10 TV Shows I Will Always Recommend No Matter Who I’m Talking To

Summary Gravity Falls showcases a profound story about family and has surprising plot twists and wild humor.

Our Flag Means Death offers amazing representation and blends comedy with drama perfectly.

House of the Dragon redeems Game of Thrones with an incredible prequel story that surpasses expectations.

The TV shows I always recommend, no matter who I am talking to, are also the TV shows I tend to rewatch the most. I have hopefully managed to gain a sense of numerous genres through sampling some of the best TV shows of all time. Albeit, I believe everyone should watch my favorite shows out of pure dedication to the cast and crew because their creations reflect my personal tastes, which skew toward fantasy and adventure. However, I have recently binged some highly acclaimed and more realistic dramas that first aired long ago.

The shows I vouch for are still series that I believe deserve recognition for their place in pop culture, perhaps reflective or subversive of wider trends. While certain TV seasons killed their shows, series finales ruined the entire show, or the show was near perfect but was canceled due to external reasons, I am interested in how storytelling thrives despite corporate demands. Some of my favorite shows challenge genre conventions, redeem certain franchises and genres, are so wonderfully off-beat when compared to the typical mainstream, or can be enjoyed despite their flaws.

Related 8 TV Shows I Almost Gave Up On But Am Glad I Didn’t I (embarrassingly) almost gave up on landmark TV shows like Succession and Breaking Bad due to some initial misgivings about the tone or story.

10 Gravity Falls (2012-2016)

Gravity Falls' Story About Family & Wacky Humor Never Get Old

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town's mysteries. Cast Jason Ritter , Alex Hirsch , Kristen Schaal , Linda Cardellini , Kevin Michael Richardson , Kari Wahlgren , John DiMaggio , Jennifer Coolidge Release Date June 15, 2012 Seasons 2 Showrunner Alex Hirsch

In its time, Gravity Falls saw audience engagement like few other shows; its entire brand was about weirdness and mystery, encouraging viewers to piece together hidden codes and clues every week. However, it is still immensely enjoyable to watch now that it is completed — in fact, some of the plot twists might actually be surprising when you don't have as much time to ruminate and guess what is coming. Gravity Falls spawned several similar shows on the Disney Channel and tells a profound story about family and growing up.

The show ended after two seasons in service of this; summer and childhood cannot last forever, and as Dipper and Mabel must brave their teen years and adulthood, we must accept the show coming to its natural conclusion. Gravity Falls sets up some effective parallels between two generations of Pines twins. Meanwhile, the subplot of Dipper's unrequited crush on Wendy has an impactful conclusion where he doesn't get what he thinks he wants, but they still "mean a lot" to each other. Additionally, Gravity Falls' comedy depends upon randomness and great timing, which is my favorite kind.

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9 Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023)

The Best Pirate Series Out There That Was Canceled Too Soon

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Created by David Jenkins and starring Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi, Our Flag Means Death blends romantic comedy with period drama on the high seas. Loosely based on real historical figures, the series chronicles the adventures of Stede Bonnet and the crew of the pirate ship Revenge, detailing their often hilarious exploits and encounters, including crossing paths with the infamous Blackbeard. The series received praise for its extensive and positive LGBTQ+ representation upon the first season's release. Cast Rhys Darby , Con O'Neill , Rory Kinnear , Matthew Maher , Samson Kayo , Ewen Bremner , David Fane , Nathan Foad , Taika Waititi , Guz Khan , Vico Ortiz , Joel Fry , Kristian Nairn Release Date March 3, 2022 Seasons 2 Showrunner David Jenkins

I will always be frustrated about the unfinished storylines after Our Flag Means Death's cancellation, which seems to have been due to budget and corporate reasons rather than the quality or popularity of the show. However, the first two seasons are incredible and definitely still worth watching, even coming to what sort of works as an ending. After all the gritty and grimdark pirate properties in the 21st century, Our Flag Means Death is a refreshing take on the Golden Age of Piracy that manages to highlight a lot of accurate histories.

