20 recommended English-language T.V. shows
(in alphabetical order, separated by genre)
🤣 U.S. Comedies 🤣
30 Rock
Summary: 30 Rock is a satirical comedy about the behind-the-scenes chaos of a fictional TV comedy sketch show. Liz Lemon, the head writer, must balance her demanding job, an eccentric boss, and a cast of unpredictable actors. The show is known for its fast-paced humor, sharp wit, and absurd but insightful takes on the television industry.
Key Characters:
Liz Lemon, played by Tina Fey
Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin
Tracy Jordan, played by Tracy Morgan
Jenna Maroney, played by Jane Krakowski
Kenneth Parcell, played by Jack McBrayer
Themes:
Media and entertainment
Workplace satire
Ambition and career struggles in the entertainment industry.
Original Air Dates: 2006—2013
How to watch today: Available on the Peacock streaming service
2. Abbott Elementary
Summary: Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom set in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It follows a group of dedicated teachers, including optimistic Janine Teagues, who navigate challenges with both humor and heart. Other characters include a “woke” white teacher, two veteran teachers, and a hilarious janitor. The show highlights the struggles of educators, while celebrating their dedication, resilience, and workplace friendships.
Key Characters:
Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson
Gregory Eddie, played by Tyler James Williams
Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James
Melissa Schemmenti, played by Lisa Ann Walter
Jacob Hill, played by Chris Perfetti
Themes:
Education and systemic issues that affect it
Optimism in difficult situations
Workplace relationships
Original Air Dates: 2021—present
How to watch today: Available on ABC and the Hulu streaming service
3. Friends
Summary: On one the most popular shows in U.S. history, Friends follows a close-knit group of six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate life, love, and careers in New York City. The show balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Their evolving relationships and comedic misadventures kept viewers engaged for ten seasons, and many of its cast members went on to have long and successful Hollywood careers.
Key Characters:
Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston
Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer
Monica Geller, played by Courtney Cox
Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry
Joey Tribbiani, played by Matt LeBlanc
Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow
Themes:
Friendship and romantic love
Life in your 20s and 30s
Career and personal growth in your 20s and 30s
Original Air Dates: 1994—2004
How to watch today: Available on the Peacock streaming service
4. The Good Place
Summary: The Good Place follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a selfish woman who dies and mistakenly arrives in a utopian afterlife (heaven) called "The Good Place." As she tries to fit in and avoid detection, she befriends other residents and she begins a journey of self-improvement. However, she soon discovers that "The Good Place" is not what it seems. The show mixes smart comedy with philosophical questions about morality and ethics.
Key Characters:
Eleanor Shellstrop, played by Kristen Bell
Chidi Anagonye, played by William Jackson Harper
Tahani Al-Jamil, played by Jameela Jamil
Jason Mendoza, played by Manny Jacinto
Michael, played by Ted Danson
Themes:
Ethics and morality
Self-improvement
The meaning of the afterlife (heaven/ hell/ purgatory)
Original Air Dates: 2016—2020
How to watch today: Available on the Peacock streaming service
5. Hacks
Summary: Hacks follows Deborah Vance, a legendary stand-up female comedian struggling to stay relevant in the changing entertainment industry. She hires Ava, a young bisexual comedy writer to help refresh her material. The show explores their generational differences, the challenges of being female in comedy, and the price of success in show business.
Key Characters:
Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart
Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder
Jimmy LuSaque, played by Paul W. Downs
Marcus, played by Carl Clemons-Hopkins
Themes:
Female empowerment
Generational clashes
The struggles of show business, especially for women
Original Air Dates: 2021—present
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
6. My Name is Earl
Summary: My Name is Earl follows Earl Hickey, a small-time crook who decides to turn his life around after winning the lottery-and immediately losing the ticket. He believes in karma and creates a list of bad things he has done, setting out to make amends for each one. Along the way, his dim-witted brother Randy, his ex-wife Joy, and motel maid Catalina join him on his journey of redemption.
Key Characters:
Earl Hickey, played by Jason Lee
Randy Hickey, played by Ethan Suplee
Joy Turner, played by Jaime Presley
Catalina Aruca, played by Nadine Velazquez
Themes:
Karma and redemption
Second chances
Original Air Dates: 2005—2009
How to watch today: Available on Hulu streaming service
7. The Office (U.S.)
Summary: The Office is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the daily lives of employees at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, PA. Based on Ricky Gervais’ British show of the same name, the show focuses on the awkward and often hilarious interactions between office workers, led by their clueless but well-meaning boss, Michael Scott. Office relationships, office drama, and absurd situations create a workplace comedy filled with both memorable moments and viral quotes. Along with Friends (#3), this is the most popular comedy in the U.S.
