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15 BEST COZY TV SHOWS + FILMS TO WATCH THIS AUTUMN

As the crisp fall weather arrives, it beckons those who enjoy staying in to snuggle up with their favorite entertainment. If you’re ready to sink into the sofa and get comfy, this list of cozy movies and TV shows is packed with familiar favorites and warm knitted sweaters! Keep reading!

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Despite its name and the theme song “Look Away,” A Series of Unfortunate Events is actually a charming show filled with fall vibes. With vintage costumes, moody lighting, and themes of sadness and bad luck, this dark comedy-drama is perfect for the season. 

The story is narrated by Lemony Snicket (Patrick Warburton) and follows the adventures of the Baudelaire siblings: Violet (Malina Weissman), Klaus (Louis Hynes), and Sunny (Presley Smith). After their parents (Will Arnett and Cobie Smulders) seemingly die in a fire, Mr. Poe (K. Todd Freeman), a bank worker, takes the kids to live with their “closest” relative, Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), who lives just three miles away. 

Unfortunately (you probably saw this coming), Count Olaf is a terrible guardian. He’s a failed actor and a greedy person who wants the Baudelaire fortune and can’t wait for Violet to grow up to get it. 

Based on the well-loved children’s book series, the show stays true to the original stories and features many amazing guest stars, including Joan Cusack, Aasif Mandvi, Alfre Woodard, Catherine O’Hara, and Tony Hale.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” This opening line from You’ve Got Mail, where Meg Ryan talks about autumn to Tom Hanks through a charming old-fashioned email, will make you crave the fall season no matter when you watch it. As the story goes on, their unintentional love-hate relationship develops against the backdrop of competing bookstores and two beautiful Manhattan apartments. It’s one of the most comforting movies to watch!

AMATEUR

Basketball season kicks off in the fall, and it’s all 14-year-old Terron Forte (Michael Rainey Jr.) can think about. After a video of his basketball skills goes viral, Coach Gaines (Josh Charles) recruits him to a top high school and offers him a full scholarship to play on the Liberty Prep team. 

When the season starts, Terron becomes a star, and soon sponsors and the NCAA show interest, promising him a bright future filled with money. However, Terron learns that a career in amateur sports isn’t just fun and games. He has to deal with a lot of corruption, greed, and uncertainty, all while keeping up with his homework. Terron’s parents, Nia (Sharon Leal) and Vince (Brian J. White), worry about their son and suspect that Coach Gaines may care more about himself than about Terron. 

You’ll want to see how everything unfolds, both on and off the court.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Only Murders In The Building is one of the most autumn-like TV shows, making it perfect for this time of year. The series follows three quirky friends who start a podcast to solve a murder that happened in their apartment building. It features a beautiful autumn setting in New York, plenty of stylish fall outfits, and a fun (but mostly silly) murder mystery. It’s a 10/10 for cozy fall TV watching!

THE CHAIR

If we were to match seasons with school subjects, winter would be math, spring would be science, summer would be history, and fall would definitely be English. In The Chair, Professor Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) becomes the new chairperson of a struggling English department at a small college called Pembroke University. As the first woman in this role, Ji-Yoon is determined to make things better. 

She works hard to secure tenure for her colleague, Yaz (Nana Mensah), while also dealing with the constant demands of other faculty members, Joan (Holland Taylor), Elliot (Bob Balaban), and the dean (David Morse). She tries to keep her crush on colleague Bill Dobson (Jay Duplass) a secret. 

Besides the strong academic vibes, the autumn atmosphere of this comedy-drama comes from its setting. The campus has a classic New England feel, with beautiful fall leaves, mahogany furniture, leather-bound books, and cozy fireplaces. Plus, we give Ji-Yoon’s fall-inspired work outfits a 10/10!

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…

Here’s a younger Meg Ryan, once again embracing fall as her friendship with Billy Crystal develops over ten years. Their journey begins with a drive from Chicago to New York right after college and wraps up at a New Year’s party where they finally figure things out. The film features stunning scenes of golden leaves in New York, especially when Harry and Sally walk through Central Park discussing their dreams about love. They filmed in November, and Billy Crystal later shared that if they had waited just one more day, the leaves would have fallen after a rainstorm swept them away.