Namely, Our Flag Means Death emphasizes pirate crews as historically being accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships — and the show's queer representation is amazing. It is a comedy, and a good one at that, but some dramatic undertones and storylines hook you before you even realize it. I found myself strangely obsessed with this show's perfect blend of comedy and drama, the various characters' theatrics and romances, and plenty of swashbuckling adventures in between. I will also always recommend this show because I want people to agree with me that its cancellation was an injustice.

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8 House Of The Dragon (2022-Present)

The Prequel Redeems Game Of Thrones After Its Final Season

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Taking place about 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen. Cast Jefferson Hall , Paddy Considine , Fabien Frankel , Ryan Corr , Eve Best , Gavin Spokes , Graham McTavish , Steve Toussaint , Olivia Cooke Sonoya Mizuno , Bill Paterson , Matthew Needham , Emma D'Arcy , Matt Smith Rhys Ifans , David Horovitch Release Date August 21, 2022 Seasons 2 Showrunner Ryan Condal Expand

I came into Game of Thrones kind of late, just before the show's fall from grace with its final season's debut. Like most people, I was a bit apprehensive about House of the Dragon and wasn't really sure what the point of making it was. However, this prequel show truly is a return to the glory days of Game of Thrones, and I will tell everyone they need to watch it to renew their love for the franchise or as a better entry into the story if they want to avoid the disappointment provoked by its predecessor.

I am slowly becoming convinced that House of the Dragon is even better than Game of Thrones, and not just because there are more dragons.

As of season 2, I am slowly becoming convinced that House of the Dragon is even better than Game of Thrones, and not just because there are more dragons. House of the Dragons showcases all the facets of a woman's experience of this world, through Alicent tragically losing the power she thought she had gained, Rhaenyra's tense relationships with her family and advisors, and the aspirations of various supporting characters. Knowing how the Dance of the Dragons ends, I am eager (and a little stressed) to see how it is adapted in accordance with these themes.

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7 Spy X Family (2022-Present)

An Adorably Funny Anime About Spies, Assassins, & Telepaths

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets. Cast Takuya Eguchi , Atsumi Tanezaki , Saori Hayami , Alex Organ , Megan Shipman , Natalie Van Sistine Release Date April 9, 2022 Seasons 1 Creator(s) Tatsuya Endo

Even if you do not consider yourself an anime fan, you should watch Spy X Family. The show is an absolute delight, depicting a found family story that is filled with warm fuzzies. I had only recently started watching a lot of anime at the time and was harboring a suspicion that I would only like very serious action anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Attack on Titan. I was proven wrong by Spy X Family, which has high stakes and great action but also a pleasant aesthetic and hilarious dialogue.

The basic premise — a spy recruits a family for the purposes of an undercover mission, but is unaware that his wife is an assassin and his daughter is a telepath — derives comedy from Anya's abilities, which means that she is the only one who knows what is going on. Anya is a great POV character with a scheming sense of humor, as well as being surprisingly clever. However, the show also implies a tense inevitability, keeping the audience invested in the ultimate question of what will happen when Loid and Yor figure out the truth.

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6 Andor (2022-Present)

The Star Wars Spy Drama Is One Of Disney's Best Additions To The Franchise

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Diego Luna stars as Cassian Andor in Andor, a Disney+ exclusive series set five years before Rogue One. The series follows the titular character as he transitions from a humble thief to a revolutionary icon of the rebellion against the empire. Cassian, a man who tries to keep himself out of confrontations post the destruction of his world, is shoved into the central conflict as he naturally slots into the role of leader. Andor will explore the rebellion's burgeoning days and highlight pivotal events in the Star Wars Franchise before the construction of the Death Star. Cast Genevieve O'Reilly , Adria Arjona , Diego Luna , Kyle Soller , Alan Tudyk Stellan Skarsgård , Denise Gough , Forrest Whittaker Release Date September 21, 2022 Seasons 1 Showrunner Tony Gilroy

Star Wars has been in decline for the past few years, since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker's anti-climatic reception and the Disney+ spinoff TV shows getting increasingly poorer ratings. Reviews for The Acolyte follow the trajectory of The Mandalorian to Obi-Wan Kenobi to Boba Fett in terms of quality. However, in the middle of all this, the creators of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story came back with an even better prequel that surpassed everyone's expectations, with amazing lead actors both relatively unknown and hugely famous.

