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.

Chrissy Metz’s Weight Loss Journey – How She Lost 100 Pounds

Chrissy Metz, the actress who plays Kate Pearson on the show This Is Us, has become a true inspiration for women of all ages and sizes. Her weight loss journey has been an eye-opener for many, showing that it’s possible to reach your goals while staying true to yourself and promoting body positivity.

Furthermore, Dan Fogelman, the creator of the show, has actively backed Chrissy Metz on her path to weight loss. Metz embraced her journey at her own rhythm, advocated for body positivity, achieved significant success, and eventually earned multiple Emmy nominations. Discover the details of Chrissy Metz’s weight loss journey and the motivating factors that continue to drive her. Her story is bound to inspire you towards achieving excellent health and wellness.

Who Is Chrissy Metz?

Chrissy Metz, an American actress and singer, has captivated audiences with her versatile talent and inspiring message of self-love. She was born on September 29, 1980, in Homestead, Florida, and she began her acting journey in 2005. Best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Kate Pearson in the hit drama “This Is Us,” she has also starred in notable films and television shows. Beyond acting, Chrissy possesses a powerful voice, leading the band “Chrissy and the Vapors” and releasing her own music. Her passion extends beyond the stage and screen, with her memoir “This is Me” advocating for body positivity and her co-founded wine company “Joyful Heart” spreading happiness one sip at a time. Chrissy Metz is a true multi-hyphenate, leaving a lasting impact with her work and unwavering spirit.

Chrissy Metz’s profile

Full Name: Christine Michelle Metz

Age In 2023: 42 years

Early Life: Raised in Japan and Florida

Early Career: Worked as an agent for talent management companies

Debut Film: Loveless in Los Angeles (2007) as Bonnie

Family: Two siblings and two half-siblings

Awards: Recipient of Screen Actors Guild Award in the category ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series’.

In addition to her notable career accomplishments, Chrissy Metz has openly shared her personal challenges concerning body image and weight. As a vocal supporter of body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment realm, her sincerity has served as an inspiration for countless individuals globally. Explore further details about her weight-related struggles in the upcoming section.

Childhood Weight Loss Struggles of Chrissy Metz

Like many of us, Chrissy Metz struggled with obesity from an early age. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chrissy said, “I was born chubby, and as I got older, at different times in my life I was thinner or more active or playing sports, but I was definitely always a chubbier kid. My friends could eat whatever they wanted to, but I knew that as a kid if I ate certain things I would totally gain weight. I had to be really cognizant of what I ate.”

Metz recalls being aware of her weight from a young age and having to be mindful of her food intake. In fact, she even attended Weight Watchers as early as 11 years old. This early experience with weight loss programs shaped her relationship with food and body image in a significant way.

Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Metz faced challenges related to her weight. She often felt different from her peers and experienced body shaming. These experiences instilled in her a deep understanding of the struggles that individuals facing weight issues go through. And this is why she identifies with the character Kate Pearsons. She said, “I remember going to Weight Watchers when I was like 11. I was the youngest person in the damned room and it was awkward. My mom was trying to figure it out, but it’s a process. Kate wants her mom to be happy with her… [and] Rebecca (her on-screen mom played by Mandy Moore) just wants her daughter to be happy, and, of course, not be made fun of and just live a normal life. No matter what, somebody is going to pick on you for something. It’s a complicated dynamic and it is heartbreaking.”

Acting Happened By Chance – What Will Play A Crucial Role In Her Weight Loss

Amidst the challenges of her childhood weight struggles, Chrissy Metz found an unexpected source of strength and direction – acting. While enrolling in a community college for acting wasn’t initially about weight loss, it would subtly play a crucial role in her journey towards self-acceptance and a healthier lifestyle.

Furthermore, acting presented a unique platform for Metz to connect with others who understood her struggles. Sharing her experiences with fellow actors and actresses created a sense of camaraderie and support, fostering a healthy and positive environment where she could discuss weight and body image issues openly and honestly.

Prior to embarking on her acting journey, Chrissy Metz worked as a preschool teacher. According to her interview with Marie Claire magazine, her entry into the world of acting was serendipitous. While accompanying her sister to an audition, she unexpectedly encountered an old teacher who encouraged her to participate in the audition as well. She said, “In my heart, I was like, ‘Yes, I would love to,’ but I was too afraid of my own shadow.” However, she took the plunge and got a call next day. And within a year, she headed to Los Angeles to audition for a pilot season. According to her mom, Metz said, “Mom, I’m going to live my dream.”