Key Characters:
Michael Scott, played by Steve Carrell
Jim Halpert, played by John Krasinski
Pam Beesly, played by Jenna Fischer
Dwight Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson
Themes:
Workplace dynamics
Awkward, cringeworthy humor
Relationships and personal growth
Original Air Dates: 2005—2013
How to watch today: Available on the Peacock streaming service
8. Parks & Recreation
Summary: Parks & Recreation is a comedy series about the employees of the Parks Department in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie Knope, a passionate and optimistic government worker, dreams of improving her town while dealing with quirky colleagues and local politics. With witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, the show explores friendships, ambition, and civic engagement.
Key Characters:
Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler
Ron Swanson, played by Nick Offerman
Ben Wyatt, played by Adam Scott
Tom Haverford, played by Aziz Ansari
April Ludgate, played by Aubrey Plaza
Themes:
Public service and government
Friendship and teamwork
Optimism and perseverance
Original Air Dates: 2009—2015
How to watch today: Available on the Peacock streaming service
9. The Righteous Gemstones
Summary: The Righteous Gemstones is a dark comedy about a wealthy and corrupt televangelist family. Led by patriarch Eli Gemstone, his children struggle for power while maintaining a public image of righteousness. The show satirizes megachurch culture, greed, and family dysfunction with very sharp humor and shocking visual gags.
Key Characters:
Eli Gemstone, played by John Goodman
Jesse Gemstone, played by Danny McBride
Judy Gemstone, played by Edi Patterson
Kelvin Gemstone, played by Adam Devine
Baby Billy Freeman, played by Walton Goggins
Themes:
Religious hypocrisy
Family dysfunction
Power and corruption
Original Air Dates: 2019—present
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
10. The Simpsons
Summary: The Simpsons is an animated sitcom that follows the lives of the Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield. The father, Homer, is a clumsy but lovable nuclear power plant worker. His wife, Marge, is a caring mother who keeps the family together, while their three children—mischievous Bart, intelligent Lisa, and baby Maggie—bring both chaos and charm. The show satirizes American culture, politics, and everyday life with humor and absurdity. The show is highly respected in American culture and might be the most influential television show ever, having contributed many new words to the American vernacular and many memes into our culture. Time magazine called it the best television show of the 20th century.
Key Characters:
Homer Simpson, voiced by Dan Castellaneta
Marge Simpson, voiced by Julie Kavner
Bart Simpson, voiced by Nancy Cartwright
Lisa Simpson, voiced by Yeardley Smith
Maggie Simpson, voiced by various voice actors
Themes:
Family and relationships
Satire of American culture
Social and political commentary
Original Air Dates: 1989—present
How to watch today: All 700+ episodes are on the Disney+ streaming service
11. Silicon Valley
Summary: Silicon Valley is a satirical comedy that follows Richard Hendricks, a shy but brilliant coder who creates a revolutionary algorithm. Along with his awkward team of developers, he tries to build a startup company while navigating the ruthless world of technology and venture capitalism. The show humorously critiques the startup culture, the tech industry, and Silicon Valley, which gave the show its name.
Key Characters:
Richard Hendricks, played by Thomas Middleditch
Erlich Bachman, played by T.J. Miller
Dinesh Chugtai, played by Kumail Nanjiani
Gilfoyle, played by Martin Starr
Themes:
Tech industry satire
Startup struggles
Innovation vs. greed
Original Air Dates: 2014—2019
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
😢 U.S. Dramas 😢
12. The Bear
Summary: The Bear tells the story of Carmy, a renowned chef who returns to Chicago after his brother's suicide to take over the family's struggling beef sandwich shop. Carmy faces numerous challenges, including a dilapidated kitchen, mounting debts, and a staff resistant to change. Despite the obstacles, he is determined to transform the shop into a successful establishment. As Carmy navigates the complexities of running the business, he also confronts his own personal demons, including grief, guilt, and unresolved family issues. "The Bear" explores themes of family, loss, addiction, and the pursuit of excellence, providing a raw and authentic portrayal of the restaurant industry and the complexities of human relationships.
Key Characters:
Carmy Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White
Sydney Adamu, played by Ayo Edebiri
Richie Jerimovich, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Tina Marreno, played by Liza Colón Zayas
Themes:
Family dynamics
Grief and coping
The pursuit of excellence
Challenges of small business ownership, especially in the hospitality industry
Original Air Dates: 2022—present
How to watch today: Available on the Hulu streaming service
13. Better Call Saul
Summary: Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, that focuses on Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to represent his underdog clients, build his practice, and somehow make a name for himself. Over time, his ambitions and questionable ethics lead him to adopt the persona of Saul Goodman, the morally ambiguous criminal lawyer who appears in Breaking Bad (#14).
