50 Binge-Worthy TV Shows & Where to Watch Them
A certain kind of anxiety comes with picking a show to watch on Hulu, Netflix, HBO or Amazon Prime: There are approximately five billion options, but who’s got the time to sort through them all to pick out the gems? We do. Without further ado, 50 binge-worthy TV shows, all streaming on one of the above-mentioned sites.
1. ‘friday night lights’
What’s it about: This high school drama follows the lives of the Dillon Panthers, one of the nation's best football teams, and their head coach Eric Taylor. And yes, “Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose,” will become your new life motto.
Who’s in it: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
2. ‘The Crown’
What’s it about: As if we need an excuse to watch anything royal-related, this Netflix drama follows the political rivalries and romances of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Pretty much all of our favorite royals make an appearance, including Princess Di.
Who’s in it: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies
3. ‘seinfeld’
What’s it about: In this Emmy award-winning comedy, Jerry Seinfeld provides a laugh-out-loud look at life as a single adult in the '90s. And has a TV show ever been so perfectly cast?
Who’s in it: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Where to watch: Hulu
4. ‘entourage’
What’s it about: Loosely based off of actor and producer Mark Wahlberg’s real life (we’re serious), the show follows film star Vinny Chase as he navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty (yet, neurotic) agent.
Who’s in it: Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jeremy Piven
Where to watch it: HBO
5. ‘cheers’
What’s it about: All eleven season of this sitcom take place in the Boston bar "Cheers," where regulars share their experiences and lives with each other. Unrelated: Ted Danson was a total fox.
Who’s in it: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
6. ‘ozark’
What’s it about: A financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks (which turns out is a real place), where he must launder money to keep from being murdered by his drug boss.
Who’s in it: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Julia Garner
Where to watch it: Netflix
7. ‘gossip girl’
What’s it about: Of course, we can’t forget about this early 2000s CW drama which gives viewers a look “into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite.”
Who’s in it: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chase Crawford, Kristen Bell
Where to watch it: Netflix
8. ‘this is us’
What’s it about: This heartwarming and emotional story follows a unique set of siblings, their individual struggles and the stories of their lives growing up. Spoiler alert: You’ll need tissues for this one.
Who’s in it: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley
Where to watch it: Hulu
9. ‘Gilmore girls’
What’s it about: Thirty-two-year-old single mom, Lorelai, lives with her teenage daughter, Rory, in the small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. But with their unique relationship, the trials and tribulations of everyday life are made a little bit easier.
Who’s in it: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
10. ‘the walking dead’
What’s it about: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins. He, as well as other survivors, must band together to wage a fight for their own survival.
Who’s in it: Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Where to watch it: Netflix
11. ‘The Simpsons’
What’s it about: Perhaps one of the most popular animated series in television history, the show follows the satiric adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. And with 31 seasons, this guy will definitely take you some time.
Who’s in it: Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, Julie Kavner
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
12. ‘the brady bunch’
What’s it about: The half-hour comedy series follows the misadventures of a family united when single mother Carol marries single father Mike. This group’s shenanigans pretty much proved our family was so booooring.
Who’s in it: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick, Susan Olsen, Barry Williams
Where to watch: Hulu
13. ‘the andy griffith show’
What’s it about: Easygoing Sheriff Andy Taylor (and his son Opie) are at the center of this nostalgic look at Mayberry, a small town filled with lovable characters. Somewhat homogenized, yet innocent and with a young and adorable Ron Howard.
Who’s in it: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts
Where to watch: Netflix
14. ‘American horror story’
What’s it about: This anthology series includes a haunted house, an insane asylum, a witch coven, a freak show circus, a haunted hotel, a possessed farmhouse, a cult, the apocalypse and a slasher summer camp. With rather dark themes and mature content, we’d keep this one for the adults.
Who’s in it: Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
15. ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’
What’s it about: This ensemble comedy follows a talented-but-carefree detective, a by-the-book police captain and their colleagues at Brooklyn's 99th precinct. There’s just nothing quite like watching SNL’s Andy Samberg as a cop. LOL.
Who’s in it: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero
Where to watch it: Hulu
16. ‘the office’
What’s it about: This mockumentary focuses on a group of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company employees as they try to get through a day uninterrupted by the hi-jinx of their immature (and socially-unaware) boss, Michael Scott.
