Special Report
Best TV Shows You Can Now Stream This Week
Published:
One upside of the recent stay-at-home orders is that Americans have been given the perfect excuse to indulge in a favorite pastime — binge watching our favorite television series.
At this point, however, many viewers have nearly exhausted their options and are at a loss as to what else to watch. Fortunately, streaming platforms are releasing new as well as previously unavailable older content every week to satiate the high demand.
To help viewers navigate the many new options available, 24/7 Tempo has identified the 25 best TV shows to stream this week. Each of these series — in some cases lone seasons — is new to the most popular streaming platforms as of the past two weeks and is highly ranked based on audience ratings from the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
The programs featured on this list range from comedies to dramas to children’s programming. Some are classic series that first aired in the ’60s and ’70s and have just recently become available on streaming platforms. Others are much newer, with some debuting as recently as this year and currently producing new episodes.
For those with less time on their hands for binge-watching series, here are the best movies you can stream at home this week.
Click here to see the best TV shows you can now stream this week.
To determine the best TV shows to stream this week, 24/7 Tempo identified all of the shows newly released to streaming platforms Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Video, HBO Now, and Apple TV Plus from April 13 through April 27, based on data from streaming data site JustWatch. We then ranked the series based on their Internet Movie Database average user ratings.
25. What We Do in the Shadows (2019-)
> Starring: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou
> Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 16, 2020
“What We Do in the Shadows,” which first aired on FX, is a comedy-horror series about the daily lives of three vampires who’ve lived together for more than 100 years on Staten Island. The quirky, off-center series, now in its second season, has a rating of 8.4 out of 10 on IMDb with more than 21,000 votes cast, and is now available on Amazon Video.
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24. Bosch (2014-)
> Starring: Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino
> Genre: Crime, Drama
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Amazon Prime Video on April 17, 2020
All six seasons of “Bosch” to have aired up to this point — a seventh will premiere next year — are currently available on Amazon Prime Video in 4K resolution. The Emmy-nominated show, based on the best-selling novels by Michael Connelly, follows the often reckless homicide detective Harry Bosch as he pursues justice in L.A.
23. After Life (2019-)
> Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Tony Way
> Genre: Comedy, Drama
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Netflix on April 24, 2020
The second season of British comedian Ricky Gervais’ Netflix series “After Life” is now available on the platform. The show, which depicts the changing personality of a miserable widower following the death of his wife, has been praised as unexpectedly moving by many critics.
22. The Last Kingdom (2015-)
> Starring: Alexander Dreymon, Ian Hart, Eliza Butterworth
> Genre: Action, Drama, History
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Netflix on April 26, 2020
“The Last Kingdom,” a dramatization of the origin of England in the ninth century, is in its fourth season. The well-received series now on Netflix has become a favorite among critics, with its third season receiving a 100% Freshness score on Rotten Tomatoes. The current season has a 91% Freshness score among critics, and 96% of audiences enjoyed the series.
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21. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-)
> Starring: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews
> Genre: Comedy, Crime
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Hulu on April 24, 2020
The Golden Globe-winning comedy police series, which stars Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews, had its season finale added to Hulu just last week. All seven seasons of the sitcom are now available to stream on the platform.
20. My Brilliant Friend (2018-)
> Starring: Margherita Mazzucco, Gaia Girace, Annarita Vitolo
> Genre: Drama, Romance
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: HBO Now on April 21, 2020
“My Brilliant Friend” is a two-season HBO series that explores the complexity of relationships as experienced by two women in Italy over a lifetime. The series is based on bestselling stories from author Elena Ferrante. The Italian import enjoys a 96% Freshness rating among critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and a rating of 8.5 out of 10 among users on IMDb.
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19. RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-)
> Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Santino Rice
> Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 23, 2020
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a reality game-show helmed by RuPaul, America’s most popular cross-dresser, and is available on Amazon Video. In the show, drag queens compete in weekly contests hosted by RuPaul. The show includes celebrity judges. The program, now in its 12th season, has won 13 Emmys. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” holds an 83% Freshness rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and 86% of audiences like the show.
