Best Binge-worthy Streaming Shows
I really struggled with what to name this post - on the one hand I want to be funny, but then on the other hand, I want this to be something you can reference for years to come when you need some entertainment. In full disclosure I’m writing this post in the middle of the COVID19 outbreak out of pure necessity because we’re on week 2 of social distancing (something I’ve never heard of before this pandemic) and we’re all going a little nutty! We’ve personally accepted that during this time, we’re going to watch a lot of tv, probably be using our electronics a lot more than normal, and that we might be moving less. I’ve got another post coming atcha’ soon to outline some of my favorite at-home fitness programs, but for now, I’m giving you what you REALLY want - a place to outline your next 4 weeks of binging, amiright??
I’m going to break down this list by category, and yes, I’ll even be including kid-friendly shows as well - plus I’ll outline some of my favorite streaming services for maximum entertainment potential. There will be a mix of old shows and new shows, just in case you’re looking for a little of both!
Streaming Services
Amazon Prime
We absolutely love this streaming service. I personally love that I can buy individual additional channels like Starz (HELLO OUTLANDER) for a limited time in addition to the many options already available on Prime Video. They have some amazing award winning original series, and some really great kids programming including loads of good educational series from PBS.
Netlfix
The original streaming service has really stepped up it’s game with a mix of goodies from other channels as well as a wide variety of Netflix originals. Some of my favorite shows in past years have been Netflix Originals! We also love that they have kids favorites from our past like Garfield, Scooby Doo, and more!
Apple TV
We are just venturing into the wide world of Apple TV, but it’s much like Amazon in that there are a selection of really good Apple TV original shows and the opportunity to purchase shows not included in the monthly subscription cost.
Hulu
We admittedly have to hunt for more quality content on Hulu, but we love that they have a lot of mainstream syndication (shows like Modern Family and This is Us) and they’ve just added Little Fires Everywhere, a book I absolutely LOVED, starring Reese Witherspoon!
Disney +
If you’re a parent and you don’t yet have Disney +, I have no idea what to tell you other than #worthit. Every Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic show and movie you can think of, plus all of the original Disney shows we used to know and love!
Crime/Suspense
The Tunnel - A PBS series available on Amazon Prime, we absolutely devoured this series..there are three seasons and you’ll be so sad when it’s over!
The Killing - Linden and Holder. This duo is AMAZING. Another crime series that hooked me the entire time.
The Stranger - A Netflix series based on a book that keeps you guessing til the end.
Broadchurch - Another dynamic detective duo that explores dark crimes, and leaves you hanging.
You - Good looking stalker with a penchant for bad behavior. You’ll love it.
The Sinner - LOVED THIS SERIES. Jessica Biel got me hooked on Season 1, and each season follows a different plot line. Season three just came out but you have to pay for it!
Truth Be Told - ok full disclosure, I didn’t love the acting in this series, but the story had me hooked. I HAD to know what happened. I also loved Lizzy Caplan from Castlerock and Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad so I stuck with it!
Ozarks - Jason Bateman. Personally, I’m low key obsessed with him. I love him in a serious role, and this show is no different. Very Breaking Bad-esque.
Dexter - The original binge for Tim and I. We bought all the seasons on DVD and didn’t leave the couch our first year of marriage so we could watch them all.
Breaking Bad - Fantastic series with TONS of seasons to get through. It starts slow to me, so stick with it!
House of Cards - If you can look past the sleeziness of real life Kevin Spacey, this series is mesmerizing. Especially loved Robin Wright’s character development.
Dead to Me - OMG. We need season two of this series like we need a cure for COVID19. Christina Applegate is incredible. This is like a dark comedy and even Tim loved it though it looks like a “chick” show (whatever that means) from the outside.
Mindhunter - Classic crime thriller that follows the origination fo the FBI’s behavioral profiling unit using real life cases. A great ensemble cast!
Unbelievable - Follows real life events around a troubled young girls allegations of rape. SO SO SO GOOD.
13 Reasons Why - Only watch this if you’re ready to feel some heavy feelings. The last season was only “ok” for me, but the story will still haunt you.
Homeland - SO MANY SEASONS. Claire Danes draws you in, and each episode reminds me of the original spy series, 24!
Hunters - I haven’t personally watched this series, but it came recommended to me! It’s new on Amazon and is about the story of Nazi Hunters in 1977 NYC.
True Detective - every season is different and so so good. We got hooked with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson and keep coming back for more!
Sharp Objects - based on a best selling Novel, this series is dark and twisted, and oh so good. Love me some Amy Adams.
Orange is the New Black - quintessential Netflix. Follows an unlikely inmate and all of her escapades in a women’s correctional facility.
The Leftovers - based on a rapture like event that leaves people in the wake of mysteriously losing their loved ones.
Criminal Minds - I watched every single season of Criminal Minds during maternity leave with Cami. The nerdy Spencer Reid is my secret crush.
Narcos - I have to admit I haven’t watched a single episode of Narcos, but Tim is obsessed with it, and he knows good television, so it’s on here!
Sci-Fi/Horror/SUPERNATURAL
Dark - if you can get passed the voiceovers (it’s German) and the crazy plot, this one is addicting!
Avenue 5 - I haven’t personally watched this, but it came recommended! Futuristic space drama, I kinda love it!
I am not ok with this - Stars from Stephen King’s IT are reunited in this short series based on a girl who discovers she has superpowers.
Servant - M. Night Shymalan series that mixes the strange with the potentially supernatural again. This series was really really good, but just a warning, it revolves around the unexpected death of an infant - so it could be potentially triggering for some.
Stranger Things - If you haven’t heard of Stranger Things…where have you been!? I’m not even going to give you any information other than just go watch it! Even if you aren’t a Sci-Fi fan, I think you’ll love it.