Who’s in it: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak
Where to watch it: Netflix
17. ‘i love lucy’
What’s it about: A quirky woman (and her husband) who strives to become a star and gets herself in some pretty chaotic situations. Not to mention, it featured a female lead that was beautiful and funny. Pretty unheard of in 1951. The show was ahead of its time, and not just because it tackled the then-taboo subject of pregnancy. *Faux gasp*
Who’s in it: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance
Where to watch: Hulu
18. ‘westworld’
What’s it about: Characterized as science fiction Western (yes, we guess that’s a thing), this dystopian television series is based on the 1973 film of the same name and is set in a fictional, technologically advanced Wild-West-themed amusement park populated by android “hosts.” Pay close attention to this one, because things can get complicated.
Who’s in it: Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Thandie Newton, Tessa Thompson, James Marsden
Where to watch it: HBO
19. ‘It’s always sunny in Philadelphia’
What’s it about: Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Sweet Dee and Frank own and operate Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia, where their big egos and slightly arrogant attitudes manage to get them into some pretty sticky situations.
Who’s in it: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Where to watch it: Hulu
20. ‘Modern Family’
What’s it about: ABC's half-hour comedy takes an honest and often uproarious look at the composition and complexity of today’s (you guessed it) modern family.
Who’s in it: Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sarah Hyland
21. ‘twin peaks’
What’s it about: An eccentric FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.
Who’s in it: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook
Where to watch: Netflix
22. ‘30 rock’
What’s it about: Follow along as Liz Lemon tries to run a successful television show while dealing with a new boss and an arrogant TV star. Of course, hilarity ensues.
Who’s in it: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Jane Krakowski
Where to watch: Hulu
23. ‘Game of Thrones’
What’s it about: This fantasy drama focuses on nine noble families fighting for control over the lands of Westeros. It’s got politics! It’s got dragons! It's got zombies that rise from the ice! Apart from season eight, this shows has it all (even Jason Momoa for a short period of time).
Who’s in it: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Lena Headey
Where to watch: HBO
24. ‘taxI’
What’s it about: The staff of a New York City taxicab company go about their jobs and build friendships as they struggle for success in love and life. Oh, and Danny DeVito, plays their tyrannical boss.
Who’s in it: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza
Where to watch: Hulu
25. ‘Lost’
What’s it about: Things get crazy when the survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly (emphasis on seemingly) deserted tropical island. It had a wildly unsettling ending, but boy were we hooked in the early aughts.
Who’s in it: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'Quinn
Where to watch: Hulu
26. ‘parks and recreation’
What’s it about: Amy Poehler plays one of Pawnee’s public officials, Leslie Knope, whose absurd antics often get in the way of her (and her team’s) ability to make their city a better place. We never thought a parks department could be so entertaining.
Who’s in it: Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe
Where to watch it: Netflix
27. ‘The Three Stooges’
What’s it about: This slapstick comedy follows the antics of three friends: Larry, Moe and Curley. Both ridiculous and entirely enjoyable—in small doses.
Who’s in it: Hal Fryar, Curley Myers, Larry Vincent
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
28. ‘sons of anarchy’
What’s it about: SOA tells the story of a notorious outlaw motorcycle club that operates both illegal and legal businesses in the small town of Charming. But in all honesty, we started watching for Charlie Hunnam.
Who’s in it: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates
Where to watch it: Hulu
29. ‘the west wing’
What’s it about: In the now-crowded genre of overly earnest political dramas, President Bartlet’s White House stands above the rest.
Who’s in it: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney
Where to watch: Netflix
30. ‘schitt’s creek’
What’s it about: When rich video-store magnate Johnny Rose and his family lose everything, they’re reduced to living in a ramshackle motel in a town they once bought as a joke—Schitt's Creek.
Who’s in it: Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy
Where to watch it: Netflix
31. ‘Desperate Housewives’
What’s it about: After the mysterious suicide of their neighbor and friend, four suburban housewives living on Wysteria Lane uncover secrets and lies about those closet to them.
Who’s in it: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Nicollette Sheridan
Where to watch: Hulu
32. ‘the twilight zone’
What’s it about: Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations and never did we think a single show could creep us out in so many different ways.
Who’s in it: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
33. ‘dynasty’
What’s it about: The absolutely absurd plot follows two feuding oil-rich families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, in Denver, Colorado. Not to be confused with the reboot series starring Liz Gillies (which is also binge-worthy).
Who’s in it: John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Joan Collins, Gordon Thomson, John James
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
34. ‘Dexter’
What’s it about: By day, quiet Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department. But at night, he takes justice into his own hands as a serial killer who targets other murderers.
