While I’m not an advocate for mindless binging, I am a strong proponent of mindful streaming! Here’s an exhaustive list of shows that are both enjoyable and intelligent. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn.
Netflix
Atypical - A complex and centralized neurodivergent - interesting complicated relationship with therapist - curious whether others found her sympathetic…
The Good Place - Philosophy with a several spoonfuls of sugar
Russian Doll - Not always funny, but always mesmerizing and deep
The Magicians - Highlight, duet of Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush classic) & David Bowie’s Afraid
Lucifer - Love Linda the therapist
Queer Eye - Always uplifting and just, wow. One week?!
Rescued by Ruby - Family fave. Couldn’t believe we were actually watching an intelligent & well made children’s movie where the star was a shelter pup - based on a true story too!
Umbrella Academy - Ready to join Klaus’ cult?
Dear White People - Always thoughtful & engaging, this beautifully designed and acted show deals with the complexities of attending an Ivy, from a kaleidoscope of Black perspective.
Imposters - Fun & unexpected.
Sex Education - Wow, if I’d only known then, what these kids know now…Gillian Anderson as a single mother, author and sex therapist in a drop dead gorgeous English setting.
The Mindy project - Mindy Kaling is brilliant funny with a self-awareness that skirts the edge of passionate self-love & self-loathing. Funny reoccuring guest appearances by the Duplass brothers as smug midwives.
Cosmos - Really puts things in perspective…This Carl Sagan reboot with Neil deGrasse Tyson made me believe I could have enjoying HS science if I had the right teacher!
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - obviously & hey, great cameo from Tina Fey as Kimm’y therapist and Lisa Kudrow as her rollercoaster loving mom
Hulu
The Nevers - Feminist, supernatural, steam-punk, sci-fi…
Legion - Jean Smart for the win. Unforgettable musical dream sequence from Jemaine Clement.
Gentleman Jack - Being LGBTQ in the time of Downton Abby
Somebody Somewhere - Catch another duet of Don’t Give Up
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency - One of my favorite books come to life through the inexhaustibly charming Samuel Barnett with Elijah Wood.
The Bold Type - Heartwarming, funny & modern show about supportive female friendships
Woke - The challenges of being unexpectedly caught up in a movement, while trying to find yourself.
Feel Good - Lisa Kudrow is her mom too?
Inside Amy Schumer - Genius. “Last Fu@kable Day”, “Tampo: The Best Way To Hide Your Tampons,” “Compliments”. Inside Amy Schumer is to Feminism, which The Daily Show is to Politics.
Key and Peele - Highlights…Obama’s anger translator, Text Message Confusion, party motivators, Flicker…
bonus
HBO Max
Minx
Hacks
Miracle Workers
What am I missing? Let me know in the comments which shows you’ve enjoyed, that I may have left off the list.