69 Shows To Watch When You Want To Fall Asleep

PLOT TWIST! This article is written by a regular contributor and The Critic. Her thoughts and opinions are in normal font. The Critic prefers the slant.

2020 has a really rough start.

Remember when you just wanted to stay at home and relax. Well, due to the unfortunate spread of this COVID-19 epidemic, we are forced to stay indoors and avoid social interactions. This wasn’t my idea of a break. Well, anyway, moving on.

All that endless scrolling on social media feeds must have gotten you bored by now. Yep.

You want to rest, but you can’t fall asleep.

You want to read but you don’t have enough energy.

Even music has let you down!

All you need now is something, which is more engaging and relaxing. Or perhaps, boring.

There are terrible movies out there but come on, we are living in the world of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Now, and the list goes on and on forever. This just means there is no dearth of online content. Yep, shows that are boring enough to put you to sleep within seconds.

Before getting into this list of shows, I would like to suggest that it’s up to you what you want to watch. You’ll find something out of this list. I’m sure you will. Little did she know I’ll be “adding stuff” to this article.

Please take no offence if you don’t find your favourite show on this list.

You will probably be offended because I just found them good enough to doze off to. While I can agree online shows are not the best things to tune in to for sleeping like a log, those have helped me in desperate *coughs* situations. Take my “reviews” with a grain of salt. Cheers.

Let’s dive in now!

PS: Read till the end for the bonus list (which is exclusively focussed on the theme of isolation). Yep, you should!

Genre: Drama

Grey’s Anatomy (2005- )

This is the American medical drama series that follows the professional and personal lives of the doctors at Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

*snores*

But, on another note, huge respect for the real medical professionals that are kicking Corona’s ass and are responsible for preventing the extinction of our species.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Stream on: Hotstar

House of Cards (2013-2018)

An adaptation of the 1990 BBC miniseries of the same name, this American political drama is about a ruthless politician who can do anything to conquer Washington, D.C. This Emmy and Golden Globe-winning political drama will force you to binge this show.

NOT.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Suits (2011-2019)

A talented college dropout Mike Ross starts working as a law associate for famous Harvey Specter. Check how this brilliant Ross works with one of the best New York City’s lawyers.

Law is boring, right?

IMDb rating: 8.5

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Mad Men (2007-2015)

An American period drama series about Donald Draper who tries to maintain a balance between his exceptional professional life and wavering personal life in the 1960s.

What even? He should have slept more. Wouldn’t have been 8 years of madness then.

IMDb: 8.6/10

Stream on: Netflix

Anne With an E (2017-2019)

This Canadian drama series is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This is a coming-of-age story about a young orphan who is seeking love, acceptance and her place in the world.

E.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Stream on: Netflix

Before you get to the next genre, here are other effective hobbies and/or ways to sleep:

Reading books about sleep to help you sleep. Bookception or sleepception?

Watching videos that are ASMR triggers. Not the kinky ones.

Listening to peaceful and soothing music. No falsetto just music.

Genre: Comedy/Sitcom

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

An American sitcom that follows the story of the main character, Ted Mosby, and his group of friends in New York City’s Manhattan.

Sitcoms without laugh tracks = NOT funny. Focus on the joke and you’ll realize it’s boring. However, sleep effectiveness is extremely high.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar

Fleabag (2016-2019)

Fleabag revolves around a woman who is trying to survive in her life without anyone’s help. This bleak and dark comedy will hit you hard. Try not to binge (because it’s too irresistible).

You probably won’t.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

This American television sitcom revolves around the lives of four socially awkward friends, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Raj, take a wild turn when they meet the beautiful and free-spirited Penny.

Penny. Penny. Penny. If she had more on-screen time, this would have been off the list.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Netflix / Amazon Prime Video

The Office (2005-2013)

The Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company will take your heart. Many people find the first season a bit boring but wait for the second and third season. Once you reach there, there is no way back.

But, most people quit before they reach the second one which is why this series has earned its spot in this list.

