The Ultimate Binge-Worthy TV Shows: 15 Epic Series With Over 100 Episodes

Summary

Binge-worthy TV shows keep viewers engaged with plot twists and emotional moments while allowing for a casual watching experience.

Long-running series with more than 100 episodes per season are usually worth watching, as they have successfully captivated audiences for many years. The most binge-worthy shows feature compelling characters that evoke a feeling of familiarity, making viewers feel at home when revisiting them.

There's nothing quite like indulging in a lengthy TV show, watching it repeatedly. With a multitude of episodes, it's satisfying to revisit the same characters and embark on a rollercoaster ride of chaos, comedy, and adventure spanning years. This is even more accessible in the streaming era, where you can effortlessly press play and immerse yourself in hours upon hours of beloved series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Modern Family, Friends, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. These shows typically boast over 100 episodes per series, serving as a testament to their ability to captivate audiences over an extended period of time.

However, not all popular, long-running TV series are deemed binge-worthy. The best shows for marathon viewing strike a delicate balance of maintaining an engaging plot while allowing for a more relaxed viewing experience. You can miss a scene or two without feeling completely lost, but when the story takes a dramatic turn or delivers an emotional punch, it grabs the viewer's attention once again. Additionally, these shows must feature compelling characters who begin to feel like family, making the experience of starting the series anew for another binge session akin to returning home.

15 Buffy The Vampire Slayer

14 Lost

Buffy the Vampire Slayer encompasses 144 episodes filled with action and campiness. This enthralling series aired from 1997 to 2003 and, although the special effects may not be cutting edge, they add an undeniable charm to the show’s supernatural theme. Alongside the impeccable comedy, viewers are treated to countless emotional moments as the characters experience love, heartbreak, transformation into various monsters, and even death (with the occasional resurrection, mirroring Buffy herself). Ultimately, it is the perfect series to indulge in during the eerie season and continue watching throughout the holiday season.

From 2004 to 2010, Lost captivated society with its gripping storyline. Over the course of six seasons, viewers became engrossed in unraveling the mysteries of the enigmatic island. Combining intense drama with unexpected plot twists, Lost also sprinkled moments of humor throughout. It was this rollercoaster ride of storytelling that made the series' 121 episodes irresistible for binge-watching. Even for those who know the final twist, there is an indescribable thrill in revisiting it time and time again.

13 New Girl

The sitcom genre has long featured the "roommate family" trope, but New Girl managed to give it a refreshing twist. What set it apart was the exaggerated and hilarious comedy that emanated from the central group. Despite their quirks and oddities, each character's interactions with one another made it impossible not to like them. Throughout New Girl's seven seasons and 146 episodes, the bond between Jess and her loft roommates grew to resemble a tight-knit family. And what could be more enjoyable than relishing in their various milestones, whether it be weddings or book launches, during a binge-watch session?

12 Parks & Recreation

Parks and Recreation, the self-proclaimed most uninteresting government department, defies all expectations by delivering an exceptionally entertaining series. Out of its 126 episodes, the show revolves around Leslie Knope's relentless pursuit of her political aspirations and her determined endeavor to improve the town of Pawnee. Accompanied by her diverse team of employees, who begrudgingly support her endeavors, the show creates a familiar yet comforting atmosphere. However, the exceptional comedic chemistry ensures that there are hidden jokes in every few episodes that even the most dedicated viewers may have missed during their initial Parks and Recreation binge-watching sessions.

11 Smallville

10 Supernatural

Supernatural surpasses all expectations as a captivating show that is perfect for binge-watching. With an impressive 15 seasons and 327 episodes, the series seems to go on forever, ensuring a deeply satisfying experience when reaching the heartfelt conclusion (which undoubtedly leads to an abundance of tears). Alongside other beloved long-running shows in its genre, Supernatural delves into a myriad of characters, whether they be virtuous, malevolent, or somewhere in between, guaranteeing that there is someone for every viewer to unequivocally adore.