18. The Knick (2014-2015)
> Starring: Clive Owen, André Holland, Jeremy Bobb
> Genre: Drama, History
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 24, 2020
Despite running for only two seasons, Cinemax’s series “The Knick” was a favorite of both audiences and critics. The period drama set at New York’s Knickerbocker Hospital during the early 1900s is now available via Amazon Video.
17. Middleditch & Schwartz (2020-)
> Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz
> Genre: Comedy
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Netflix on April 21, 2020
“Middleditch & Schwartz” is a two-person, improvisational show starring Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”) and Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”). Three episodes, each with its own theme, have aired so far on Netflix, and critics and audiences have given it a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Brianna Wellen of AV Club said the show “is a perfect storm of eccentric audience members, well-timed improv, and charm that instantly draws viewers in.”
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16. The Incredible Dr. Pol (2011-)
> Starring: Jan Pol, Diane Pol, Charles Pol
> Genre: Documentary, Reality-TV
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Disney Plus on April 15, 2020
The 16-season documentary, reality-TV series follows the exploits of decidedly old-school veterinary doctor Jan Pol in Michigan who specializes in the care of large farm animals. The 173-episode series is available on Disney Plus. Among users on IMDb, the show has received a strong rating of 8.6 out of 10.
15. Defending Jacob (2020-)
> Starring: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell
> Genre: Mystery, Thriller
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Apple TV Plus on April 24, 2020
This crime thriller, based on the best-selling novel of the same name, is about an assistant district attorney whose world is upturned when his son is charged with murder. The eight-episode series, which started airing on Apple TV Plus on April 24, stars Chris Evans (“Avengers: Endgame”) and Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey”). Though not a favorite among critics on Rotten Tomatoes with a rating of 55%, 96% of audiences liked the series.
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14. The Bureau (2015-)
> Starring: Mathieu Kassovitz, Florence Loiret Caille, Sara Giraudeau
> Genre: Drama
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: Amazon Prime Video on April 13, 2020
This French television series (“Le Bureau des Légendes”) follows a French intelligence officer as he adapts to life back home following undercover deployment in Syria. The show currently has a user rating of 8.7 out of 10 on IMDb, with more than 5,000 votes. The first season is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, though it’s scheduled to leave the platform on May 1.
13. Top Gear (2002-)
> Starring: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
> Genre: Talk-Show
> Age rating: TV-PG
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 23, 2020
“Top Gear,” which recently concluded its 28th season, is a relaunched British talk show that focuses on cars and has been presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, among others. It can be viewed on Amazon Video. The program received a rating of 8.7 of 10 from among more than 105,000 IMDb users. “Top Gear” has an audience score of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
12. The Simpsons (1989-)
> Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer
> Genre: Animation, Comedy
> Age rating: TV-PG
> Recently added to: Hulu on April 27, 2020
“The Simpsons,” Matt Groening’s irreverent animated take on a dysfunctional American suburban family, is television’s longest-running comedy, winning 34 Emmys, among the most of any television show ever. The program holds a rating of 8.7 out of 10 among more than 350,000 users on IMDb.The show can be seen on Hulu and Disney Plus.
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11. Westworld (2016-)
> Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris
> Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: HBO Now on April 27, 2020
HBO’s “Westworld” portrays a dystopian world based around robot-filled theme parks where guests can indulge in their wildest fantasies. It is currently in its third season, with new episodes being added to HBO Now. The first two seasons are also available on the platform. The show’s season finale will air on May 3.
10. The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)
> Starring: Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman
> Genre: Comedy, Family
> Age rating: TV-G
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 17, 2020
Fans of Carol Burnett’s sketch comedy show will be delighted to find its 10th season available on Amazon Prime Video. The series — which ran for a total of 11 seasons beginning in 1967 — was among the most successful in comedy television history, winning eight Golden Globes and 25 Emmy awards before ending.
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9. Shadows (2014-)
> Starring: Serban Pavlu, Maria Obretin, Andreea Vasile
> Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: HBO Now on April 20, 2020
“Shadows” is the English name for the Romanian comedy-drama series titled “Umbre” about a taxi driver who keeps his other life as a mob enforcer secret from his family. The three-season series, which can be streamed on HBO and Amazon Prime, holds a rating of 8.8 out of 10 among IMDb users.
