It’s winter and binge-worthy TV shows are a great way to stay warm. Here is a list of over 50 binge-worthy TV shows that you can watch on various streaming services. There’s something for everyone!
With the variety of streaming services available today, TV watching – as we know it – has changed. But part of the problem with that, and with the ongoing pandemic, is that many of us TV fans have run out of episodes of our favorite programs and are on the hunt for something new to watch.
Between Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and so many other streaming services, there is a lot of TV worth exploring!
We already covered some of the best limited series, including some of the most binge-worthy Spanish TV shows, but this list includes some of my favorite long-running TV shows, which are now (or have always been) available for streaming.
Keep in mind that the availability of the shows changes from country to country, so you may have to find the right streaming service to watch a particular program in your location.
For the most part, I have divided them up by genre – although a few are genre-bending shows that blend across multiple disciplines.
I highly recommend a professional custom home theater installation. This way, you can get the most out of your home entertainment, especially television viewing.
For instance, you can install light rejecting screens for a positive big screen experience. On the other hand, motorized screens, retractable screens, and drop-down projection mounts are perfect easy-to-hide screens when they’re not in use for your modern space-restricted family room or living room.
Just imagine yourself watching your favorite TV shows sitting comfortably in a custom home theater seating and eating home-cooked popcorn. Get ready with your snacks and watch any of the following binge-worthy TV shows below.
Binge-Worthy Law & Order TV Shows
If you’re interested in crime scenes, forensics, prison breaks, and police investigation, law and order TV shows can satisfy your curiosity. These shows are available in fiction, documentary, and drama-action combination.
Here are some of the top cop, detective, and legal shows that you can binge-watch now:
The Mentalist
The Mentalist is a police procedural drama that aired on CBS from September 23, 2008, to February 18, 2015. The show was created by Bruno Heller and is based on the character of Patrick Jane, a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation who has a remarkable ability to ‘read people’s minds.’
The show ran for seven seasons and was nominated for numerous awards, including Golden Globe Awards, Satellite Awards, and People’s Choice Awards.
Psych
Psych is a USA Network detective comedy-drama series that premiered on July 15, 2006. The show was created by Steve Franks and stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer and Dule Hill as Burton “Gus” Guster.
Similar, in limited ways, to The Mentalist, the show centers around a young man (Shawn) with a unique set of perceptions skills that he passes off to clients and the local police department as psychic abilities.
The other main difference is the tongue-in-cheek attitude that the show represents, taking a more comedic approach to a crime procedural.
Sherlock
Sherlock is a British crime drama television series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson.
The first series of three episodes aired on BBC One from 25 July to August 22, 2010. The second series of three episodes aired in January 2012. The third series, consisting of a single 90-minute episode, ‘The Abominable Bride,’ aired on BBC One on New Year’s Day 2016.
Narcos
Narcos is an American crime drama web television series that premiered on September 02, 2015. The show was created and produced by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro (the latter two having previously worked together as producers on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire).
The first season consists of ten 50-minute episodes that star Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar, Boyd Holbrook as Steve Murphy, Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña, and Joanna Christie as Connie Mendez.
Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods is a police procedural and legal drama that airs on CBS. The show follows the Reagan family of officers in the New York City Police Department.
The series debuted on September 24, 2010, and has been broadcast for seven seasons so far. Blue Bloods was nominated for an Emmy Award in the 2012-2013 season as the best TV series.
The Good Wife
The Good Wife is a legal drama that aired on CBS from 2009 until 2016. The show was created by Robert King and Michelle King; it follows the story of Alicia Florrick (played by Julianna Margulies), whose husband Peter has been jailed following a public sex and corruption scandal.
Alicia returns to work as a litigator in order to support her children and re-enter the workforce. The show was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Satellite Awards.
Brooklyn 99
Brooklyn 99 is a comedy that aired on Fox from September 2013 until May 2018. The show was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur, who also served as executive producers alongside David Miner and Luke Del Tredici.
The series stars an ensemble cast including Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Stephanie Beatriz, and Dirk Blocker.
The show follows Detective Jake Peralta (played by Samberg) as he works alongside other members of the New York City Police Department in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct.
Castle
Castle is a crime drama that aired on ABC from 2009 until 2016. The show was created by Andrew W. Marlowe and stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle – a mystery writer who helps the NYPD solve crimes.