Career And Weight Struggles

After coming to LA and going on numerous auditions, Chrissy Metz started working as her agent’s assistant! It sure paid her bills but she told Marie Claire mag, “I was like, ‘This isn’t fair, I didn’t come here for that.” But sadly, she had to work as an agent for a while. In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Metz admitted it was more than painful to schedule auditions for other actresses. She said, “Scheduling auditions for the talent was like watching your boyfriend take out another woman every single day.”

Before securing her renowned role in This Is Us, following her agent’s recommendation, Chrissy Metz successfully shed an impressive 50 pounds, only to later regain 100 pounds. Chrissy revealed that she was grappling with depression and described her struggle as “eating my feelings,” a manifestation of emotional eating that contributed significantly to her substantial weight gain. A turning point occurred on her 30th birthday when she experienced a panic attack, necessitating a rushed hospital visit. It was at this juncture that Chrissy Metz decided to take a step back and reassess her approach to weight loss.


How Chrissy Metz Landed the Life-Changing Role on This Is Us

Chrissy’s career took a turn for the better when she was discovered at a model and talent search in Gainesville, Florida. This led to an audition for a role in the FX series “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” which marked her first major television appearance. She told Glamour, “I kept auditioning, with no savings and no money, credit card debt gaining interest…I went on unemployment. I bought ramen noodles at dollar stores. I never had to — God forbid — live on the streets; I moved in with a roommate who told me, ‘Stay with me until you can afford rent. Don’t give up.’ People who supported me were like, ‘If you don’t have money for food, I’ll cook you dinner. You don’t have money for acting class? Let’s get together and read lines”. While “American Horror Story” provided a significant boost to her career, Chrissy continued to hustle through numerous auditions. She guest-starred in shows like “My Name is Earl” and “Entourage,” further honing her craft and gaining valuable experience. After what felt like an eternity, Chrissy received the life-changing phone call. She had landed the role of Kate Pearson! This single moment catapulted her career into the stratosphere, making her a household name and earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards nominations. Chrissy told the Deadline, “The script was incredible from the moment I started it; it felt different. I desperately wanted an audition and begged my agent for the opportunity to read for casting. This was a role that finally broke down the real issues behind weight: inadequacy, codependent relationships and living in the shadows.”

Chrissy’s success on “This Is Us” was just the beginning. She has since gone on to star in films, release her own music, and become a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance. Her inspiring story continues to motivate and empower individuals around the world.

How Chrissy Metz Lost 100 Pounds

After the incident, she started taking self-care more seriously and more responsibly. All she did was go on a 2000 calorie diet. She started avoiding most of the unhealthy foods and started walking 20 minutes every day. And this made a huge difference to her physical and mental health. She lost 100 pounds in 5 months. Of course, this time she took time to lose the weight, but she was in a much better place mentally than before.

Soon after the success of her show she landed a role in American Horror Story where she has to wear a fat suit. And this was the second eye-opener for her. Metz said, “It was sobering… I thought, ‘What if I become that heavy and can’t walk around or get stuck in the doorframe?’ I was like, ‘I don’t want this for me.’”

Is Weight Loss Mandatory In Chrissy’s Contract?

Despite speculation of a weight loss clause in Chrissy Metz’s contract, she clarified with People that there is no such obligation. However, both Chrissy and her character, Kate, are committed to embarking on a journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. This suggests that while weight loss may not be mandated, it’s a natural consequence of their shared focus on health and wellness.

She told, “In our contract, it did state that that would be a part of it, to lose the weight in the trajectory of the character as she comes to find herself.”

She also said, “Why not have a motivation beyond me to get to a healthy weight? Every actor does that. We’re chameleons. We change, we grow as an actor… you lose weight, you gain weight, you change your hair or whatever.” Chrissy also stated on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that, “Like most actors, we are chameleons so we play different roles; like Christian Bale lost all that weight for The Machinist,’” That makes sense, right?

Why This Is Us Is Important For Chrissy Metz To Lose Weight?

While Chrissy Metz has clarified that her contract for “This Is Us” did not explicitly require her to lose weight, there were several reasons why it was important for her to do so on a personal level.