9 Modern Family

The beauty of Modern Family lies in its ability to resonate with a diverse range of individuals, capturing the hearts of viewers and establishing itself as a beloved show that is perfect for endless binge-watching. This lighthearted comedy serves as the ideal background entertainment, and it continuously surprises audiences with hidden jokes that may have gone unnoticed during their initial viewings. Additionally, spanning a remarkable 11 seasons and consisting of 250 episodes, Modern Family allows us to witness the growth and development of these endearing families firsthand, effortlessly evoking a sense of nostalgia within us.

8 The Office

The Office is undeniably one of the most addictive TV series ever created. Fans prefer rewatching it countless times rather than starting a new show from their watchlist. From the iconic theme song to the unique filming style, everything about The Office is comforting and familiar. Similar to Parks & Rec, The Office shouldn't be as good as it is, but the incredible chemistry between the characters and the comedic brilliance of actors like Steve Carell turn all 201 episodes into a true masterpiece.

7 Grey's Anatomy

Officially the longest-running medical drama of all time, Grey's Anatomy is a must-watch series for those cozy nights at home, accompanied by a tub of ice cream and several boxes of tissues. With its inception in 2005, viewers have witnessed the remarkable growth of characters like Meredith Grey as they navigate their personal and professional lives. Binge-watching all 19 seasons and 420 episodes of Grey's Anatomy is not for the faint of heart, but the ultimate gratification (especially with the continuation into season 20) makes it all worthwhile.

6 Friends

Friends is one of those sitcoms that captivated audiences worldwide. Over the span of ten years, millions of viewers eagerly tuned in to witness unforgettable moments like Phoebe giving birth to triplets, Ross making a wedding blunder by uttering the wrong name, and Rachel's bold declaration of love as she stepped off the plane. Despite the passage of almost 20 years since its final episode, fans have continued to indulge in this timeless classic. Although some references may seem outdated and certain themes problematic, the 236 episodes still stand the test of time.

5 Seinfeld

Though there have been numerous sitcoms featuring a quirky group of friends, none compare to Seinfeld. Airing from 1989 to 1998, this TV show didn't strive to create unattainably perfect characters. Instead, the writers intentionally portrayed Jerry, Kramer, Elaine, and George as flawed individuals. As a result, audiences found them more relatable. Even years later, rewatching all 180 episodes remains equally rewarding.

4 The Twilight Zone

It's undeniable that The Twilight Zone had a significant impact on popular culture. Even today, when someone wants to describe a strange situation they've experienced, they often compare it to something straight out of "the Twilight Zone." Despite the fact that the modern world differs greatly from the predictions made in certain episodes, the 156 episodes of The Twilight Zone remain perfect for binge-watching. Since each installment tells its own standalone story, it's easy to watch just one or two episodes at a time, making it ideal for casual audiences.

3 The West Wing

Real-world politics can become quite unsightly. However, The West Wing presents a glorified depiction of the US capital and government. While some may argue this as a critique of the series, it is difficult to find fault with the remarkable writing and exceptional performances of the talented actors throughout its seven-season run. Over the span of 154 episodes, the show delves into the intricacies of human nature and its impact on societal governance, all while providing heartwarming and gratifying resolutions. This makes The West Wing an ideal choice for audiences who have grown disillusioned with contemporary politics.

2 Star Tek TNG

Star Trek: The Next Generation stands out among the various Star Trek TV series as a must-watch for both die-hard fans and casual viewers alike. This critically acclaimed show, which aired from 1987 to 1994, dedicated significant time to developing its characters, resulting in a crew that audiences could easily connect with. Additionally, Star Trek TNG tackled numerous intricate social issues throughout its impressive 178-episode run, ensuring that its relevance endures even today.

1 This Is Us

Airing from 2016 to 2022, This is Us explores the journey of a family at different stages of their lives. Through heartbreakingly relatable struggles and events, viewers witness the characters from various perspectives. Filled with nostalgia, This is Us creates a bond where the characters become part of the audience's own family. With each 106-episode binge, viewers celebrate victories and mourn lessons as if they were their own loved ones.