Justified
The FX series Justified is set in Kentucky and follows Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal dealing with criminals and his life in the titular town of “Justified.” It’s based on Elmore Leonard’s stories about Raylan Givens, particularly “Fire in the Hole,” which was created by Graham Yost.
A deputy United States marshal who enforces his own brand of justice is played by Timothy Olyphant in Justified. The series focuses on the people and culture of eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains region, particularly Harlan County, where many of the narrative arcs are set.
The series, comprising 78 episodes, was aired over six seasons and concluded on April 14, 2015. Justified received critical acclaim throughout most of its run.
Bones
Bones is an American crime procedural comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox from 2005 until 2017. The show was created by Hart Hanson and stars Emily Deschanel as Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan – a forensic anthropologist who solves crimes with the help of her team at the Jeffersonian Institution.
The Shield
The Shield is an American crime drama television series that originally aired on FX from March 12, 2002, to November 25, 2008. The series was created by Shawn Ryan and executive produced by Ryan, Charles H. Eglee, Glen Mazzara, and Kurt Sutter.
The Shield follows the Los Angeles Police Department’s fictional Strike Team, which is composed of five officers: Vic Mackey, Shane Vendrell, Ronnie Gardocki, Curtis Lemansky, and Terry Crowley. The series deals with themes of morality, betrayal, loyalty, corruption, and redemption.
The show has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, including the Outstanding Drama Series in 2005 and 2006.
24
If you’re looking for an action-packed binge-watch, 24 is the show for you.
24 is an American action thriller television series created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran and produced by Fox Television Studios. The series stars Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a counterterrorism agent who works in Los Angeles, California.
The first season premiered on November 06, 2001, and its final season ended on May 24, 2010. In total, its eight seasons spanned 192 episodes.
24 was well received by critics and won many awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series in 2006 from two nominations, Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2005 and 2006 from four nominations; plus, a number of other nominations and wins.
The only warning I will give is to remember that the show originally aired in the traditional episodic format, meaning each season took a full year to roll out. When binge-watching a show like 24, it’s hard not to question how SO MANY THINGS could possibly happen in a single day.
And, of course, there is the entire collection of CSI and Law & Order TV shows that are all well worth a watch!
Binge-Worthy Medical TV Shows
Learn how health professionals work in real life, handling personal and work-related issues while juggling tasks in fieldwork and hospitals. You can increase your knowledge of emergency medical cases, diagnoses, and treatment options while doctor and nurse actors collaborate and resolve misunderstandings and conflicts.
You get to empathize with patients when they need to make major health decisions and struggle to fight for their lives. Medical dramas are always a great way to spend an afternoon. Here are my top 10 medical dramas that you can binge-watch now:
ER
ER is an American medical drama television series that originally aired on NBC from 1994 to 2009. The show was created by novelist and television writer Michael Crichton and stars Anthony Edwards as Dr. Mark Greene – a pediatrician and senior resident at Chicago’s fictional County General Hospital.
The show deals with themes of life, death, and the human experience. It has been nominated for 124 Primetime Emmy Awards, of which it has won 22. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 1995 and was nominated for the same award in 1996 and 1997.
The show helped launch quite a few careers, including George Clooney and Julianna Margulies.
Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is an American medical drama television series that premiered on ABC on March 27, 2005. The show was created by Shonda Rhimes and stars Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey – a surgical resident at the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital.
The show has been nominated for and won numerous awards, including Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama in 2006 and 2007, and multiple People’s Choice Awards from 2010 to 2014.
House M.D.
House M.D. is an American medical drama television series that originally aired on Fox from November 16, 2004, to May 21, 2012. The show was created by David Shore and stars Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House – an unconventional, misanthropic medical genius who leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.
The show has been nominated for and won numerous awards, including two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Drama, eight Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, and a Peabody Award.
Scrubs
Scrubs is an American medical comedy-drama television series that ran on NBC from October 01, 2001, to March 17, 2010. The show was created by Bill Lawrence, who also served as the executive producer with creator and writer of Friends; it stars Zach Braff as John “J.D.” Dorian – a young intern beginning his medical career.
The Mindy Project
The Mindy Project is an American sitcom television series that premiered on Fox on September 25, 2012. The series was created by Mindy Kaling, who also stars in the show as Dr. Mindy Lahiri. The series is produced by 3 Arts Entertainment and Universal Television.
