Top 19 'Background Binge' TV Shows to start at home during your weekend reset.
The weekend is a sacred time. It's a precious 48-hour window to catch up on life, tackle that looming pile of laundry, meal prep for the week ahead, and—most importantly—recharge your mental batteries. But let's be honest, the silence can sometimes be a little too loud. You want some company, a bit of entertainment, but you don’t want to be glued to a high-stakes drama where you’ll miss a crucial plot point if you look away to chop an onion.
This is where the art of the 'Background Binge' comes in. It’s the perfect middle ground. These are the shows that provide a comforting, engaging, and familiar hum to your weekend activities. They’re like a warm blanket for your ears, interesting enough to keep you entertained but not so demanding that you can't multitask. A good background show is a true companion for a productive yet relaxing weekend reset.
So, grab your favourite cosy beverage, get your to-do list ready, and prepare to find your next weekend companion. We’ve curated the ultimate list of 19 TV shows that are perfect for having on while you reclaim your home and your peace of mind.
1. Friends
Let’s start with the undisputed champion of background television. For millions, the familiar setting of Central Perk and the banter between Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey is the epitome of comfort. The show's laugh track acts as a perfect audio cue, letting you know when a great joke has landed without you even needing to look up from folding your sweaters.
Because most of us have seen the episodes countless times, there’s no pressure to follow the plot. You can tune in and out, catching a classic line here ("WE WERE ON A BREAK!") or a memorable scene there. It’s the audio equivalent of a weighted blanket—familiar, predictable, and incredibly soothing.
Perfect For: Tidying up the living room, paying bills, or any task that requires intermittent focus.
2. The Great British Baking Show (The Great British Bake Off)
If you’re looking for a show that will actively lower your blood pressure, this is it. Set in a picturesque tent in the English countryside, this baking competition is the antithesis of stressful reality TV. The contestants are kind to each other, the judges are constructive, and the overall vibe is one of gentle, pastel-coloured encouragement.
The soothing British accents, the satisfying sounds of whisks and mixers, and the delightful classical music score make it the perfect auditory backdrop for a calm weekend. You’ll find yourself absorbed by the beauty of a well-laminated pastry one moment and happily focused on your own task the next.
Tip: Put this on when you're doing something creative, like journaling, painting, or even your own baking. The positive, calm energy is infectious.
3. Parks and Recreation
Welcome to Pawnee, Indiana, the home of eternal optimist Leslie Knope and her quirky team of government employees. Parks and Rec is a masterclass in feel-good television. It’s a show overflowing with heart, hilarious characters, and a fundamentally positive worldview that is perfect for a weekend reset.
As a personal favourite, this show has powered countless hours of work on the Goh Ling Yong blog. Its rapid-fire jokes and heartwarming character arcs mean you're always in for a treat, but the workplace-sitcom format makes it easy to follow even with half your attention. You’ll find yourself smiling at a Ron Swanson one-liner or an Andy Dwyer pratfall without ever losing your productivity groove.
Perfect For: Meal prepping for the week. The show's optimistic energy will make even dicing a mountain of vegetables feel joyful.
4. The Office (US)
Another titan of the background binge, The Office offers a different flavour of comfort. Set in the mundane world of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, its mockumentary style and cringe-comedy genius make it endlessly rewatchable. You know the characters, you know the beats, and you know when Jim is going to look at the camera.
This familiarity is key. The show’s quiet, conversational moments are perfect for when you need to focus, while the big comedic set pieces will pull you in for a much-needed laugh break. It’s the ideal companion for tasks that are a bit tedious, transforming a boring chore into a surprisingly fun afternoon.
Perfect For: Sorting through emails, organizing your closet, or any task that feels a bit like, well, office work.
5. Queer Eye
Need a dose of radical positivity and a good cry? The Fab Five have your back. Each episode of Queer Eye follows a predictable and deeply satisfying formula: the team meets a deserving "hero," helps them transform their life, and we all learn a little something about self-love and vulnerability along the way.
This show is pure emotional uplift. The conversations are heartwarming, the transformations are stunning, and the core message is always one of hope. It’s a wonderful show to have on to remind you that small changes can make a huge difference, inspiring you as you tackle your own home "makeover" (aka cleaning).
Tip: Watch this when you're feeling a bit down or unmotivated. The Fab Five’s energy is a guaranteed mood booster.