I would recommend Andor because it offers some redemption for Star Wars as of late, reminding fans that this franchise is one of the biggest cinematic milestones in history that deserves better tie-ins. Andor's story is incredibly dark, both character-driven by highlighting individual experiences in the setting of the Empire being in power, as well as demonstrating bigger political and historical themes. I cannot wait for Andor season 2, which faces the challenge of building upon season 1 and leading into Rogue One.

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Related 10 TV Shows That Became Way Bigger Than I Ever Thought They Would It's hard to pinpoint which TV shows will blow up and which will be regulated to obscurity, but the incredible success of these shows surprised me.

5 Phineas And Ferb (2007-Present)

The Classic Disney Channel Cartoon Is Hilarious No Matter How Old You Are

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Phineas and Ferb follows the adventures of stepbrothers Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher as they embark on various creative and often unreal projects during their summer vacation, while their sister Candace tries to reveal their escapades to their mother. Concurrently, the family’s pet platypus Perry leads a double life as a secret agent battling the evil scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Cast Vincent Martella , Dan Povenmire , Ashley Tisdale , Jeff Marsh , Dee Bradley Baker , Thomas Brodie-Sangster , Caroline Rhea , Alyson Stoner Release Date August 17, 2007 Seasons 6 Creator(s) Jeff Marsh , Dan Povenmire

Almost 10 years later and with the revival coming soon, Phineas and Ferb is still one of the funniest cartoons ever. The Disney Channel series has the feeling of an episodic, Saturday morning cartoon, although the term has long been defunct. Scattered throughout Phineas and Ferb are subplots about blended families and single parents that land well. Furthermore, the boys' interactions with their sister perfectly capture the feeling of having an annoying sibling who you still love.

However, Phineas and Ferb's greatest strength is doubtlessly the comedy, which is impressively intelligent. A lot of it is a kind of family-friendly version of The Simpsons' signature referential humor, featuring a lot of meta-jokes about pop culture and real-world events. I have recommended Phineas and Ferb to people who are far outside its intended age demographic and loved it dearly because of how funny it is, amicably mocking other properties and even itself.

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4 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

The Vampire Diaries Is A Perfect Guilty Pleasure Show For Vampire Fans

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another's affection. Cast Nina Dobrev , Ian Somerhalder , Steven R. McQueen , Paul Wesley , Kat Graham , Michael Trevino , Michael Malarkey , Zach Roerig , Candice King , Matthew Davis Seasons 8 Showrunner Julie Plec

The Vampire Diaries does demonstrate some of the things that I abhor about Twilight; namely, I am not one for love triangles. However, The Vampire Diaries surprised me with its bigger world-building, more dynamic characters, and even some romances that I actively rooted for. My opinion is that Damon is a character who would not have been as easily forgiven in real life as he is in the show. However, because he is a fictional character in a convoluted fantasy story, most fans accept this.

Damon is otherwise hilarious, with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that entertains all the way through. I love watching characters like Bonnie, Caroline, and Katherine destroy their enemies and was pleasantly surprised by Stefan's arc in the later seasons (after he gets out of the relationship with Elena that made him feel like a walking cliché). My recommendation for The Vampire Diaries would probably come with a comment about how I don't consider it highbrow entertainment. However, it is fun to watch and showcases how the vampire genre does have real potential.

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3 Percy Jackson And The Olympians (2023-Present)

The Percy Jackson Adaptation The Series & The Fans Deserved

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Based on the novel series by Rick Riordan Percy Jackson & the Olympians is an action-adventure fantasy television series created for Disney+. When Percy Jackson is framed for the theft of Zeus' almighty thunderbolt, Percy must clear his name, all while harnessing the powers inherited by his father, Poseidon, at a camp created for demi-gods. Cast Walker Scobell , Leah Sava Jeffries , Aryan Simhadri , Jason Mantzoukas , Megan Mullally , Glynn Turman , Adam Copeland , Virginia Kull , Lance Reddick Release Date December 20, 2023 Seasons 1 Showrunner Jonathan E. Steinberg , Dan Shotz

The confirmation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2 is indicative of the show's success so far. Really, this is the Percy Jackson adaptation we should have got, but at least by waiting this long, the series has the benefit of an industry willing to make a TV show rather than a movie franchise. I will advocate for the Disney+ show even in the face of minor criticisms; I believe that it is only going to get better from here as the bigger story takes shape and the cast becomes more accustomed to their roles.

