Viewers have enjoyed watching multiple episodes of their favoriteTV showsfor a long time. Back in the day, channels would broadcast marathons, with multiple episodes running for full weekends and even weeks. Full seasons would come out on VHS tapes, and fans would get excited when they were able to get their hands on a complete collection. DVD box sets were even more of a game changer, with new and old shows available to binge. Nowadays, with the convenience of streaming, most shows from the past are available on one platform or another.
With so much variety at their fingertips, audiences are spoiled for choice.It can be eye-opening to discovera hidden gem from decades past, which can open viewers' eyes as to what life looked like back then. There are some cult classic shows that are constantly referenced in media, so having a binge session to catch up could be a great way to fill in the knowledge gaps. While there may be a limited number of hours in the day, there is somemust-see TVjust waiting to be binged.
Friends
Cast
Friends is a television sitcom that debuted in 1994, revolving around six young New Yorkers navigating the complexities of adulthood. The series highlights their friendship as they support each other through personal and professional challenges, encapsulating the ups and downs of life in a comedic and relatable manner.
This show has been binged in one way or another ever since its premiere in 1994.It was so popular from the start, that many people would tape the shows so they could re-watch any time they wanted, and it is one of the best-selling box sets on both VHS and DVD. It’s been syndicated all over the world, and many channels would run multiple episodes in a row daily, with special marathons a couple of times a year as well. When it became available on streaming, another level was unlocked.
10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching Friends Season 1, 30 Years Later
Rewatching the first season of Friends 30 years after it aired reveals a lot of surprising realities about the early days of the hit sitcom.
People of a certain generation have inevitably watched every scene multiple times, but binging each episode in order hits differently.As probably the most well-known sitcom in the world, most viewers are aware of the story, the quotes and the iconic characters.But, on the off-chance someone has yet to seeFriends, it is definitely worth a watch. Some storylines will have aged badly, the lack of diversity might feel frustrating, but, it has brought so many memorable TV moments. Hearing Ross say “pivot”, and seeing Phoebe dance seductively to try and “seduce” Chandler, couldn’t"be"any funnier.
Magnum P.I.
Magnum, PI is an iconic 80s TV show starring Tom Selleck as Magnum, a Hawaiian private investigator. The series won two Primetime Emmys during its eight-season run and eventually got a reboot in 2018 starring Jay Hernandez. While not as successful as the original, the Magnum, PI reboot has proven successful for NBC.
Sometimes, when wanting to learn more about a particular decade, viewers want to immerse themselves in the time completely. The themes don’t need to be timeless, and the topics do not need to appeal to absolutely everyone.Magnum P.I.is such a great time capsule of a very flamboyant decade, that it’s the dated feel that makes it so great to watch in the modern day. Though the remake attempted to be much more slick and cool, the original still manages to out-slick it, even with its short shorts and loud shirts.
His mustache became his calling card, and there will undoubtedly be many who will try to celebrate the iconic facial hair once they choose to binge it now.
The appeal of Tom Selleck in the 1980s was so huge, with many viewers either wanting to be him or be with him.His mustache became his calling card, and there will undoubtedly be many who will try to celebrate the iconic facial hair once they choose to binge it now. Each episode mixed James Bond-style action with a laid-back beach feel, which felt like being on ahigh-octane Hawaiian vacation. The case-of-the-week format makes it so easy to dip in and out, which is ideal for binging.
Bewitched
Bewitched is a classic TV series that follows Samantha Stephens, a good-natured witch who marries a mortal man named Darrin and pledges to lead a normal suburban life. Starring Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York, the sitcom chronicles Samantha’s struggle to keep her magical powers in check while dealing with her quirky witch relatives and everyday domestic challenges. The show originally aired from 1964 to 1972 and remains a beloved piece of television history.
There are certain shows that fit into the category of total classics, andBewitchedis one of them. Though it comes from an era where the whole family would gather around their chunky television sets and marvel at the magical escapades of Samantha et al., it still makes for a great binge today. Elizabeth Montgomery is one of the most likable leading ladies of her time, and she’s just as appealing to watch now as she was back then.And, everyone will be recreating that nose wiggle once they see it.
