Which Shows You Should Watch, Skip, or Binge?
We’ve all heard it before, “you gotta watch this show!”. Whether its watching a series that ended years ago or hopping on the hype train of a current show, it feels like we’re always trying to figure out what’s worth our time. Sometimes we can’t get past the first episode of something a friend recommended, other times we’ll binge a series that was mentioned in a comment section. The internet is full of people recommending sitcoms, dramas, and thrillers of all types. We’re here to help you weed through all those recommendations.
We’ve collected some of the most popular user feedback on these popular shows to help you decide what to watch, skip, or binge!
SKIP: The Walking Dead
What could possibly be more undead than the actual undead? Probably any show or movie that’s still trying to keep the genre fresh and relevant. Zombies just never stay dead for long and neither does people’s interest in them. One of the sole torch-bearers for it to this day is The Walking Dead. For the past decade, it’s shambled along showcasing what Georgia and the surrounding area would look like if zombies took over.
It’s a riveting series that showcases what humanity would possibly do to survive. It’s also becoming pretty predictable. Just like zombies always looking for brains, each season seems to have a central goal. After people survive one dangerous community they fight through zombies to discover another one. You won’t want to get stuck watching this 11 season drag.
WATCH: Man Seeking Woman
Have you ever looked at your dating life and thought: what would this look like on acid? That’s somewhat close to what Man Seeking Woman is trying to portray. It’s an uproariously absurd look at dating that takes love to a weird place. This show is equal parts creatively brilliant as it is terrifyingly weird.
Absurd comedy like Man Seeking Woman is a great way to tackle something so relatable in a way that forces people to watch in amazement. Despite the short run of only three seasons, we were all given a treat that more people should experience. It doesn’t even matter if you’re in a relationship or not, this show is looking for everyone.
SKIP: Suits
British royalty has been on this show. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is much more than a fairytale princess. She was also a star on Suits for seven seasons before earning her tiara and moving on to more royal things. That’s just one of the things that help make Suits such a fun series. Following the perils of being an attorney in New York City seemed like a great series.
Its nine-season run felt like attending school after a few of the same stories began to appear with different faces. That doesn’t stop it from being interesting. But it makes guessing the plots pretty easy. This is a series most people prefer to pass on.
SKIP: Grey’s Anatomy
The classic medical drama is a staple in most countries. There’s something about pretending to learn about the human body with a side of ridiculously hot doctor drama that drives people wild. The specific show doesn’t even matter, one of them on the air makes it big for a while no matter what story they come up with. After ER, Grey’s Anatomy won that lottery.
Since 2005 it has dominated the airwaves, had a board game made after it, the works. People can’t get enough about Dr. Meredith Grey’s completely fictitious life as a physician/classic heroine. Naturally, the medical setting is just a catalyst for the other stories. However, how many storylines can you squeeze from the same group of people?There’s no reason to get invested in this one at this point.
BINGE: Freaks and Geeks
A good show doesn’t have to last a long time before becoming great. Sometimes the best television comes in the form of a single-season run. Freak and Geeks is the perfect example. While this cult hit was cut down in its prime, the stories it told were very well done. It strikes the perfect chord for a dramedy about high school life for a bunch of not-so-popular kids.
While it’s well-known in certain circles and has a large following, the show itself seems to only reign supreme in the undercurrent of television fans. Maybe more people just didn’t have the same weird high school experience. With only 18 episodes, there’s no reason not to binge this fantastic show.
SKIP: This Is Us
What began as a movie script eventually turned into the heart-destroying drama sensation called This Is Us. It’s one of those shows that makes us appreciate what we have and the people in our lives. Even with the show being fake, the stories are tear-inducing on a level we never saw coming. But too much drama can get old.
After a while, we just start feeling a little TOO bad about what the characters were going through. Something keeps calling us back. It’s probably because we get that emotional release from every episode. That, or, everything looks just a bit better when you see what happens to this family. Unless you seriously need a crying session, you can skip this one.
