It’s a fact of life: there are a lot of TV shows out there, and when you’re trying to keep up with Riverdale and The Bachelorette and all of your other faves, some shows are bound to slip through the cracks. So, whether you were too young to catch a show the first time around or simply couldn’t fit it into your viewing schedule, here are 11 shows worth watching that you may have missed.
1. Friends
Friends is practically the definition of iconic TV. Six friends (Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler, and Joey) live in Manhattan, barely go to work and drink lots coffee, all while navigating dating in mid-90s NYC. The show, which aired for 10 seasons, has many classic lines like “How you doin’” and “We were on a break!” Sit back, relax, and laugh.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Seinfeld
After you check out Friends, you must watch another classic NBC sitcom—Seinfeld. Developed by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, Seinfeld is about Jerry Seinfeld, a stand-up comedian in New York City who spends his days with his friends Elaine, George, and Kramer. While dating and relationships often take center stage in this sitcom, what makes Seinfeld unique is that is digs in to the minutia of everyday life.
Where to watch:Hulu and Crackle
3. The O.C.
If soap operas are more your speed, you’ll want to check The O.C. Set in well-to-do Newport Beach, The O.C. is about Ryan, a teenager from the wrong side of the tracks who is taken in by a wealthy lawyer and his family. The typical teenage drama ensues, complete with an incredible playlist of early 2000s hits in the background. Dreamy Ben McKenzie and Adam Brody star alongside Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson, making this the perfect sun-drenched drama to watch during the last days of summer.
Where to watch: Hulu
4. Pretty Little Liars
Based off of the series of best-selling books, Pretty Little Liars is basically the OG Riverdale. Four girls—Spencer, Hanna, Emily, and Aria—are drawn into a web of mystery when their friend (or, perhaps, frenemy) Allison disappears one night during a sleepover. What follows is seven years of drama, romance, and head-scratching plot twists that literally no one could predict. If you somehow missed this the first time around, get caught up quick to be ready when spinoff, The Perfectionists, premieres in 2019.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Saved By The Bell
Saved by the Bell was one of those beloved shows that perfectly combined comedy and important life lessons. Set at Bayside High School in California, Zack Morris, Screech, Kelly, Slater, Jessie and Lisa rocked some killer late '80s fashions, while laughing and learning about important issues like drug use and women’s rights. And if five seasons of this show isn’t enough for you, you can always tackle The College Years.
Where to watch: Hulu
6. Dawson’s Creek
Dawson, an aspiring filmmaker must navigate a potential romance with his childhood best friend, Joey, in this teen drama. Starring young Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and James Van Der Beek, this show was initially deemed very “racy,” due to the open way it discussed topics related to sex. If you are in the mood for romance, or simply want to see where the infamous crying Dawson meme came from, make sure to check this one out.
Where to watch:Hulu
7. One Tree Hill
Another high school drama, One Tree Hill is about two half-brothers, Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty), who clash over basketball and girls—among other things. As the two navigate love triangles, their lives, and the lives of their friends are also explored. What makes One Tree Hill unique is that while the show starts when the characters are in high school, a time jump in later seasons features the characters navigating adulthood. A show that grows with you—what more could you ask for!
Where to watch:Hulu
8. Gossip Girl
If you liked the upper-class drama of The O.C., Gossip Girl should be next on your list. Set in an elite New York City high school, Gossip Girl is about the escapades of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). As these two frenemies keep secrets and fight for love, you’ll never want the stylish drama to end. Known for the fabulous fashion and stars, once you start this show, you’ll never look back.
Where to watch:Netflix
9. Gilmore Girls
There was a reason for all of the fuss that surrounded the Gilmore Girls revival when it hit Netflix in 2016. Full of fast-paced dialogue and pitch perfect pop culture references, Gilmore Girls quickly became a fan favorite when it debuted in 2000. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is a single mom raising her daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel), in quaint Stars Hollow. As the two women drink coffee and talk about boys, you will soon want to be their best friend. Watch this show with your mom or best friend, and then decide if you’re team Dean (Jared Padalecki), Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), or Logan (Matt Czuchry).
Where to watch: Netflix
10. Sex and the City
Odds are you were probably too young to watch this saucy comedy when it first aired, but now is the perfect time to check it out. Sex and the City, which turned 20 this year, centered on Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), a writer who lived in New York City with her three best friends. The four women discuss a number of topics related to sex and dating during the show’s six seasons, giving you plenty to think about and discuss with your own friends. And when you finish watching all six seasons, there are two SATC movies for you to dive into.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime and HBO Now
11. The Office
The Office is another one of those shows that seems like everyone has seen. But if you somehow missed it during its initial run, here’s the premise: Based off of a British sitcom, The Office is about the employees of Dunder-Mifflin, a paper company based in northeastern United States. The Scranton Branch, led by loveable buffoon Michael Scott (Steve Carell), is the subject of a documentary, and over the course of nine seasons, the lives of the Dunder-Mifflin staffers unfold before the cameras. Another show with hundreds of quotable lines, and one of the most epic romances in the history of TV, The Office is not to be missed.
Where to watch:Netflix