Witches have always had a popular place in pop culture, and Samantha is one of the most famous witches of all.She was able to lead the way for Sabrina and the Halliwell sisters,as the show mixed the supernatural elements with day-to-day life, romance, and even mundane sitcom topics. But, most importantly, the show is not only funny but, for the most part, it touches upon some societal issues in a surprisingly progressive way.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air follows Will Smith (Will Smith) after he gets himself sent away from the mean streets of his native West Philadelphia to the affluent Bel Air neighborhood. Living with his wealthy Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian, Will befriends his cousins and adjusts to a life that’s the polar opposite of everything he’s accustomed to. Even with a butler and an expensive education, Will finds that growing up isn’t easy, regardless of circumstance.
From the moment viewers hear “in West Philadelphia, born and raised”, serotonin will be unleashed, and it will be difficult to switch off any subsequent episode.This hugely popular sitcom is filled with so many hilarious moments. Even beyond the Carlton dance, each cast member got their chance to tickle the funny bone. But, it’s not only reliant on laughs, there is a lot of heart and some genuinely moving moments that make the show so watchable.
5 Saddest Episodes Of Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air could effortlessly go from hilarious scenes to heartbreaking moments and had some very sad episodes with serious themes.
The chemistry between the cast is a joy to behold, as the family grows together and grows closer in the most beautiful way.Will Smith is at his most charming and charismatic, so it’s a lovely nostalgic feeling to see him at his comedic best. It was also such a cultural phenomenon that seeing the fashion of the time, hearing the music, and finding out about the relevant issues that society was dealing with, makes for a great binge re-watch.
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is an anthology series that debuted in 1959, featuring a collection of standalone episodes encompassing drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and horror. Known for its macabre or unexpected twists, each story is distinct, exploring various speculative themes and human experiences.
While this classic show might feel ancient in the mid-2020s, its historical relevance makes it extremely worthy of binging.The name of the show became a common saying within the English language,and discovering the etymology of the phrase rooted in horror and sci-fi is actually extremely entertaining. With each episode following an anthology format, there is a different theme every time, and there is always an eerie twist that shocks and delights the viewer.
Many topics that were relevant 60 years ago can still resonate today, with themes of war, mob mentality, and surveillance that stand the test of time.
For anyone who enjoys TV shows likeBlack MirrororAmerican Horror Story, it’s important to know that they would most likely not exist in the same way withoutThe Twilight Zone.Coupled with one of the most famous theme songs in TV history,this show would be great to binge around Halloween to hit the theme in style.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld is a television sitcom that follows stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three eccentric friends, George, Elaine, and Kramer, as they navigate everyday life in New York City during the 1990s. Premiering in 1989, the series humorously explores the mundane and often trivial aspects of social interactions.
When it came out, this hilarious sitcom was groundbreaking for the audiences of the time. The unfiltered musings of a stand-up comedian and his motley crew of quirky friends struck a chord on the cusp of a new decade. It went on to become a blueprint for many comedies to follow and is one of the more influential TV comedies of the 1990s. The mixture of Jerry Seinfeld’s own on-stage material and a narrative following the main characters feels fresh to this day.
Many jokes are still very relatable, mostly because most of the issues they discussed were mundane, everyday occurrences that could resonate with a lot of people.There are some great catchphrases just waiting to be discovered,and the show features some very well-known characters that defined a whole generation. The episodes aren’t particularly long, so it would be very easy to catch up with the whole series within a few dedicated weeks.
Ally McBeal
The legal comedy drama Ally McBeal is a series that ran from 1997 to 2002, following the personal and professional life of a young lawyer named Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart) as she navigates the ups and downs of her relationships and career at a Boston law firm. Greg Germann, Jane Krakowski, Lucy Liu, and Robert Downey Jr. appear in supporting roles.