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013- )

See how Ray Holt and his and quirky team of odd detectives solve crimes in Brooklyn, New York City.

Crime and comedy. The perfect blend for insomniacs to aid in their conquest to fight their condition.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Stream on: Netflix

Sex Education (2019- )

This British comedy-drama web series is about a socially awkward teenager who starts to give sex advice to his high school friends. Is it an easy task? For Otis, it is not!

Easy for you to sleep to? Definitely.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (2017- )

Set in the late 1950s, this show will take you to the beautiful world of 50s New York. Miriam, famously known as Midge Maisel’s idyllic life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a hidden talent she didn’t previously know she had – stand up comedy. Try not to fall in love with Midge and her beautiful wardrobe collection.

Stand up comedy is boring enough. A show about a standup comedian. HAHAHA.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime

Friends (1994-2004)

I am assuming you’ve watched Friends, but still how can I not include it here. See the lives of six reckless adults living in Manhattan, as they indulge in adventures which make their lives both troublesome and happening.

Laugh tracks have a psychological effect that makes bad jokes appear to be funnier for the viewer.

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Stream on: Netflix

BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

This American adult animated series is about a humanoid horse, BoJack Horseman. Netflix describes him as a “curmudgeon with a heart of… not quite gold… but something like gold. Copper?”.

I don’t know why this masterpiece is part of this list. We gotta reach 69.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Netflix

Young Sheldon (2017- )

Sheldon Cooper is a genius. But it isn’t easy to be a genius and fit in with an unintellectual family. Check how this nine years old kid struggles in his daily lives.

Booooring Sheldon got a second appearance in the list. The kid is very cute though.

IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Stream: Amazon Prime Video

That ‘70s Show (1998-2006)

A high school student Eric and his group of teenage friends struggle to lead purposeful lives whilst going through the tumultuous phase of adolescence.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Netflix

Genre: Science Fiction

Westworld (2016- )

This futuristic amusement park will blow your mind. See what happens when the robots begin malfunctioning here.

A tip: Lock yourself in the room and try not to distract yourself because you need to focus while watching Westworld.

The more you focus, the faster you’ll fade to black.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO NOW

Black Mirror (2011- )

This series revolves around a group of people’s personal lives and how technology manipulates their behaviour.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Stranger Things (2016- )

Take yourself to 1980s Indiana and witness a group of friends solving the mystery of a secret governmental exploit. Yes, there’s a monster also.

Quick. Get under the sheets before the monster gets you!

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Mandalorian (2019- )

Also known as Star Wars, this series will take you to space and outer galaxies. Are you a Star Wars fan, or have you heard people going mad over Baby Yoda? Yeah… this is where it is coming from. Go watch it!

So, they’re running the same series with a different name? Blimey, I’m Luke Sleepwalker.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Disney +

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017- )

Based on Margaret Atwood’s bestseller novel of the same name, this series will take you to the dystopic world of Gilead. You would never want to live in a place like Gilead.

That last line sums it up.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Stream on: Hulu, SonyLiv

Genre: Action

The Boys (2019- )

Superheroes are often seen as gods. You love them. You think they are perfect. Well, this show will shatter all your beliefs. What happens when superheroes start abusing their powers?

Watch a bit to discover your newly found superpower! No points for guessing right.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Arrow (2012-2020)

A multi-millionaire playboy Oliver Queen returns to his city to take on the vigilante persona of Arrow to fight crime and corruption after mastering the skill of archery on a deserted island.

I’m going to take a break now.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Stream on: Netflix

Jack Ryan (2018- )

Are you a fan of John Krasinski? If not then you will become his fan after watching this action-packed show featuring Tom Clancy’s famous character Jack Ryan.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

The Witcher (2019- )

In this American fantasy drama (I know..don’t worry, it’s full of action) a mutated monster hunter, Geralt struggles to find his place in a world in which people often prove more wicked than beasts.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Flash (2014- )

Barry Allen is struck by lightning and wakes up after nine months, he discovers that he can achieve great speeds. See how his life changes.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Age rating: U/A

Stream on: Hotstar

Genre: Historical

Chernobyl (2019)

Based on the real 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, this miniseries will tell you how the disaster occurred which shocked the whole world a few decades ago.