Who’s in it: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar
Where to watch it: Netflix
35. ‘Grey’s anatomy’
What’s it about: Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital. There are some pretty unrealistic situations in this medical drama—but Dr. McDreamy and Dr. McSteamy help keep us distracted.
Who’s in it: Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Justin Chambers, Kevin McKidd, Patrick Dempsey
Where to watch: Netflix
36. ‘Pee-wee's playhouse’
What’s it about: Pee-wee Herman brings his stage show to the masses with this innovative live-action kids series that invites viewers to join in on his quirky, imaginative fun. And despite its creator’s legal transgressions, Pee-wee’s Playhouse made it totally OK to be kind of a weirdo.
Who’s in it: Paul Reubens, John Paragon, Phil Hartman
Where to watch: Netflix
37. ‘the addams family’
What’s it about: Based on the characters created by Charles Addams, the series introduces us to Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and Wednesday, who manage to keep their neighbors at bay with their spooky ways of living.
Who’s in it: John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
38. ‘the wire’
What’s it about: The drug-ridden streets of West Baltimore, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Who’s in it: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy
Where to watch it: HBO
39. ‘m*a*s*h’
What’s it about: This fast-paced and fun-filled series features the staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War as they find that laughter is the best way to deal with their current situation. A “dramedy” long before Orange Is the New Black and Transparent, M*A*S*H lasted a few seasons too many, but remains some of the best TV of all time.
Who’s in it: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, William Christopher
Where to watch: Hulu
40. ‘the dick van dyke show’
What’s it about: An American sitcom about a TV writer doing his best to juggle the responsibilities of life, both at work and at home. Guys, the chemistry between van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore is downright smokin’.
Who’s in it: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie
Where to watch: Hulu
41. ‘parenthood’
What’s it about: Slightly similar to This Is Us, the series revolves around three generations of one family: the patriarch Zeek Braverman, the matriarch Camille Braverman and the families of their four children Adam, Sarah, Crosby and Julia.
Who’s in it: Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Craig T. Nelson, Ray Romano
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
42. ‘arrested development’
What’s it about: It's the Emmy-winning story of a wealthy family that lost everything. Level-headed son Michael takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned and desperately tries to hold the family together.
Who’s in it: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera
Where to watch: Netflix
43. ‘the abbott and costello show’
What’s it about: Bringing their trademark slapstick, puns and gimmicks to the small screen, The Abbott and Costello Show features two out-of-work actors and roommates staying at Mr. Field's Hollywood boarding house. Admit it: “Who’s on first?” will never not be funny.
Who’s in it: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
44. ‘mad men’
What’s it about: Set in 1960s New York City, this award-winning series takes a peek inside one of Manhattan’s prestigious ad agencies, specifically focusing on the firm's most mysterious (and handsome) executive, Donald Draper.
Who’s in it: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, Christina Hendricks
Where to watch it: Netflix
45. ‘the mary tyler moore show’
What’s it about: A situational comedy about the lives and trials of a young single woman and her friends, both at work and at home. Three cheers for a single gal who don’t need no man!
Who’s in it: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod
Where to watch: Hulu
46. ‘friends’
What’s it about: The clever sitcom showcased the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty-something-year-old friends living in Manhattan. And while we were a tiny bit disappointed by the finale, there aren’t many other shows we’d be happy to rewatch literally any time ever.
Who’s in it: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LaBlanc, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
47. ‘The handmaid’s tale’
What’s it about: Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced into sexual servitude and struggles to survive in a terrifying, totalitarian society. Things get intense, to say the least.
Who’s in it: Elisabeth Moss, Amanda Brugel, Madeline Brewer, Max Minghella, Yvonne Strahovski
Where to watch it: Hulu
48. ‘a different world’
What’s it about: A group of students at a historically black university struggle to make it through college. Sure, Lisa Bonet was out after one season, but guest stars like Halle Berry, Tupac, Lena Horne and Whoopi Goldberg eased the sting.
Who’s in it: Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Charnele Brown
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
49. ‘breaking bad’
What’s it about: Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher, gets diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. So, naturally, he turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's future. Oh, and there’s a follow up movie so be sure to add that to the queue.
Who’s in it: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Where to watch it: Netflix
50. ‘the sopranos’
What’s it about: Created by David Chase, The Sopranos follows Tony Soprano—husband, father and mob boss—whose stresses of professional and private life land him in the office of his therapist.
Who’s in it: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Where to watch it: HBO