Nostalgic for good, old-fashioned network TV? Here are shows you can stream

Thanks to a proliferating number of streaming networks, TV shows aren’t exactly in short supply these days. But amid the flashy new thrillers and slowburn sagas, it can be comforting to return to the old stalwarts: network sitcoms and dramas.

In fact, a new Nielsen analysis suggests many viewers did just that last year, as broadcast hits including “The Office,” “Criminal Minds” and the stillairing “Grey’s Anatomy” topped the research company’s ranking of 2020’s most-streamed shows. Nielsen cites those shows as garnering more viewership than any other title (including original series and movies), based on its content ratings for Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime. (Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

Below, we’ve compiled a wideranging list of our favorite broadcast gems available to stream on, and beyond, those platforms. - “Law and Order: SVU” (1999) Few shows reflect our social and cultural evolution the way

SVU does - after all, it’s the longest-running (non-animated) show on prime time. It’s also iconic: Taylor Swift literally has a cat named after its main character Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) of the New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. If you’re up for a serious USA Network-style marathon, start at the beginning with Detectives Benson and Stabler (that’s Elliot Stabler, played by Chris Meloni) and work your way through to Season 22, which now follows Captain Olivia Benson and will soon feature Stabler’s return.

You can also choose episodes by guest star, of which there are a seemingly infinite amount, including memorable turns by Martin Short, Cynthia Nixon, Robin Williams and Ann-Margret, to name a few. (Streaming on Hulu) - “The Office” (2005)

The beloved and oft-quoted workplace comedy was already a perennial hit on Netflix before moving over to NBC’s Peacock earlier this year. But the series became especially popular - and resonant - amid a global pandemic that unexpectedly took many people away from their offices and colleagues.

The show’s real-time appeal goes beyond its meme-worthy humor, as Washington Post Associate Opinions Editor Autumn Brewington recently mused: “Losing oneself in Dunder Mifflin is a way of coping with pandemic isolation.” (Streaming on Peacock)

- “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005) Before “Scandal” and “Bridgerton,” Shonda Rhimes gave us this drama about the heavily intersected lives and careers of the beautiful, brooding and occasionally insufferable doctors at a Seattle teaching hospital. We haven’t quite been the same since. The series is currently in its 17th season, so settle in, McStreamy. (Seasons 1-16 streaming on Netflix; Season 17 streaming on Hulu)

If you’re in the mood for a snarkier medical drama, try “House” on Peacock or Amazon Prime. - “Cheers” (1982)

The TV equivalent of going where everybody knows your name. The classic NBC sitcom features a memorable ensemble cast: Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson (whose character replaced the late Nicholas Colasanto’s beloved

Coach), Bebe Neuwirth, George Wendt and, uh, Kirstie Alley long before she had a Twitter account. (Streaming on Hulu, CBS All Access and Peacock)

You likewise can’t go wrong with the spinoff “Frasier,” available on CBS All Access, which follows Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and features some of the best TV banter we’ve ever heard.

- “New Girl” (2011)

This roommate comedy, which aired for seven seasons on Fox, is funny, sweet and once featured a cameo by Prince. And while it wasn’t known for its social commentary during its time on air, fans have pointed out a few plotlines that evoke current events. (Streaming on Netflix)

- “Lucifer” (2016) Though this devilishly funny comedy landed on Nielsen’s list of most-streamed original series, we’re including this here because it began on Fox. The show’s trajectory alone - from being canceled by Fox after 3 seasons to enjoying a lively and well-reviewed revival on Netflix - highlights its passionate fan base. (Streaming on Netflix)