The best rewatchable television shows

Despite my multitude of “to be watched” lists and endless effort to start a new television show, I always end up going back to my roots and rewatching the same few shows over and over again. It is hard for me to get into new shows because I have a habit of becoming far too obsessed with the media I consume, so it is rare when I find a new one I actually finish.

Fortunately for me, I have a few select shows that I always run back to and never get tired of. If you are anything like me, here are some series that are perfect for rewatches and binges. 

“Gossip Girl”

By far the show I have watched the most, and my favorite of all time, is the 2010s teenage drama hit “Gossip Girl.” Starring actors such as Blake Lively, Penn Badgley and Leighton Meester, “Gossip Girl” is, in my opinion, the best show ever made.  The Manhattan-based characters and mysterious blogger who spreads everyone’s secrets have prompted me towatch the show seven times total.Every time, I find something new to obsess over. It has six seasons, most of which have more than 20 episodes. Although all the characters are easy to hate, they are also incredibly easy to fall in love with, especially Blair Waldorf, who remains my favorite during every watch. It is currently available to watch on Netflix and HBO Max.

“Pretty Little Liars”

Continuing with the 2010s trend is “Pretty Little Liars.” It follows a group of secretive teenage girls who are being tormented by an anonymous texter, “A,” after the disappearance of the leader of the group, Alison DiLaurentis. This show mixes the perfect amount of drama and thrill, while also bringing in friendship and romantic storylines. Each time I watch, something new shocks me. There are seven seasons, and each one is 20 episodes or more, following the usual way of the 2010s. The only downside of “Pretty Little Liars” is that it gets worse as the seasons go on. Season seven went off the rails, and the plot twists do not make much sense, but the show is still great for rewatching, especially the first few. It is currently available to watch on Hulu, HBO Max and Disney+ with add-on subscriptions.

“Criminal Minds”

Debuting in 2005, “Criminal Minds” has the longevity that is the basis for rewatch material. It follows the intelligent profilers in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI, and almost every episode follows a new case. Although it is a crime-based show, it dives into the characters' dynamics and personal storylines as well. Some of the best parts of the show are when the audience gets to learn more about the profilers who are solving each case. Spencer Reid, the fan favorite genius in the show, and Aaron Hotchner, my personal favorite character, are just a couple who have special storylines outside of the cases they solve. It is also a type of show you can jump into at any point and not have to pay super close attention to. There may be a few confusing things you run into, but overall, if you are just looking to watch a crime show, “Criminal Minds” is a great choice. It is currently available to watch on Hulu.

“Victorious”

“Victorious,” which I consider to be the best Nickelodeon show of all time, is a four-season sitcom that I could never get sick of, no matter how old I get. I have rewatched the show multiple times in my teenage years, and I look forward to continuing the tradition now that I am in my 20s. Starring actors such as Ariana Grande and Victoria Justice, the show is hilarious, but also has the occasional emotional plotline that I appreciate. The performing arts high school friend group that the show follows has a character for everyone to enjoy. It was a super fun watch when I was younger, but now that I am around the same age as the characters in the show, it is even more enjoyable. It is currently available to watch on Netflix and Paramount+.

“Gravity Falls”

Unfortunately, we were only blessed with two 20-episode seasons of this show, but “Gravity Falls” remains my favorite cartoon of all time, and I have rewatched it an unbelievable number of times. Following the adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel in their new mysterious town, Gravity Falls, this cartoon is a lighthearted but attention-grabbing show that includes the uncovering of secrets and weird coincidences. My obsession with “Gravity Falls” will never go away, and I highly recommend everyone give it a watch, especially if you have not seen it since childhood. It is currently available to watch on Disney+.

“Outer Banks”

One of my biggest hyperfixations since the pandemic is “Outer Banks,” which follows a group of teenagers searching for a missing legendary treasure. The characters are split into “Kooks” and “Pogues,” which is basically the rich vs. the poor. Unfortunately, season four of the show made me lose a little bit of love for it, but the first three seasons remain some of my favorite television to rewatch. It was initially released in the height of COVID-19, in April 2020. The nostalgia of season one is something I still have not been able to let go of, and every time I rewatch, I am transported back to that time period, where “Outer Banks” was one of the only things keeping people going. Season one is one of the best seasons of a show I have ever watched, even if it may seem cringey or boring to some. I love to turn it on in times when I am sad, especially. It is currently available to watch on Netflix.

Overall, rewatching television shows is something I will never get bored with, especially these few. I have a couple more shows I plan to rewatch soon in order to hopefully add them to my list. Even though some may find rewatching the same things boring and repetitive, it is one of my favorite things to do, and I think everyone can find a show they enjoy rewatching every once in a while. Hopefully, this list gave you a few ideas of ones to try.