My most treasured memories from childhood are the times when my whole family would gather around to watch television together. While a lot of stuff has changed since then, in terms of choices and routines, we all still make time for this ritual every weekend. There is a certain joy that comes when everyone in the room can enjoy something together; the pleasure is multiplied and that is the essence of family, isn’t it?
The trends have changed and today, we can stream any movie or season at any time on our smart screens. Streaming services have taken well over the majority of the households in the U.S. and the best part is that all these streaming services, especially Netflix, offer thousands of titles for everyone to choose from. Multiple genres and age groups make it easy for all family members to be delighted by the creative content presented on these platforms.
Talking about the greatness of streaming services, it is important to reiterate the beauty of traditional cable TV as well. Many people have started to cancel their cable plans halfheartedly due to increased rates, however, if you are interested in keeping your cable TV, you should check out Spectrum bundles to learn about the most affordable cable plans that come along with a lot of rich features.
We have compiled a list of top recommended shows you can find in movie and tv show reviewing websites such as Gatsby.tv, Metacritic, IMDb. And so, get ready to binge-watch each season together with your family!
- Friends
Category: Sitcom
No. of seasons: 10
No. of Episodes: 236
Created by: David Crane, Marta Kauffman
IMDb rating: 8.9
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 78%
A story about six friends loving and accepting each other through thick and thin of life, ‘Friends’ is one of the most celebrated shows of all time. What started in 1994 still seems relevant and that is what we call the brilliancy of time. From love and friendship to drama and warmth, this sitcom has everything that you need to watch with your family. ‘Friends’ has received almost 69 major awards and is a show most loved by the audiences.
- Schitt’s Creek
Category: Satire, Sitcom
No. of seasons: 6
No. of Episodes: 80
Created by: Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy
IMDb rating: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 93%
This season is everything that you need right now. ‘Schitt’s Creek’ is a story about a rich family that had to adjust to the lowly lifestyle of a small town, Schitt’s Creek after they are conned by their business manager. The creation of the famous father-son duo, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ is well-planned and very well-executed. Although every character has its world, the worlds do not contradict the main setup. Another beautiful thing about this season is that it highlights topics like female empowerment and LGBTQ+ in the most interesting and heartfelt manner.
- The Good Place
Category: Sitcom, Fantasy, Dystopia
No. of seasons: 4
No. of Episodes: 53
Created By: Michael Schur
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 97%
‘The Good Place’ is a story about the afterlife. A topic that is ambiguous to everyone has been depicted in the best manner. The plotline, the characters, the cinematography, and the execution has been done in a way that leaves audiences in awe. This season, not only makes you laugh or keeps you hooked but also gives you a lesson to be good on Earth. This show is bound to be everyone’s favorite and so you should definitely watch it with your family.
- The crown
Category: History, Drama
No. of seasons: 4 (ongoing)
No. of Episodes: 40
Created by: Peter Morgan
IMDb rating: 8.7
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 91%
Whether you have watched it yet or not, you definitely would have heard about it. The recently released season of ‘The Crown’ has stirred a whirlpool of debates about Princess Diana’s life and the involvement of the royal family in her death. Not only would you get an extensive analysis of the British rule but also the detailed depiction of the royal lifestyle would have you in awe at all times.
- brooklyn nine-nine
Category: Sitcom, Police Procedural
No. of seasons: 8
No. of Episodes: 153
Created by: Dan Goor, Michael Schur
IMDb rating: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 96%
Set in the Ninety-Ninth precinct of NYPD, this is a story about an immature but talented detective, Jake Peralta. His ways and methods often conflict with his disciplined and serious commanding officer, Captain Raymon Holt. The show features an extensive cast and is the epitome of smart humor. Various themes like racism, women empowerment, sisterhood, toxic masculinity, family dysfunction, gun control, cultural differences, feminism, mental health issues, police morality, LGBT, #metoo movement, police brutality, and toxicity in relationships are discussed in the perfect manner.
- anne with an e
Category: Coming of Age, Period Drama
No. of seasons: 3
No. of Episodes: 27
Created by: Moira Walley Beckett
IMDb rating: 8.7
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 60%
‘Anne with an E’ is one of the most critically acclaimed family shows of recent times. It is inspired by the 1908 novel, ‘Anne of Green Gables’, by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The show follows the life of a 13 years old orphan girl and talks about various topics like anti-bullying and resilience. This show is one of the finest picks for parents and children and is most recommended to be watched together.
- you vs. wild
Category: Adventure, Reality-TV
No. of seasons: 1 (Ongoing)
No. of Episodes: 8
Created by: Robert Buchta, Delbert Shoopman, Bear Grylls
IMDb rating: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 75%
If you were a fan of ‘Man vs. Wild’, you are going to absolutely love this series, ‘You vs. Wild.’ This is one of the most interesting adventure TV with a twist of you choosing your own adventure, making it your choice how to go forward. You would learn how your choices pan out and for all those wanting to live in the wild, this series is like an A-class training session.
- fuller house
Category: Sitcom
No. of seasons: 5
No. of Episodes: 75
Created by: Jeff Franklin
IMDb rating: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Avg. Audience Score: 76%
‘Fuller House’ is a spinoff series of the much-loved ‘Full House.’ It revolves around DJ Tanner-Fuller who has now become a widow and is raising her three sons. She and her kids live together with her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy. This sitcom is wholehearted and gives you sound warmth and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.
