The Ultimate Self-Care: TV Shows to Binge-Watch in 2021
by Brooke Forry | Updated December 2021
If you weren’t already into binge watching shows before 2020, chances are that months on end of staying home with nowhere to go converted you. (Welcome — we’re so glad to have you!)
My kids go to bed around 8:00 every night and my husband also turns in pretty early, so this night owl enjoys a few hours of delightful solo TV time each night (in my grownup lady pajamas with a cup of tea, natch). TV has long been a favorite form of self-care for me — I love getting lost in new storylines and interesting characters, and I definitely feel melancholy any time I finish watching a show that I’ve invested a lot of time into. And if I really loved it, don’t count me out for a rewatch.
(Note: having the time, resources, and ability to binge-watch TV right now is a privilege that is not lost on me. I realize I am incredibly lucky to have the ability to work safely from home, I am not considered an essential worker, we have the financial means to subscribe to a few streaming services, and I am able to take some time each evening to unwind. I know that everyone is not afforded such privileges, especially right now.)
Terry and I share similar taste in TV, so we’re often trading recommendations and finding new gems to share with each other.
Below is a list of some great shows we recommend — some viewed during Covid, some before — that can provide a great escape if you’re looking for one. (Because: who isn’t?)
Wanderlust (Netflix)
I’ll watch anything with Toni Colette, and this show (one season so far) was a fantastic story and journey through her range as an actor. (Just wait for the therapy episode!)
The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
You don’t have to know anything about Chess to follow this, and the eye candy that is the fashion and decor is the cherry on top of this fantastic show.
The Flight Attendant (HBO Max)
The twists and turns of this show were fantastic, with Kaley Cuoco at the helm.
The Americans (Prime Video)
I’ve been a Keri Russell fan from her MMC days (go ahead, I’ll wait while you look that up) and love this dark side of her and Matthew Rhys.
Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)
They had me at Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon. This was a bit different from the book, but I actually liked the show better.
Normal People (Hulu)
Pretty true to the book, this series was pretty slow but also a really beautiful look at two individuals and their relationship over the course of years.
Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
A thought-provoking look at incarceration, the for-profit prison system in the US, and really intriguing (and heartbreaking) back stories of the different characters. This one was a rollercoaster of emotions, for sure.
Mrs. America (Hulu)
I loved this deep dive and dramatization of the real-life movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (and a look at the backlash led by Phyllis Schlafley).
Barry (HBO Max)
Not for the squeamish, Bill Hader is fantastic in this dark comedy about a hitman who decides to take up acting — and the Fonz as his acting instructor is icing on the cake.
Euphoria (HBO Max)
In this incredibly dark but riveting coming of age show, Zendaya leads with an incredible performance.
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
I never read Margaret Atwood’s book of the same name, and the show has some moments that feel terrifying given the current state of affairs in our world, but it’s just so damn good. Space this one out, for sure, as bing watching will lead to nightmares!
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
It’s hard to see Steve Carrell in an unlikable, slimy role, but I still loved season one of this show.
Big Little Lies (HBO Max)
The theme song roped me in and the casting is impeccable in this mystery-drama about a wealthy California community where not everything (or everyone) is as it seems. The season one finale shocked me so much that I had to watch it twice.
UnReal (Hulu)
If you’ve ever watched The Bachelor franchise, you’ll love this fictional-but-probably-fairly-accurate look at the drama and back-stabbing behind the scenes.
Mad Men (Prime Video)
You’ll love to hate (or hate to love) Don Draper and the rest of his Madison Avenue ad men (and women).
Firefly Lane (Netflix)
Based on the book by Kristin Hannah (which I haven’t read), this show chronicles the friendship of Kate and Tully over the course of 3 decades, including family drama, new (and broken) relationships, and of course the questionable fashion choices through the years.
The Undoing (HBO Max)
If you watched Big Little Lies, the tables are turned a bit as Nicole Kidman’s character plays the therapist instead of the therapy patient… and her life unravels after a murder involving another parent at her son’s elite NYC private school.
Mare of Easttown (HBO Max)
I came for Kate Winslet and the hometown Delco accent… I stayed for the great whodunnit storyline and character arcs. (If you are from Philly or the surrounding area, you should also watch this SNL parody of the very-hard-to-imitate Delaware County, aka Delco, accent.)
