Whether it’s a sick day, a day off with nothing to do, or bad weather keeping you indoors, there are days when boredom takes over. TV shows can be great cures for mundane days because, unlike films, they allow viewers to connect to and get invested in characters over a longer period. Moreover, if the series is long enough (like the good ol’ days when shows had 20+ episodes per season), it can provide entertainment for weeks or months.
Drama series are particularly great at alleviating boredom. With tense plots, frequent plot twists, and highly emotional scenes. But not all dramas are created equally. Some prefer a slow burn before getting to the heart of the story. While those can be great, the perfect series for those days when nothing piques your interest are the ones that are exciting from episode one. Here are 20 great guilty pleasure TV dramas that are perfect for when you’re bored.
20 Scandal (2012-2018)
Scandal is a crime drama set amidst the political atmosphere of Washington D.C.. The series primarily follows Olivia Pope, a talented professional who used to work as the Director of Communications in the White House. To make things extra scandalous, Olivia had an affair with her boss and employer, the President himself. Eventually, Olivia starts her own crisis management firm, and the show follows the team as they solve the different cases.
What Makes It Great
As one of the many Shondaland productions, the drama is in great hands. The high-stakes atmosphere will inject liveliness in most viewers. The central mysteries and political intrigue would be enough on their own to propel the story, but Shonda Rhimes and her team don’t stop there. There are also romantic subplots, assassination attempts, betrayal, and much more to keep audiences engaged. Real-life politics deserve serious attention, so it’s nice to be able to indulge in the political world without feeling like you’ve trivializing issues impacting actual people. Stream on Hulu
19 The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)
Based on the book by Margaret Atwood many consider a modern classic, The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in a dystopian future where women have little to no rights. Some are relegated to being subservient wives. Others are tasked with being “Marthas,” which are essentially maids. Then, there are the handmaids, women who are stripped of their names, forced to get impregnated by men, and then hand over their children to be raised by the man and his wife.
What Makes It Great
This show is not for the bored viewer looking for a fun, light watch. The series depicts an array of different women, from those we sympathize with to those who uphold this oppressive system. How those in charge justify their barbaric actions against those who can’t escape is horrifying and upsetting, yet also fascinating. The topics covered on the show are heavy, some even criticize the show for its non-stop trauma against women, calling it unnecessary or gratuitous. Die-hard fans may agree, but the poignant acting and sharp detailing in the world-building make it a certifiable guilty pleasure. Stream on Hulu
18 Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Peaky Blinders is a crime drama that draws inspiration from a real-life street gang from the late-1800s. After the First World War, many are searching for power and control in the shaky economy. The Shelby family, led by Tommy, seemed to have found that, with a hand on much of business (legal and not) running in and out of Birmingham, England. However, whenever there’s a rowdy bunch on top, there’s always a handful of others looking to tear them down.
What Makes It Great
The show is gritty, violent, and, at times, dark. However, it’s not a bog-standard gang show where there’s no substance or depth to those who grace the screen. Tommy Shelby is the best example of this. With less skilled writers (and a less talented actor than Cillian Murphy), Tommy could’ve been a one-note villain who uses his Tragic Backstory to be a horrible person. Instead, viewers see him make bad choice after bad choice, with a few good ones sprinkled in. And even if we don’t agree with them, we understand the motivations behind them, which is the key to any great character and why, even with the unnecessary violence and sexism, people still tune in. Stream on Netflix
17 Reign (2013-2017)
Reign
- Release Date
- October 17, 2013
- Cast
- Megan Follows , Craig Parker , Will Kemp , Jonathan Goad , Rachel Skarsten
Reign is a historical drama based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. Since she was a young child, Mary knew she was to wed Francis, the future King of France. However, when she arrives in France, she is met with a cold shoulder by the Queen and even Francis himself. With England threatening to strike Scotland, Mary must try to form alliances with those in the court while also keeping herself safe from several individuals who would rather see her gone.
What Makes It Great
This soapy romantic drama is perfect for viewers who prefer their romances to play out in opulent settings without modern-day distractions. Fans of the show love that Mary and Francis didn’t fall in love right away, even with their undeniable chemistry from the first episode. Their conflicts fit within the time this takes place, even when the writers veered away from what historians know about the royal family.
