Some of us remember the days when there were only three major television networks. Back then, viewing options were limited and were dependent on programming schedules. Television has evolved a lot over the years, and nowadays there are many platforms and devices that provide us limitless opportunities to watch content, both new and old.
Below, we’ve gathered together our suggestions for the top tv shows for seniors. Many of these are recent series, but we’ve included a few classic throwbacks for fun! While the shows have broad appeal, seniors will especially appreciate these shows for their nostalgic or light-hearted tones. Others cover serious topics or major historical moments that will be relevant for those who were affected by them. At Branchlands, we offer numerous activities for seniors, including weekly group tv watching sessions to enjoy our favorites together!
All Creatures Great and Small
Not all remakes live up to the original, but this updated version of All Creatures Great and Small (PBS, 2020-present) seems to be as popular as the original from the 1980s. The story centers around small-town veterinarians in 1930s Yorkshire, England, along with the charm and the antics of living in a rural community. With so many dramas focusing on murder and crime, it’s refreshing to have a program detailing the lives of people caring for animals and people in their community. If you need a break from violence and intense drama, this is the tv show for you.
Band of Brothers
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its original broadcast, Band of Brothers (HBO MAX, 2001) has been called one of the greatest television series of all time. Based on the Stephen Ambrose nonfiction book of the same name, the series touches on the lives of the soldiers who served in Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, during World War II. The show follows them all the way from basic training through combat in the European theater to the end of the war. The dramatic story is based on the accounts of real men who served as paratroopers.
Boomers
The British comedy Boomers (Amazon Prime or Apple TV, 2014-2016) follows three retirement-aged couples as they navigate taking the next step in their lives. From funerals to anniversaries and retirement parties, these three couples rely on each other for friendship and support to keep themselves feeling young and relevant. This comedy tv show is a great choice for seniors who want to watch a program they can relate to and laugh along with.
Bosch
If you enjoy crime noir, Michael Connelly novels, or both, then you will enjoy the television show Bosch (Amazon Prime, 2014-2021) based on several books by Connelly. Set in Los Angeles, this series portrays a different side of the city away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. The story follows the nontraditional methods of Detective Hieronymus Bosch as he solves crimes. The episodes are beautifully written, the scenes are well shot, and the soundtrack is fantastic for those who love jazz. Particularly endearing is the relationship between Detective Bosch and his daughter, Maddie.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
What could be more fun than grabbing coffee with a comedian and getting to see a rare classic car at the same time? Fans of Jerry Seinfeld ‘s 1990s eponymous television show or his stand-up comedy will enjoy Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (Netflix, 2012-2019). In less than 30 minutes, you get a glimpse into the lives of some of his comedic friends all while tooling around in one of Jerry’s vintage cars and trying out coffee shops around New York and Los Angeles. If you enjoy exploring new places, getting to see different sides of famous, and often very funny people, or riding in classic cars, you will love these short episodes.
The Crown
This critically acclaimed historical drama series follows the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II from just before her wedding in 1947 through 2005 when Prince Charles married Camilla.(Netflix, 2016-2023) It cleverly uses three different sets of actors to portray three distinct periods of the queen and her family’s lives. There are many historical moments represented in the show that seniors and others may remember from real life, like when the first man landed on the moon or the tragedy of Princess Diana’s death.
The Golden Girls
You don’t have to be a senior to appreciate the classic television comedy The Golden Girls (Hulu, 1985-1992), but it sure does become more relevant as we approach our golden years. The storyline focuses on three retirement-aged women, and one of their mothers as they do life together living under the same roof in Florida. Although a comedy, they deal with genuine issues like domestic abuse, love later in life, and family drama. But you can be assured there’s always comedic relief from Betty White.
House of David
Set in Israel in 1000 BC , House of David (Amazon Prime, 2025-present) is a Biblical drama series that tells the historical story of David from his childhood as a shepherd to his journey growing into the man who would become king. The drama gives details of the relationship between the different Jewish tribes and their enemies at the time, as well as an interesting depiction of Goliath and his people. Seniors will enjoy this top tv show pick if they are interested in period or historical dramas.
Matlock
If crime dramas featuring lawyers pique your interest, you may want to check out the updated version of Matlock (CBS, 2024-present) featuring Kathy Bates. Besides the name being the same, the new show has little in common with the original, which revolved around Andy Griffith who played a southern lawyer with a penchant for solving crimes. The new Matlock is based on a New York City attorney who wants to avenge her daughter’s death, so she takes the name Matlock to remain incognito at her new firm.
Only Murders in the Building
The general public has become fascinated with true crime shows and podcasts, so it only makes sense to create a comedic drama series exploring that obsession. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu, 2021-present), features Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez playing three neighbors who ultimately become friends, as they are trying to solve murders in their Upper East Side Manhattan apartment building. Along the way, they create a true crime podcast. So, how many murders can actually take place in one building? Who knows, but it’s probably similar to the number that occurred in one small town in Maine in the classic tv show, Murder, She Wrote.
The Price is Right
Game shows have stood the test of time, and are popular tv shows for seniors, especially The Price is Right (CBS, 1972-present), which is the longest-running game show. The original host, Bob Barker, retired in 2007 after serving as host for 35 years. Drew Carey, who has been hosting since 2007, continues to bring smiles to the lucky audience members who become contestants. Gone are Barker’s Beauties; now there are male and female models showcasing the fabulous game prizes. But one thing hasn’t changed. Carey still signs off the show the way Barker did each episode, “Help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered.”
The Traitors
There seems to be a bit of a pattern in this list — top tv shows for seniors often include murders to be solved. The Traitors (Peacock, 2023-present) is a reality television game show based on a similar Dutch program. It features Scottish host Alan Cumming, and the show takes place in a Scottish castle. The host selects some contestants to be Traitors while the remaining group of contestants will be the Faithful, and no one knows who the Traitors are except fellow Traitors. The goal is that the Faithful must use their deductive skills and vote out, aka banish, all the Traitors in order to win the large cash prize. However, if Traitors remain at the end of the game, then they get the prize.
While this is only a small example of all that is out there to watch , we hope this list of top tv shows for seniors will provide every senior with a series to enjoy. And watching television can be a social event too. Invite friends to your residence and pop some popcorn because streaming tv options today means you may end up watching two or three more episodes in a sitting. Among our many activities at Linden House at Branchlands, we enjoy watching television together on Sunday afternoons. To learn more about these activities, join our quarterly newsletter to keep up to date on all that’s going on at Branchlands Senior Living.