WATCH: Atlanta
We’re kind of surprised Donald Glover doesn’t have any statues erected in his image. He’s a legendary musician and actor that can tug at people’s heartstrings. He also can make us all laugh in even the darkest of situations. When Atlanta came out people thought it would be about a rapper whose career was about to take off. He threw us a curveball by showing it through the eyes of the rapper’s super broke and really desperate uncle.
Is the uncle a musician? No. He dropped out of school and has nothing else going on. It’s both sad and hilarious and has been critically acclaimed across the board. Definitely worth starting this one, especially with a new season coming out.
SKIP: Firefly
There are no fans quite like science fiction fans. The better a space odyssey is told the more voracious the fanbase becomes. If you thought Star Wars and Star Trek were at the top in terms of fantastic fans, you’d be wrong. That award has been held by the Firefly fandom for years. A short-lived show, but long-beloved by millions, it was a philosophical question wrapped in the costume of a space cowboy story.
When it got canceled the response was felt throughout the universe. That’s what happens with shows once they outlive their ratings. Looking back, it’s obvious why this happened. The characters are dynamic and deep and the visuals are pretty sweet. That doesn’t mean that’s enough to consider it the greatest science fiction of all time. You COULD binge this one but many consider it overrated.
WATCH: Mindhunter
We’re there for any sort of true-crime story that involves interviews, witness statements, and weird connections. Intensely following a case from beginning to (usually) satisfying end is a thrill you can’t really find in other shows. It’s that blurry line between real and make-believe we can’t help but want to watch. Now imagine there’s a fictional show based on a true-crime book. That’s Mindhunter.
The plot is a beautifully told multi-layered story. It’s also carried by some of the best actors Netflix has ever employed. At only nineteen episodes, it’s one of those stories that’s too quickly gone, but here just long enough to deserve a larger following. People are recommending it for a good reason.
WATCH: Hannibal
Dr. Hannibal Lecter is one of the most memorable characters in the history of cinema. Anthony Hopkins delivered a performance so memorable that we all forget he was on the screen for less than twenty minutes in The Silence of the Lambs. Who wouldn’t want to know how he ended up that way? Hannibal explores that in-depth in one of the most riveting crime dramas of the mid-00s.
This cleverly blended horror story with a modern twist took audiences on an uncomfortable and dark journey for nearly forty episodes. The network claims low viewership was the reason it was put on hold. However, fans know it’s because the world just wasn’t ready for such a massive hit to be unleashed onto the world. We definitely recommend giving it a watch.
SKIP: Money Heist
Robbing a bank sounds exciting on paper. If you don’t factor in that it’s against the law and highly dangerous, a heist adventure is really thrilling. Since we would never do that ourselves, we have to live through some crew full of go-getter robbers to get our thrills. Usually, these stories are best told in movies.
When Money Heist premiered, we realized how much cooler it is to see these things dragged out through a few episodes. Though there are only so many high-profile banks in the world. Eventually, these people have got to have their fill, right? Besides, what happens when they’re all caught? People usually give the first season a watch, but there’s no reason to see all 5.
WATCH: Shameless
Shows that offer a look into the dramatic and comedic moments of a family really tug at our heartstrings. Especially when they’re done in a way that showcases real people with problems that are more serious than most sitcom antics. Only a handful of great shows have accomplished this: Roseanne and Malcolm In The Middle got close, but Shameless blew them out of the water.
It’s a darker look at life that still manages to get a laugh out of everyone at the same time. It was also Showtime’s longest-running show ever! The pandemic may have slowed down filming, but people’s love for it is still spreading. It’s one of those shows that will be looked back on very fondly, even by those who haven’t seen it yet. And if you haven’t seen it yet, now is a good time to start.
WATCH: Vikings
History Channel was the place to be when you wanted to watch something about the past. It has a few (hundred) cool documentaries. As time went on they figured that they needed to step up their programming game. That’s when Vikings was born. What makes it so great? It’s about Vikings. Aside from that coolness factor, it teaches us something about history that we never knew about.