6. Gilmore Girls
Step into the charming, fast-talking world of Stars Hollow. Gilmore Girls is famous for its witty, pop-culture-laden dialogue that moves at a breakneck pace. While that might sound demanding, the show’s low-stakes, cosy aesthetic makes it a surprisingly excellent background watch.
The constant chatter creates a lively, engaging atmosphere that fills the silence beautifully. You don’t need to catch every single reference to enjoy the warm relationship between Lorelai and Rory or the quirky antics of the town's residents. It feels like you’re sitting in Luke’s Diner, just eavesdropping on the friendly local gossip.
Perfect For: A lazy Sunday morning with a cup of coffee, reading a book, or scrolling through your phone.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
If you want something a bit more energetic but still fundamentally light and fun, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the answer. This sitcom about a lovable group of detectives is packed with clever jokes, running gags, and a whole lot of heart.
The episodes are short, snappy, and largely self-contained, revolving around a "case of the week" or a workplace shenanigan. The high-energy banter and fast pace keep things lively, making it a great motivator for more physically demanding chores. It’s impossible not to feel a little more energised with the 99th precinct in the background.
Perfect For: A deep clean of the kitchen or bathroom, or finally assembling that piece of flat-pack furniture.
8. Law & Order: SVU
Sometimes, you just want the comforting and predictable rhythm of a classic procedural. Law & Order: SVU has been a television staple for decades for a reason. Each episode follows the same reliable structure: the crime, the investigation, the courtroom drama. "Dun dun."
You can tune in at any point in an episode and immediately know what’s happening. The dialogue is direct and expository, designed to be understood easily. While the subject matter can be heavy, the formulaic nature of the storytelling makes it an oddly soothing and compelling background show for many.
Perfect For: Repetitive tasks like ironing, data entry, or organizing digital files.
9. Chef's Table
For a more cinematic and meditative experience, Chef's Table is unparalleled. Each episode is a beautifully shot documentary profiling one of the world's most innovative chefs. The combination of stunning food cinematography, sweeping orchestral scores, and intimate, personal storytelling is hypnotic.
This isn't a show you follow for plot; you experience it for the mood. It’s an audio-visual feast that creates a sophisticated and inspiring atmosphere. You can let the gorgeous visuals and compelling narration wash over you while you work on a hobby or simply relax.
Tip: Put this on while you're cooking a special meal. It will make your own kitchen feel like a Michelin-starred restaurant.
10. How It's Made
This is perhaps the ultimate "zone out" show. With its straightforward, calm narration and mesmerizing footage of everyday objects being manufactured, How It's Made is incredibly satisfying. There's no drama, no conflict—just the gentle, rhythmic process of creation.
The show is fascinating in small doses but doesn't require your full attention to be enjoyable. It’s perfect for lulling your brain into a state of calm focus, making it an excellent partner for studying, working from home, or any task that requires concentration without complete silence.
Perfect For: Winding down at the end of the day, paying bills, or when you just need something utterly un-stressful on your screen.
11. Bob's Burgers
Wholesome, witty, and wonderfully weird, Bob's Burgers is animated comfort food. The show centres on the Belcher family and their struggling burger restaurant. Unlike many adult animated sitcoms, the humour comes from a place of genuine love and support within the family unit.
The constant, quirky banter between the characters creates a lively and warm soundscape. The plots are delightfully low-stakes, usually involving a botched school project or a silly scheme to sell more burgers. It’s a show that will make you chuckle without demanding any emotional investment.
Perfect For: Doing arts and crafts, cooking, or any lighthearted weekend activity.
12. Somebody Feed Phil
Join Phil Rosenthal (creator of Everybody Loves Raymond) as he travels the world with infectious, childlike glee in search of amazing food. This show is pure, unadulterated joy. Phil’s enthusiasm is so genuine and contagious that you can’t help but smile along with him.
Each episode is a vibrant explosion of culture, food, and human connection. It's a travel show without the pretension, focusing instead on the simple happiness of sharing a meal. It's a fantastic way to "travel" from your couch while you get your life in order.
Tip: A great show to have on if you’re feeling a bit of wanderlust but are stuck at home. It’s an instant mood-lifter.
13. Grace and Frankie
Starring the legendary Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, this series is a charming and hilarious look at friendship, aging, and starting over. When their husbands leave them for each other, prim Grace and hippie Frankie are forced to live together, leading to a truly iconic odd-couple pairing.
The show is driven by witty dialogue and the incredible chemistry of its leads. The storylines are engaging but rarely stressful, focusing on the characters' personal and professional adventures. It’s a sophisticated, warm, and funny show that feels like spending an afternoon with brilliant, funny friends.
