PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
A certain kind of anxiety comes with picking a show to watch on Hulu, Netflix, Max or Prime Video: There are approximately five billion options—but who’s got the time to sort through them all to pick out the gems? I do.
As an entertainment editor, I've consumed my fair share of binge-worthy content, ranging from '90s sitcoms and teen dramas to gripping crime thrillers. And if you ask me, they all have three things in common: great storytelling, compelling characters and timely themes. Shows like The Last of Us and The Handmaid’s Tale check all of those boxes—but don't just take my word for it. I've also enlisted the help of fellow editors to compile a list of the best shows to stream. Without further ado, here are 60 binge-worthy TV shows, all streaming on one of the above-mentioned streaming services.
Most-Watched
1. Squid Game
Courtesy of Netflix
Cast: Lee jung-jae, HoYeon Jung, Park Hae-soo
Genre: Thriller, Action, Drama
Awards: 6 Primetime Emmys, 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards
To escape financial debt, contestants play childlike games for the chance to win a grand prize of $45.6 billion. But there is only one catch—if you lose, you die.
PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth wrote in her review, "While the first episode was wonderfully compelling (if a bit jarring at times), it was the premiere episode’s abrupt end and the twists of episode two (and beyond) that really pulled me in and led a gore-averse pacifist like myself to devour all nine episodes."
2. The Crown
Netflix
Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies
Genre: Historical Drama
Awards: 21 Emmys, 8 Golden Globes, 6 Critics' Choice Television Awards
As if I need an excuse to watch anything royal-related, this Netflix drama follows the political rivalries and romances of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It also chronicles the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Pretty much all of my favorite royals make an appearance, including Princess Di, Prince Harry and Prince William.
3. Ozark
Netflix
Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Julia Garner
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Awards: 4 Emmys
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. Roberta Fiorito, Director of Branded Content, describes the series as a bit "scary and dark," but "so addicting." As a bonus, there's also stunning scenery.
4. Bridgerton
Courtesy of Netflix
Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey
Genre: Historical Romance
Awards: 2 Emmys
Set in London during the early 1800s (commonly known as the Regency Period),the series follows the Bridgerton children as they search for true love in a competitive (and equally diverse) marriage market.
In her review, Executive Editor Dara Katz said, "The best part about bingeing Bridgerton in one weekend is that I feel like I accomplished something. The storylines wrap up and mysteries are solved. Don't let anyone tell you there's no such thing as a fairy-tale ending, because Bridgerton basically ties it up with a bow and gifts it to you."
5. Game of Thrones
HBO
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Lena Headey
Genre: Fantasy Drama
Awards: 59 Emmys, 1 Golden Globe
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.
Associate EditorChelsea Candelariosaid, "Game of Thrones is one of those shows you NEED to watch.No ifs, ands or buts about it.It has drama, action and fantasy.Every character brings something special to the show (butI wouldn’tget too attached FYI)."
Popular Dramas
6. Parenthood
NBC
Cast: Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Craig T. Nelson, Ray Romano
Genre: Comedy Drama
Awards: 1 Critics' Choice Television Award, 2 Television Academy Honors Awards
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. FYI, make sure to keep some tissues handy before you start to binge.
7. This Is Us
NBC
Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley
Genre: Drama
Awards: 4 Emmys, 3 SAG Awards
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.
Candelario said, "Each season has left me with tissues scattered around the couch and a hoarse throat from screaming at the TV when the Big Three turned into the Sad Three."
8. The Handmaid’s Tale
hulu
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Amanda Brugel, Madeline Brewer, Max Minghella, Yvonne Strahovski
Genre: Tragedy, Dystopia
Awards: 15 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes
In this cross between The Hunger Games and Divergent, a woman is forced into sexual servitude and struggles to survive in a terrifying, totalitarian society in a dystopian future. Things get pretty intense, so it's not exactly a comfort watch. Still, the show brilliantly explores themes like rebellion, oppression, religion and identity.
9. Grey’s Anatomy
ABC
Cast: Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Justin Chambers, Kevin McKidd, Patrick Dempsey
Genre: Medical Drama
Awards: 5 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes
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 me distracted. (P.S., once you've binged all the episodes, see what real-life medical experts have to say about the show's accuracy.)
