COMFORT FROM THE TUBE
NOSTALGIC FOR GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED NETWORK TV? WE HAVE SOME 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 slow-burn sagas, it can be comforting to return to the old stalwarts: network sitcoms and dramas.
We’ve compiled a wide-ranging list of our favourite broadcast gems available to stream on, and beyond.
THE OFFICE (2005) Netflix
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 memeworthy humour, as Washington Post associate opinions editor Autumn Brewington recently mused: “Losing oneself in Dunder Mifflin is a way of coping with pandemic isolation.”
GREY’S ANATOMY (2005) Netflix/ctv.ca
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 17 th season, so settle in, Mcstreamy. If you’re in the mood for a snarkier medical drama, try House (on CTV Drama and Amazon Prime).
CHEERS (1982) itunes
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. You likewise can’t go wrong with the spinoff Frasier (available on Crave) which follows Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and features some of the best TV banter we’ve ever heard.
NEW GIRL (2011) Netflix
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 plot lines that evoke current events.
LUCIFER (2016) Netflix
Though this devilishly funny comedy landed on Nielsen’s list of moststreamed original series, we’re including it because it began on Fox. The show’s trajectory alone — from being cancelled by Fox after three seasons to enjoying a lively and well-reviewed revival on Netflix — highlights its passionate fan base.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (2013) Netflix
Like Lucifer, Fox cancelled Brooklyn Nine-nine — after its fifth season — due to lacklustre ratings. Disappointed fans lobbied for its resurrection, prompting NBC to bring the goofy Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), stalwart Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher) and their colleagues back to our screens. The eighth season of the series will air on NBC.
THIS IS US (2016) Netflix/ctv.ca
Dan Fogelman’s family drama, now in its fifth season, follows the triumphs and struggles of the Pearson family across generations, while poignantly exploring issues that affect all of us — most recently the pandemic and protests against racial injustice.
BLACK-ISH (2014) itunes/abc
Over the course of seven seasons, Kenya Barris’s ABC sitcom — about a multi-generational and wealthy Black family — has masterfully balanced its humour with moving and nuanced explorations of issues ranging from police brutality to colourism.
JANE The Virgin (2014) Netflix
This dramedy, from Jennie Snyder Urman, was inspired by a telenovela — roots the CW series playfully wove into its DNA with standard evil twin appearances, love triangles and that-character’s-not-dead-after-all reveals. But it was always so much bigger than its twists and turns. The true heart of the story is the bond Jane (Gina Rodriguez) shares with her mother Xiomara (Andrea Navedo) and grandmother Alba (Ivonne Coll), three generations of Latinas who always had each other’s backs.
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR (1990)
crave
Will Smith’s breakout, which aired for six seasons on NBC, was one of the most exciting additions to streaming last year. For all of its hilarious moments, the sitcom was just as skilled at delivering poignant scenes we still remember by heart.
PARKS AND RECREATION (2009) AMAZON Prime Video
Amid questionable pandemic-focused entertainment efforts from celebrities last year, this delightful Amy Poehler-led comedy resurfaced with a pitch-perfect reunion special that made us remember why we love Pawnee, Ind., so much.
THE GOOD PLACE (2016) Netflix
Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a self-proclaimed Arizona dirtbag, dies and unexpectedly ends up a place that looks a lot like heaven in this comedy from Parks and Recreation co-creator Michael Schur. Danson, of Cheers fame, plays the afterlife architect who helps Eleanor (and several other spirited Good Place arrivals) navigate her new surreality. The thoughtful comedy ended last year after four seasons, so you can binge the series and get all of the answers to the universe in one fell swoop.