Aligning with Kate Pearson’s Character Arc

Kate Pearson, the character Chrissy portrays, embarks on a significant weight loss journey throughout the show. To accurately depict Kate’s experience and make it relatable to viewers, it made sense for Chrissy to undergo a similar transformation. This helped her connect more deeply with the character and enhance the authenticity of her performance.

Personal Health and Well-being

Chrissy has openly discussed her struggles with weight and its impact on her physical and emotional health. Losing weight offered an opportunity for her to improve her health, prevent potential health risks, and potentially increase her energy levels. This ultimately contributed to her overall well-being and quality of life.

Motivation and Inspiration

By mirroring Kate’s weight loss journey, Chrissy became a source of inspiration for many viewers facing similar struggles. This empowered them to believe in their own ability to achieve their health goals, regardless of their starting point.

Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Body Positivity

While Chrissy embraced the opportunity to lose weight for personal and professional reasons, she also emphasized the importance of body positivity and self-acceptance. She reminded audiences that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that achieving happiness doesn’t solely depend on weight loss.

Setting a Positive Example

As a successful actress and role model, Chrissy’s journey served as an inspiration to many. By prioritizing her health and well-being, she encouraged others to embrace healthy habits and take control of their own lives.

Therefore, while weight loss was not a contractual requirement, it played a significant role in Chrissy Metz’s personal and professional life on “This Is Us.” It was a decision she made to align with her character, improve her health, inspire others, and challenge societal stereotypes about weight and beauty.

Chrissy Metz’s Workout Routine

In addressing her fitness regimen, Chrissy Metz underscores the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle. Emphasizing consistency and incorporating activities that bring her joy, her approach to fitness is diverse.

Reportedly, Chrissy has introduced a mix of exercises into her routine, including cardio activities like 20-minute walks and cycling, possibly complemented by weight or strength training under the guidance of a personal trainer throughout her five-day weekly schedule. Additionally, she embraces daily brisk walks and finds solace in yoga and meditation.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that Chrissy Metz actively promotes body positivity and self-acceptance, asserting that both health and happiness manifest in various body shapes and sizes. Her personal journey stands as a source of inspiration for those navigating body acceptance and aspiring to cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Chrissy’s 2000 Calorie Diet Plan

Chrissy Metz’s weight loss journey has gained widespread recognition, particularly for her remarkable accomplishment of shedding a hundred pounds in just five months. At the core of her success is her transformative 2000-calorie diet plan, which played a pivotal role in her life.

In addition to adhering to a daily limit of 2000 calories, Chrissy prioritized selecting foods that contributed nutritional value to her diet, ensuring that each item on her plate served a purpose in her overall health and well-being.

She integrated whole organic foods, such as oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits, which are high in fiber, into her diet to support weight loss and control cravings. Allegedly, she opted for six small meals throughout the day to stave off hunger and reduce stress-induced snacking, a strategy stemming from previous eating challenges.

Her dietary choices likely encompassed nutritious elements like carbohydrates, beans, proteins, and vegetables, occasionally allowing for cheat meals to maintain balance. To kickstart her fitness journey, she complemented her diet with a well-structured exercise routine. For further details, delve into the next section.

Conclusion

Unlike Melissa McCarthy who has publicly discussed her weight loss methods, Chrissy Metz has chosen to keep her focus on health and hasn’t revealed details about specific weight loss strategies. From her initial struggles with weight and emotional eating to her transformative efforts towards well-being, Metz has become an inspiring figure in the realm of body positivity and self-acceptance.

Her success in shedding a significant amount of weight through a balanced 2000-calorie deficit diet, coupled with an emphasis on whole, nutritious foods, reflects a holistic approach to health. By incorporating regular exercise and adopting mindful eating habits, she has not only achieved a remarkable physical transformation but has also emerged as an advocate for embracing one’s unique body shape and size.

Chrissy Metz’s openness about her journey, including the challenges and triumphs, resonates with a broad audience, offering encouragement to those navigating their own paths toward better health. As she continues to promote positivity and balanced living, Chrissy Metz stands as an inspiration for anyone striving to embark on a similar journey of self-improvement and well-being.

FAQs

  1. Is Chrissy Metz married? 

Chrissy Metz was previously married to Martyn Eaden from 2008 to 2015. Currently, she is not married.

  1. Does Chrissy Metz have any children? 

Chrissy Metz does not have any children.

  1. What is Chrissy Metz’s net worth? 

Chrissy Metz’s estimated net worth is around $14 million.