No more excuses for “having nothing to watch”. We’ve rounded up the most binge-worthy shows on popular streaming services to help keep you entertained while stuck at home.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on Hulu
We love Hulu for its variety of shows, affordable pricing, and integration with cable networks: You can get a streaming bundle package with ESPN, Hulu, and Disney+ for under $15 per month. Right now, Hulu is offering a free 30-day trial.
Here are our picks for the best binge-worthy shows on Hulu:
Little Fires Everywhere
The new series adapted from the best-selling novel (of the same name) features two megastars—Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington— as the main characters. All it takes is one episode to get hooked. New episodes air every Wednesday. Tip: Read the e-book first if you’re really looking to kill some time.
Shrill
You’ll quickly fall in love with this comedy starring SNL’s Aidy Bryant. There are two seasons available to binge, totaling 14 episodes.
Family-Friendly Pick: Steven Universe
Kids and parents will love this animated coming-of-age story from Cartoon Network. All four season (126 episodes are available to stream).
Travel Pick: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
No binge-able TV show roundup from a travel website can omit an Anthony Bourdain show. Seasons seven and eight of fan-favorite No Reservations are available on Hulu.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on Netflix
Netflix’s original content can’t be beat, and the streaming network gets bonus points for its incredible culinary content. Netflix is currently offering a free 30-day trial.
Here are our top binge-worthy shows on Netflix:
Ozark
Transport yourself to the mysterious and gloomy world that is the Lake of the Ozarks. Netflix just released the third season of this original drama, so you have 30 episodes to binge.
Schitt’s Creek
If you’re in need of a pick-me-up comedy during this time, Schitt’s Creek is the perfect fit. There are five seasons currently on Netflix, and the sixth is currently airing on Comedy Central and Pop networks.
Family-Friendly Pick: The Big Family Cooking Showdown
This family-oriented cooking competition comes from the BBC. Binge two seasons of heated fun on Netflix.
Travel Pick: Ugly Delicious
Binge this documentary series on Netflix with James Beard Award-winning host, David Chang. Each episode takes you on a culinary journey and explores how a well-known food dish is made around the world. There are two seasons available to binge.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on Amazon Prime Video
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you have free and immediate access to original Amazon Prime Video content and you can link up other networks, like Showtime, Cinemax, HBO, and more to your account with Amazon Channels. You can also try Prime free for 30 days.
Here are our favorite binge-able shows on Prime Video right now:
The Widow
Fans of Jack Ryan will love this thriller series with the lead character, Georgia, played by Kate Beckinsale. Based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the show takes you on a series of twists and turns as Georgia searches for her presumed-dead husband.
Family-Friendly Pick: Just Add Magic
Mystery follows when three friends discover a magical cookbook. Follow along for the three seasons, currently on Prime Video.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on Disney+
If you’re a Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, or National Geographic fan, then this is the streaming service for you. With Disney+ you get access to full collections from each brand and franchise for your binging pleasure. Don’t forget, you can save on a bundle package that includes ESPN, Hulu, and Disney+ for under $15 per month.
Here are our favorite TV shows to binge on Disney+:
Travel Pick: Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Explore the world with famed and outspoken chef Gordan Ramsay as he explores destinations like Peru, Alaska, New Zealand, and Hawaii through food in season one.
Travel Pick: Lost Cities with Albert Lin
Channel your inner archeologist with this incredible docuseries, streaming on Disney+. Explore ancient ruins and landscapes with 3D-scanning and other hi-tech technologies and transport yourself to another world with a captivating National Geographic host.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on HBO Now
HBO perhaps created the concept of binging, bringing you classic series like Sex and the City and The Sopranos long before other networks. Check out old favorites and new series with HBO’s streaming service. Thankfully, HBO is streaming hundreds of episodes for free right now.
Our favorite shows to binge watch from HBO:
The Wire
For those that didn’t get a chance to watch this fascinating series air the first time around, you can binge all five seasons for free with HBO Now. Set in Baltimore, this crime drama was created by a former police reporter.
Westworld
Currently in its third season, Westworld keeps you wanting more as it transports you to an alternate universe and an amusement park filled with robotic characters where you can live out your wildest dreams without consequence … or so it seems. The show is an adaptation of the 1973 movie, and features a recognizable and award-winning cast.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on CBS All Access
Watch live TV, stream thousands of network episodes, and gain access to original content with a CBS All Access pass. You can even try it free for 30 days right now.
The Good Fight
This three-season series is the first original scripted show for CBS’s All Access streaming service. The legal drama is spin-off sequel to the hit TV-series, The Good Wife (so binge that first if you haven’t seen it already). Catch up now as season four is set to premiere soon.
Star Trek: Discovery
Created specifically for this streaming service, Star Trek: Discovery is the first series in the franchise to air since 2005. Set about a decade before the original series, it’s a fun TV show to binge for both those new to the franchise and die-hard fans. There are currently two seasons available to binge with a third expected this year.
The Best Shows to Binge Watch on Apple TV+
If you’re loyal to your Apple TV, then you most likely have access to a free month of Apple’s streaming service. For non-Apple TV users you can easily access these original shows with the Apple TV app to stream on your devices, and try a free seven-day trial.
Here are binge-able TV shows on Apple TV+:
For All Mankind
If you’re a fan of history and outer space, then this original TV series is for you. The show takes place as if the great “space race” never ended. Currently, there’s one season available to binge.
Oprah’s Book Club
Oprah’s binge-able TV show really will help time fly by. Read the book for each episode and then watch Oprah interview the author and facilitate conversations about each novel.
The Best Episodes to Binge Watch on Masterclass
Ever wanted to take guitar lessons from a rock star, a business course from the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or a cooking class from a Michelin-star chef? With a Masterclass membership you gain access to hundreds of courses taught by celebrities and professions ranging from Steph Curry to Natalie Portman.
Here are a few standout lessons on Masterclass to binge:
Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
Get a personal look at Martin Scorsese’s inner mind with this series of 30 lessons (about 12 minutes each) that range in topics from working with actors to production design. You’ll also get a downloadable workbook after.
Steve Martin Teaches Comedy
Learn a new skill, like comedy, with this series of 12 lessons (at 12-minutes each) by Steve Martin. From tips and tricks on how to start your act to writing faux paus, the lessons themselves are pure comedy
How to Stream New Movies
Movie-buffs, we didn’t forget about you. While movie theatres might be closed, you can still watch new releases from the comfort of your couch.
Prime Video is offering members the ability to purchase “Early Access” movies that would normally be showing in theatres, starting at $20.
In addition to offering TV shows to rent or purchase, Fandango Now is releasing “Home Premieres” as well as a selection of movies that are direct from theatres.
More from SmarterTravel:
- 9 Cozy Sweatpants You Won’t Be Ashamed to Wear in Public
- Do Weighted Blankets Work? Here Are the 5 Best Ones to Try
- Virtual Vacations You Can Take from Home
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
Make your TV binge comfy:
Working From Home? Make it Comfy
Tyler's Fashion Picks for April 2020
When it comes to fashion, I’m not dressing to impress anyone. I’ve been in my living room since March. Maybe I’ll put on a button-down every once in a while for a Zoom happy hour, but aside from that, it’s comfy tees and breathable boxer briefs almost 24/7. A staple of my look is a large plush couch throw wrapped around me from head to toe, with a cool mug escaping the front of the blanket as if I’m begging for more hot coffee (which I am). Lastly, socks are a must in my apartment because no matter how much I vacuum, there always seem to be crumbs on the floor.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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