Best Starter Shows for New Viewers

The best entry-level shows for newcomers to the series world.

Friends

Friends is a classic sitcom that follows a close-knit group of six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—living in New York City. The series explores their personal and professional lives, highlighting their relationships, romantic entanglements, and comedic misadventures. Known for its iconic catchphrases, memorable moments, and strong ensemble cast, Friends has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1994. With its blend of humor, heart, and relatable themes of friendship and love, the show remains a beloved favorite among audiences around the world.

Watch Now!

The Office

The Office is a mockumentary-style sitcom that offers a humorous glimpse into the everyday lives of employees working at the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, a paper company. Centered around the quirky and often inappropriate behavior of regional manager Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, the series features a diverse cast of characters, including the ambitious salesman Jim Halpert, the socially awkward Dwight Schrute, and the sweet receptionist Pam Beesly. Through its unique format, The Office employs deadpan humor and clever writing to explore themes of workplace dynamics, friendship, and romance. The show's relatable characters and memorable moments have made it a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. With its iconic catchphrases and heartfelt storylines, The Office remains a beloved classic in the realm of comedy television.

Watch Now!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a beloved comedy series that follows the humorous exploits of a diverse group of detectives in the 99th precinct of the New York City Police Department. Led by the talented but immature detective Jake Peralta, portrayed by Andy Samberg, the show features a quirky ensemble cast, including the no-nonsense Captain Raymond Holt, the tough-as-nails detective Rosa Diaz, and the meticulous but hilarious Charles Boyle. Each episode combines clever writing and witty banter as the detectives tackle various cases, navigate office dynamics, and engage in light-hearted competitions. The series skillfully balances comedy with heartfelt moments, addressing important social issues while maintaining a light tone. With its ensemble cast and clever humor, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, celebrated for its diverse representation, character development, and positive portrayal of teamwork and friendship within the precinct. The show successfully blends comedy with elements of a procedural drama, making it a standout in the landscape of modern television.

Watch Now!

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is a critically acclaimed crime drama that follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Partnering with former student Jesse Pinkman, Walter descends into the dangerous world of drug dealing to secure his family’s financial future. The series explores themes of morality, power, and corruption, with intense storytelling and complex character development, making Breaking Bad one of the most iconic TV shows of all time.

Watch Now!

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, it follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne. With its complex characters, political intrigue, and dramatic twists, the show captivated global audiences. Known for its stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and shocking moments, Game of Thrones became one of the most influential TV series of all time.

Watch Now!

Stranger Things

Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series set in the 1980s, blending supernatural mysteries with nostalgic pop culture references. The show follows a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins as they uncover government experiments, a parallel dimension called the Upside Down, and a telekinetic girl named Eleven. With a perfect mix of suspense, adventure, and heartwarming friendships, Stranger Things has become a global phenomenon, praised for its retro vibe, gripping plot, and compelling characters.

Watch Now!

The Crown

The Crown is a historical drama series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, offering an intimate portrayal of her personal and public life from her early days as a young monarch to the complexities of her later years. The series delves into significant events and milestones in British history, such as the Suez Crisis, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the Falklands War, while also exploring the intricacies of the royal family dynamics and their relationships with political leaders, including Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Through its richly developed characters, the show examines themes of power, duty, and sacrifice, shedding light on the challenges Elizabeth faces as she balances her role as a wife, mother, and queen. With its lush production values, stellar performances, particularly from Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton, and meticulous attention to historical detail, The Crown has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, making it a captivating and thought-provoking portrayal of one of the most iconic figures in modern history.

Watch Now!

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian is a groundbreaking Star Wars series that follows the journey of Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, set after the fall of the Empire. As he navigates a dangerous universe, he encounters various characters and faces moral dilemmas, all while protecting a mysterious child known as Grogu (often referred to as "Baby Yoda"). The show masterfully blends action, adventure, and rich storytelling, earning acclaim for its production quality, compelling characters, and nostalgic ties to the Star Wars saga, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.

Watch Now!

Sherlock

Sherlock is a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective stories, featuring the brilliant but eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. John Watson. Set in modern-day London, the series follows the duo as they solve complex cases using Holmes' keen observational skills and deductive reasoning. Portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, the characters navigate a world of crime, intrigue, and personal challenges while tackling some of the most famous stories from the original canon. Known for its clever writing, intricate plots, and engaging character dynamics, Sherlock has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, revitalizing interest in the timeless detective genre.

Watch Now!

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows Leslie Knope, an enthusiastic and dedicated mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks Department of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie, played by Amy Poehler, is passionate about her job and committed to making her community a better place, often facing challenges from local government, apathetic citizens, and her own ambitious goals. The series features a quirky ensemble cast, including Ron Swanson, Leslie's libertarian boss who detests government, Ann Perkins, her best friend and a nurse, and a variety of eccentric townsfolk. Through its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and social commentary, Parks and Recreation highlights themes of friendship, public service, and the importance of local government, all while showcasing Leslie's unwavering optimism and determination to bring positive change to her town.

Watch Now!

You May Also Like These Lists

Top Paramount+ Shows: 10 Great Series to Watch Show List
Comedy-Drama Blend Show List
Best HBO Max TV Shows: 10 Genre-Defining Series Show List