Viking lore is front and center in this show, albeit with a few Hollywood liberties taken along the way. It’s dark, heroic, and full of scenes with dramatic lighting and heavy tones. The History Channel knocked it out of the park with this series. More people are setting sail to visit this series and you should, too.
SKIP: Euphoria
Euphoria isn’t just a feeling of pure bliss. It’s also a teen drama that’s causing people who watch it to feel its effects. Watching a moody and dark high school is fascinating, even for those of us past those years. It kind of makes us thankful that our four years were just terrible and not terrible and full of murder, heavy drug use, and all sorts of traumatic sub-story lines.
The show’s storytelling has catapulted so many of its stars to lead movie roles and other fame. However, when you rely on so much darkness can you really say it’s a guiding light in entertainment? Don’t buy into the hype, this one’s overrated and easily skippable.
WATCH: Elementary
Almost everyone in the acting world has taken a stab at playing Sherlock Holmes or Watson. We all know the premise: genius but socially awkward puzzle-solver is partnered with a much more practical realist who helps along the way. A mystery is afoot. A solution is found. There’s a shadowy foe someone lurking in the background most of the time. Reveal. Finale. Huzzah!
It takes just the right storyteller to make it interesting again. Elementary is the one to watch to see it done right. Fans are captivated by Lucy Liu and Johnny Cee Miller’s takes on the famous mystery-solving duo. You might end up enjoying this one more than its BBC counterpart.
SKIP: Stranger Things
Scary shows are kind of hard to pull off. When you’re making something that’s full of monsters and jump scares, it can be tricky to keep things fresh and new episode after episode. Stranger Things somehow found the perfect rhythm. It’s a great combination of creepy baddies and really neat powers.
The only issue is the monsters and bad guys are the same every go around. How long are they going to keep doing this? Someone’s going to shut that lab down after all these seasons and disasters, right? You can give season 1 a watch without sitting through everything that came after it.
SKIP: Lucifer
Comic book adaptations are becoming the newest form of making hit television. Take someone like Lucifer from a Neil Gaiman comic and give him a show. Bam. Instant hit with people (kind of). Watching the Devil not want to be evil anymore is a pretty unique show idea. Fans really liked it but not enough to keep it on the air after three seasons.
The show ended up being redeemed by Netflix for three more. However, three more seasons of what? We get a great ending and some closure with characters, but people act like the show is the savior of television. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a fun watch. That doesn’t make it the perfect romance some fans say it is.
BINGE: Over the Garden Wall
Sometimes taking the road less traveled is worth it solely for the adventure. There are just some shows out there that look so unique that they seem intimidating to watch. Over the Garden Wall has that energy. That’s probably because this miniseries has talent like Elijah Wood, Tim Curry, and Cristopher Loyd voicing some of the most fantastically drawn characters.
It’s a dark fantasy with a childlike look at some pretty heavy themes. The bond between these two brothers as they try to find their way home can be translated to many different people’s lives in a variety of ways. With only 10 episodes, this one is a worthy contender for a binge-watch.
BINGE: Squid Game
This Korean series was a worldwide sensation for a good reason. The casting and visuals for this Netflix masterpiece are unmatched. Squid Game is just a fantastically executed show. It might’ve been a little overrated, but it’s worth the 9-episode watch. It might not make your top ten list but you’ll be glad you watched.
While there is a season 2 in the making, you can still enjoy this one on its own. Some people get turned off by fans who praise the series to no end, but that’s no reason to miss out on this genuinely enjoyable and thrilling series. Whether it’s the visuals, acting, or plot, at least one aspect of this show will leave an impression on you.
SKIP: Supernatural
There are a few ways in which a show can be kept on the air. It could be revived by fans after it ends just because it’s that good. It could keep reinventing itself over and over. It could also just be so lucrative for a company that they’ll beat a dead horse until it stops leaking pennies. Supernatural is one of the CW’s best shows ever.