This is a highly recommended show. Don’t miss it. I slept within the first twenty minutes.

I’ll be gone now.

IMDb rating: 9.4/10

Stream on: HBO Now, Hotstar

Vikings (2013- )

Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary Norse hero, is a mere farmer who rises to become a fearless warrior and commander of the Viking tribes. This is a brutal and mysterious world. Watch it if you like Norse legends. Well, if you don’t, then this show is perfect.

IMDb rating:8.6/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Crown (2016- )

This drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times. It’s very addictive. Watch it. Royalty…pfft goal hoarders.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Tudors (2007-2010)

Have you ever got fascinated by the scandalous affair of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn? I hope you know the story. If you know it or if you are not aware of it, this show is a must-watch to see how King Henry VIII used to live in 16th century England.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Hulu

Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

This British historical drama series is set in the early 20th century and focuses on Robert Crawley’s life. Robert Crawley risks losing the family estate after his heirs die in the Titanic. Soon, the Crawleys are introduced to Matthew, the next heir in line, who resists the aristocratic way of life.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Band of Brothers (2001)

This is the dramatized story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division from 1942 to the end of World War II. A collection of fifty portraits illustrated by archive footage and recounted

IMDb rating: 9.5/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO Now

Good Girls Revolt (2015- )

Set in the 1960s, this series is a true account of the personal and professional lives of employees at an American news agency.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Genre: Fantasy

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

You must’ve become a victim of “oh-god!-You-haven’t-watched-GOT? How-can-you-not-watch-it?” type questions from your friends or colleagues. Well, you should watch it because it created a hype when it came. See how nine noble families wage war against each other to gain control over the mythical land of Westeros.

I low-key love the show but the background score and monologues of actors with unreal dynamic voices are good enough to drift away into the Sleeperos. Highly recommend!

IMDb rating: 9.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO Now

Outlander (2014- )

This series has elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure and science fiction/fantasy. This show is adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s popular series of fantasy-romance novels focusing on the drama of two time-crossed lovers.

Who even has time for romance at this hour?

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Stream on: Netflix

American Gods (2017- )

Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name, this American fantasy drama revolves around the life of Ex-convict Shadow Moon. He roams a world that he doesn’t understand, left adrift by the recent, tragic death of his wife.

Sadness. I sleep when me sad.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime, Hulu

Supernatural (2005- )

Follow the story of Sam and Dean who set out to eliminate monsters, demons and other supernatural entities that exist on Earth.

Argh, this is a tough one because the brothers are hot. But, can manage.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

The Umbrella Academy (2019- )

This is indeed a strange story. On one day in 1989, 43 infants were inexplicably born to random, unconnected women who showed no signs of pregnancy the day before. Check out what happens next.

Ahh. Creepy and unprecedented. Just like how it got on this list.

IMDb rating: 8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Crime/Detective

YOU (2018- )

How far can you go for love? Well, Joe Goldberg can go too far no doubt. Try not to binge this American psychological thriller because it’s too difficult to resist.

The problem with most thriller and mystery shows is that it takes a while for some action. Well, at least, that buys you some time to go to sleep early.

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Hannibal (2013-2015)

An FBI criminal profiler, Will Graham has an uncanny ability to sympathise with Dr Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist. However, he is unaware that he is a cannibal. Oops… No, there is so much to explore, I haven’t given you any spoilers. Don’t worry.

Do you want to watch humans eating other humans? You’ll have nightmares, kiddo.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Stream on: Netflix

Big Little Lies (2017-2019)

The lives of three women are shattered when a murder takes place in their idyllic town, unravelling a can of worms. Watch to find out what happens in this American drama television series that is based on the novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty.