Nurse Jackie
Nurse Jackie is an American medical comedy-drama television series that premiered on Showtime on June 08, 2009. The show was created by Evan Dunsky and Liz Brixius, who also serve as executive producers along with Richie Mehta. It stars Edie Falco as the title character Jackie Peyton, a nurse in a New York City hospital’s emergency room. For her portrayal of Jackie Peyton, Falco has won one Golden Globe Award from six nominations, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Emmy Awards.
New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam is an American medical drama television series inspired by Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in America. It premiered on NBC on September 25, 2018. The show was created by David Schulner and stars Ryan Eggold as Dr. Max Goodwin – the newly appointed medical director of the fictional New Amsterdam Hospital who sets out to tear down the bureaucratic red tape and improve the quality of care.
The show has been met with mixed reviews but has been praised for its strong cast and Eggold’s performance.
Binge-Worthy Supernatural TV Shows
Who doesn’t love a good fright now and then, these shows often take things to the next level with intriguing characters and even a few laughs. Watching supernatural TV shows is a great family bonding experience, especially with children (depending on the age of the children and the nature of the frights).Â
Supernatural
Supernatural is an American fantasy horror television series created by Eric Kripke. It was first broadcast on September 13, 2005, on ‘The WB’ and subsequently became part of its successor, The CW’s lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, the show follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel across America hunting supernatural beings such as ghosts, vampires, and other monsters.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an American television series created by Joss Whedon. The series premiered on March 20, 1997, on The WB and concluded on May 20, 2003, after seven seasons with 144 episodes in total. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers (arguably one of the most kick-ass characters ever), it tells the story of a teenage girl chosen by fate to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces.
Supernatural has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
Angel
Angel is an American television series, a spin-off from the Buffyverse shows. The show was created by Buffy’s creator Joss Whedon in collaboration with David Greenwalt. It aired on October 05, 1999, on The WB and concluded its five-year run on May 19, 2004.
The show details Angel’s journey as he leaves Sunnydale for Los Angeles in order to make amends for all the evil he has caused. There, he becomes a private detective and helps people with supernatural problems.
The series was nominated for Emmys Awards in 2001 and 2002.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series developed for television by Frank Darabont and based on the ongoing comic book series of the same name. It stars Andrew Lincoln as sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way.
The Walking Dead premiered on October 31, 2010, on AMC in the United States and became the most-watched series in cable television history with around 17 million viewers per episode, including live, DVR, and streaming viewership. The sixth season averaged 20 million viewers per episode in the U.S., making it the highest-rated show in cable history.
The Vampire Diaries
If you love some soapy, supernatural romance and drama, the Vampire Diaries is a perfect choice.
The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural teen drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, based on the popular book series of the same name written by L. J. Smith. The series premiered on The CW on September 09, 2009. It tells the story of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a young girl who falls hopelessly in love with a 162-year-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley).
The Vampire Diaries has been nominated for and won several awards since its premiere.
Grimm
Grimm is a fantasy crime drama television series created by David Greenwalt and Jim Kouf. The show premiered on October 28, 2011, on NBC. The show follows the life of Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a homicide detective who discovers that he is a Grimm, a descendant of a long line of hunters who fight supernatural forces.
The show has been praised for its strong writing, likable characters, and mythology. It has also received numerous award nominations over the course of six seasons.
Binge-Worthy Crime Shows
Looking for binge-worthy tv shows where you just might find yourself rooting for the bad guy? We’ve got you covered!
Dexter
Dexter is an American television crime drama mystery series that aired on Showtime from October 01, 2006, to September 22, 2013. It was developed by James Manos Jr., who previously served as co-executive producer of another popular serial killer television show, The Sopranos.
The series focuses on Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter pattern analyst for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who also leads a secret life as an emotionless vigilante serial killer.
Dexter was internationally syndicated and broadcast by Showtime in over 80 countries. It was produced by Showtime Networks Inc., Aggressive Mediocrity, and John Goldwyn Productions and is currently distributed by CBS Television Distribution.
The show has received numerous awards and nominations, including an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in each of its first four seasons, as well as a Golden Globe win for Best Television Series – Drama in Season Four.
