I haven't had cable for years and once it's gone, you really never miss it. The thing I do miss, though? Having old-ish television shows on in the background as I'm cooking or lounging or cleaning or, you know, living. Yes, there are certain shows that are better to sit down and give your undivided attention. But there are other shows that you can treat as some sort of comforting background noise to accompany your day. Maybe it reminds me of being younger, maybe I'm still not over the nineties/aughts, maybe I'm afraid of silence, WHO KNOWS. Whatever the reason may be, if you share any of these same feelings, these shows will fill that void.
- 30 Rock
- Assuming you've already seen the whole series (well, you really only need to watch the first four or five seasons, the final ones aren't that great), this is a perfect show to re-watch at your leisure. There are definitely jokes you've forgotten that were/are amazing.
- Freaks & Geeks
- Maybe the best thing James Franco ever did? I wish this were ten thousand seasons longer than it actually was.
- Gilmore Girls
- I realize I might not win any friends with this one, but this show definitely had its moments. And the fact that it's coming back (with Jess?!) is incredible so preparation for such an event is necessary.
- Frasier
- Hopefully, you already understand how great this show was/is, 'cause I'm not going to sit here and convince you. You either realize this or you don't. And if you don't? Get checked.
- 3rd Rock From The Sun
- This is an example of a show I hated when I was younger. Hated. Little did I realize that John Lithgow is probably the greatest living actor of our generation and he deserves all of the awards ever for how he portrayed this role. Too much? Nope! Go watch.
- Friday Night Lights
- Okay, if you haven't watched this before, then you need to include it first on your "Must Sit Down And Give Full Attention To" list. It's amazing television - and that's coming from someone who gives zero shits about football (I'm still allowed to say that even if I partake in fantasy football since I still don't actually understand how the game is played). But this show? Pretty, pretty great.
- Arrested Development
- I will never tire of this show. Well, the first three seasons of it. And I swear to God, you'll make other, non-believers love it, too. Even those who "claim" they never watch comedies.
- Friends
- All right, listen. I'm not even the hugest Friends fan, I swear to you. But it's a pretty decent show to unwind with from time to time. (Ugh, you hate me, don't you. I can feel it.)
- Futurama
- There is so much that is perfect about this show, that I refuse to simplify how great it is - other than stating that it's probably the next best thing to having The Simpsons on Netflix.
- Bob's Burgers
- I think we're all well aware of how much I endorse this program.
And you know how it takes you a million years to decide on what to watch on Netflix? If you're not in the mood for an entire movie, then these are the perfect options to get you through a meal or, like, an hour of living a life.