GILMORE GIRLS

No town does fall quite like the fictional wonderland of Stars Hollow. With its charming town square adorned with pumpkins for the Autumn Festival and Lorelai and Rory’s cozy sweaters, Gilmore Girls has become a favorite for many fans during the season. Binge this show if you’re in the mood for light-hearted drama, small-town charm, witty dialogue, and a never-ending love for coffee, coffee, coffee!

GOSSIP GIRL

If Stars Hollow isn’t serving up enough drama, Manhattan’s elite will definitely fill the void. Gossip Girl follows a group of wealthy New Yorkers navigating the ups and downs of being ultra-rich, ultra-privileged, and often misunderstood while being anonymously blogged about. This over-the-top show has a delightfully cozy early 2000s vibe. Plus, there are plenty of episodes showcasing the beauty of fall in New York City!

VIRGIN RIVER

If you enjoy classic soap operas filled with will-they-won’t-they romances, the occasional “whose baby is that?” storyline, and a charming setting, then Virgin River is perfect for you. This show fits into the appealing subgenre of “big city medic moves to small town and finds happiness” seen in American films and TV shows (think Doc Hollywood and Hart of Dixie). It follows a nurse who, after losing her husband, relocates to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River. While working for the local grumpy doctor, she unexpectedly finds love with the rugged bar owner. Filmed in British Columbia, the series features beautiful redwoods, misty mornings by the river, and cozy plaid lumberjack outfits.

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA

You really can’t find a more gothic, autumn vibe than that of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The teenage half-witch, half-mortal Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), along with her aunts (Lucy Davis and Miranda Otto) and cousin Ambrose (Chance Perdomo), live in a mortuary! This supernatural horror series is a much darker take on the classic ’90s sitcom, featuring blood, satanic rituals, and haunting images. 

Set in the fictional town of Greendale, it feels like Halloween come to life, complete with mysterious woods and witchy residents. As Sabrina faces the challenges of normal life (like high school bullies) and supernatural threats (like hellish demons), her coming-of-age story—and the show’s striking, dark costumes—definitely captures the spirit of “spooky season.”

CHARMED

As Halloween approaches, shows about witches and the supernatural are perfect for getting into the spirit, and Charmed, which entertained us throughout the early 2000s, is a great example. The series follows three sisters—played by the talented trio of Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs—who are powerful witches trying to save the world while leading relatively normal lives in modern-day San Francisco. Their magical missions often clash with everyday life, causing chaos in their romantic relationships and frequently bringing them into contact with the police. For a similar feel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a wonderfully nostalgic option!

FRIENDS

What’s cozier than spending a few episodes with your best friends? Escaping to a world where NYC apartments are huge and every problem can be solved at Central Perk is perfect for a cozy night in. The ’90s fall fashion is definitely enviable, and there are plenty of autumn-themed episodes to enjoy, like “The One With The Football” and “The One With All The Thanksgivings.”

PRACTICAL MAGIC

We could spend a long time exploring witchy films and TV shows that are perfect for October, but Practical Magic, featuring a young Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two witches in Massachusetts, is definitely our favorite. We especially love Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as their witch aunts who raise them. With a mix of two of our favorite plot elements—murder and magic—this film promises cozy viewing. A close second in this genre is, of course, Hocus Pocus, where Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy have an absolute blast as modern-day witches in Salem.

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE

In the fall-inspired category of “strong academia vibes,” Dear White People is a dramedy that follows Black college students at the fictional Ivy League school, Winchester University. The main characters include Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson), Troy (Brandon P. Bell), Lionel (DeRon Horton), Coco (Antoinette Robertson), and Reggie (Marque Richardson). 

The series is based on a 2014 comic-satirical film of the same name, with the writer and director, Justin Simien, returning to write and direct several episodes. Each half-hour episode offers a different character’s perspective, showcasing some of the best seasonal fashion. While Winchester believes it is “post-racial,” the everyday experiences of the characters tell a different story. 

Dear White People addresses important issues like race relations, class hierarchy, politics, microaggressions, and unconscious biases, balancing sharp social commentary with humor and storytelling that resonates long after the episode ends.

The Half Of It

In the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Squahamish, autumn brings a chill and a comforting coziness. The atmosphere is muted and grayish, yet it radiates a quiet optimism that keeps hope alive for a happy ending, even when the narrative takes a somber turn. High school student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) runs an essay-writing side hustle to support her widowed father (Collin Chou).