Ooh, quite a plot. But, I’ll pass.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO

Sherlock (2010- )

Based on A. C. Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, this British crime series is a must-watch if you love detective shows. And when that detective is world-famous Sherlock and Benedict Cumberbatch is playing that role, you can’t think of anything except watching the whole show in one go! Yeah, you got it – binge it.

Hey, let’s debate who played Sherlock better.

IMDb rating: 9.1/10

Stream on: Netflix

13 Reasons Why (2017- )

In this American teen drama, Hannah, a young woman takes her own life. Two weeks after her tragic death, a classmate named Clay finds a mysterious box on his porch. Inside the box are recordings made by Hannah — on whom Clay had a crush — in which she explains the 13 reasons why she chose to commit suicide. Yes… watch to find out why she did that.

Depressing stuff. Bah humbug!

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Killing Eve (2018- )

A British spy thriller, this show revolves around Eve and Villanelle. Oops! What does the title “Killing Eve” reflect? Did I give you a spoiler? Ahh! I don’t think so… but it’s a highly recommended show. You can’t afford to avoid it.

Fun Fact: It’s written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Yes, the writer of “Fleabag”, who also played the role of the lead actress in that phenomenal series.

Who are these people? “Anyway, the British accent is so soothing that it can one make one drowsy”, said a wise man.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, Hulu, BBC

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

An American neo-Western crime drama, “Breaking Bad” is about Walter White, a chemistry teacher, discovers that he has cancer. He decides to get into the meth-making business to repay his medical debts. His priorities begin to change when he partners with Jesse.

Crazy plot. Don’t do meth, kids. Get high on sleep.

IMDb rating: 9.5/10

Stream on: Netflix

Fargo (2014- )

An insurance salesman, Lester Nygaard lives a life of monotony with his uninteresting wife. He meets Lorne Malvo who convinces him to tag along in search of a killer.

Uninteresting wife. Indeed.

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Stream on: Netflix

Mindhunter (2017- )

FBI agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench try to understand serial killers by studying their damaged psyche. Is it possible to study a criminal’s mind? Watch to find out!

…

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Mentalist (2008-2015)

An independent consultant, Patrick Jane, works with the California Bureau of Investigation and uses his sharp skills of observation to help solve crimes.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Peaky Blinders (2013- )

Fierce Tommy Shelby leads Peaky Blinders, a notorious criminal gang based in Birmingham in 1919. Chief Inspector Chester Campbell decides to nab him and put an end to the activities of this gang.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Lucifer (2015- )

Everyone must’ve heard about the devil Lucifer. What will happen if Lucifer leaves hell and comes to life on earth? In this show, he returns from hell to reside in Los Angeles and runs a club. He soon gets involved with the local police and assists them in solving tricky criminal cases.

Happy Easter!

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Stream on: Netflix

Money Heist (2017- )

A Spanish heist crime drama, “Money Heist” is about a criminal mastermind who goes by “The Professor” has a plan to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history — to print billions of euros in the Royal Mint of Spain.

Hop on the hype train, lads and lasses!

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Stream on: Netflix

Luther (2010- )

A passionate detective, John Luther, ends up befriending a psychopath and murderer, whom he could not arrest due to lack of evidence.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Stream on: Hotstar, BBC, Amazon Prime

The Wire (2002-2008)

The Wire is a compelling crime show that’s far, far more than your common or garden police procedural. It is considered as one of the greatest crime TV series ever made.

It has potential.

IMDb rating: 9.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO, Amazon Prime Video

Narcos (2015-2017)

This is inspired by the true story of Columbia’s violent and powerful drug kingpins.

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Alias Grace (2017)

Based on Margaret Atwood’s famous novel of the same name, this miniseries tells the story of young Grace Marks, a poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who is accused and convicted of the 1843 murder of her employer and his housekeeper. This story was inspired by true events.