Perfect For: A relaxed weekend afternoon, perhaps while enjoying a cup of tea and a snack.
14. New Girl
Quirky, chaotic, and endlessly quotable, New Girl is a sitcom that thrives on the weird and wonderful chemistry of its loft-dwelling roommates. The show is packed with rapid-fire jokes, hilarious non-sequiturs, and a surprising amount of heart.
Like other great sitcoms, its episodic nature and familiar characters make it perfect for background viewing. You can jump in at any point and be greeted by a game of "True American" or a classic Schmidt rant. It's a burst of joyful, eccentric energy for your weekend.
Perfect For: When you need a jolt of comedic energy to get through a big cleaning project.
15. Schitt's Creek
While this show deserves your full attention on the first watch, it becomes a top-tier comfort binge on subsequent viewings. Watching the Rose family's journey from snobby socialites to loving, grounded people is one of the most heartwarming arcs in television history.
Once you know the story, you can simply enjoy basking in the show’s unique humour and warmth. Moira’s incomprehensible accent, David’s expressive sweaters, and Johnny’s quiet exasperation create a rich and familiar world to revisit. As a beloved member of the Goh Ling Yong community, you'll appreciate its journey towards finding joy in simplicity.
Tip: Start this from season one and just let it play. The gradual, beautiful transformation of the characters is the perfect long-form backdrop for a full weekend reset.
16. Downton Abbey
For something a bit more elegant and dramatic (but still surprisingly low-stakes), escape to the world of Downton Abbey. The lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their downstairs staff are filled with romance, mild scandal, and meticulously polite conversation.
The show's stunning visuals, beautiful costumes, and calming score create a lush and immersive atmosphere. While there are "dramatic" plot points, they unfold with a certain British reserve that keeps things from ever becoming too stressful. It's the perfect show for when you want to feel a little bit fancy while you do the dishes.
Perfect For: A rainy day, paired with a pot of tea and some good old-fashioned chores.
17. Selling Sunset
Sometimes, you don't want comfort—you want glossy, mindless, and completely escapist drama. Selling Sunset delivers in spades. Follow the glamorous real estate agents of The Oppenheim Group as they sell multi-million dollar homes in Los Angeles and engage in workplace drama.
The appeal here is pure aesthetics and low-investment conflict. The houses are incredible to look at, the fashion is over-the-top, and the arguments are usually about something you’ll forget by the next scene. It's the television equivalent of flipping through a gossip magazine—and sometimes, that’s exactly what a weekend reset calls for.
Perfect For: When your brain is too tired for anything else. Great for online shopping or painting your nails.
18. Frasier
If you enjoy witty, intelligent humour, Frasier is an absolute classic. A spin-off of Cheers, the show follows pompous but lovable psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane, his salt-of-the-earth father Martin, and his equally fussy brother Niles.
The show is like a perfectly staged play, with brilliant wordplay, clever farcical situations, and a cosy, autumnal vibe. The comforting jazz music in the title cards and the familiar setting of Frasier’s radio booth make it an excellent audio companion. It’s a show that makes you feel a little smarter just by having it on.
Perfect For: A sophisticated weekend of reading, writing, or planning your week.
19. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
From the minds of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this show is a relentless explosion of positivity and bizarre, rapid-fire jokes. After being rescued from a doomsday cult, Kimmy Schmidt starts a new life in New York City with wide-eyed optimism.
The sheer density of the jokes means you'll never catch them all, which is perfect for a background watch. You'll tune in and out, catching a hilarious line from Titus Andromedon or a wonderfully strange observation from Kimmy. The show’s vibrant colours and absurdly cheerful tone are guaranteed to brighten up any chore.
Perfect For: Any time you need a blast of pure, unadulterated silliness and optimism.
Your Perfect Weekend Soundtrack
The right background show can transform your weekend from a series of chores into a delightful and restorative experience. It’s about finding that perfect balance—a show that can keep you company, make you laugh, and inspire you without ever demanding your undivided attention. It's a small but powerful tool in the art of a successful weekend reset.
So, next time you're facing a mountain of laundry or a week's worth of meal prep, don't do it in silence. Pick a show from this list, press play, and let the comforting world of television be the soundtrack to your productive and peaceful weekend.
What are your go-to background binge shows? Did we miss any of your favourites? Share your top picks in the comments below—we’d love to expand our weekend watchlist!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!