10. Crash Landing on You
tvN
Cast:Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Awards: 2 Asian Academy Creative Awards, 2 Seoul International Drama Awards
K-Drama fans, meet your next obsession. PureWow's Associate SEO Editor,Marissa Wu, said, "It’sso cringe at the beginning but by the end, you literallydon’tknow whyit’s4 a.m.It’sa rom-com where a South Korean heiress literally crash lands in North Korea, where a solider helps her escape. It’s adorable, it’s harrowing and it’s sweet. One of my faves."
11. Mr. Sunshine
tvN
Cast:Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung
Genre: Historical Romance
Awards: 6 Asia Artist Awards, 2 Seoul Awards
Set during the 1900s, the drama series revolves around a poor Korean boy who grows up in the U.S. and then returns to his homeland, where he falls for an aristocrat's daughter.
Wu said, "It’sso heartbreaking, but you are literally on the edge of your seat the whole time. It chronicles the Japanese colonization of Korea (and lots of American meddling), but the (romantic) leads have great chemistry and there are a million subplots that just make sense."
12. Under the Bridge
DISNEY
Cast: Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, Archie Panjabi
Genre: Crime, Drama
Awards: N/A
The harrowing seriestells the true story of Reena, a 14-year-old who was bullied and murdered by a group of teens in British Columbia in 1997. It focuses on her final days, as well as the aftermath of her murder, and the ongoing investigation. In my review, I wrote, "It paints a disturbing, heartbreaking picture of the cruelty andviolence Reena hasto endure. Still, this feels like necessary viewing, because itclearly showshow bullying can lead to alarmingextremes."
13. The Wire
HBO
Cast: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy
Genre: Crime, Drama
Awards: 1 Writers Guild of America Award, 1 Television Critics Association Award
Welcome to the drug-ridden streets of West Baltimore, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement. The Emmy-winning series is easily one of the most brilliant shows ever made, thanks to its grim and realistic depiction of urban life. PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey said, "Even though it's tough viewing, it helps me escape."
Timeless Classics
14. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES / STRINGER
Cast: Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, James Avery
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 2 NAACP Image Awards
It follows the life of 16-year-old Will, whose life gets flipped-turned upside down when he's forced to move to Bel-Air. From Carlton's iconic dance and Will's pranks to Aunt Vivian's words of wisdom, it's almost too easy to fly through several episodes in one sitting. In fact, it's one of the shows that got me through quarantine in 2020.
15. A Different World
NBC
Cast: Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Charnele Brown
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 4 NAACP Image Awards
A group of students at a historically Black university struggle to make it through college. Sure, Lisa Bonet leaves after one season, but guest stars like Halle Berry, Tupac, Lena Horne and Whoopi Goldberg ease the sting.
FYI, I made a case for why this is the best '90s show of all time. I wrote, "I’ve never actually attended a historically Black college, but whenever I watchA Different World, I feel like a part of that community. Seeing talented Black students strive to make the world a better place had a profound impact on my own life."
16. The Brady Bunch
ABC
Cast: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick, Susan Olsen, Barry Williams
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 6 TV Land Awards
The half-hour comedy series follows the misadventures of a family united when single mother Carol marries single father Mike. I can honestly say that I developed a newfound respect for parents raising kids in large, blended families. And this group’s shenanigans were nothing short of entertaining.
17. The Andy Griffith Show
CBS
Cast: Andy Griffith, Ron Howard, Don Knotts
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 6 Emmys, 3 TV Land Awards
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 hom*ogenized, yet innocent and with a young and adorable Ron Howard.
18. I Love Lucy
hollywood center studios
Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 5 Emmys
A quirky woman (and her husband) strives to become a star and gets herself in some pretty chaotic situations. Pretty unheard of in 1951. The show had several iconic scenes (who can forget the conveyor belt of chocolates?). But it was also ahead of its time, and not just because it tackled the then-taboo subject of pregnancy. *Faux gasp*
19. Cheers
Paramount Television
Cast: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Awards: 28 Emmys, 2 Directors Guild of America Awards
All eleven seasons of this sitcom take place in the Boston bar "Cheers," where regulars share their experiences and lives with each other. The show was nearly canceled after the pilot premiered due to poor ratings. Fortunately, Cheers increased in popularity and went on to earn a record of 117 Emmy nominations during its run.
20. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
CBS
Cast: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 29 Emmys
This situational comedy follows the lives and trials of Mary Richards, a young single woman, and her friends, both at work and at home. Always a treat to see familiar guest stars, like Carole King, Doris Roberts and Betty White.
21. M*A*S*H
20th Century Fox
Cast: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, William Christopher
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Awards: 14 Emmys, 8 Golden Globes
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.
22. The Twilight Zone
CBS
Cast: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Awards: 1 Golden Globe, 2 Emmys
Ordinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations and never did I think a single show could creep me out in so many different ways. (Don't say you haven't been warned.)
23. Taxi
ABC
Cast: Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 18 Emmys
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.
Comedy Shows
24. Jane the Virgin
Poppy Productions
Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Justin Baldoni, Yael Grobglas
Genre: Telenovela, Comedy, Drama
Awards: 1 Golden Globe
Meet Jane, a young and religious Latina who waitresses in a hotel in Miami. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her doctor mistakenly artificially inseminates her during her checkup.
Candelario said, "Jane The Virgin is one of my favorite shows of all time. This modern telenovela makes me laugh, cry and gasp through every season.The cast is phenomenal and I appreciate the representation of strong Latinx women."
25. Black-ish
ABC/JOHN FLEXOR
Cast: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 1 Emmy, 1 Golden Globe
The sitcom tackles social and racial issues head-on and expertly details the Black struggle by balancing serious themes with playful humor. Ross shines as Bow Johnson, and TBH, I've secretly wished that I was a part of this dysfunctional family.
26. Schitt’s Creek
CBC
Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 10 Emmys, 5 Golden Globes
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.
PureWow Editor-in-ChiefJillian Quintsaid, "I find Schitt's Creek such a touching, quirky and inclusive 22 minutes to have in my day. It took me a minute to get into the first season, but boy am I cruising now."
27. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
FOX
Cast: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 4 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes
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.
28. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
FX
Cast: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Genre: Satire, Comedy
Awards: 1 People's Choice Award, 1 Satellite Award
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.
29. Seinfeld
NBC
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 10 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes
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?
Philip Mutz, PureWow's VP of Entertainment and News, revealed thatFrank and Estelle Costanza are definitely standouts on the show. He said, "I mean, it's literally impossible not to laugh at them screaming at each other (and at George) every time they pop up on screen."
30. The Office
NBC
Cast: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 5 Emmys
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.
Rachel Gulmi, Director of Special Projects, said, "Honestly, in today’s world where literally everything has to be so politically correct and super-inclusive, it’s a breath of fresh air to have a show that does kind of the opposite. I know that might be controversial, but people these days are way too serious and it's nice to be able to laugh at this ridiculous and amazing show."
31. Arrested Development
FOX
Cast: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 6 Emmys
It's the Emmy-winning story of a wealthy family that loses everything. Level-headed son Michael takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned and desperately tries to hold the family together.
32. Desperate Housewives
ABC
Cast: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Nicollette Sheridan
Genre: Soap Opera, Mystery
Awards: 7 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes
After the mysterious suicide of their neighbor and friend, four suburban housewives living on Wysteria Lane uncover secrets and lies about those closest to them.
33. Friends
NBC
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LaBlanc, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 6 Emmys
The clever sitcom showcases the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty-something-year-old friends living in Manhattan. And while I am a tiny bit disappointed by the finale, there aren’t many other shows I’d be happy to rewatch literally any time ever.
34. Modern Family
ABC
Cast: Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sarah Hyland
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 22 Emmys
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. Gloria Delgado-Pritchett will have you cackling with her firecracker personality.
35. 30 Rock
NBC
Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Jane Krakowski
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 16 Emmys
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.
PureWow Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater said, “It's endlessly re-watchable and I find myself quoting it at least four times a week—still. It's so smart and so filled with jokes (seriously—I've seen every episode a minimum of seven times and I still pick up on new ones) and it cemented Tina Fey's status as an absolute legend.”
36. Parks and Recreation
NBC
Cast: Amy Poehler, Jim O'Heir, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 1 Golden Globe
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. I never thought a parks department could be so entertaining.