Key Characters:
Jimmy McGill / Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk
Kim Wexler, played by Rhea Seehorn
Mike Ehrmantraut, played by Jonathan Banks
Chuck McGill, played by Michael McKean
Common Themes:
Moral ambiguity
The consequences of our choices
Identity and transformation
Corruption and redemption
Original Air Dates: 2015—2022
How to watch today: Available on the AMC+ and the Netflix streaming service(s)
14. Breaking Bad
Summary: Breaking Bad follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. To secure his family's financial future, he turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine, partnering with former student Jesse Pinkman. As they delve deeper into the drug trade, Walter's actions lead to severe consequences. Many consider this to be the best T.V. drama of all time.
Key Characters:
Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston
Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul
Skyler White, played by Anna Gunn
Hank Schrader, played by Dean Norris
Saul Goodman, played by Bob Odenkirk
Common Themes:
Morality and corruption
Family and loyalty
Crime and its consequences
Power and identity
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2008—2013
How to watch today: Available on the Netflix streaming service
15. Game of Thrones
Summary: Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy drama based on George R.R. Martin's novels. It depicts the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, all while an ancient threat looms in the North. The series intertwines politics, betrayal, and warfare in a richly-detailed medieval world.
Key Characters:
Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage
Jon Snow, played by Kit Harrington
Cersei Lannister, played by Lena Headey
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke
Common Themes:
Power and ambition
Betrayal and loyalty
Family dynamics
Survival and honor
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2011—2019
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming platform
16. Somebody Somewhere
Plot Summary: Somebody Somewhere is a comedy-drama series that centers on Sam, a woman in her 40s who returns to her Kansas hometown following her sister's death. Struggling with grief and feeling out of place, Sam discovers a community of outsiders who share her love for music and performance, helping her find a sense of belonging and purpose. This is a quiet, simple, and beautiful show.
Key Characters:
Sam, played by Bridget Everett
Joel, played by Jeff Hiller
Fred Rococo, played by Murray Hill
Tricia Miller, played by Mary Catherine Garrison
Common Themes:
Grief, healing, and self-discovery
Community and acceptance
Pursuit of passion
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2022—2025
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
17. The Sopranos
Plot Summary: The Sopranos follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster who struggles to balance the demands of his crime family with those of his personal life. After experiencing panic attacks, Tony seeks therapy with Dr. Jennifer Melfi, leading to introspective explorations of his psyche and the complexities of his dual existence as both a suburban father and a mob boss.
Key Characters:
Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini
Carmela Soprano, played by Edie Falco
Dr. Jennifer Melfi, played by Lorraine Bracco
Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli
Paulie Gualtieri, played by Tony Sirico
Common Themes:
Mental health and therapy
Family and loyalty
Crime and morality
Identity and power
Original Air Dates: Aired from 1999—2007
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
18. The White Lotus
Plot Summary: The White Lotus is an anthology series that follows the exploits of guests and staff at various locations of the fictional White Lotus resort chain. Each season explores the interactions among the wealthy guests and the local employees catering to them, delving into themes of privilege, power dynamics, and hidden secrets beneath the surface of picture-perfect vacations.
Key Characters:
As this is an anthology series, the cast generally varies from season to season. The three seasons are set in the following locations:
Season 1 (Hawaii); Season 2 (Italy); Season 3 (Thailand)
Common Themes:
Social satire
Privilege and entitlement
Moral ambiguity
Interpersonal relationships, taboo relationships
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2021—present
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max streaming service
19. Succession
Summary: Succession follows the Roy family, owners of the global media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. As the aging patriarch, Logan Roy, experiences health issues, his four children—Connor, Kendall, Roman, and Shiv—vie for control of the company, leading to intense power struggles and sibling betrayals. The series explores themes of wealth, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power in a high-stakes corporate setting.
Key Characters:
Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox
Kendall Roy, played by Jeremy Strong
Roman Roy, played by Kieran Culkin
Shiv Roy, played by Sarah Snook
Tom Wambsgans, played by Matthew Macfadyen
Greg Hirsch, played by Nicholas Braun
Common Themes:
Power and ambition
Family betrayal
Wealth and privilege
Corporate politics
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2018—2023
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max Netflix streaming service
20. The Wire
Summary: The Wire is a crime drama set in Baltimore, Maryland, that explores the interconnected lives of law enforcement, criminals, politicians, and journalists. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city's institutions, from the drug trade and the police force to schools and the media. The show provides a realistic and complex portrayal of systemic issues affecting urban America.
Key Characters:
Jimmy McNulty, played by Dominic West
Stringer Bell, played by Idris Elba
Omar Little, played by Michael K. Williams
Avon Barksdale, played by Wood Harris
Bunk Moreland, played by Wendell Pierce
Common Themes:
Institutional dysfunction
Crime and justice
Social and economic inequality
Power and corruption
Original Air Dates: Aired from 2002—2008
How to watch today: Available on the (HBO) Max Netflix streaming service
See also, recommended English-language T.V. shows that are only one or two seasons long