Recently, a new ‘follow-up’ limited series called Dexter: New Blood picked up the story 10 years later.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is an American crime drama television series created by Vince Gilligan. It premiered on January 20, 2008, on AMC in the United States and ended on September 29, 2013, after five seasons and 62 episodes. The series tells the story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer who turns to making methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future.
Walter’s character development from Mr. Chips into Scarface has been praised by critics, and the show has received numerous awards, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Peabody Awards, and a British Academy Television Award.
Orange Is the New Black
Orange Is the New Black is an American comedy-drama web television series that premiered on Netflix on July 11, 2013. Created by Jenji Kohan and based upon Piper Kerman’s memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, it has received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, directing, execution of themes, and realistic portrayal of prison life.
Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy (often abbreviated as SOA) is an American crime drama television series created by Kurt Sutter. It follows the lives of a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club operating in Charming, a fictional town in California’s Central Valley. The show stars Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman.
The pilot episode was given high ratings by critics but saw mixed reviews during subsequent seasons.
The Ozarks
The Ozarks is an American crime drama television series created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams for Netflix. The show premiered on August 31, 2018.
The show follows the life of the Byrdes, a family who relocated from Chicago to the Ozarks in Missouri in order to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel.
The show has been praised for its strong writing and cast, which includes Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Michael Mosley.
Binge-Worthy Fire and Rescue TV Shows
These binge-worthy fire and rescue tv shows are like a bunch of smaller disaster movies packed into a continuing series!
9-1-1
9-1-1 premiered in January 2018 and is an American procedural drama television series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear that follows the lives of Los Angeles first responders, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatch operators.
The show stars Angela Bassett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Peter Krause, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Oliver Stark, Ryan Guzman, and Rockmond Dunbar. It is executive produced by Murphy, Falchuk, Minear, and Brad Buecker.
For me, it is the bromance between Buck (the frivolous wild-child) and Eddie (the responsible dad) that is a key part of why I love this show.
9-1-1: Lone Star
I’m not sure if I would call this a spin-off, as it is a stand-alone TV show that doesn’t (until an episode or two later in the series) even cross over to the original 9-1-1.
However, it is produced by the same team behind the original 9-1-1 and follows a similar theme.
In this version, Capt. Owen Strand (Rob Lowe) relocates from New York to Austin with his son T.K. Strand (Ronen Rubinstein) to rebuild Station 126 after a devastating tragedy hits the Texas firehouse.
Rescue Me
Rescue Me is an American drama television series that premiered on the FX network. It was created by Peter Tolan and Denis Leary, who also starred as a firefighter in this program.
The show ran from July 21, 2004, until September 08, 2011, for a total of seven seasons, comprising 114 episodes that were filmed primarily in New York City.
Station 19
Station 19 is an American drama television series created by Stacy McKee that premiered on ABC during the 2017–18 season. The show follows a group of Seattle firefighters at fictional Fire Station 19 who work to save lives in their city.
The title “19” comes from its setting; Fire Stations are numbered for where they are located on a map, not their order of creation. The first 19 stations were created in Seattle in the early 1900s.
The show stars Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, Barrett Doss, Alberto Frezza, and Tyler Johnson. It is produced by ShondaLand Productions and ABC Studios.
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is a drama series that premiered on NBC in 2012. It focuses on the firefighters and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51, a fictional fire station set in Chicago that plays upon the city’s reputation for high-rise fires and the big rescue cases that often come with them.
The show stars Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund, Charlie Barnett, David Eigenberg, Yuri Sardarov, Joe Minoso, Christian Stolte, and Eamonn Walker.
Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice are the three other shows in the same universe that all take place in the city of Chicago.
Binge-Worthy Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV Shows
Looking for something more on the fantastic side? No worries, these binge-worthy tv shows have all of your sci-fi and fantasy favorites.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama television series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It is an adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels, the first of which is A Game of Thrones. The show premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and its sixth season ended on June 26, 2016.
Game of Thrones has been nominated for 251 awards, winning 133. It has also garnered a vast international fan base.
Although there was MUCH controversy over the final season and how the show wrapped up, it is still very much worth watching.
The Expanse
The Expanse is a science fiction television series developed by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, based on the novel series of the same name. It first aired in November 2015 on Syfy as an exclusive entry to US premium networks; Netflix secured international rights to The Expanse from Alcon Entertainment in April 2016.