Percy Jackson is supposed to be campy, something the previous movies did not understand.

Percy Jackson succeeds in adapting the protagonist's and series' sense of humor, as well as the modernized versions of characters from Greek mythology. Percy Jackson is supposed to be campy, something the previous movies did not understand. Given how amazing this veteran cast is as the various Greek gods and monsters, I am especially intrigued to see who they cast for Percy Jackson season 2 in roles such as Athena and Circe. The Percy Jackson books revamped their genre, and the show will hopefully now do the same.

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2 Hazbin Hotel (2024-Present)

VivziePop's Vision Of The Residents Of Hell Is Comedic & Profound

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Hazbin Hotel is an adult animation series created and directed by Vivienne Medrano. Hazbin Hotel centers on Lucifer's daughter, who opens a hotel for misfit demons she thinks can be redeemed in order to reduce Hell's overpopulation. The first season of Hazbin Hotel premiered on Prime Video on January 19, 2024. Cast Erika Henningsen , Stephanie Beatriz , Blake Roman , Amir Talai , Keith David , Alex Brightman , Kimiko Glenn , Joel Perez , Christian Borle , Jeremy Jordan Release Date January 19, 2024 Seasons 1 Creator(s) Vivienne Medrano

Hazbin Hotel’s jokes are razor-sharp and its music is brilliant, featuring the talents of various Broadway stars and other musical icons. However, what drives the story are themes of redemption and self-worth, which overshadow the characters’ alleged goal to physically get into Heaven. As soon as you start the show, you won’t be able to stop yourself from rooting for Charlie and her friends, who all have instantly iconic designs.

I probably go around recommending this show because it is so different from most mainstream media. Hell’s setting is vibrant and filled with interesting characters, but it also implies that everyone is on the same page because none of them are perfect. It demonstrates so much creativity with how it utilizes legendary characters and delves into the power imbalances of Hell and Heaven. At the core of the story is another found family who support each other no matter where they are.

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Related 10 Shows Like Hazbin Hotel To Watch While You Wait For Season 2 While fans are waiting for Hazbin Hotel season 2 to release, they can enjoy similar shows like Good Omens, Invader Zim, or Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

1 Arcane (2021-Present)

Netflix's League Of Legends Adaptation Stuns Everyone With Its Stylistic Narrative

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Set in the League of Legends universe, Arcane focuses on sisters Violet and Powder (later Jinx) as they end up on opposite sides of a growing conflict between the wealthy utopia of Piltover and its dark undercity whose citizens wish to break away from their oppressors. Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, and Kevin Alejandro star in this animated adventure. Cast Hailee Steinfeld , Ella Purnell , Kevin Alejandro , Katie Leung , jason spisak , Toks Olagundoye , Harry Lloyd , JB Blanc , Reed Shannon , Mick Wingert Release Date November 6, 2021 Seasons 1 Showrunner Christian Linke , Alex Yee

Arcane is one of the most vivid illustrations of how far animation has come, not just artistically or technologically, but in the types of stories it is used to tell. The world and character designs for Arcane are incredibly detailed and its use of recent music in the soundtrack results in some showstopping scenes. The story goes to shocking lengths to flesh out its biggest themes, mainly the strained relationships between family and friends and the stark wealth gap between Piltover and Zaun.

Many people were just shocked by how good the show is when League of Legends is not the most renowned video game. Regardless of its origins, everyone should watch Arcane to see how it handles popular tropes and be blown away by certain fight scenes. To top it off, the characters are all human and engaging, and I can’t wait to see how their stories end. I doubt I will ever stop recommending Arcane or any of my other favorite shows.