There are even slight supernatural elements thrown into the show, making it unique from other period dramas. Yes, it ultimately is a teen romance costuming as a sophisticated historical drama. But it doesn’t need to be highbrow when it’s this much fun. Stream on Prime Video
16 The OC (2003-2007)
The O.C. is a teen drama about a boy named Ryan Atwood, whose trouble-making ways are finally catching up with him. He grew up in a poor and dysfunctional household, and eventually his mother kicks him out. He’s invited to live with the Cohens, a wealthy family who have a son named Seth around his age. With a new family and peers, Ryan has to adjust to the new world he now inhabits.
What Makes It Great
So many teen dramas from the mid-to-late 2000s can start to blend together. The O.C. stands out from the very first episode, when Ryan and a friend break into a car, get guns pulled on them by cops, and are thrown into jail. From that moment, viewers know this won’t be a sanitized version of the teen experience.
And no matter how many love storylines the writers throw in, the most special relationships are the familial ones between Ryan and the Cohens. Even with how “tropey” the show can get and how predictable certain plot points can be, something about the cast and setting keep roping us back in for more. Stream on Hulu
15 Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Sons of Anarchy takes place in the fictional city of Charming, California, even though “charming” isn’t what most of the characters would be described as. Jax Teller is the vice president of an outlaw biker gang, the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original, or SAMCRO. In the first season, Jax is at odds with the new president of the club: his stepfather. His actual father used to run SAMCRO, but after his death, leadership switched hands. And Jax struggles with the direction the club is going with his dad’s vision for the organization.
What Makes It Great
The show takes morally gray characters to the next level. It doesn’t brush past the violent bits, some viewers may find it a little too brutal at times. Yet there’s no question that the scenes where Jax and his companions are facing off with their adversaries are riveting. Later seasons in the show start to feel a little repetitive, but the earlier episodes are quite fun. Sometimes the best guilty pleasures are ones that allow viewers to completely turn our brains off, and this niche focus on a motorcycle club does just that. Stream on Hulu
14 Lost (2004-2010)
Lost
- Release Date
- September 22, 2004
Lost follows a group of characters dealing with the aftermath of a plane crash from Sydney to Los Angeles. The first season spans 44 days, as the remaining passengers try to survive on a deserted island. Jack Shephard was a surgeon on board the fated flight and stepped up as the leader. While finding food and adequate shelter are important, Jack and the rest of the inhabitants soon realize other dangers on the island could threaten their lives.
What Makes It Great
Getting stranded on an island is a great premise, one that most people would agree is an unnerving situation. However, it wasn’t the concept alone that made the six seasons and over 100 episodes a treat for fans. It weaves in elements of mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural that keep viewers on edge.
For some, never knowing if a challenge is real or magic could be frustrating (and certainly some plot points in Lost were), but all in all, it made for exciting TV. Show writers leave a plethora of questions unanswered, but by that point we’re too invested in the characters to care about inconsistencies and plot holes. Stream on Hulu
13 Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)
Based on a young adult mystery series, Pretty Little Liars is about a group of friends stalked by a person who goes by “-A.” Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily used to be close until queen bee Alison went missing, and it fractured their friend group. However, the discovery of Alison’s body brings them together, as well as texts from “-A.” This stalker holds each of their many secrets, and it becomes clear why the show refers to them as liars.
What Makes It Great
Most fans will agree that the series went off the rails toward the end. Reveals of antagonists didn’t make sense, timelines switched up, and it became more melodramatic if that was even possible. However, the first few seasons were a genuinely good teen drama. The overarching story of -A and what led to Alison’s disappearance connected each of the girls’ individual stories.
The show had lots of characters, perhaps too many, but that does mean viewers will be invested in figuring out who’s a red herring and who cannot be trusted. Though certain relationships make viewers cringe, and the central -A mystery overstayed its welcome by at least two seasons, it’s the perfect watch for days when you want to scream at your scream in both frustration and excitement. Stream on Hulu
12 The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
The 2000s were all about young adult book adaptations, and The Vampire Diaries was among the most successful. Elene Gilbert is a 17-year-old girl still grappling with her parents’ recent deaths. Living in Mystic Falls, Virginia, she resorts to her diary to vent her feelings, even while in foggy cemeteries. A new boy named Stefan starts to be a welcome distraction for Elena, though it becomes clear he has a few secrets of his own that may explain his peculiar behavior.