In February 2017, the series was renewed for a 13-episode third season, set to premiere in 2018.
The Expanse has been well received by critics, who have praised its worldbuilding, character development, and political intrigue.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science-fiction television program produced by the BBC since 1963. The program depicts the adventures of a time-traveling humanoid alien known as the Doctor, who explores the universe in his TARDIS, a sentient time machine that flies through both space and time.
The program has received recognition from critics and the public, including multiple awards by Guinness World Records for its longevity.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is an American science fiction-horror web television series created by the Duffer Brothers and released on Netflix. The show stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery. Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the season one story follows the disappearance of Will Byers (Wolfhard) and the efforts of his friends—Mike Wheeler (Mataro), Dustin Henderson (McLaughlin), and Lucas Sinclair (Heaton)—to find him.
The Duffer Brothers conceived the series as a mix of Spielbergian Amblin Entertainment and Stephen King and cite early ’80s films like E.T., The Goonies, and Stand by Me as influences. They were also influenced by the works of Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, and Clive Barker.
Firefly
Although short-lived, Firefly is a must-watch for any Joss Whedon fans.
Firefly is an American science fiction-western television series created by Joss Whedon, who wrote or co-wrote all of the show’s episodes. The series starred Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres and ran for one season from 2002 to 2003. Set in the year 2517, the show follows the adventures of the renegade crew of the Serenity, a “Firefly-class” spaceship. They are among the last survivors of a universal civil war that destroyed both the human race and civilization as we know it.
The show was unceremoniously canceled by Fox after 11 of its 14 produced episodes had aired. This caused an outcry from fans, many of whom petitioned for its revival. A movie follow-up, Serenity, was released in 2005.
Binge-Worthy Everyday Life TV Shows
From childhood to retirement, these binge-worthy tv shows provide a variety of perspectives on everyday life (with a little bit extra because they are, after all, tv shows).
The Office (US Version)
The Office is an American television comedy series based on the British TV series of the same name. The series aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013 and followed the daily lives of employees working at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.
The show is regarded as one of the greatest TV series of all time. It has been praised for its strong character development, clever writing, and droll humor.
Shameless (US Version)
Shameless is an American comedy-drama television series. The show was developed by John Wells, and its first season premiered on Showtime in January 2011 as a regular TV series to replace the original version of Shameless that had been broadcast from 2004 through 2006 on BBC Two.
In September 2013, Showtime ordered 12 more episodes of the drama for a ninth season, bringing its total to 21 episodes.
This is Us
This is Us is an American television series created by Dan Fogelman that premiered on NBC on September 20, 2016. The show follows the lives of Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), Rebecca (Mandy Moore), and their three children—Kurt (Niles Fitch), Kate (Hannah Zeile), and Randall (Lonnie Chavis)—as they navigate the ups and downs of life.
The show has been praised for its strong character development, emotional storytelling, and high production values. It has also been nominated for multiple awards, including Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls is an American television sitcom created by Susan Harris.
It follows the lives of four older women—Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), Rose Nylund (Betty White), Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan), and Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty)—sharing a house in Miami, Florida.
The Golden Girls has received high critical acclaim for its subject matter and earned several awards throughout the course of its seven-season run. It also became popular around the world, where it inspired various adaptations.
With the recent passing of Betty White (the last remaining Golden Girl) just shy of her 100th birthday, we saw the end of a legacy at the end of 2021.
Friends
A show that everyone is familiar with, Friends is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 06, 2004.
The show follows the lives of six friends—Ross (David Schwimmer), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), and Monica (Courteney Cox)—as they navigate the ups and downs of life in Manhattan.
The show is praised for its strong character development, clever writing, and relatable humor. It has also been nominated for multiple awards, including Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is an American comedy-drama television series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. The show was originally broadcast on the WB from October 05, 2000, to May 15, 2007.
The show follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) as they navigate their lives through the fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow.
The show has been praised for its strong characters, witty dialogue, and clever writing. It also received praise from critics as well as several awards nominations over its seven-season run.
One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill is an American teen drama television series created by Mark Schwahn that premiered on The WB on September 23, 2003. The show was later moved to its sister network, The CW, where it aired for nine seasons before coming to an end on April 04, 2012.
The series follows the lives of two half-brothers, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), who are both members of the Tree Hill Ravens basketball team.
