From Gilmore Girls to Perry Mason, readers reveal the programmes that never fail to bring them joy
I really think Toast of London is Matt Berry’s best work. It’s hilarious. The plots are daft, the cameos are often left-field but work well, and it has loads of great nonsensical gags. It’s a shining example of a sitcom with an unlikable protagonist that you can’t help but root for anyway. I must have watched it from beginning to end at least 15 times. Every friendship and relationship in my life eventually reaches a crossroads: will they like Toast or not? Rhys, 24, Cardiff
I discovered Lark Rise to Candleford just in time to take me away from the nightmare of living in the current political climate. I avoid all news programmes, reality shows, and prefer to settle down with a much simpler, kinder world. Tim K, 60, Brooklyn, New York, US
The 1985 adaptation of EF Benson’s novels have a cast that is impeccable. The location, sets and costumes are immaculate and the story so disconnected from modern life that it’s a perfect place to retreat to. I first watched it with my husband to be and we introduced it to friends. We must have seen it a dozen times over the 38 years we were together. Watching with a friend was comfort when I lost him to cancer two years ago. It still holds up. A perfect fictional retreat. Ben, Bedfordshire
