off of present life and make you feel a welcoming familiarity. It’s why early 2000’s shows, no matter if you remember that time period or not, can coincide so perfectly with autumn. These shows replicate the feeling of nostalgia you get when you watch an old home video or reminisce about old memories. They document a time when life looked simpler and today’s troubles seemed impossible. The nostalgia these shows bring, creates the same sense of comfort associated with the nearing fall season. That being said, there’s still the problem of finding the right series to watch.
So, if you’re in the search for early 2000’s television to binge this fall, here’s your list of the essentials.
“Gilmore Girls”
It would be a disservice if “Gilmore Girls” was not the first show mentioned to remind you of the impending fall season. The show centers around the titular mother-daughter duo, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), in their picturesque utopia of a town, Stars Hollow. With their stack of autumn and thanksgiving themed episodes, cozy New England life and quirky group of side characters, this show makes for a perfect fall watch.
All seasons of “Gilmore Girls” are available to watch on Netflix.
“One Hill”
Another cult classic of the early aughts is the one and only “One Tree Hill.” The show follows two brothers, Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who is a star athlete and their father’s pride and joy, and Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray), who was abandoned by their father at birth. These two have little in common except for their DNA and their love for basketball. The show, set in the fictional North Carolina town, Tree Hill, chronicles the lives of the Scotts and their friends as they manage all the ins and outs of high school life.
All seasons of “One Tree Hill” are available to watch on Hulu.
“Felicity”
If you’re looking for a break from immature and crazed high schoolers, turn your way over to “Felicity.” This underrated 90’s to 2000’s drama follows Felicity Porter (Keri Russell), a college student who left California to venture to New York City to attend the same college as her high school crush, Ben Covington (Scott Speedman). While she initially goes to college for him, she ultimately stays for herself. Watching her grow into herself while dealing with wildly realistic problems is incredibly refreshing.
All seasons of “Felicity” are available to watch on Hulu.
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”
It’s hard to dispute “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” being the quintessential fall show. The show revolves around a 16-year-old girl, Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), who finds out on her 16th birthday that she is a descendent of a long line of witches. She learns how to use her new magical powers while dealing with everyday high school struggles. Everything about this show makes for an entertaining fall watch: the autumn themed outfits, the adorable black cat named Salem and of course, the anomalous witches.
All seasons of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” are available to watch on Hulu.
By Cyna Mirzai