I am a TV watcher from way back. I am unapologetically thrilled when a new show catches my fancy or an old show I loved gets renewed for another season. I have old completed series that I will watch and rewatch, and sometimes I will watch a show simply for inspiration.
What I watch depends on my mood and whether I want to keep it or change it.
Here are my favorite binges based on the mood.
Need a laugh? Comedy Faves.
Current:
- Animal Control (FOX) – I love this show. It plays into my need to rescue animals and laugh. Two things that are near and dear to my heart.
- Ghosts (CBS) – I am hooked on these ghosts! I’ve watched the UK and the US versions, and I have to say, the US kicks some major comedy butt.
Past:
- Big Bang Theory – I can always count on the geeks to help me forget about my troubles as I get caught up in there problems. Always laugh out loud moments in every episode.
- Mom – There is something about watching two women more dysfunctional than me working hard to get their lives in order, and doing it with a sense of humor.
- Modern Family – I just rewatched all the seasons recently, and it has not only aged well, I found it just as funny the second time around.
Need a Pick Me Up? Heartfelt Faves.
Current:
- Shrinking (AppleTV) – This show gets two thumbs up, and if I had more thumbs it would get all of them. Harrison Ford and Jason Segel bring so much heart to this series, that I am smiling (or crying) at the end of every episode.
- Abbot Elementary (ABC) – I could’ve put this one in the comedy column, but while it’s funny, it is also filled to the brim with heart. This show gives me all the feels.
- Heartstopper (Netflix) – I have rewatched both seasons. My heart is always full after. I can’t recommend enough.
Past:
- Ted Lasso – What can I say about this show besides “Believe?” The answer is…a lot. Ted Lasso is the feel-good hit of the decade. You can trust that the writers will hold your heart as precious cargo and give you a hefty dose of love, forgiveness, and empathy, all wrapped up in an injection of humor.
Need a Murder to Solve? Mystery Faves.
Current:
- Mistletoe Murders (Hallmark) – I had no idea how good this one was going to be until I was finished with all the episodes and was scouring the internet to see when season 2 was going to happen. Sarah Drew brings her acting chops to this series and sells the heck out of the heroine.
- Elspeth (PBS) – Columbo as a lawyer wrapped up in a neurodivergent bundle of smarts. Carrie Preston is Elspeth, and I’ve loved the character since the Good Wife. So glad she finally got her own series.
- So many British Mysteries (Acorn, PBS Masterpiece, BritBox): Vera, Father Brown, Whitstable Pearl, Shetland, Grantchester, Death in Paradise, Mrs. Sidhu Investigates, Harry Wild, Senora Vulpe, and so many more.
Past:
- Bones – Love Seelie and Booth together, and those first three seasons were pure magic.
- Sherlock (BBC) – Benedict Cumberbatch as a modern Sherlock is excellent. My only complaint is that they aren’t making the show anymore. I would watch and rewatch.
- Wire in the Blood (Britbox) – Robson Green is so good in this series. It’s thrilling and puts you on the edge of your seat.
- Elementary (CBS) – Another modern Sherlock, only with Johnny Miller and Lucy Lui. I have rewatched the series twice.
- Pretty Little Liars – Here me out, LOL. The show is pure horror camp mystery fun.
- So many British Mysteries: DCI Banks, Inspector Morse, Endeavour, Rosemary and Thyme, Mr. and Mrs. Murder, Marple, Agatha Raisin, No Offence, Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, and so many more!
Need to Escape? How about to another universe? Scifi/Fantasy Faves.
Current:
- Star Treks (All the franchises CBS) – I love this new generation of Star Trek spinoffs. There is plenty of aliens, action, and diversity (in characters and storylines), and I am here for all of it.
- Silo (Apple) – This dystopian drama has me wondering why they are all locked down in these silos and what’s going to happen next.
- Fallout (Prime) – the video game was fun; the show is even more fun.
- Witcher (Netflix) – I have been a fan of the video game Witcher 3 for a decade. Henry Cavill made me believe he was Geralt of Rivia. I highly recommend.
- The Ark (Peacock) – I hope this gets renewed! It’s a space opera in the best way. It’s gives me 100 vibes in space. There’s intrigue, love, action, betrayal, and so much more. Pure fun.
- Resident Alien – Alan Tudyk is hilarious. I think he’s the only one who could sell this show, and he sells the hell out of it.
- There are so many more: Stranger Things, Dune, One Piece, Interview With A Vampire, The Orville, From, Walking Dead: Daryl, Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Wednesday, and more!
Past:
- Supernatural – The Winchesters… do I need to say more?
- Teen Wolf – If you can get past the first three episodes, you will be hooked.
- Grimm – Love it.
- Farscape – the most fun you’ll have with muppets in space.
- Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis – Have a month to kill? These shows hold up to the test of time.
- Killjoys – Pure space camp adventure. This show will have you smiling and rooting for the characters every episode.
- Orphan Black – I can’t even explain how good this show is because the first rule of Clone Club is we don’t talk about Clone club.
- And the list goes on: Winona Earp, The 100, Battlestar Gallactica, Lucifer, The Discovery of Witches, Legacies, Motherland: Fort Salem, The OA, Sense8, and so many more!
And now you know that I watch too much television.
Anyhow, I’m ashamed (not really) to admit that this is just the tip of the iceberg for me. I haven’t even gotten into the horror or drama shows on my list. Even so, I hope I have peaked your interest enough to check out some of my favorite binges.
What are your favorite shows to binge to escape the winter blahs?