Following a pair of demon-hunting brothers, Supernatural ran for well over three hundred episodes. It’s a fun time, let’s not get things twisted. Is it fun three hundred plus times? Maybe not. Reviving it for three seasons with the same stories feels less supernatural and more super predictable. This is definitely one you can skip.
WATCH: Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23
Almost everyone has some sort of terrible roommate story. We swear, if y’all were there, you’d see that it was sitcom-worthy. Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 is like the worst roommate tale EVER. It’s also one of the most well-written sitcoms around. Watching polar opposites try and live together is very reminiscent of The Odd Couple. However, the two main stars would probably drive the original OC out of the building immediately.
It’s a scandalous and hilarious commentary on roommate life, Hollywood obsession, and what it means to be a twenty-something trying to figure out life. The show’s acquired such a vocal fanbase that people are petitioning for more seasons to be brought out. It’s basically on the verge of becoming a legend.
SKIP: Dexter
When true-crime documentaries really took off, networks knew they had a market for something new. Dexter came onto the scene and got everyone’s attention. It’s a weird combination of serial killing, crime-solving, and heroism (kind of) that hadn’t been seen on TV before. We were all on the edge of our seats for a while watching how this would play out.
It’s not every day you see a serial killer be a good guy at the same time. The entire first season was so hot! Superfans of the show stuck with it until the bitter end (sorry about the finale). Others felt that things were going downhill and fast after the first season for a variety of reasons, and none of them were killer.
WATCH: Misfits
The superhero genre is completely oversaturated. We can’t throw a rock without almost hitting fifty different movies, shows, or comic books that are on their way to Earth. People can’t get enough of heroes and superpowers. How can you even create something so unique it stands out among the other unique ideas? You gotta do what Misfits did.
They took ordinary kids with their own backstories, stuck them in detention, and showed us what happened when they got powers. Misfits maintained a realistic take on what teenagers would do with superhuman abilities. It also showcases what the consequences could be. It’s a rare gem of a show that more people should fly over to see.
SKIP: Friends
Every decade has that one show that kind of encapsulated life for everyone to see. Friends was that for the 90s. There wasn’t anything like it that caused the entire planet to stop and watch for ten seasons. The adventures of six pals in New York City with ridiculously spacious apartments captivated us for an entire decade. It’s one of the most perfect unrealistic slice of life shows of all time.
It also looks great through nostalgia goggles. Rewatching it shows that maybe we’re only remembering the good times. It’s one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, however, it also has some really odd plots by today’s standards. If you didn’t watch Friends while it was airing don’t feel pressured to go back and see the whole thing.
BINGE: Derry Girls
Few cultural events get the dark comedy treatment. Even fewer happen to get it right. Derry Girls throws audiences into the tail-end of The Troubles faced in Northern Ireland in the seventies through to the nineties. Instead of allowing people to see the war head-on, we get a healthy dose of dark humor thrown into the mix to keep everyone laughing and sane. It also has some killer bands on the soundtrack!
This show made a splash in Ireland and more people around the world are interested in the culture of the titular city. It’s only a matter of time before people start going to visit the real place. It currently only has 12 half-hour episodes, the perfect amount for binging on the weekend.
SKIP: How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother was one of the more mysterious and gripping sitcoms from the 00s. Watching Ted Mosby try to explain to his kids who their mom is was excruciating to watch. We had fun for a while, but there are a lot of stories he lets these kids hear. Most of them don’t really paint their dad in a good or even decent light. Ted is kind of a jerk when you look at how things panned out.
The show had such a great run and we got to see everyone grow…except for Ted. Even Barney seemed to mature. In the end, we learn that the mom doesn’t even come into his life until the last few episodes? The finale alone is reason enough to avoid getting sucked into this sitcom.