White Lotus (HBO Max)
Dark, and weird, we’ve heard totally mixed reviews on this one, but we ultimately enjoyed it. The soundtrack is almost as enjoyable as getting a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some very dysfunctional characters.
Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
I never read the book about a group of people who gather at a wellness resort, so I can’t speak to it’s re-telling in TV form, but I enjoyed this limited series with Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy at the helm.
Maid (Netflix)
If you can handle a rollercoaster of emotion while cheering on a single mom escaping an emotionally abusive relationship, watch this show. There were times that my heart physically ached for Alex and her daughter, but it was an incredibly powerful series.
You (Netflix)
Penn Badgley is frighteningly good at playing a psychotic stalker-slash-murderer hiding behind a nice bookstore clerk facade. (I know this is more of a thriller than a drama, but I don’t really watch many thrillers, so in the ‘drama’ category it goes.)
Schitt’s Creek (Netflix)
I didn’t catch on to this one immediately, but once I did, I couldn’t stop. There is no family quite like the Rose family, and their riches-to-rags story is hilarious and heartwarming at every turn.
New Girl (Netflix)
I love Jess and her zany roommates, particularly Nick Miller, who is everyone’s favorite curmudgeon.
Black-Ish (Hulu)
With a mix of comedy and incredibly relevant discussions, it’s the perfect sitcom for current times.
Life in Pieces (Hulu)
Dianne Wiest and James Brolin are the heads of a large, hilarious family in this reminds-me-of-Modern-Family ensemble comedy.
The Duchess (Netflix)
Following the life of a kind of terrible person but devoted single mother to her daughter, this raunchy comedy is good for a tasteless laugh.
The Good Place (Netflix)
Kristen Bell’s character finds herself in the afterlife amidst a cast of characters that are delightfully quirky and all trying to become better people, even after death.
The Unicorn (Netflix or CBS All Access)
A newly widowed father takes care of his daughters and begrudgingly gets back out into the dating world with the help of his funny and super endearing friends.
The Office (Peacock)
If you like to laugh AND feel incredibly uncomfortable, then let me introduce you to Michael Scott. If you haven’t already watched The Office — where have you been? And if you’ve only watched once, it’s time for a re-watch.
Cougar Town (Hulu)
Weird, quirky, and totally ridiculous, this gang drinks a lot of wine and plays a lot of dumb games, providing the perfect amount of silly entertainment during month 700 of a pandemic.
Parks & Recreation (Peacock)
Possibly my favorite ensemble comedy of all time, you will especially love this is you are a Type A fixer who can relate to Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler.
Hacks (HBO Max)
Jean Smart is fantastic as a former actress and current QVC-queen/Vegas legend who is on the verge of becoming old news when her manager coerces her into bringing on a young writer to spruce up her act.
Starstruck (HBO Max)
I was totally taken with the charming and hilarious Jessie within the first minute of this show, and only adored her more as each episode went on. It is incredibly delightful, sweet, funny, and fun, and my only complaint is that the first season went too quickly. I hope there is a season 2 on the horizon!
Girls5Eva (Peacock)
If you liked 30 Rock, you’ll love this quick-witted, Tina Fey-produced comedy. It chronicles a 90s one-hit-wonder girl group reuniting and getting their second shot at fame, 20-something years later.
The Other Two (HBO Max)
What happens when a Bieber-like teen heart throb makes it big while his two older siblings fumble through adulthood in NYC? This hilarious show. Molly Shannon is the perfect stage mom along for the ride as her son, Chase Dreams, takes the world by storm (and leaves his siblings in the dust).
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
It took a few episodes for me to get the hype about this show, but then I fell in love. (And you don’t need to like soccer to get into it.) It’s technically a comedy but has lots of moments that pull at the heartstrings.
This is Us (Peacock or Hulu)
I love the stories that continue to be introduced and woven through this family’s history. I’m mostly in it for Randall and Beth, but don’t mind the other characters, either.
Friday Night Lights (Peacock or Hulu)
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. I do not know or care anything about football, and I still loved this show. Coach & Tammy Taylor 4-ever.