Castlerock - Based off a mashup of Stephen King stories and characters, this is about as supernatural as you’re going to get! We loved it, especially the second season!
The Outsider - Just started this one, but we have another Jason Bateman role that has me hooked already by the first episode. Truly a mix of crime and gore, I believe it’s an adaptation of a Stephen King book. ITS CREEPY AF ALREADY.
Alias Grace - historical supernatural mashup. A young girl, outcast, long story, really creepy.
American Horror Story - Every season gets creepier and creepier. Don’t watch it alone. Don’t stay up too late. Don’t let your kids see.
The Haunting of Hill House - Another scary show. I personally LOVE to be spooked and this one had us jumping out of our seats several times!
The Walking Dead - The quintessential zombie binge. Loved this series, especially the earlier seasons. The character development is on point, and the zombies really are horrific.
The Handmaids Tale - This one really messed with my mind. Not only for the horrors you witness but for it’s very realistic feel considering the events of the current climate.
Historical Fiction
Outlander - ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS PERIOD. I never thought I loved historical fiction until I binged Outlander til 2 am every single night for a period of a few months. This love story is EPIC against Scotland’s beautiful scenery.
Peaky Blinders - ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS PERIOD. I guess I do love historical fiction. The main character is not only quite good looking, but one of those you love to hate, hate to love.
Downton Abbey - Great show. Love the evolution of the characters. Love the attention to period detail.
Call the Midwife - if you loved Downton Abbey, you’ll love Call the Midwife!
The Crown - I haven’t watched it, but I’ve heard it’s amazing. Follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Game of Thrones - ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS PERIOD. So many bingeworthy seasons and a cast of characters you’ll never forget! Love me some Jon Snow.
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Absolutely love this series about a strong woman going against the grain during the 1950/60’s. It’s comedy and drama wrapped up in one!
Poldark - I haven’t personally watched this series but all my friends are raving about it! It follows the main character after the end of the American War of Independence and looks interesting!
Comedy
Schitt’s Creek - With quintessential lines like “EW DAVID.” and “stop acting like a disgruntled pelican” and characters that you will LOVE/hate this series is one of my absolute favorites. Not just comedy, but of ALL TIME. I didn’t think I’d be in to it, and it took me a few episodes, but I’m anxiously awaiting the last season to be transferred to Netflix because I am FIENDING FOR MORE.
Jane the Virgin - Another show I thought I wouldn’t love because I’ve never really loved mainstream comedy. But Jane is this amazing character, and each episode plays out like a telenovela. It’s SO SO FUNNY.
New Girl - With a main character named Jess, what’s not to love. I laughed out loud to every episode. This is a comedy you HAVE to see.
The Office - If you can’t quote the office in normal conversation, I’m not sure if we can be friends. Laugh worthy, yes…but the love story of Jim and Pam is EPIC.
30 Rock - Just now catching up to 30 Rock fame, and I can tell you it’s just as funny as everyone said. Love to hate Jack.
Modern Family - I’ve watched every episode since it’s creation. With the series coming to an end soon, I’ll be crying sad tears when it’s over!
Parks and Recreation - I haven’t gotten a chance to watch Parks and Recreation yet, but I’ve heard if you loved the office and 30 Rock, you’ll love Leslie Knope and this cast of characters!
Seinfeld - Ok, I only secretly love Seinfeld. I outwardly tell Tim I don’t like it, but will low key sneak watch it when he does because it really is hilarious.
Love is Blind - I haven’t jumped on this reality TV bandwagon yet but my social media is OVERRUN with Love is Blind references. I’m thinking I’m going to have to take the plunge soon!
Drama/Relational
The Morning Show - Steve Carrell, Reese Witherspoon, Jen Aniston, and that other hunky guy from somewhere else I can’t remember. Loved this drama and how it really mirrored much of the real life drama around tv host Matt Lauer’s fall.
For all Mankind - We haven’t watched this one yet, but it’s an Apple TV original all about an alternate reality where America wasn’t the first to land on the moon, and it surrounds our new race to get a woman on the moon first.
This is Us - UGH. I LOVE THIS SHOW. Tears. Heartbreak. Amazing cast of characters. It’s a must see for everyone. The main character reminds me of Tim!
Fleabag - I haven’t watched this one yet, but it’s on my list too! It’s a British Comedy Drama following one woman as she navigates life.
Modern Love - THIS SHOW. It’s unsung. Each episode had me really thinking and connecting with such a wide variety of characters and stories. I loved everything about it.
Girls - If you want a new age spin on Sex in the City with a much more vulgar approach, you’ll love Girls. Lena Dunham is Lena Dunham, and you’ll be cringing and craving more with every episode.
Little Fires Everywhere - Just launched on Hulu and I’m so excited! They aren’t doing a full release of the season, just episode by episode - but I loved this book and can’t wait to watch Reese Witherspoon shine!
Big Little Lies - Another book adaptation that IS SO GOOD. Two seasons in and this drama is insanely well done.
The United States of Tara - This is an old series that I loved. I cried when I realized it was over. It follows a mom with multiple personality disorder. It’s funny and sad, and I love both of the main characters so much.
Shameless - The Gallaghers! You’ll love to hate them. This show is so subtle in both its humor and it’s ability to tackle current events.
Kids & Family
Helpsters
Wild Kratts
Daniel Tiger
Tumbleleaf
Timmy Failure
National Geographic Shows
Dr. Seuss
Bluey
I hope you and your family find some fun things to tune into during this social distancing period and beyond! Would love to hear any shows that didn’t make the list that you’d love to see on here! I’ll continuously update this as the years go on to so you have a full resource for all your binging needs!