What Should We Be Binge-Watching: A Guide to the Best TV Shows

Binge-watching has become a popular trend in today’s entertainment landscape, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in entire storylines in a single sitting. From thrilling legal dramas to spine-chilling paranormal tales, there are countless shows that capture audience attention. This guide will explore some interesting and long-running shows, as well as recommend a few newcomers to get you started on your next binge-watching session.

Legal Dramas: Law Enforcement at its Best

For those who find the inner workings of law enforcement intriguing, there are a variety of shows to choose from. Here are a few notable examples:

Criminal Minds

A popular CBS series that aired from 2005 to 2020, Criminal Minds follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, a team of experts who use psychological profiles to catch serial killers and other dangerous criminals. This show is perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of crime-solving and psychological insights.

NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

Another highly-rated series, NCIS centers around the Naval Criminal Investigative Service of the United States Navy, which investigates crimes that occur on military installations and ships. The show is known for its strong ensemble cast and compelling storylines.

Supernatural

For viewers who enjoy a dash of the supernatural, Supernatural explores the daily life and supernatural adventures of two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who hunt down supernatural creatures and protect the world from various threats. Despite its fantastical elements, the series delves into deep moral and emotional themes, making it both captivating and meditative.

Paranormal Shows: Exploring the Unseen

If you're more inclined towards shows that take you into the world of the supernatural, here are a few options:

The X-Files

This long-running series from Fox, running from 1993 to 2019, follows Federal Agent Fox Mulder, who investigates mysterious phenomena that the government tries to cover up. The show originally focused on the supernatural and the paranormal, but it later evolved to deal with more political and social themes. The sci-fi elements and the intriguing plot twists make this a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Legacies

Set in The Originals universe, Legacies follows Lennon(nb) Scott, a teenager from North Carolina who discovers she has the abilities of the supernatural. The show combines elements of both drama and action, making it an exciting and engaging watch for paranormal enthusiasts.

Classic and Modern Gems: Rewatch Classics or Discover New Treasures

While binge-watching new series has its appeal, sometimes it’s fun to revisit classics or explore lesser-known gems.

The Sopranos

One such classic is The Sopranos, which aired from 1999 to 2007. If you haven't seen it since its original run, now is the perfect time to give it a second look. The show, known for its complex characters and intricate storytelling, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

For a screening of Marvel films, there are several series available to binge-watch on Netflix, including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders. These series provide fans of superhero narratives with a wealth of action, drama, and character development.

Other Notable Series

Other notable series include:

Bosch: An Amazon Prime series based on a popular crime novel series, which follows the life of Detective Harry Bosch, a detective in the Los Angeles Police Department. The show offers a deep dive into the gritty reality of crime solving. Mad Men: A historical series set in the 1960s, focusing on the life of Don Draper, an advertising executive in New York City. The show is renowned for its detailed set dressing, costumes, and rich character development. Breaking Bad: A tale of a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine. The series is a classic of modern television and boasts a top-notch cast and storylines that keep viewers hooked. Succession: A high-octane drama about the Roy family, the members of a wealthy media and technology conglomerate. The show is a biting satire of wealth, power, and family dynamics.

These shows not only provide entertainment but also offer valuable insights into the human condition, societal issues, and the complexities of crime and the supernatural. Whether you’re a legal drama aficionado or a paranormal enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this vast and fascinating world of binge-watching.