WATCH: Pushing Daisies
What do you get when you have a man who loves to bake pie and also can bring the dead back to life? You have a super cute love story. It also happens to be set in a world where people speak like Dr. Seuss. Pushing Daisies is 100% quirky with weird characters who have even weirder ambitions.
They’re all so endearing that people can’t help but want to watch the cast forever! Unlike the Pie Maker, they weren’t able to get a revival just yet. However, that makes the time we have with the show that much more special.
SKIP: Sherlock
This BBC series was hugely popular when it first came out. Audiences fell in love with Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the misanthropic yet brilliant detective. The rest of the cast, including talented actors like Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott, was equally captivating. Though there had been several adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original work, this seemed to strike a chord with audiences.
It wasn’t until around season 3 that the cracks started to show themselves. The series began to feel like a lot more style over substance, and since the series ended in 2017 fans have been looking at earlier episodes in a new light. The final episode will leave you with more questions than answers. If you want to get a taste of the Cumberbatch craze, catch the first season and skip the rest.
WATCH: Luther
We’re surprised this crime drama doesn’t get enough attention considering how popular the genre is these days. If you can’t get enough detectives, bad guys, and suave British actors then this series is definitely for you. The one and only Idris Elba stars in this series as DCI John Luther, a detective who sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him.
Fans of the series believe this to be one of the actor’s best roles as well as one of the greatest series to come out of the UK. With only 20 episodes, you’re not going to have a hard time binging this one. After the first episode, you’ll probably be hooked!
SKIP: Modern Family
This sitcom and mockumentary follows the lives of three different families. It maintained a strong fan base throughout its 11 season run, though critics were mixed when it came to the show’s quality. The show broke barriers in popularity and even won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. There’s no doubt this was a good show, but was it THAT good?
For a little perspective, the series tied with Fraiser for a record number of Emmy awards, it was that popular. Considering a lot of the comedy tends to come from one-dimensional character stereotypes, we’re not sure it deserves all that acclaim. A good show? Yes. Groundbreaking television? No.
WATCH: Bates Motel
Any fan of the classic horror film should be interested in giving this series a watch. Bates Motel takes a deeper look at the Alfred Hitchcock directed film, exploring the life of Norman Bates and his mother before the events of the film. The horror series ran for five seasons and was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Unfortunately, the horror genre tends to be overlooked, especially when it comes to TV series. The show didn’t have any big-name actors to get it the acclaim it deserved. Perhaps it would’ve fared better on a different network like FX, the original network of American Horror Story. Fans seem to think its just as good and definitely worth the watch, we can’t help but agree.
SKIP: The Big Bang Theory
This series first aired in 2007 and would go on to release well over 200 episodes. It brought us some of the most memorable characters in modern sitcom history, most notably Sheldon Cooper who ended up getting a spinoff series. There’s no denying this series was hugely popular when it first came out, but its rating and quality began to decline as it went on.
With an awkward laugh track and some bottom-of-the-barrel humor, it was clear that this show was beginning to grate on people’s nerves. Nevertheless, it had a steady following until its final episode in 2019. But people aren’t looking back with rose-colored glasses, these one-dimensional nerdy characters might’ve overstayed their welcome.
WATCH: Raising Hope
The creators of My Name is Earl brought this bizarre sitcom to our TV screens in 2010. Jimmy Chance needs to raise the child he had during a one-night stand with a serial killer (who ends up getting executed). Audiences couldn’t get enough of the show’s comedy and likable characters, and critics were big fans of the lead actors’ performances.
The show snagged two Emmy nominations in 2011 and managed to run for a sensible four seasons. It was likely overshadowed by other big Fox TV series at the time, which may explain why some people have forgotten it. If you do decide to revisit this series you won’t be disappointed.
SKIP: That 70s Show
This series kicked off in the late 1990s and gave us a healthy dose of 70s nostalgia. Starring soon-to-be A-listers like Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis, it’s no wonder we look back on this show fondly. Sometimes our fondness for the good ol’ days can affect our judgment. This series might’ve only stayed alive due to a handful of likable characters.
