The 10 Essential TV Shows for Your Binge Watching List

If you’re looking to spend your weekends immersed in gripping storylines and unforgettable characters, these 10 essential TV shows should be at the top of your binge watching list. Whether you prefer comedies, dramas or thrillers, this list has something for everyone and will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Breaking Bad

Widely considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad is a must-watch for any fan of crime thrillers. The show follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future after he is diagnosed with lung cancer. Over the course of five gripping seasons, we watch Walt’s transformation from mild-mannered family man to a ruthless drug kingpin. Bryan Cranston delivers an Emmy-winning performance as Walt and the intricate plotlines will keep you on the edge of your seat. This essential TV show redefined what was possible in the crime drama genre.

The Sopranos

HBO’s groundbreaking mob drama The Sopranos set the standard for quality television. James Gandolfini is mesmerizing as Tony Soprano, the stressed-out crime boss juggling family life and his duties in the New Jersey Mafia. The show delves into Tony’s therapy sessions to provide fascinating insight into his psyche. Alongside the riveting crime plots, The Sopranos also features some of the most memorable characters and dialogue in TV history. It’s easy to see why this essential TV show is considered one of the greatest shows of all time.

Mad Men

For a glimpse into 1960s American culture and society, look no further than Mad Men. The period drama follows the personal and professional lives of the ruthlessly ambitious advertising executives at Sterling Cooper. Jon Hamm leads the stellar ensemble cast as the enigmatic Don Draper. Gorgeously filmed and with pitch perfect attention to historical detail, Mad Men is as much an artistic masterpiece as it is gripping drama. It offers fascinating social commentary and explores profound themes around masculinity, feminism and the American dream. This essential TV show redefined what a drama could be on television.

Game of Thrones

Based on George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy novels, Game of Thrones took the world by storm in its eight season run. The show transported viewers to the fictional kingdom of Westeros, where noble families wage war for control of the Iron Throne. Featuring intricate plotlines, memorable battles and shocking twists, Game of Thrones had viewers on the edge of their seats each week. With a talented ensemble cast and lavish production values, it set a new standard for epic fantasy storytelling on television. Even those unfamiliar with the books found it impossible to look away from this essential TV show.

The Office (US version)

While the original British version of The Office was a critical success, it was the American adaptation that became a global phenomenon. Starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott, the bumbling regional manager of a paper company, the show took the cringe comedy format and ran with it to hilarious effect. Over nine seasons, The Office developed some of the most beloved characters in sitcom history and featured countless laugh-out-loud funny moments. It’s easy to watch episode after episode of this essential TV show and find new jokes to appreciate with each viewing.

Parks and Recreation

From the same creator as The Office, Parks and Recreation stars Amy Poehler as the overly optimistic Leslie Knope, the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department in a small Indiana town. Like The Office, the show took a few episodes to find its footing but soon developed into one of the sharpest and funniest ensemble comedies on TV. With an amazing cast of quirky characters, Parks and Rec delivered heart and humor in equal measure over its seven seasons. It’s the perfect low-stakes comedy to watch when you need a laugh.

Stranger Things

This 1980s-set supernatural thriller from the Duffer Brothers was an instant phenomenon when it debuted in 2016. Stranger Things follows a group of kids in small-town Indiana who become embroiled in a mystery involving secret government experiments, unearthly threats and a missing friend. With references to everything from Steven Spielberg to Stephen King, Stranger Things has it all – suspense, sci-fi scares and a truly incredible young cast. It’s easy to devour all three seasons in just a few days. This essential TV show has become a modern classic.

Better Call Saul

A prequel spin-off to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul tells the story of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer and con man, and his transformation into the morally questionable criminal defense attorney Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk is brilliant in the lead role, matching Bryan Cranston’s performance in Breaking Bad. While a slower burn than its predecessor, Better Call Saul is no less gripping, with phenomenal character development and plotlines. Legal drama fans and Breaking Bad devotees alike will find this essential TV show impossible to look away from.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

This period comedy from Amy Sherman-Palladino tells the story of Midge Maisel, a 1950s housewife who discovers a hidden talent – stand-up comedy. Rachel Brosnahan shines as the witty, spirited Midge on her journey to become a comedian. With gorgeous costumes and sets transporting viewers back to 1950s New York, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is as much a visual treat as it is laugh-out-loud funny. Over three seasons so far, it has become one of Amazon Prime’s flagship shows with its heartwarming story and stellar performances.

BoJack Horseman

This animated Netflix comedy takes an unflinching look at depression, addiction and the trappings of fame through the eyes of its protagonist – a washed-up Hollywood horse actor named BoJack Horseman, voiced brilliantly by Will Arnett. While hilarious on the surface, BoJack Horseman also tackles profound themes around mental health, relationships and self-loathing. Over six seasons, it developed a cult following for its witty dialogue and willingness to go to emotionally dark places. This essential TV show proved animation is capable of telling stories with as much depth as any live-action drama.

So whether you’re looking for crime thrillers, comedies, dramas or animated shows, this list of 10 essential TV shows has something for every type of viewer. Dive into these gripping and memorable series for hours of top-quality entertainment.

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