Parenthood (Peacock or Hulu)
My favorite drama of all time, I think the acting is second to none in this show and feels so real. Also if you watched Friday Night Lights, you’ll enjoy several cross-over characters!
Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life (Netflix)
I loved following along with Lorelei and Rory in my younger years, and the 2016 reboot was balm for my nostalgic soul.
Bridgerton (Netflix)
The characters! The costumes! Bridgerton is a perfect escape, complete with current music made orchestral.
Jane the Virgin (Netflix)
A quirky and fun telenovela, you will absolutely fall in love with Jane Villanueva and root for her as she gets tangled in a very bizarre love triangle.
13 Reasons Why (Netflix)
I don’t think there’s a high school kid in all the world who goes through as much as Clay Jensen and his friends do in four years, but then again what do I know about teenagers these days? This one comes with lots of trigger warnings.
Pretty Little Liars (HBO Max)
20-somethings playing teenagers, complete with murders, stalkers, blackmailing, and actors we grew up watching as teens now playing the parents to teenagers.
Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix)
Pretty Little Liars, but with ballerinas and a confusingly similar name. Honestly this show was not great, and the acting is fairly terrible… but the dancing is fabulous and honestly I still enjoyed the ridiculousness.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Netflix)
Super silly and complete with songs about things like heavy boobs and anti-depressants, you will be surprised by how much you come to love some of the secondary characters, especially the fantastic sidekick Paula.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Peacock or Hulu)
If you’re okay with characters breaking out into song at the strangest times, you’ll love this. Complete with choreography by Mandy Moore (no, not that Mandy Moore), this show has made me cry more times than is probably reasonable.
Into the Unknown: The Making of Frozen 2 (Disney+)
I love a good BTS, and seeing the masterpiece that is Frozen 2 come together over the course of its final year in production is pretty magical. It’s incredible to see the careful thought that goes into every single element of the film.
Encore (Disney+)
If you were ever a theatre kid, this show will warm your heart: former high school musical casts reuniting years later to pick up where they left off and put on another performance.
Fosse/Verdon (Hulu)
I always knew Fosse’s choreography style, but never knew his story. He was not a great guy but is brilliantly portrayed by Sam Rockwell, and Michelle Williams is perfect as Gwen Verdon.
Never Have I Ever (Netflix)
Mindy Kaling wrote and produced this endearing look at a first-generation Indian American teenager who has also suffered a huge loss.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix)
Okay, I cheated: this is a movie, not a show, but it’s just the cutest. There are also two sequels, so that amounts to about 6 hours of pure enjoyment.
Dash & Lily (Netflix)
This sweet teen romance is simple but cute and charming, and if you ever felt like an awkward teen who never really fit in, you will love Lily.
The Babysitter’s Club (Netflix)
What girl of the 80s didn’t read BSC? This modern take on a nostalgic classic is absolute perfection, with Gen X’s own Alicia Silverstone playing Kristy’s mom.
Little Voice (Apple TV+)
A must-see if you like Sara Bareilles, as she produced and wrote the music for this show about a young 20-something New Yorker who takes care of her fractured family while trying to find herself and chase her music career dreams.
The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max)
I’ll watch anything Mindy Kaling produces after falling in love with Never Have I Ever, and this new show does not disappoint. Four college freshman women learn the ropes of college and adult relationships, while forming bonds with each other.
The Bold Type (Hulu or Freeform)
Are all 20-somethings this woke, stylish, and sexually adventurous? I don’t know, but I’ll keep watching to see what Jane, Sutton, and Kat are up to next.
Emily in Paris (Netflix)
Not-great-but-mindless-fun-to-watch, I enjoyed the fashion, scenery, and figuring out how I can get my eyebrows to look like Lily Collins’.
Queer Eye (Netflix)
I never get through an episode of The Fab Five without some feel-good tears. It’s about so much more than fashion, grooming, and style.
Cheer (Netflix)
It’s unreal to see what these athletes can do, and you’ll be cheering them on even if you know nothing about the sport of cheerleading.
Get Organized with the Home Edit (Netflix)
Listen: watching Khloe Kardashian’s garage-the-size-of-my-house get organized is kind of ridiculous, but what can I say — I’m still a sucker for order, storage bins, and a perfectly organized art cart.
