With thousands of TV shows across dozens of streaming services, choosing what to watch can take longer than watching an episode. Endless scrolling leads to decision fatigue, and you often end up rewatching old favourites. This guide shares 12 smart ways to discover shows you'll love, plus tips for healthy binge-watching.

Why It's Hard to Choose

  • Too many options – choice overload makes decisions harder.
  • Algorithms repeat themselves – recommendations often show more of the same.
  • Content spread across services – great shows may be on a platform you don't have.

The solution is to use a mix of discovery methods.

12 Ways to Find TV Shows to Watch

1. Use Recommendation and Tracking Apps

Apps like JustWatch, Reelgood, TV Time and Letterboxd-style trackers show where shows are streaming, let you track what you've watched and suggest similar shows.

2. Keep a Watchlist

Every time someone recommends a show, add it to a watchlist in an app or notes. When you're ready to watch something new, pick from your list instead of scrolling.

3. Read Critics' Reviews and Lists

Review aggregators and critics' "best of the year" lists highlight high-quality shows you may have missed.

4. Check Awards

Shows nominated for major TV awards are often worth exploring, especially in genres you enjoy.

5. Ask Friends and Family

Personal recommendations from people with similar tastes are often the most reliable. Ask what they're watching and loving.

6. Join Online Communities

Reddit communities, fan forums and Discord servers share recommendations based on specific tastes: "shows like X" threads are especially useful.

7. Explore by Creator or Actor

If you loved a show, look up its creator, writers and actors, then explore their other work.

8. Try International Shows

Some of the best TV comes from Korea, Spain, Japan, Denmark, Nigeria, India, the UK and beyond. Subtitles open up a huge world of storytelling.

9. Watch Trailers

Trailers help you judge tone and style quickly. Watch a few before committing.

10. Use the "Three-Episode Rule"

Many shows take a few episodes to find their feet. If you're not hooked after three, move on.

11. Browse Genres You Don't Usually Watch

Step outside your comfort zone occasionally: documentaries, animation, period dramas or reality competitions might surprise you.

12. Check "Leaving Soon" Sections

Streaming services often list content leaving the platform. Prioritise shows you want to see before they disappear.

Match Shows to Your Mood and Time

  • Short on time? Try sitcoms or shows with 20–30 minute episodes.
  • Want something to binge? Choose limited series or completed shows.
  • Need comfort? Rewatch familiar favourites or light comedies.
  • Want to think? Try mysteries, documentaries or prestige dramas.
  • Watching with family? Choose shows with suitable age ratings.

Save Money While Discovering TV Shows

  • Rotate streaming subscriptions based on your watchlist. See how to choose streaming services.
  • Use free ad-supported services and public broadcaster apps.
  • Check library streaming apps.

TV Shows by Genre: Where to Start

  • Crime and mystery: start with a limited series with a self-contained case, so you get a satisfying ending.
  • Comedy: sitcoms with short episodes are perfect for busy evenings.
  • Sci-fi and fantasy: look for completed series so you're not left waiting on cliffhangers.
  • Documentary series: great for learning about history, nature, true crime or sport.
  • Reality and competition shows: light, social viewing that's easy to dip in and out of.
  • Anime: start with highly rated, beginner-friendly series recommended by communities.

How to Keep Track of What You Watch

Use a tracking app or simple spreadsheet with columns for the show, service, status (watching, finished, dropped) and your rating. Tracking helps you remember where you left off, avoid paying for services you're not using and give better recommendations to friends.

Signs a Show Is Worth Finishing

  • The characters feel distinct and you care what happens to them.
  • Each episode ends with a reason to watch the next.
  • Friends or critics you trust say it gets better.
  • You find yourself thinking about it between episodes.

If none of these apply after three episodes, it's fine to move on.

Healthy Binge-Watching Tips

Binge-watching can be fun, but long sessions affect sleep and activity levels:

  • turn off autoplay so you choose whether to continue,
  • decide how many episodes to watch before starting,
  • take breaks to stretch and move,
  • avoid late-night marathons that cut into sleep (see how to sleep better),
  • balance screen time with other activities (see tips to reduce screen time).

Watching TV Socially

Watching together makes shows more fun:

  • host a watch party with friends,
  • join online discussions after each episode,
  • start a weekly "TV club" with friends.

Make Your Own Recommendation System

Rate every show you finish out of ten and note what you liked. Over time, you'll spot patterns: favourite genres, creators and styles. Use this to guide future choices.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Shows

  • Starting too many shows at once and finishing none.
  • Relying only on the streaming homepage.
  • Giving up after one episode on shows known to start slowly.
  • Forgetting good recommendations because you didn't write them down.

Final Thoughts

Finding great TV shows is easier with a system: keep a watchlist, use tracking apps, read critics, ask friends, explore international shows and try the three-episode rule. You'll spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying brilliant television. Explore more in our TV shows section.