We know, it’s hard to remember life before Netflix and other streaming services. The good news is, it’s not too late for some of the most popular shows pre-binge-watching culture. Here’s our list of shows that you definitely need to binge, even though their prime was before Netflix and chill.
“The Sopranos”
David Chase’s iconic HBO show starring James Gandolfini aired from 1999-2007. The show often makes TV best lists and is worth a binge.
“Lost”
ABC’s “Lost” aired from 2004-2010 and was a pioneer in the fan theory game. Fans have a love/hate relationship with the finale, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the journey.
“The Wire”
It’s easy to become enthralled with nitty, gritty Baltimore in this HBO show, which aired 2002-2008. One of the classic popular crime shows.
“Sex and The City”
The iconic show that has inspired the question, “Are you more of a Carrie, or a Samantha?” at girls’ night happy hours everywhere aired on HBO from 1998-2004. Darren Starr’s series has inspired countless shows like Lena Dunham’s “Girls,” and exhibited the best turn-of-the-century fashion.
“The X-Files”
This classic sci-fi series ran from 1993-2002 before getting a revival last year. It set the stage for many mystery shows to come.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
This cult favorite teen drama aired 1993-2003 and has served as inspiration for the teen vampire genre explosion in the early 2000s (“Twilight,” “The Vampire Diaries,” etc). Plus, Sarah Michelle Gellar totally slays and you won’t want to stop watching.
“Twin Peaks”
“Twin Peaks” is the revolutionary show that broke traditional rules of what TV could look like. As we’re sure you’re probably aware, it’s back after 25 years.
“Freaks and Geeks”
Judd Apatow’s one-season show launched the careers of some of your favorites like Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel and James Franco.
“The West Wing”
Aaron Sorkin’s political drama feels like a nice warm hug, especially in today’s political climate. Curl up with this show that imagines a rosier Washington, D.C.
“The Simpsons”
This iconic cartoon is celebrating 30 seasons on air, and it’s definitely worth revisiting the earlier seasons.
“Friends”
The one where you sit on your couch and watch all 10 seasons in a row.
“Seinfeld”
The show about nothing that inspired so much more dominated TV in the 1990s. Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Kramer (Michael Richards) will have you laughing with relatable, weird situations.
“Gilmore Girls”
We’re not talking about the Netflix revival, but the original series that aired from 2000-2007. Curl up with some coffee, a blanket… and more coffee.
“Battlestar Galactica”
This 2004-2009 is a reimagining of a 1978 series and follows the lives of humans living in a distant star system at war with the Cylons. Feed your inner sci-fi nerd.
“Star Trek”
Boldly go where no man has gone before… actually, the universe of “Star Trek” has been visited decade after decade. Binge the early series from the 1960s.
“Coupling”
This show, which aired from 2000-2004, is kind of like the British version of “Friends.”
“Firefly”
Joss Whedon’s 2002 one-season cult favorite takes place 500 years in the future in outer space. You can totally binge one season, you’re a pro.
“I Love Lucy”
You could say Lucille Ball’s sit-com from the 1950s started to pave the way for women in comedy today. It will still make you laugh out loud decades later.
“M*A*S*H”
From 1972-1983, staff at an army hospital during the Korean War find that laughter is the best medicine.
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
Tag along with young Will Smith as he learns the ins and outs of life in Bel-Air in the 1990s. Smell ya later!
“The Twilight Zone”
The original creeps. Enter the Twilight Zone–if you binge it, can you ever really escape?