The Politician (Netflix)
Sort of an Election meets Glee hybrid with a little bit of a Wes Anderson aesthetic, Ben Platt is perfect in this show, and I thought the second season outshined the first.
Casual (Hulu)
Two adult siblings deal with their own twisted relationship and dating issues, while also managing their aging and dysfunctional parents. There are plenty of (dark) comedy moments, but also some heartwarming moments.
Dead to Me (Netflix)
I’ve been a fan of Linda Cardellini since Freaks & Geeks — she is fantastic in this, alongside an unapologetically brash Christina Applegate who plays a newly widowed mom determined to solve the crime of her husband’s hit and run.
Fleabag (Prime Video)
This British black comedy is a delight, complete with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s breaking of the fourth wall to express all of her angry, sexually frustrated, grieving inner thoughts.
Ramy (Hulu)
Stealing the Google description which is too perfect to paraphrase: “Ramy Hassan is a first-generation Egyptian-American who is on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood… caught between a Muslim community that thinks life is a moral test and a millennial generation that believes life has no consequences.”
Better Things (Hulu)
The highs, lows, and unfiltered realities of a single mother of three daughters, working as an actor in Los Angeles, played by the glorious Pamela Adlon.
GLOW (Netflix)
I don’t really remember the Glorious Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) from the 80s, but enjoyed this fictional take on what they were up against and their surprise success.
Made for Love (HBO Max)
Cristin Milioti is perfect as Hazel Green, the wife of a tech billionaire who seemingly has it all… but it’s all a very twisted, high tech illusion.
The Great (Hulu)
This “occasionally true story” about Catherine the Great’s rise to power in Russia is hilariously inaccurate, and the costumes are to die for. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult make for the perfect Catherine and Peter… but don’t watch if you’re squeamish.
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
A modern day Hitchcock-esque murder mystery with three neighbors who become unlikely detectives and podcast hosts. Delightfully and comedically led by Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez.
Succession (HBO Max)
If you think your family has issues, meet the Roys: the most dysfunctional family of all. Led by an aging patriarch from whom his adult children are planning the eventual takeover of the family’s billion dollar business, drama and tempers reach abound.
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction (Netflix)
If you ever liked Letterman’s late night show or just enjoy his dry humor, you’ll love these longer form interviews with a range of celebrity guests (in front of an audience).
Shine On With Reese (Netflix)
In this intimate and homey one-on-one interview format, Reese Witherspoon and her guests are a true delight — I came for Dolly and I stayed for the rest of her fantastic guests.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (Netflix)
Jerry Seinfeld picks up other comedians (in a range of classic cars) so they can — you guessed it — get coffee. The conversations are very Seinfeld in the sense that they are sometimes about nothing at all, but still enjoyable!
Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)
The Creator of Everybody Loves Raymond gets some time in front of the camera as he takes viewers on an eating tour of the world. He also FaceTimes his adorable parents often, which is delightful.
Kids Baking Championship (Hulu)
My kids’ first experience with binge-watching and watching TV before bed (previously something we only allowed on Friday nights, but #pandemiclife), we started watching this show, hosted by Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli, last March. We worked our way through all eight seasons over the course of a few months and honestly, I may have enjoyed it even more than they did. These young bakers are amazing!
Master Chef Junior (Hulu or Fox Now)
After finishing Kids Baking Championship, we stuck with the kids-in-the-kitchen theme and gave this a try. We only made it through the seasons with Christina Tosi as a judge, and it was a little more intense than KBC, but still enjoyable.
Emily’s Wonder Lab (Netflix)
There is only one short season so far, but this show was delightful and got my kids excited about science. Also, three cheers for women in science — a pregnant woman, at that!
Izzy’s Koala World (Netflix)
Follow the adventures of an Australian girl named Izzy who is basically the Koala whisperer. My kids were especially amazed that Izzy tends to be barefoot ALL the time.
Tiny World (Apple TV)
We learned all about tiny animals and how they survive in this series with amazing cinematography. Bonus for the Paul Rudd narration.
Our Planet (Netflix)
Learn about so many places, species, and climates of the world (and the impact of climate change) in this amazing 8-part documentary.
What is missing from this list that we should watch? Let me know in the comments below! I’ll update this list as new shows are watched and enjoyed.