What Makes It Great
Stefan and Elena aren’t the only two that fans enjoy following. Stefan’s brother, Damon, becomes the third member to round out the lead trio. As one may expect, a love triangle ensues as Elena is dragged deeper into the world of vampires. The plot deviates from the books, so even fans of the original work will still have a good time.
The show can be predictable at times, but in a way that’s comforting and still entertaining. Damon, Stefan, and Elena’s dynamic is frustrating at the best of times, annoying at the worst. Even so, the charisma of each character, plus the dynamic side characters, is enough to propel many viewers to say, “Just one more episode.” Stream on Max
11 Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad is a crime drama following an unconventional high school chemistry teacher. Walter White’s life does not fulfill him, and he questions it more after his diagnosis of Stage 3 lung cancer. When he witnesses a former student named Jesse escape a raid on a drug dealer’s house, Walter wonders if he can use his chemistry knowledge in other ways. To ensure his family is set financially before he dies, he recruits Jesse to his meth-making scheme.
What Makes It Great
This series is the perfect combination of the ordinary and the peculiar. Walter is such an ordinary guy. From his day job to the way he carries himself to his family life. Many viewers can relate to Walter and the missing spark he feels in his life and the turmoil a terminal illness can stir up.
However, not many viewers can relate to the road Walter turns down. It’s fascinating to see what dire circumstances can push the most ordinary people to do. This morally gray (and to others morally bankrupt) character divides many people. But for those who can get on board with a man who loses his morality, it’s a fun ship to sail on. Stream on Netflix
10 Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
A YA book-to-screen adaptation, Gossip Girl is about the illustrious life of Manhattan’s Upper East Siders. Narrated by Gossip Girl, an anonymous blogger who spills the secrets of the inner crowd, this series never lacks in dramatics. We have Serena and Blair, two former best friends with a complicated past; Chuck, a pompous jerk who constantly throws caution to the wind; and Dan, an outsider looking to gain access to the group to get closer to Serena. Many other characters fill out this ensemble cast, and their interpersonal dynamics are the heart of this show.
What Makes It Great
Viewers who want to bask in the lavishness of wealthy socialites will adore this show. Rich People Problems could easily induce eye rolls because of how tone-deaf they may seem, but that’s part of Gossip Girl‘s appeal. The inclusion of Dan and his family are great additions to call out the ludicrous behaviors of the others, while also showing how easily it is to get roped into that world.
Many balk at those who cite Gossip Girl as their favorite show, and they have valid points. Chuck Bass is held as an antihero with a successful redemption arc in some circles. To others? He’s a despicable character who should’ve been booted after season one. But even with characters like Chuck, who are problematic to say the least, there are plenty of other draws that make it the perfect guilty pleasure. Stream on Max
9 The White Lotus Season 1 (2021)
The White Lotus is a dramatic dark comedy and thus has an overall lighter vibe than most of the entries on this list. The first season of this anthology series is about the guests and employees at the White Lotus resort in Maui. Shane and Rachel are on their honeymoon and their differences already sprout questions about whether they’re meant to be. Nicole and Mark are married and are navigating parenthood and Mark’s recent health concerns. These colorful characters, along with plenty of others, help propel the show’s critique of social class.
What Makes It Great
Season 1 opens on a suspenseful note with Shane alone in an airport watching as a box of human remains is lifted onto a plane. It flashes back to the days at the resort and more questions pop up with that powerful introduction looming in viewers’ minds. The characterization of each individual was exaggerated just the right amount without venturing into silly territory, allowing for the emotional moments to resonate more.
Most don’t want to admit is there’s something strangely satisfying about watching rich, privileged people contribute to their own downfall. That unsavory truth pairs well with the dark humor present in the show and adds to viewers’ enjoyment, even if they won’t admit it. Stream on Max
8 Empire (2015-2020)
Empire Entertainment is a successful hip-hop record company run by CEO Lucious Lyon. His path to the top where he now sits wasn’t easy. He had to sell drugs to finance his music career after the early death of his parents. Now, he has big plans for Empire Entertainment, but a diagnosis that gives him just a few years to live causes him to pivot yet again. He has to choose his successor who’ll be able to carry on the legacy he’s started to create.
