Some of the most loved TV shows deserve to be watched by everyone, irrespective of what their preferred genre is. In some instances, there projects that are simply too good and will entertain people with all kinds of tastes. For example, even if someone isn’t into sci-fi, somesci-fi TV shows that aren’t too complex or overwhelming, likeStranger ThingsorSilo, can be enjoyed by all viewers. They have interesting interpersonal drama and meaningful commentary on humanity and have detailed worldbuilding that everyone will love.
While genre conventions obviously impact the nature and the tone of narratives in TV shows, sometimes, shows are simply too good for anyone to dislike them. Some such shows, likeOur Flag Means Death, afeel-good romance TV show perfect for binging, offer interesting dynamics or premises or simply memorable writing and enthrall viewers. Some masterpiece shows are simply too good to pass on, and whatever your personal preferences and your favorite genres, it’s highly likely you’ll enjoy watching them.
Severance
Severance is a psychological thriller series featuring Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee at Lumon Industries who undergoes a “severance” procedure to separate his work and personal memories. However, as work and life personas mysteriously begin to collide, it quickly becomes clear that not all is as it seems. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle.
Dan Erickson created the workplace sci-fi dramaSeverance, which has a unique premisemeant to explore the concept of work-life balance in a capitalistic workplace. Via a special procedure on the brain, the employees on one particular floor of Lumon Industries have been severed, which allows them to not retain memories from work. They have innies, who are personalities that only exist inside the building, and outies, who live lives outside, blissfully free of stress from work.
Severance Season 3: Confirmation & Everything We Know
Apple TV+’s mind-bending series Severance returned after a lengthy break in early 2025, and now the Lumon employees will be back in season 3.
Many of the best episodes in the show have been directed by Ben Stiller, who was previously known for helmingZoolander, which features one of thebest surprise movie cameos. The unique design of the world, the ethical conundrums created by severance itself, and the very concept of not having to carry work stress home make the premise enticing for potential viewers. Excellent acting, imaginative cinematography, and amazing writing –Severancedeservedly earned six Emmy nominations in 2022 and could be looking forward to another in 2026.
4 seasons, more on the way
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
FromParks & RecreationtoBrooklyn 99, Abbott Elementary is influenced by the style of writing for such sitcoms. It made perfect use of the mockumentary format to parody typical experiences in the workplace, from eccentric bosses and feuding coworkers to changing management.
Abbott Elementaryhas been nominated for 24 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 4, alongside 9 Golden Globes nominations and 3 wins.
There was a significant gap in the workplace sitcom space left by the ending ofThe OfficeuntilQuinta Brunson came up with the idea for a mockumentary sitcom set in an elementary school. From Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter to Tyler James Williams, the show boasts a highly talented cast of actors who bring their witty comic timing and brilliant chemistry to the screen. Even viewers who don’t like sitcoms are sure to enjoy the hilarious takes on workplace conflicts and the often realistic exploration of the state of public education in the States.
3 seasons, more on the way
The White Lotus
The White Lotus is a television series that explores the interactions of guests and staff at an upscale tropical resort. Premiering in 2021, the narrative unfolds over a week, revealing underlying complexities and tensions among the resort’s seemingly ideal travelers and employees.
Yes,Game of Thronesis an exception, but many of its cast members blew up because of it, and it’s quite rare for a TV show, especially one that’s not a limited series, to be a who’s who of Hollywood.The White Lotus, however, with a fresh cast every season, features a mind-blowingly good roster of actors. Connie Britton, Steve Zahn, Molly Shannon, Alexandra Daddario, and Sydney Sweeney were among the stars in season 1. Season 2 saw Jennifer Coolidge reprising her role from the first season, joined by new cast members Aubrey Plaza, Haley Lu Richardson, and Leo Woodall.
The White Lotusis a satirical exploration of upper-class mannerisms where seemingly picture-perfect guests slowly expose their depravity.
Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Aimee Lou Wood, and Sam Rockwellstar in the latest season. Set in the titular resort, which is fictional, in various locations around the world,The White Lotusis a satirical exploration of upper-class mannerisms where seemingly picture-perfect guests slowly expose their depravity. Darkly comic, the show’s cast and witty writing are reasons enough for everyone to enjoy it.
2 seasons, more on the way
Squid Game
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
Few shows in recent years have blown up likeSquid Game. It follows the contestants of a fictional game show where they’re made to compete for a cash prize that would end all their financial troubles. They need to win children’s games at every level, but the catch is that defeat leads to death and an increase in the cash prize that the last survivor wins.Squid Gamerecently returned for season 2, and a third and final season is slated for release in June 2025.
Conceived and written by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has also directed episodes of the show,Squid Gameis based on his own experiences with South Korea’s class disparity. A scathing indictment on the capitalistic financial system prevalent in the nation, it explores people’s desperation and the lengths it drives them to. The unhealthy nature of competition provides the perfect social backdrop for the characters to lose their humanity as they fight tooth and nail to win. Irrespective of what a viewer enjoys,Squid Gameis a must-watch for its social commentary alone.
4 seasons
Succession
Succession is a Black Comedy and Satire television show created by Jesse Armstrong. It stars Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin and follows the story of an aging conglomerate owner as he deals with his declining health and the sudden realization that one of his children will soon inherit his position and run his company.
Unless you have been living under a rock or are removed from conversations about recent TV shows, you will have heard of HBO’sSuccession. It follows the members of the Roy family as the children prepare for their father’s death and start vying for prominence in his NYC-based media conglomerate so they might replace him upon his demise. The rising tensions among the four children enthralled viewers for four brilliant seasons.
Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong, Alan Ruck, and Kieran Culkin star as the four children of the ailing Logan Roy, while Hiyam Abbas plays his current wife at the start of its run.Successionwon commercial and critical acclaimfor all of its four seasons, often considered one of the greatest in TV history. With some details based on the Murdoch family, everything about the show is impeccable – tight writing where stakes rise in realistic ways that don’t feel formulaic, brilliant acting, unforgettable opening credits, and biting commentary on the corporate world.
2 seasons
Arcane
Arcane is an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, debuting in 2021. It explores the conflict between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Central to the story are two sisters whose allegiance to opposing sides of a technological and ideological war strains their bond.
The popularity ofArcaneshould be a subject of study. While it’s based on League of Legends, one of the biggest online multiplayer games today, the subject is significantly niche for TV audiences. The show is animated, and despite featuring brilliant artists in the soundtrack, doesn’t exactly fall within the parameters of TV that tends to blow up. However,Arcaneis easily one of the most celebrated shows today, with an emotionally rich roster of characters whose perspectives are used for the social commentary in the show.
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Set in the fictional locations of the rich city of Piltover and the seedy underbelly of Zaun,Arcanefollows multiple characters from both locations and their roles in the fight between them. Class divide and generational trauma are two of the many heavy themes the show tackles.There are simply too many things to love aboutArcane– the soundtrack, the writing, the unique art style for which new technology was created, and the voice acting, including a lead performance by Hailee Steinfeld, who also stars in theSpider-Versefranchise, comprisinganimated movies that are way better than expected.
Only Murders in the Building
Only Murders in the Building is a mystery-comedy series following three strangers, portrayed by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, who bond over their shared obsession with true crime. Set in a Manhattan apartment building, the trio becomes embroiled in a real murder mystery within their residence.
Few forms of media are as popular as podcasts today, and one of the most popular genres across all forms of entertainment is true crime. A project starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez already sounds fun, and luckily,Only Murders in the Buildingexceeds expectations. The three of them play a trio of unlikely friends who bond over their love for true-crime podcasts for four seasons, and a recently announcedOnly Murders in the Buildingseason 5.
With a hilarious take on the crime-solving genre, Only Murders In The Building has received widespread critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
The trio uses the knowledge they’ve gained from listening to these podcasts all day to try and solve the series of murders in their apartment building on the Upper West Side of New York City. With a hilarious take on the crime-solving genre,Only Murders In The Buildinghas received widespread critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The unique approach to storytelling and the quirky sense of humor make it a must-watch even for viewers whose favorite genre isn’t mystery.
3 seasons
Dark
Dark is a German science fiction thriller focusing on four families in a small town impacted by the disappearance of a child. As they search for answers, they uncover a web of interconnected secrets, revealing complex temporal and familial relationships spanning multiple generations.
Only a few complicated sci-fi shows make the whole world tune in. Convoluted mechanics, confusing plot details that require note-taking to keep track of, and confounding theories that one can come up with after every episode –Darkhas all the elements that should make it a niche show that doesn’t blow up. However, it became a worldwide sensation, and rightfully so.
Darkhas one of the most memorable TV opening credits of all time, with a psychedelic song by Apparat in the background. After that, viewers are greeted by the drab and damp fictional German town of Winden, where an anomalous phenomenon in a cave has opened a time portal. Brilliant acting and cinematography are accompanied by a smart plot with a relentless barrage of twists that somehow still help the narrative retain coherence. Sci-fi isn’t everyone’s genre, but the show’s quality deserves viewership from everyone.
The Bear
The intensity of work in the culinary world is considerably high even when Gordon Ramsay isn’t shouting insults at you. This has been the subject of film and TV for years, but few have broken through likeThe Bear. It broke30 Rock’s fifteen-year-old record for most Emmy nominations by a comedy series in a single year in 2024 with 23 nominations, and its own record of most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single year with 11 wins.
The Bearhas become so popular that its fourth season was recently announced ahead of its season three premiere!
The Bearfollows award-winning chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) on his return to his hometownafter his brother’s suicide, to manage his Italian beef sandwich shop. Used to a certain level of decorum and standard of workplace etiquette, since he’s been in Michelin-star restaurants for a while, Carmy’s in for a rude shock. Unruly coworkers, a growing amount of debt, and his own trauma push him to the brink in every episode. Intense, suspenseful, and stylish, the show is simply too good to pass on, even as the debate about whether it’s actually a comedy rages on.
1Beef (2023 – Present)
1 season, more on the way
Road accidents happen every day. While the minor ones fortunately do not take lives or cause grave injuries, they ruin the moods of everyone involved. However, it isn’t often does an incident of road rage grow into a vengeance plot of back-and-forth war between its participants, whose families come undone as a consequence. This might be quite unheard of, but it’s what the main characters of A24’sBeefchoose to dedicate their lives to. Few real-life premises are as relatable asBeef, and it explores characters' lives across social classes. Everyone should watch it at least once.
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Played by Ali Wong and Steven Yeun in an intense drama that’s simultaneously a dark comedy because of the over-the-top nature of their actions, the characters go to extreme lengths for revenge. Their actions become worse with each episode, and soon, it becomes impossible for their families to tolerate them anymore.With biting commentary on classism and privilege throughout the show,Beef’s finale is perhaps the most unexpected tone shift in TV show history. I hope it maintains the quality in its second season, which was announced recently, despite the show being a limited series.