8. BuzzFeed Unsolved – True Crime (2016-)
> Starring: Ryan Bergara, Shane Madej, Brent Bennett
> Genre: Documentary, Short, Comedy
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Hulu on April 22, 2020
The true-crime series, now in its sixth season, stars Ryan Bergara as a conspiracy theorist who collaborates with his friend Shane Madej to examine evidence involving famous unsolved crimes. The documentary-comedy holds an 8.9 rating out of 10 among IMDb users and can be streamed on Hulu. The first season is also available on Amazon Prime.
7. Good Eats (1999-2012)
> Starring: Alton Brown, Brett Soll, Vickie Eng
> Genre: Documentary, Comedy
> Age rating: TV-G
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 14, 2020
“Good Eats” is a long-running favorite of foodies nationwide, enjoying a score of 8.9 out of 10 among users on IMDb. The show was first aired in 1999 and ran for 14 seasons. “Good Eats” is now available on Amazon Video. Alton Brown created and stars in the show, which totaled 252 episodes.
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6. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014-)
> Starring: John Oliver, David Kaye, Ryan Barger
> Genre: Comedy, News, Talk-Show
> Age rating: TV-MA
> Recently added to: HBO Now on April 20, 2020
“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” hosted by British comedian John Oliver, is a late-night critique of current events. The show has won 16 Primetime Emmys since it premiered on HBO in 2014. It began its seventh season this past February. The show is a critics and audience favorite on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics giving it a Freshness rating of 98%, and 88% of audiences enjoying the program.
5. Friends (1994-2004)
> Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
> Genre: Comedy, Romance
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 23, 2020
Fans lamented the long-running sitcom’s disappearance from Netflix at the beginning of this year. Episodes spanning the entire series can now be purchased from Amazon Video, however, for those missing the company of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey.
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4. Still Game (2002-)
> Starring: Ford Kiernan, Greg Hemphill, Paul Riley
> Genre: Comedy
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Netflix on April 16, 2020
Season eight of the Scottish cult comedy “Still Game” is now available on Netflix, along with all preceding seasons. The show, about two elderly Glaswegians, has an exemplary rating of 9.0 out of 10 on IMDb and has won numerous awards, primarily in Scotland.
3. Rick and Morty (2013-)
> Starring: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer
> Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
> Age rating: TV-14
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 13, 2020
The animated fan-favorite about a genius alcoholic scientist and his nervous grandson has an exceptional rating of 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb. Episodes from the show’s current fourth season are now available on Amazon Video for $2.99 each. Past seasons can be streamed on Hulu.
2. Some Good News (2020-)
> Starring: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Carleigh Bettiol
> Genre: Documentary, Comedy, News
> Age rating: TV-PG
> Recently added to: Amazon Prime Video on April 19, 2020
Actor/director John Krasinski, who became a star on the mockumentary-style sitcom “The Office,” hosts this comedy-news documentary on YouTube about sharing good news and pointing out good deeds. The timing of the series, which can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, could not be better. Five shows have aired thus far, and the program has a rating of 9.4 out of 10 among IMDb users. Some of the stars who have appeared on the show include singer Billie Eilish, actor Brad Pitt, and “Office” alums Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson.
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1. Seven Worlds, One Planet (2019-)
> Starring: David Attenborough, Peter Drost
> Genre: Documentary
> Age rating: TV-PG
> Recently added to: Amazon Video on April 20, 2020
“Seven Worlds, One Planet” is the latest BBC nature documentary series. Combining dazzling cinematography with the narration of Sir David Attenborough — who has also lent his voice to such shows as “Planet Earth” and “Blue Planet” — the series explores the natural state of each of the seven continents. Fans of this type of nature documentary will know what to expect, as “Seven Worlds, One Planet” presents the beautiful and sometimes heart-wrenching footage of the natural world we’ve come to expect from Attenborough and the BBC.
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