What Makes It Great
Anti-heroes can be tricky to nail down with how bad writers can make them before viewers completely lose sympathy for them. Lucious isn’t the best guy. He left his wife Cookie (played by Taraji P. Henson) after she went to jail helping him with his career and married a younger woman, and he’s openly homophobic in earlier seasons. His beliefs are challenged when one of his sons comes out as gay. Empire tackles tough topics and adds a musical element that makes it unique from other family dramas.
The show hasn’t been without criticism, whether it be its depiction of Black women (Cookie in particular). While this show isn’t the best in terms of character complexity, the music in the show and its bingeable nature thanks to cliffhangers earn it a spot on this list. Stream on Hulu
7 Mare of Easttown (2021)
Detective Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown is experiencing a lot of midlife growing pains. She is recently divorced from a man who is about to remarry, lost her son to suicide, and is battling for custody of her grandson. To add to her troubles, the mom of a missing teenager is calling out the police for the lack of forward momentum on the case. After Mare failed to solve a previous case involving a young woman, many start to doubt her abilities, including Mare herself.
What Makes It Great
Small-town crime dramas are the ideal choices for quiet days stuck at home. Lots of complex women are at the center of this show, and each is flawed but sympathetic in their own ways. As Mare connects the dots between the cases plaguing the town, viewers too will have the urge to take out a notepad and start tracking all the clues.
The dialogue can be cheesy, and Mare’s progression in the investigations sometimes appears to be more from plot convenience than astuteness on her part. Mare of Easttown proves that a mystery doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel for viewers to flock to it. Throw in dramatic stakes attached to murders and sketchy suspects, and we’ll overlook the minor flaws. Stream on Max
6 The Originals (2013-2018)
The Originals
- Release Date
- October 3, 2013
- Cast
- Joseph Morgan , Daniel Gillies , Phoebe Tonkin , Charles Michael Davis , Yusuf Gatewood , Steven Krueger
Numerous characters were introduced in The Vampire Diaries and the Mikaelson family struck such a chord with viewers they received a spin-off, The Originals. The Mikaelsons are known as the original vampires, some of the most powerful of their kind. Niklaus returns to New Orleans, the city he and his family were ousted from, to reclaim his territory. Fellow vampire Marcel, with whom he has a complicated history, refuses to go down without a fight, nor will the witches and werewolves who also seek control of the magical city.
What Makes It Great
A battle between different supernatural characters is exciting by itself. However, the Mikaelson family do plenty of in-fighting in The Originals. Elijah despises his brother Klaus’ cruel ways and the two clash. Rebecca is a hopeless romantic who does not let go of grudges easily, especially if it involves her meddling brothers.
The regal way the Mikaelsons speak is at times jarring alongside the otherwise modern feel of the show. It’s more mature than The Vampire Diaries, though it still bounces between a dark drama and a supernatural soap opera from time to time. All that considered, the characters we love or love to hate and complex history cement it as a guilty pleasure. Stream on Freevee
5 Misfits (2009-2013)
misfits
- Release Date
- November 12, 2009
- Cast
- Karla Crome , Shaun Dooley
Misfits is an underrated science fiction dramedy that follows a group of five young adults who have committed various crimes that require them to complete a community service program. Among them is Curtis, whose possession of cocaine led him there; Simon, an attempted arsonist; and Alisha, who has a problem with drunk driving. While doing their service, a strong storm disrupts their work and sends them running for cover. But the large thunderstorm appears to have given them supernatural abilities that both enhance and complicate their lives.
What Makes It Great
Despite the five seasons, each only contains a handful of episodes, making it the perfect series to plow through for someone experiencing boredom and needing an outlet. Admittedly, some aspects of the show don’t age well. Simon’s power is invisibility, and he uses it in, to put it lightly, weird ways to get closer to his crush Alisha. However, stories featuring wildly different personalities forced together by circumstances are popular for a reason.