Other fans of the series say that the series took a dip in quality once the characters started to get older and graduate highschool. Add in a laugh track which make rewatches less comfortable to sit through and you’ve got a show that may not be as great as we all thought it was.
WATCH: Arrested Development
Hear us out! We’re fully aware that this series received high critical acclaim, but when put alongside other sitcoms we feel it doesn’t get enough credit. Ask anyone what the greatest sitcom of the 2000s was and they’ll probably name How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, or The Office. All fine shows, but none hold a candle to the antics of the Bluth family.
The series stars comedic powerhouses like Will Arnett, David Cross, and Jessica Walter. Full of hilariously quotable lines and wild plotlines, this show is beyond memorable to all who watched it. If you happened to miss this series then this is the sign you need to start it!
SKIP: Umbrella Academy
Movies and TV shows are currently flooded with superhero stories, it isn’t easy to stand out among giants like Iron Man and Wandavision. Written by Gerard Way (yes, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance) this series follows a group of adopted superhero siblings on a quest to uncover the mystery of their father’s death. It was the third most popular Netflix show the year it came out, but does it hold up?
Some fans complain that the less likable cast members dragged the show down, ditto to some of the less-than-stellar dialogue and action scenes. In a world with top-notch superhero shows, this one just doesn’t live up to the hype.
WATCH: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Between the hilarious characters, compelling plotlines, and unforgettable musical numbers, this comedy-drama series will have you hooked. We follow the romantic endeavors of ex-lawyer Rebecca Bunch and watch how the show subverts every common story trope. The series manages to tackle serious issues like mental illness all while delivering laughs from its original and creative songs.
The show ran for four seasons from 2015 to 2018 and received a new viewer base after being added to Netflix’s catalog of shows. The show shockingly received low ratings while taking home Primetime Emmy Awards. We can’t fathom why this incredible series doesn’t have a bigger fanbase. Give it a watch and see how great it is for yourself!
WATCH: Better Off Ted
Satire is easy to find and hard to grasp. Those that get it can really bust a gut when this type of comedy comes into play. Movies and shows like Office Space and Better Off Ted take life in a big corporation and show people how boring yet weird it truly is. Sometimes you have to laugh through the pain. Better Off Ted does that and more.
Part of what makes it a cult hit is how it wasn’t afraid to pull any punches. The other part is that a cult hit means the fanbase isn’t massive, but it is vocal. While it only ran for a couple of seasons, there’s enough tongue-in-cheek truth to keep people laughing for years. If you didn’t catch it while it was airing it’s not too late to watch it now.
BINGE: Dark
When Netflix started producing their own shows people were skeptical. What did a former movie rental business know about creating content? Over the past decade, they’ve been proving critics wrong with a nearly unfathomable amount of original content. While not all are great, the sheer number of options is impressive. One of its best and darkest shows, Dark, has quickly been dimming lights in rooms all around the world.
This German mystery-filled thriller had audiences looking for the nightlight for three years and received heaps of praise from critics. While not everyone loves a subtitled show (for non-German speakers) it’s one that is clearly the exception. Dark‘s premise and atmosphere are built on a world that’s crafted with intense attention to detail. With all the different characters and timelines, it’s worth binging this one.
SKIP: Rick and Morty
Look, the classic fart joke holds a place in everyone’s heart. As smart as we get, we can’t help but giggle whenever a fart joke is done well. Rick and Morty knows this and went to see how far they could push it. It’s a show that’s self-aware while still trying to keep things fresh. But since season 2, fans agree the show hasn’t felt the same…
Rick and Morty walks that fine line pretty darn well. That isn’t to say it can’t be obnoxious about it, too. Much like its main character, the entire show acts as if it’s a bit better than its audiences with some of its jokes and plots. Give the first 2 seasons a watch, but feel free to pass on the rest.