Binge-Worthy Shows For Every Viewer
Let’s say you’re in the mood to binge, and you’re not sure what to choose from that long list of recommendations from friends and family. We’re here to help – here are 11 great ideas from sci-fi to comedy, documentary to family fare. Time to break out the popcorn.
“Dirty Money”
Good for: People interested in the finer points of money laundering.
Why you should binge: This investigative docu-series looks at a wide range of corruption and corporate greed cases, tackling issues such as banking fraud and elder abuse. With two seasons featuring six, hour-long episodes apiece, you can put your brain cells to work during your newfound leisure time and learn more about topics you may not be as familiar with.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Jeopardy”
Good for: Families looking to add some variety and trivia to their bonding time.
Why you should binge: One of America’s longest-running game shows, Jeopardy! has now made its way to the popular streaming service. This is a great choice if you want to gather the whole family together for a little friendly competition.
Where to stream: Netflix
“The Great British Baking Show”
Good for: Those who need some easy, pleasant viewing.
Why you should binge: This may be a stressful time for many of us, and the Great British Baking Show provides an appealing and delicious escape. A dozen bakers gather, each season, in a tent in the English countryside to compete for the title of best amateur baker in Britain, but the competition is always wholesome, and the support the bakers give each other is truly a delight.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Homeland”
Good for: Viewers that love suspenseful, secret agent drama.
Why you should binge: This show centers around CIA agent Carrie Matheson, who begins her journey by investigating whether a rescued marine has ties to Al Qaeda. Back for its eighth and final season, the show has traveled across the world and delves into the mind of Matheson, as she grapples with keeping America safe and battling her own bipolar disorder. Cross the globe with Carrie and her team from the safety of home. It’s sure to keep you on your toes.
Where to stream: Showtime
“Little Fires Everywhere”
Good for: Bookworms who love seeing pages brought to life on screen.
Why you should binge: Hulu just released the first few episodes of this buzzy thriller, starring Kerry Washington (“Scandal”) and Reese Witherspoon and based on the novel of the same name by Celeste Ng. Washington plays artist Mia Warren, who rents a house from Witherspoon’s upper-crust Elena Richardson. Within a year, all hell breaks loose. This show is perfect for drama lovers and those feeling nostalgic for the 1990s.
Where to stream: Hulu
“Justified”
Good for: People who love witty dialogue delivered with a drawl.
Why you should binge: Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, Justified explores what happens when US Marshal Raylan Givens returns to his home state of Kentucky. If you’re looking to travel down south from the comfort of your couch, this crime drama may be for you. .
Where to stream: Hulu
“The Shield”
Good for: Cop drama connoisseurs.
Why you should binge: If cowboy-style crime shows aren’t your style, perhaps you’d like to enter another world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. For seven seasons, Michael Chiklis played corrupt LA cop Vic Mackey with a charming ruthlessness that’s sure to draw you in.
Where to stream: Hulu
“Atlanta”
Good for: Hip-hop enthusiasts.
Why you should binge: “Community” breakout star Donald Glover created this wonderfully weird dramedy, in which he also plays music producer/agent Earn, who’s trying to lift his talented rapper cousin Alfred/Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) into stardom. This show is for fans of Glover’s musical alter ego, Childish Gambino, or for those wanting a dramatized look into the music industry.
Where to stream: Hulu
“Chernobyl”
Good for: History buffs.
Why you should binge: You think you know what happened at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986. This taught, five-episode miniseries, chock-full of powerful performances from the likes of Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård, shows us there was a lot more to the story.
Where to stream: HBO
“The Leftovers”
Good for: Apocalypse obsessives.
Why you should binge: When 144 million people vanish from our world in an instant, the titular “leftovers” are left wondering two questions: Where did they all go? And… what now? Three 12-episode seasons take us on a journey with the residents of Mapleton, New York as they struggle with these questions.
Where to stream: Hulu
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Good for: Stand-up comedy fans.
Why you should binge: If the thought of apocalyptic events is too much to bear, consider opting for something lighter. Follow Rachel Brosnahan’s Midge, a housewife turned stand-up comedian in 1950s New York, as she navigates the social upheaval of the time and the Red Scare. Season three of the series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of “Gilmore Girls” fame, premiered during the holiday rush at the end of 2019, so now is the perfect time to catch up if you haven’t already.
Where to stream: Amazon Prime
“The Mandalorian”
Good for: Watching with the kids.
Why you should binge: Two words: Baby. Yoda. The show that surrounds this adorable creature is a proper Western set in space, starring Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter. The Mandalorian ends up having to care for Baby Yoda (a young member of the same species as Yoda, not Yoda himself) while also juggling his bounty hunter duties. (Sound familiar, parents working from home?)
Where to stream: Disney+
“Star Trek: Picard”
Good for: Anyone with a sci-fi itch.
Why you should binge: The out-of-this-world visual effects transform your living room into a portal into another world. Sir Patrick Stewart steps back into his role as Jean-Luc Picard from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” “…Picard” takes the events set up in the film “Star Trek: Nemesis” and shows us what happened 20 years later.
Where to stream: Paramount Plus
Whether you’re a comedy fan, a drama lover, or just need some easy viewing to lift your spirits, there are plenty of shows out there to binge during this time. If you’re looking for something to enjoy with your children or grandchildren, check out our guide to some of our favorite kids programs.
Program availability may vary and is subject to change. Streaming services may require a subscription and sometimes an additional fee.
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