Award-Winning TV Shows
37. Breaking Bad
Sony PIctures
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Genre: Crime Drama
Awards: 16 Emmys
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.
38. The Sopranos
HBO
Cast: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Genre: Drama
Awards: 21 Emmys
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. The iconic HBO seriesspawned multiple books, soundtrack albums, podcasts and even a video game.
39. The Walking Dead
AMC
Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Genre: Horror, Drama
Awards: 2 Emmys
In the midst 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. (If you get queasy very easily, maybe skip the snacks while you binge.)
40. Succession
MACALL B. POLAY/HBO
Cast: Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Satire
Awards: 19 Emmys
The satirical comedy-drama centers on Logan Roy, the sharp-tongued, billionaire CEO of the largest media conglomerate in the world. When his children learn that he's close to retiring, they all fight to claim the top spot.
Gulmi said, "I watched Succession in like .5 seconds. Cannot recommend it enough!!"
41. American Horror Story
FX
Cast: Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts
Genre: Horror
Awards: 28 Emmys
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, an apocalypse, a slasher summer camp and more. With rather dark themes and mature content, I’d keep this one for the adults.
42. Westworld
HBO
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Thandie Newton, Tessa Thompson, James Marsden
Genre: Western, Drama, Sci-Fi
Awards: 9 Emmys
Characterized as science-fiction Western (yes, I 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 amusem*nt park populated by android “hosts.” Pay close attention to this one, because things can get complicated.
43. Lost
ABC
Cast: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'Quinn
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Drama
Awards: 10 Emmys
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 was I hooked in the early aughts.
44. Mad Men
AMC
Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, Christina Hendricks
Genre: Drama
Awards: 16 Emmys
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.
PureWow Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen said, “I think I've seen it about seven times start to finish (kidding—kind of). A few (but not all) reasons why I love it: Every character is deeply flawed in some way, but also never past the point of redemption. The historical accuracy is on-point. The look of the show is visually arresting. And even though it's a dramatic period piece, the writing is surprisingly humorous and often absurd.”
45. Sons of Anarchy
FX
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates
Genre: Drama, Action, Crime
Awards: 1 Golden Globe, 1 Satellite Award
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, I started watching for Charlie Hunnam. Expect motorcycles, rocket launchers, Irish accents and plenty of explosions.
46. The West Wing
Warner Bros
Cast: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill
Genre: Political Drama
Awards: 26 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes
abbyIn the now-crowded genre of overly earnest political dramas, President Bartlet’s White House stands above the rest. The timeless series lasted for a solid seven seasons, delivering all the drama, shocking twists and plenty of high-stakes scenarios.
47. Dexter
Showtime
Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar
Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery
Awards: 4 Emmys
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.
Released in the Past Year
48. Sullivan's Crossing
MICHAEL TOMPKINS/FREMANTLE
Cast: Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, Scott Patterson, Tom Jackson
Genre: Romantic Drama
Awards: N/A
If you love Virgin River, then consider this show required viewing. It tells the story of Maggie, a neurosurgeon who returns to her hometown in Nova Scotia to reconnect with her dad after she gets into legal trouble. In her review, PureWow Senior Editor of News & Entertainment Greta Heggeness said, "Sullivan’s Crossing has all the major elements of a must-watch TV show, including unresolved trauma, estranged familial relationships and unanswered questions."
49. Lessons in Chemistry
Apple TV+
Cast: Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi, King Stephanie Koenig
Genre: Historical Drama
Awards: 1 Directors Guild of America Awards, 1 Women Film Critics Circle Award
Based on Bonnie Garmus's bestselling novel of the same name, the historical drama is about Elizabeth Zott, an ambitious scientist who uses her new cooking show to fight harmful gender stereotypes and teach housewives about chemistry. With solid storytelling and so many great performances, it's no surprise that Lessons in Chemistry became one of the most-watched shows on the streaming service.
50. The Last of Us
LIANE HENTSCHER/HBO
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Awards: 8 Emmys
InThe Last of Us,a smuggler named Joelis tasked with escorting 14-year-old Ellie across the United States after a dangerous infection spreads and turns humans into killer zombies. The show boasts an incredible cast and a bone-chilling plot that will leave you wanting more. Editor Joel Calfee wrote, "[It] arrived at the perfect time, alleviating the pain ofWalking Deadfanswho are still mourning that show's end, and playing right into our pandemic fears, only three years afterCOVID-19 struck."