One day, she is approached by a football player named Paul (Daniel Diemer) with a unique request: he needs help writing a love letter to his dream girl, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire). Unbeknownst to Paul, Ellie is a lesbian, and the feelings she pours into the letters to Aster aren’t entirely fabricated. While the plot may hint at familiar outcomes, the film’s true love story lies in the evolving friendship between Ellie and Paul.

They discover that truly understanding someone is a messy process, but ultimately rewarding, as what you initially see is often only half the story.

CONCLUSION

As the leaves change color and the air begins to crisp, there’s no better time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming drama, a suspenseful thriller, or a lighthearted comedy, this list of top 15 cozy TV shows and films has something to offer everyone. So grab your blanket, turn off the lights, and get ready to enjoy a cozy autumn filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable stories.

KIRSTEN STORMS WEIGHT GAIN: “I’M HEALTHY AND I FEEL GOOD – AT ANY SIZE”

Actress Kirsten Storms, known for her role as Maxie Jones on General Hospital, has been open about her experiences with weight fluctuations. This isn’t just about a celebrity’s appearance; it’s a story about facing health challenges, body image struggles, and ultimately, self-acceptance. Let’s delve into Kirsten’s journey and how she’s inspiring others to focus on what truly matters: health and happiness.

WHO IS KIRSTEN STORMS?

Kirsten Storms is an American actress born in 1984, best known for captivating audiences of all ages. She rose to fame as a Disney Channel darling, portraying the adventurous Zenon Kar in the “Zenon” trilogy. Her talents extended beyond live-action, as she voiced Bonnie Rockwaller in the animated series “Kim Possible.”  Storms also has a long-standing role on the soap opera “General Hospital,” where she’s played Maxie Jones for many years. Throughout her career, Kirsten Storms has entertained viewers with her charisma and versatility, but she’s also garnered attention for her openness about her personal experiences, including her health struggles and journey with body image.

FAN RESPONSE TO KIRSTEN STORMS WEIGHT GAIN 

“Kirsten Storms is what I think of as “Hollywood fat”. She is not at all big compared to real people, only compared to the unnaturally thin women we see on screens. Therefore, her clothes would not need to be plus size but neither are they “sample size” or whatever it is that the excessively skinny women around her wear.

She is a beautiful woman and the costumers are doing her a terrible disservice.” A Reddit account commented on the star’s way of dressing, saying that weight is not a problem she faces.

“I think with Maxie, for me personally it has nothing to do with her size but the styling. The fashionista should be dressed in couture from top to bottom even just going to the grocery store. Maxie loves fashion and has worked very hard building up her career so I would imagine that she has networked and built strong relationships with fashion designers who sent her pieces all the time that she could get for free. And technically she should have collected lots of nice pieces over the years.

I know she’s a mom and struggling right now but fashion and event planning are two things that bring her happiness. Plenty of fashion lovers get pieces from the thrift store or rent them from places like rent the runway.

I second Maxie needing a hot romance. She hasn’t been paired well with anyone since Nathan. Preferably a non-toxic romance.

Portia is very one-dimensional and needs something to make her more interesting so I could be down with villain Portia.

Yes yes yes to more Lucas. I know why he left PC and the whole Wiley thing but we need to find a way to bring him back to PC. I’ve always enjoyed Ryan as Lucas on screen and we need more hospital-centric storylines.

Side note: I need them to do more emphasized that Ava is Sam and Lucas aunt and all the connections that brings including Leo. I would like to see some Jerome family gatherings every now and then.

Oh and happy Birthday!”

“The problem with Maxie isn’t her size. The problem isn’t Maxie at all. It’s her wardrobe making her look grumpy. I was once very big. Still am obese. I still didn’t look like a frump. They could at least try. Give her a better hair cut for one. Colors rather than dark dark dark.

And I’m with you on Portia. That would have been an amazing story. We’ve already seen the lengths she’ll go to protect Trina.

Ryan Carnes back would be great.” Another comment.

“Kirsten doesn’t have that sparkle anymore. Kemo gets ssoooo much criticism for “phoning it in”. There’s a blogger on twitter, I’m sure you all know him, who mocks her for “thinking about pizza”. Yet not one word about Kirsten. The show has its favorites, but so do the soap bloggers. They will mock Chad, Kemo, you name it, but they will literally retweet Laura Wright with big FU pictures to get a pileon going. It’s so interesting. And I don’t even like Chad!