It’s a pleasure seeing each character bounce off each other and the development of their abilities. So, while it might not be best that we ignore some of the behaviors that wouldn’t get past the writing room today, it’s too good not to throw on when you need an escape. Stream on Hulu
4 Succession (2018-2023)
Succession is another series that masterfully mixes comedy and drama. The Roy family is super wealthy thanks to the success of a media and entertainment company they own. The father, Logan, is the head of the company, but his health condition makes it evident he’ll have to appoint someone to take his place. While some families would try to make this transition as smooth as possible, each of the four children has plans for the company that requires being in charge.
What Makes It Great
Complicated family dynamics? Check. Rich People Problems? Check. Some may forget that the people involved in the backstabbing and plotting are related. The obstacles are thrown at the characters from outside and inside the family. Each Roy child has a strong personality and a burning desire not to answer to their siblings.
The scenarios aren’t the most realistic, but the best shows aren’t always ones that fit neatly into what we know about the world. As the series continues, the web of how this family became so messy starts to unravel, and it’ll never fail to entertain, even when we question its accuracy of the business world. Stream on Max
3 Prison Break (2005-2017)
If viewers want to watch a family who won’t readily betray another, Prison Break is a great option. Lincoln Burrows is incarcerated and on death row for a murder he claims not to have committed. The only other person convinced of his innocence is his brother Michael. Instead of campaigning for justice or trying for another appeal, Michael concocts an escape plan that involves him getting incarcerated in the same prison as Lincoln.
What Makes It Great
Following a cunning character with a determination that seems impossible to quell is always interesting. The lengths Michael is willing to go to fight for his brother’s freedom (while sacrificing his own) is admirable. It’s not an easy challenge. The show’s writers make sure there are unexpected setbacks and difficulties that neither brother anticipated to keep fans on their toes.
Is the entire premise absolutely bonkers? Absolutely. Viewers have to suspend their disbelief on multiple fronts. Yet despite this seemingly insurmountable logic question up front, viewers don’t seem to care. The brothers are well-rounded, the prison is corrupt, and the topics about our justice system are timely. Stream on Hulu
2 Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
Big Little Lies is based on a novel by Liane Moriarty. The show changed the setting from the beaches of Sydney, Australia to Monterey, California. Five women are bonded because their children go to the same school. At the start of the series, audiences know a murder occurred but not who died nor who committed it. Viewers go back in time to the introduction of a new mom to the school and how she will fit into the social politics already in place.
What Makes It Great
The HBO show had a great base to work from in Moriarty’s novel. However, the ensemble cast drove home the sharp story with twists that many won’t see coming. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Zoë Kravitz make up some of the main cast, and their performances shine extra brightly. These ladies seem sweet on the outside, which makes the moments they snap all the more satisfying.
With a murder mystery woven throughout, it’s sure to keep viewers glued to the screen. There’s so much good about Big Little Lies that it’s hard to imagine why some would feel “guilty” about loving it. However, it’s no secret that women-fronted projects that deal with motherhood aren’t put on the same pedestals as other stories. This shows why that idea is archaic. Stream on Max
1 Normal People (2020)
Considered one of the best TV romances in the modern era, Normal People is a coming-of-age drama based on a novel by Sally Rooney. Connell and Marianne don’t have much in common besides going to the same school in their small Irish town. Connell’s mother works for Marianne’s wealthy family, and the times they interact there’s undeniable chemistry. However, Marianne is somewhat of an outsider, whereas Connell hangs with the popular crowd. His friends wouldn’t approve of their relationship, so they keep it quiet. The show follows the two through breakups and makeups from high school into their early adulthood.
What Makes It Great
Stories with murders and macro-level stakes are great, but quieter stories can be the ones that have the longest-lasting impact. The two leads are, as the title suggests, normal people and their insecurities and struggles all too common. When the show blew up, much of the discourse surrounded the numerous explicit sex scenes where those who hadn’t watched the show thought that’s all there was to it.
Shows centering on sexuality can be complex, and there’s an intimacy to Normal People that goes well beyond the sexual moments. Still, due to the hyper focus on the characters’ sex lives, some may feel the urge to devour it quietly. Whether the show induces embarrassment, sadness, or hopefulness, one emotion you’ll surely never feel is boredom. Stream on Hulu