51. Beef
Netflix
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Awards: 8 Emmys
If you've seen my rave review of the Netflix series, which follows two strangers who let their road rage spiral out of control, then you already know why this is must-see TV. I wrote, “Theshow is reminiscent ofUnhinged,but it has moredepth and humor. It brilliantly tackles heavier themes like revenge, mental health and loneliness. And as expected,Beeffeatures top-tier performances from the stars.”
52. Poker Face
KAROLINA WOJTASIK/PEAco*ck
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt
Genre: Drama
Awards: 1 Emmy
Lyonne delivers a stellar performance as Charlie Cale, a casino worker who can tell if someone's lying at a glance. After getting blamed for a suspicious death, she finds herself on the run from her Vegas mob boss. Dickey wrote in herreview, “Did you likeKnives OutandGlass Onion? This series features the same syncopated jazz melody of an unusual lead character set against a scrambled bass line of unusual settings and malevolent goings-on.”
53. Ted Lasso
COURTESY OF APPLE TV+
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster
Genre: Comedy, Sports Drama
Awards: 13 Emmys
Meet Ted, the newly hired (and very inexperienced) football coach of an English Premier League soccer team. Although the team's owner hires him with bad motives, he's surprised to see that Ted's unwavering optimism actually helps the team succeed. Hepworth said, "It's such a good, cheerful show. So charming and funny and it just makes you feel good afterward."
Teen Shows
54. Derry Girls
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan
Genre: Comedy
Awards: 2 British Academy Television Awards, 2 IFTA Gala Television Awards
Set in the '90s, the comedy follows the exploits of five Catholic school students in Northern Ireland. Together, they navigate teen angst, financial challenges and conflicting religious beliefs.
Mutz said, "I dove headfirst into season one episode one and before I knew it, I'd flown through all six episodes. (I then immediately dove into season two.)And by the end of it all, I knew one thing to be true:Derry Girlswas thefunniest show on TV or streamingat the time. Hands down."
55. Cobra Kai
Netflix
Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña
Genre: Action, Drama, Comedy
Awards: 1 Critics' Choice Super Award
In this spin-off of The Karate Kid, a grown-up Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo, reigniting his intense rivalry with Danny Russo.
Candace Davison, PureWow's VP of Editorial, said "I have never seen The Karate Kid and had zero interest in it, and then my husband started watching Cobra Kai on Netflix and I got hooked. It's funny, gritty and reminds you that no bad guy is truly bad; just like the good guys aren't always so good."
56. Twin Peaks
ABC
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Horror
Awards: 2 Emmys
An eccentric FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks. The cult classic includes supernatural elements, fascinating characters and plenty of suspense, which explains why it grew into a franchise, including books and a 2017 revival, which is set 25 years after the events of the original series.
57. Gilmore Girls
Warner Bros
Cast: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson
Genre: Drama
Awards: 1 Emmy
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.
58. Friday Night Lights
NBC Universal
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden
Genre: Drama
Awards: 3 Emmys
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.
59. Gossip Girl
CW
Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chase Crawford, Kristen Bell
Genre: Drama
Awards: 17 Teen Choice Awards
Of course, I can’t forget about this early 2000s CW drama which gives viewers a look “into the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite.”
Editor Brianna Lapolla said, “I love that it's so ridiculous (ahem, 15-year-olds at swanky NYC bars?) and also never lacking drama. I was obsessed with Blair, mainly because I'm nothing like her and loved that the characters were my age at the time it aired. It was kind of that dream world you could picture being a part of in another life.”
60. Blood & Water
LINDSEY APPOLIS / NETFLIX
Cast: Ama Qamata, Khosi Ngema, Gail Mabalane
Genre: Drama
Awards: 3 South African Film and Television Awards
This gripping (and criminally underrated) South African dramafollows Puleng, a teenager who transfers to aprestigious high schoolin hopes of reuniting with her sister, who was kidnapped at birth.
PureWow Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment Karelle Mckay wrote, "This show has everything: Drama, angst, romance, love triangles and did I mention drama? But most of all, this show will have you glued to your television screen from beginning to end."