The show has been nominated for and won a number of awards, including a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Show: Drama in 2005 and 2006.
Binge-Worthy Political TV Shows
If you like your politics to have a little bit of drama or vice versa, these binge-worthy tv shows are just the ticket.
House of Cards
House of Cards is an American political drama web television series created by Beau Willimon. It is an adaptation of the British miniseries of the same name and is based on events from Michael Dobbs’ novel House of Cards. The story revolves around Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), who works as the Democratic Whip in the United States House Committee of Rules & Order.
Frank is promised the position of Secretary of State in exchange for his support. The series deals with themes such as pragmatism, manipulation, and power struggles. Season one consists of thirteen episodes.
Designated Survivor
Designated Survivor is an American political drama television series created by David Guggenheim. It was ordered straight-to-series on December 14, 2015, and premiered on ABC on September 21, 2016.
The show follows Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), a low-level United States Cabinet Secretary who unexpectedly becomes President after the previous President, along with all members of the Presidential line of succession except him, are killed in a terrorist attack during the State of the Union.
Kirkman deals with his inexperience as President while looking to uncover who is responsible for the bombing.
Designated Survivor has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, having been praised for its high production values, Sutherland’s performance, and plot twists.
The West Wing
The West Wing is a political drama television series created by Aaron Sorkin. The show premiered on NBC on September 22, 1999. The show follows the life of the Bartlet Administration, which is the fictional Democratic administration of Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen).
The West Wing has been praised for its strong writing, well-rounded characters, and accurate portrayal of politics. It has also received numerous awards, including two Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Drama and 26 Emmy Awards, including the award for Outstanding Drama Series for all seven seasons.
BrainDead
BrainDead is a political satire television series created by Robert and Michelle King and produced by CBS Television Studios. The show premiered on June 13, 2016.
The show follows the life of Laurel Healy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a young, fresh-out-of-college congressional staffer who discovers that her senator brother is being controlled by aliens who have invaded Washington, D.C.
The show has been praised for its humor, writing, and cast.
Binge-Worthy Period TV Shows
This is a pretty broad category but includes almost everything set “back in the day.”
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is a British period drama television series created by Julian Fellowes and first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2010. The show follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants at the fictional Downton Abbey estate between 1912 and 1926.
The show has been praised for its high production values, acting, and the show’s representation of class relations. It also received nominations for numerous awards over its six seasons.
Mad Men
A period drama set in 1960s New York City that follows Don Draper (Jon Hamm), an advertising executive who experiences personal change as he adapts to new cultural expectations.
The show has been praised for its writing, visual style, and historical accuracy. It has received numerous awards, including sixteen Emmys and four Golden Globes.
Vikings
Vikings is an American historical drama television series created and written by Michael Hirst for the History Channel.
The show focuses on Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a legendary Viking chieftain, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. The show also takes inspiration from historical events with fictional elements added.
The show has been praised for its historical authenticity, acting, and cinematography. It has also received nominations for numerous awards.
Outlander
A mix of period drama and sci-fi, Outlander is based on author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of novels; this American epic time travel romance television series was developed by Ronald D. Moore and produced by Sony Pictures Television and Left Bank Pictures for Starz.
The show premiered on August 09, 2014, in the United States. The story follows Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married World War II nurse who inadvertently travels back in time to 1743 Scotland, where she meets and eventually marries Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).
The show has been praised for its strong female lead, writing, costumes, and production values. It has also received numerous award nominations over the course of five seasons (so far).
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories book series.
The show follows the life of Uhtred (Tom Taylor), son of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, as he navigates the treacherous political waters of late ninth-century England during the reign of Alfred the Great.
The show has been praised for its writing and fight scenes, which have drawn comparisons to other notable shows like Game of Thrones. However, for me, this version of the Vikings tv show has a bit more humor, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Peaky Blinders
Set in Birmingham just after World War I, Peaky Blinders follows gangster Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family as they attempt to expand their criminal empire.
With strong character development and excellent acting, this show is a must-watch across the board.
The Crown
The Crown is a British biographical drama television series created by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures for Netflix.
The show follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) from her wedding in 1947 to the present day.
What Binge-Worthy TV Shows Do You Love?
I hope this list has provided you with a few binge-able shows to watch in the coming months. But I’m sure I’ve missed a few great shows, so please feel free to add your favorites in the comments below!