I think that the actors do have some say in their wardrobe, and I think this is how Kirsten is comfortable since she’s gained weight. People were attacked for talking about Brook Lyn’s wardrobe. “She had a baby!” I guess having a baby is the only legit reason for weight gain. Long term medical issues don’t count. I could go on but I will shut up and spare you the rest. I don’t care about her wardrobe because I’m sorry, she’s phoning it in and has been for a long time now.”

“When Kristen Storms first started to gain weight she angrily denied it and started wearing baggy clothes to hide it. I just assumed Kristen Storms weight was a health related issue. She has struggled with endometriosis, cranial cysts, and various maladies for years. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a hysterectomy and that’s why she has gained weight People need to have a little more grace for people.

WHAT DOES MAXIE FROM GENERAL HOSPITAL SAY ABOUT HER WEIGHT GAIN RUMORS? 

Discussing soap operas and their characters is a favorite pastime for fans, and General Hospital’s Kirsten Storms (Maxie) is no stranger to that. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes overshadow the fact that actors are real people. Storms recently addressed this on social media, where she’s faced constant remarks about her health and weight. Despite sharing a cheerful selfie with outfit details (including a fabulous Gucci bag!), some comments fixated on the picture’s recency and her weight gain. This prompted Storms to speak out.

“I’ve gained a lot of weight since this afternoon when I took this picture?” she responded. “Look, I know what she was saying with her comment. Details about my health and medical conditions are nobody’s business, so I won’t go into my temporary weight gain to satisfy anyone’s thirst. However, I will say that it’s sad to see some people focus only on the status of my body (and when focusing on weight it is never meant in a positive way. ‘Losing’ or ‘gaining’ — it’s a judgement and it’s shameful). I’m healthy and I feel good — at any size, which is what matters to me the most. Comments with a snarky undertone only make me feel sad for the person who typed it and I truly hope their life sucks less tomorrow.”

DOES SHE HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS? 

Kirsten Storms became a fixture on General Hospital in 2005, bringing life to the character of Maxie Jones. However, in 2011, fans were surprised by her sudden departure from the show. The reason remained shrouded in secrecy, with Jen Lilley taking over the role for an unspecified amount of time. Later, Storms revealed the cause of her absence: endometriosis, a condition causing the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus and often accompanied by significant pain. This diagnosis led to a year-long hiatus from General Hospital.

Storms’ journey on General Hospital has been punctuated by several breaks. In 2014, she took a joyful hiatus for four months due to pregnancy. However, health concerns continued to impact her schedule. In 2016, stress manifested in skin problems, necessitating another short break. Then, in March 2017, Storms stepped away again for “personal reasons,” returning after six months. While the exact reason for this leave remains unclear, it’s possible her skin condition resurfaced.

Storms’ health challenges continued beyond skin issues. In June 2021, she revealed on Instagram that she’d undergone brain surgery to remove a large cyst causing pressure. This surgery necessitated another break from “General Hospital” to allow for proper recovery.

Kirsten Storms’ openness extends beyond physical health. In 2022, she bravely shared about a challenging two-year period that ultimately led to a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder. It’s important to note that she clarified it wasn’t just depression, highlighting the complexities of the condition. Additionally, she mentioned that incorrect medication during this time may have exacerbated other health issues, potentially contributing to her weight gain. This transparency showcases the various factors that can influence a person’s weight, reminding us to avoid making assumptions about celebrities or anyone else’s health journey.

Kirsten Storms’ weight has been a topic of public discussion, but the reasons behind it are ultimately her personal business. She’s been vocal about wanting privacy regarding her health, and the criticism she’s faced for both weight loss and gain suggests her body has naturally fluctuated, likely due to various factors. With her history of health struggles and her clear desire to avoid body-focused comments, fans should respect her privacy and well-being by focusing on her work and talent, not her appearance.

KIRSTEN STORMS EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Storms, originally from Orlando, Florida, grew up in the Greater Orlando area, primarily in Kissimmee, Casselberry, and Sanford. Born to Karen and Mike Storms, a sportscaster for the CBS affiliate WCPX-TV (now WKMG-TV), she showed early signs of her future career aspirations. From the age of five, Storms declared her intention to become a soap opera actress, even though she hadn’t watched one at that point. Encouraged by her experiences visiting her father at work, her parents enrolled her in acting classes where she was discovered by a talent scout.

