I try to stay away from TV series as much as I can because I have this habit of needing to binge-watch until I complete the series (or catch up to the end of the last season aired).
The series listed has storylines and characters that have positively impacted me in some way and how I go through life in the real world.
I hope that when you enter their world and witness the storyline evolve and characters develop, you bring along with you to the real world the lessons, creative aspects, tactics, escapism, and motivation that they provided me when I became a part of their world.
Seven Must-Watch TV Series
PSYCH (2006-2014) | 8 SEASONS, 120 EPISODES
Pysch is a comedic series about a fake psychic detective, Shawn Spencer, and his best friend, Burton Guster (Gus). Shawn’s uncanny gift of observation allows him to solve crimes and convince the police officers that he is a psychic.
If I had to answer what my favorite TV show of all time is, it would undoubtedly be Psych. There may be other worlds of fake psychic detectives, but in my opinion, no one else can pull it off as well as the dynamic duo of Shawn and Gus. The idea of a fake psychic detective instantly drew me in, but it is the duo’s chemistry and constant banter that kept me hooked on the show. Plus, Lassiter has also grown on me the more I rewatched the series. Psych may focus on the comedic nature of crime solving, but I also praise the series for its themes of family, friendships, believing in oneself, and fighting for the truth.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG | Genre: Comedy, Crime | Original Language: English | Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER (2005-2008) | 3 SEASONS, 61 EPISODES
In a world that is divided into four nations – the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads – only one is the master of all four elements, the Avatar. Unfortunately, when the world needed him most, he vanished. 100 years later, the Fire Nation has taken over much of the world, but with the Avatar’s sudden reappearance, the world begins to have hope once again.
Avatar: The Last Airbender holds an incredibly special place in my heart. It is the very first animated series to have taught me a lot of valuable life lessons at just 10 years old. The narrative touched a lot on adventure, patience, growth, spirituality, and following one’s heart. It is a wonderful story and the characters, especially Aang, Sokka, and Zuko, were a joy to watch.
Maturity Rating: TV-Y7 | Genre: Adventure, Action | Original Language: English | Streaming Service: Netflix
이상한 변호사 우영우 (EXTRAORDINARY ATTORNEY WOO) (2022) | 1 SEASON, 16 EPISODES
Extraordinary Attorney Woo tells the heartwarming story of Woo Young Woo, a young attorney with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a masterpiece. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and most of all, if the screenwriters depicted autism accurately, I became so much more aware and understanding of the developmental disorder. This is a storyline that illustrates the message that no matter how big our dreams may seem to us, and especially to others, they are still achievable if we put our minds, hearts, and actions into it.
Maturity Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Drama, Courtroom | Original Language: Korean | Streaming Service: Netflix
NCIS (2003-PRESENT) | 20 SEASONS, 457 EPISODES
Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, showcases varying crimes involving murder, espionage, and terrorism in relation to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
I highly adore the colorful personalities of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team, Special Agents Caitlyn Todd, Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo Jr., Timothy “Tim” McGee, Ziva David, chief medical examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, assistant medical examiner Dr. James “Jimmy” Palmer, and of course, forensic scientist Abigail “Abby” Sciuto. The storylines are as heart-racing as they can get, and with the characters’ chemistry and interactions with one another, each episode comes out a lot more compelling.
*Spoiler alert* I admit that as much as I love the series, I stopped watching new episodes after Ziva’s character was written out, and I am glad that I did, considering at least three more of the original characters left the series after Ziva’s departure.
Maturity Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Crime, Drama | Original Language: English | Streaming Service: Netflix
NARUTO (2002-2007) | 220 EPISODES / NARUTO: SHIPPUDEN (2007-2017) | 500 EPISODES
Both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a fiery spirit who dreams of being Hokage, the leader, of his village one day.
It is impossible to watch Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden without one another, hence why they are both included. The Naruto universe quickly became one of my favorite TV series and my absolute favorite anime of all time. The series is an emotionally fulfilling piece of work where the lessons and experiences the characters go through could very well be applied to the real world. Naruto is a series that anyone of all ages can enjoy and learn from. It is a series that allows us to truly look deep within ourselves and encourages us to follow our hearts.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG | Genre: Action, Shōnen Anime | Original Language: Japanese | Streaming Service: Netflix (Naruto), Hulu (Naruto: Shippuden)
READ MORE: REASONS WHY I’M INSPIRED BY NARUTO
STRANGER THINGS (2016-PRESENT) | 4 SEASONS, 34 EPISODES
Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things is about a group of young friends who witness supernatural forces and team up to combat these otherworldly beings while uncovering more government secrets.
When Stranger Things first appeared, I did not get the hype of it. It was only after the fourth season’s release that I wanted to give it a try. Suffice to say, I began understanding why it became so popular and well-loved. In my case, the mysteriousness kept me interested. From wondering what happened to Will to needing to find out who Vecna is and what his story was, each episode kept my heart racing and my mind curious. Plus, I do love that the story is set in a different period.
Maturity Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror | Original Language: English | Streaming Service: Netflix
CHARMED (1998-2006) | 8 SEASONS, 178 EPISODES
Charmed is an enchanting tale about a group of sisters who turn out to be powerful witches known as The Charmed Ones. To many, they are your average woman going to work, being in romantic relationships, and dealing with the everyday norms of society. On the other side of that lifestyle, they work together to protect the innocent city dwellers of San Francisco from the evil that lurks in the shadows.
As you may probably tell from the other series above, I have a knack for otherworldly stories, and Charmed is no exception. I love that Charmed is a modern-day storytelling of witches. Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by witches and have even dressed up as a witch for Halloween for a couple of years. Charmed not only captured my attention with its witchy ways, but it has also illustrated dynamic themes of family, friendships, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Maturity Rating: TV-PG | Genre: Drama, Fantasy | Original Language: English | Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
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What is one (or some) of your favorite TV shows to binge-watch?