It is quite surprising how ahead of its time this legal dramedy actually was.There were some very intriguing cases, quirky comedic beats, and some relatable existential dread that mostly came from the main protagonist. With the feeling of a rom-com set in the courtroom, the show feels like a mix ofThe Good WifeandSex and the City,but with a more surreal twist to it.Calista Flockhart was a delight in the lead role, and the supporting cast was stacked with so many familiar faces.
As a character, Ally McBeal is romantic, neurotic, and just trying to figure it all out, and that is something many viewers will relate to.
Lucy Liu, Jane Krakowski, and Portia de Rossi were all series regulars, and recurring characters included the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Jon Bon Jovi, and Taye Diggs.Along with legendary creator David E. Kelley, this combination of talent was able to produce some of the most compelling TV of the late ’90s and early 2000s, which would be a fresh addition to anybody’s viewing list. As a character, Ally McBeal is romantic, neurotic, and just trying to figure it all out, and that is something many viewers will relate to.
Cheers
One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers' staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.
As one of the biggest hits of the 1980s, Cheers drew in millions of viewers every week. Following the escapades of a group of friends who love spending time at their regular bar provides plenty of opportunities for laughs, and the show would deliver with every episode.Frasiermay have been able to make an impact all on its own, and is also extremely bingeable, but seeing where it all began is a great watch as well. After all, most people want to go where everybody knows their name.
The Best Episodes Of Cheers That Showcase Each Main Character
From bar proprietor Sam Malone to the late bartender Coach, each of Cheers' main characters have a defining episode that best showcases who they are.
Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and Shelley Long are only some of the huge names to take their place behind the bar, with Kelsey Grammer and John Ratzenberger occupying the stools in front of them.There is romance, deception, and the type of character-driven comedy that can only come from a cast that has as much chemistry and camaraderie as this one.A funny, warm sitcom, with tonnes of awards and critical acclaim, it is primed for a marathon session.
Dawson’s Creek
In the small town of Capeside, Massachusetts, fifteen-year-old Dawson Leery and his friends — tomboy Joey, class clown Pacey, and many more — experience the highs and lows of teenage life and coming of age.
Filled with emotion and angst,Dawson’s Creekis the ultimate teen drama.It has everything the genre needs, from will-they-won’t-they romantic entanglements, high-stakes life decisions, and a beautiful cast of future stars. Michelle Williams went on to become a multiple Academy Awards nominee, Joshua Jackson has maintained his heart-throb status for decades, and Katie Holmes is still one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood.
Then there is the writing. Kevin Williamson introduced a whole group of young viewers to so many multi-syllable words and outlandish adjectives that had them reaching for a thesaurus after every episode.It was also such a big influence on so many shows that came after it.One Tree Hill,Gilmore Girls, and evenThe Summer I Turned Prettyhave all benefitted from the storytelling and high drama that came from Capeside. Binging it in order will feel just like growing up, and invariably open up some pent-up feelings that might need to be unleashed.
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls follows Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), Rose Nylund (Betty White), Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan), and Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) as they live together in Miami. Throughout its seven seasons, the beloved series created by Susan Harris won 11 Primetime Emmys and continues to be one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
This iconic comedy is so sharp and witty, it is sometimes hard to catch every new zinger because viewers are too busy laughing at the previous one.With four such strong leads, each one has a clear personality and type of humor, and they play off each other in the best ways. It’s not easy to find chemistry as strong as the one between Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia. The actors' huge talent was recognized and rewarded, with every single one of the four leads receiving an Emmy Award for their respective roles.
The show also touched upon some hard-hitting topics, like aging, loneliness, death, and LGBTQ rights. It is actually very impressive how progressive a show aboutfour older women made in the ‘80scan be. Some people may have seen the show get name-checked onThe O.C., some may have watched it multiple times already, and there may also be those who have never even heard of it. But,The Golden Girlslives up to its name in more ways than one, and should be at the top of any comedy fan’s binge list.