I highly recommend you to watch it!

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

Perfume (2018- )

Have you watched the famous yet peculiar movie “Perfume: The Story of a Murder”? If yes, then you would love this series. When a woman is found murdered with scent glands excised from her body, a detective probes a group of friends who attended boarding school with her.

Not original.

IMDb rating:7.1/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Night Manager (2016)

Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston), an ex-British soldier, is hired by an intelligence officer as a covert operative. He is tasked with infiltrating the inner circle of Roper, a secret arms dealer and also his lover’s killer.

Avenge-her!

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Homecoming (2018- )

Heidi works at Homecoming (a facility helping soldiers transition to civilian life). Years later when she is asked why she left it, she realises there’s a whole other story behind the one she’s been telling herself.

Paranoid.

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

Genre: Horror

Spoiler alert: Horror is a big turn-off for sleep because of all the jump scares.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018- )

Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s famous novel, this modern adaptation will give you chills. See how the Hill House connects all the siblings of a fractured family.

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Stream on: Netflix

Bates Motel (2013-2017)

Norman Bates’s life spins out of control when his mental health deteriorates. How will his mother help him? Watch to find out?

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Stream on: Netflix

Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

In this psychological thriller and horror, Vanessa Ives recruits Wild West showman Ethan Chandler, and big game hunter Sir Malcolm to track down a killer. Later, realise that they are up against a non-human entity.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Stream on: Showtime, Amazon Prime Video

The Walking Dead (2010- )

Police officer Rick Grimes along with a group of survivors travel in search of a safe and secure home after a zombie apocalypse spreads across the USA.

Once you’re a zombie, you can’t / don’t need to sleep. How bad can it be?

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Stream on: Netflix

Dracula (2020)

Who is not aware of the famous Dracula penned by Bram Stoker. This modern adaptation of the classic novel will give you those Gothic tinglings.

IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Stream on: Netflix

The Strain (2014-2017)

Created by the master of creepy movies, Guillermo del Toro, this series revolves around a team that investigates a mysterious viral outbreak with characteristics of an evil strain of vampirism.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, Hulu

Bonus

Here’s that bonus I promised!

We all know it’s difficult to socially distance and isolate oneself. The world is suffering from a humanitarian crisis. To show that you are not alone and to lift your mood, I bring forward to you – a shortlist of web series that focuses on the theme of isolation and social distancing.

The Last Man on Earth (2015-2018)

This American post-apocalyptic comedy TV series shows that when a deadly virus seems to have wiped out the entire human race, Phil Miller, a miserable and lonely man, travels across countries in search of other survivors.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Fox

Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak (2020)

Released on January 22, 2020, this documentary covers a range of issues relating to pandemics, such as the possibility of an influenza pandemic and research on achieving a universal vaccine, to emerging viruses, anti-vaxxers, and the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Africa.

This documentary gained popularity after the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Stream on: Netflix

Love Is Blind (2020)

Are you missing your SO because of this social distancing? Or have you recently started dating someone online? In this series, singles try to find a match and fall in love — without ever seeing each other face-to-face, as emotional connection attempts to conquer physical attraction.

IMDb rating: 6/10

Stream on: Netflix

Avenue 5 (2020)

In this series, the troubled crew of Avenue 5 (a space cruise ship), filled with rich and spoiled tourists must try to keep everyone calm after the ship gets thrown off course into space. How long does it take them to come back on earth? Find it yourself.

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Stream on: Hotstar, HBO

Containment (2016)

After a mysterious epidemic breaks out in Atlanta, an urban quarantine is enforced, leaving those inside to fight for their lives as local and federal officials search for a cure.

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video

And that sums up the list of 69 amazing shows to watch.

Stay home, watch these and be safe! Falling asleep has never been easier 🙂

This is a post by Shahana Khatoon, who studies MA English. She loves to read, write and explore. She believes poetry can cure anything in this world, even sleep deprivation. You can follow her on Instagram.

Featured image by Martin