Her first gig was a commercial for Galoob Baby Doll, followed by appearances in several other commercials. Storms’ television career took off with a recurring role on ABC’s “Second Noah” and a lead role in “Sing Me a Story with Belle.” At the age of twelve, her family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she landed the recurring role of Laura Cummings on The WB’s “7th Heaven.” During this time, she also secured the title role in Disney Channel’s original movie “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century,” which became a huge success and spawned two sequels.

Storms continued to build her repertoire with appearances in family shows and television movies, including “The Trojan Horse,” a production by Hallmark, and Disney’s “Johnny Tsunami.” She also lent her voice to Bonnie Rockwaller in the Disney Channel animated series “Kim Possible.” Through these diverse roles, Storms showcased her versatility and talent, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the world of family entertainment.

KIRSTEN STORMS TELEVISION

After signing on to play Isabella “Belle” Black on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” on August 5, 1999, Storms faced initial backlash from upset viewers due to the sudden aging of the character. However, she quickly won over the audience and became a popular figure during her five-year tenure on the show. Her portrayal of Belle was marked by notable storylines, including her romantic involvement with Shawn Brady, played by Jason Cook. Storms’ character was heavily promoted as a central figure within the series.

At the end of her contract in 2004, Storms decided not to renew her commitment to “Days of Our Lives.” One contributing factor was her involvement in the primetime series “Clubhouse,” which had picked up her pilot. In “Clubhouse,” which aired on CBS starting in the fall of 2004, Storms portrayed Betsy Young, the rebellious sister of the main character Pete Young (played by Jeremy Sumpter). Unlike her previous role as Belle, Betsy was depicted as a troubled teenager grappling with issues like sex, drugs, and alcohol. Despite Storms’ enthusiasm for the role, “Clubhouse” was canceled after only five episodes aired.

Returning to daytime television, Storms joined the cast of ABC’s “General Hospital” on May 23, 2005, as the third actress to portray Mariah Maximiliana “Maxie” Jones. Her stint on the show included a storyline opposite Jason Cook, who played Matt Hunter. Storms received critical acclaim for her performance, earning an Emmy nomination in 2009. However, she had to leave the role temporarily in fall 2011 due to medical reasons, later revealed to be endometriosis. She was temporarily replaced by Jen Lilley and was expected to return in February 2012, but her illness delayed her comeback. Storms eventually returned to “General Hospital” in September 2012 and later took maternity leave in January 2014, returning later that same year.

In addition to her soap opera work, Storms appeared as Selene Winterthorne in the soap opera web series “Winterthorne” in 2015. Throughout her career, Storms has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, transitioning seamlessly between daytime dramas and other projects.

HAS KIRSTEN STORMS TIED THE KNOT?

Kirsten Storms isn’t married right now. She used to be married to her co-star from “General Hospital,” Brandon Barash, from 2013 to 2016. Kirsten has talked openly about dealing with mental health issues, and her divorce was tough for her. But she’s thankful for the support she got from her loved ones and is focusing on her life. Kirsten Storms is single and concentrating on her acting career and being a mom to her kids. She’s really good at acting and inspires a lot of people.

KIRSTEN STORMS PERSONAL LIFE

In 2013, Kirsten Storms and her co-star from “General Hospital,” Brandon Barash, got married secretly after confirming their relationship. They were excited to welcome their first child, a daughter named Harper Rose Barash, in January 2014. Sadly, they filed for divorce in April 2016 due to differences they couldn’t resolve. Despite this, they decided to raise their daughter together as friends.

Kirsten faced a tough situation in 2007 when she was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after tossing a lit cigarette out of her car. She pleaded no contest to the charges, attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, completed an alcohol education program, paid fines, and had her license suspended for six months.

Kirsten Storms is also close friends with her co-star Kelly Monaco from “General Hospital.” Their friendship was featured on a reality show called “Dirty Soap” in 2011, which didn’t last long.

FAQ

1. What kind of brain tumor did Kirsten Storms have?

A sizable cyst had been divided into two separate entities.

2. What size is Laura on General Hospital?

A beautiful bride who wears a size 4 dress.

3. How much is Laura net worth?

 $6 million.

CONCLUSION

When talking about sensitive topics like Kirsten Storms’ weight gain, it’s important to be kind and respectful. We should focus on her talents and who she is as a person, rather than just how she looks. People’s bodies can change naturally for different reasons, including health. Sending supportive and positive messages can help everyone feel good about themselves. The most important thing is to be nice, accept others, and understand them.