Nostalgic TV to binge-watch this summer
CityMag loves a healthy dose of nostalgia, so we’ve outlined each generation’s pick for the most rewatchable television programs to add to your summer watchlist.
During the COVID pandemic, The Office US reigned supreme as the most streamed show with 57 billion minutes in watch time. It’s clear many used the show as a way to find comfort in a bad situation – with a comedy that reflects the mundane office life as a colourful and eventful place.
There is a growing genre of nostalgic rewatch shows that have gotten ample viewership after their initial airing.
CQUniversity Professor Anjum Naweed says there is a healthy element to rewatching your favourite shows.
“Nostalgia draws on experiences encoded in memory,” Naweed says.
“The TV shows we choose to rewatch reflect our values, our tastes, and the phases of life we have gone through.”
Naweed says rewatches often come from tradition, like the broadcasting of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every year. (We’d rather binge Die Hard).
“Settling in around the telly for A Christmas Carol connects us to the holiday period and a heartwarming metamorphosis. Ebeneezer Scrooge revisits long-lost versions of himself and turns from villain to hero and our old friend in a single night.”
As shows reflect a simpler time, they also reflect entire generations and the media they consume to awaken positive memories.
Here is a look at some popular and rewatchable picks for each generation.
Generation Z (1997-2010)
Gen Z consumes a mix of current and universally loved entertainment. The introduction of streaming paved the way for access to every movie and show imaginable.
This generation is a conduit of ideas, with many of their nostalgic shows being handed down from other eras, like Friends, That 70’s Show, The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Breaking Bad and more.
Many Gen Z’s were likely introduced to these shows via clips on TikTok, so while their pop-culture relevance remains, they’re being exposed to them differently.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a sitcom with a common crime show structure that has charming humour and many rewatchable episodes. Capturing this similar comfortable humour is New Girl. And yes, the two even have a crossover episode.
Many would reference shows like ICarly, Rugrats, Spongebob Squarepants, Lizzie McGuire and Drake and Josh as popular programs that have remained in the cultural sphere and fit the bill for nostalgic TV. They are reflections of simpler times and childhood memories.
Rick and Morty is an adult comedy with smart writing and strong ties to Gen Z’s softness towards animation.
Television shows that depict dysfunctional families like Malcolm in the Middle, Modern Family and Shameless nurture our connections to family and love.
Millennial/Generation Y (1981-1996)
Breaking Bad, 2008. Picture: supplied.
Millennials have consumed some of the finest entertainment in broadcasting history and have a wide selection of nostalgic programs.
The Simpsons is the longest-running animated show and has provided many people with fond childhood memories. South Park follows suit in being the second longest-running, with its brash and controversial humour piquing the interest of viewers since 1997.
Looking back to a time in the peak of television broadcasting, many see Breaking Bad as the symbol for that feeling. Similarly, Game of Thrones captured the hearts of Millennial viewers through thrilling heights of fantasy drama.
A staple of comfort, Full House is an important show in broadcasting history and Fuller House follows in the footsteps to entertain and provide a return to this nostalgic sitcom.
Popular among teens at the time, Gilmore Girls has been a household name ever since, garnering a continuation in Netflix’s Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life – though its reboot divided fans. In a similar vein, Dawson’s Creek was also a relatable show for millennial adolescents.
Generation X (1965-1980)
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Seinfeld, 1989. Picture: supplied.
Coming into the golden years of television, Generation X saw a flurry of exciting entertainment in the form of sitcoms.
Seinfeld during its run was the most popular show on television and now stands as one of the most rewatchable shows of all time. Cheers was full of breakout stars that oozed charisma on screen, with Frasier following up on the success of this show as an iconic spin-off.
The Brady Bunch and Happy Days were shows that Gen Xers would watch with their parents and siblings, creating fond memories to reflect on in adulthood. Bewitched could fit in this category also.
M*A*S*H was a non-traditional show that had dark humour instead of the light nature of others during this time. This helped it stand out and become the classic it is.
A show that has garnered a nostalgic following is Sex and the City, showcasing the antics of modern dating culture. It gave women the freedom to discuss sexuality and topics that were considered taboo.
Baby Boomer Generation (1946-1964)
The Flintstones, 1960. Picture: supplied
The Baby Boomers enjoyed the carefree sitcom evolution with some of the most eclectic and important programs airing.
The Jetsons and The Flintstones shaped the modern world of animation. The Jetsons notably were the first family to have a flying car and big-screen home entertainment system decades before it became reality – we wonder what they were binging.
The nostalgia surrounding these shows is evident through their quirkiness and innovative style.
There was an influx of American entertainment during this period, with shows like I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bonanza, Gilligan’s Island, The Addams Family, Leave It to Beaver and I Dream of Jeanie. These were the predominant shows that shaped the current popularity of American television
Due to migration during the ’70s, Are you being served? And On the Buses are a couple of examples that paved the way for British nostalgia in Australia. And, of course, Dr Who – which spans the generations.
The Silent Generation (1928-1945)
The Three Stooges, 1930. Picture: supplied.
During the genesis of TV, the selection of shows was sparse, yet wildly entertaining for the Silent Generation.
Betty Boop and The Looney Tunes were a part of this era, showcasing the colourful writing and pure joy of animation. These have been further solidified as classics throughout every generation.
One of the monumental shows of the Silent Generation is The Three Stooges, with its signature slapstick comedy and groundwork for the future of entertainment.
Gangbusters and The Lone Ranger were captured in their time as innovative classics enjoyed by both adults and children. Each piece of entertainment was unique and exciting.
The common ground for all generations is their love for nostalgic TV, with a simple rewatch being a form of therapy for most. As they reflect our own lives, they also become a part of ours.