woman on recliner holding newborn (TV shows to binge watch with newborn)The newborn months require a lot of downtime — but they do not afford a lot of sleep for new moms! While learning to breastfeed, recovering from birth, cluster feeding, easing colic, and simply enjoying those sweet newborn snuggles, I often found myself sitting with my daughter in my arms in those early days. And I learned that a great way to stay awake and entertained when the minutes felt like hours was to binge watch a favorite TV show!

Here are a few television shows that are perfect for any new mom adjusting to life with a newborn!

Drama-free reality TV

When I think of reality TV I picture drama-filled scenes with lots of yelling, crying, and general chaos. Thankfully, I’ve found the best corner of the reality TV universe. Calm, easygoing insights into human existence, with not a stitch of drama to be found.

“The Great British Baking Show” (Netflix)

Hailing from across the pond, “The Great British Baking Show” stormed the U.S. in 2015, delighting viewers with delicious bakes, checking for soggy bottoms, and over-the-top creative showstoppers. While it is a competition with a winner, it’s the camaraderie between contestants that keeps you coming back for more.

“House Hunters” (Hulu, Discovery+, FuboTV, Max)

If you love seeing different parts of the country and learning about regional architecture and geography, “House Hunters” is a great option to travel without ever leaving your couch. This is a very easy show to jump in and out of or miss portions of the episode without needing to rewind.

“Queer Eye” (Netflix)

A reboot of the early aughts, “Queer Eye” is a beautiful show about humanity. The team of five travels to a different city each season to “improve” someone’s life in each episode, but in reality, you learn more from the hero as they are. I can’t promise you won’t cry, but I promise it’s a feel-good show to lift your spirits.

Honorable Mention: “My Lottery Dream Home” (Discovery+, FuboTV, Max)

Comedy

There’s nothing better than a good belly laugh — just make sure you don’t laugh too hard and wake the baby! I love watching comedy TV not just for the humor, but also because it’s very easy to pick a single episode or binge in a series.

“The Office” (Peacock)

“The Office” is a true classic. Steve Carell is a comedic genius, and I think the show’s success is due to the incredible ensemble and great writing. As a bonus to your “Office” watch (or re-watch), Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) are doing an “Office” re-watch podcast. I’ve really enjoyed listening to a podcast episode of their behind-the-scenes details and on-screen background catches then going back and watching the episode.

“How I Met Your Mother” (Hulu)

HIMYM is filled with humor, searching for love, and riding the waves of friendship. Throughout nine seasons Ted is re-telling the story to his children of how he met their mom (most of which does not involve the mom at all). Superfans hate the ending, but Neil Patrick Harris as Barney is the true star of the show.

“Scrubs” (Hulu, Peacock)

If you love “Grey’s Anatomy” and other medical dramas but can’t handle them with your current hormone levels, “Scrubs” is the perfect comedic foil. My husband turned me on to this show, and while I had my doubts at the outset, I was so sad when it was over. At its core, the main storyline revolves around J.D. learning what it means to be a good physician, friend, and partner.

Female powerhouses

As a feminist raising a little girl, I love nothing more than binging a TV show that holds female characters at the center.

“Parks & Recreation” (Peacock)

Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) for president! Leslie’s fierce commitment to female friendships and women has made me a better person. Wholesome while being honest and pointed about the struggles of being a woman in leadership, this show is chock full of outstanding cast members to support the main character. If you are not convinced after the first few episodes, jump to season two. Consuming stacks of waffles covered in whipped cream while watching is encouraged.

“New Girl” (Hulu, Peacock)

A show squarely set in the adult years between ages 20 and 30 covers forming adult friendships, romantic relationships, and navigating career changes. Characterized as a dramedy (drama + comedy), I love the growth of the main character, Jess (Zooey Deschanel) throughout the series. While I may never figure out the rules for True American, I think I would fit right in with this quirky group of friends.

“Ugly Betty” (Netflix, Hulu)

If you loved America Ferrera as Gloria in Barbie, you will love the show that catapulted her career. America was the first Latina woman to win the Outstanding Lead Actress Award, playing the role of Betty Suarez. Betty knows exactly who she is, even if everyone else in the fashion world makes fun of her for it. In only four seasons I fell in love with Betty, cheered for her as she stood up for herself, and admired how she navigated the world with integrity and kindness.

Honorable Mentions: “30 Rock” (Hulu, Peacock) and “The Mindy Project” (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime)

Feel good series that make you think

There are a few shows that have stuck with me well after the finale, continuing to make me think about something larger than myself.

“Schitt’s Creek” (Amazon Prime, Hulu, FuboTV)

Father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy wrote and produced one of the greatest TV series in the last decade. On a recent episode of the podcast We Can Do Hard Things, Dan Levy shared that he dreamed “Schitt’s Creek” into existence and made intentional decisions to create a world where homophobia simply did not exist and where radical acceptance of people as they are was the norm.

“The Good Place” (AppleTV, Netflix)

Starring Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop, this show features a utopian afterlife for those who have done “good” while alive. Except Eleanor was placed in “the good place” by mistake. The show wrestles with ethics and philosophy, starring a great cast of characters including Jameela Jamil and Ted Danson.

Throwbacks

I must mention some of the true classics — the original binge-worthy TV shows! Sometimes it’s better to not mess with success!

“Cheers” (Hulu, FuboTV, PlutoTV)

It would not be a Boston Mom’s recommendation without our favorite former Red Sox player turned bartender, his steadfast staff, and a gaggle of regulars! The 11 seasons certainly have some ups and downs in character development and plot lines, but it’s really hard to say no to the show where “everyone knows your name.”

“The Golden Girls” (Hulu, FuboTV)

Nearly 40 years later, this show is just as funny as it was when it first premiered, thanks to the unbelievably talented cast. I can’t think of better company than Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia during a late-night feeding session.

Honorable Mention: “Sex and the City” (FuboTV, Max)

Honorable Mention: “Will and Grace” (Hulu, Amazon Prime)

Honorable Mention: “I Love Lucy” (Paramount+, FuboTV, PlutoTV)

This post was originally written in 2016 by Caitlin Hynes and was updated for 2024 by Sarah Aspinwall!


 

Sarah Aspinwall
Sarah grew up in Connecticut, but Massachusetts has always felt like a second home with extended family across the state. With a master's in public health and a lifelong passion for healthcare, Sarah moved to Boston after graduation. She is a fierce advocate for better access and reducing the complexities of the healthcare system. Sarah met her husband covered in sweat and lifting weights at a local CrossFit gym (talk about first impressions!). They adopted a rescue pup from Mississippi and welcomed their daughter in 2021. After nearly a decade of city living, Sarah and her family headed to the Metro West area to start a new adventure in the suburbs. Sarah has volunteered for Community Consulting Teams of Boston (CCT), offering pro bono management consulting to Boston-area nonprofits, and she served a three-year term on the board. She is an alumna member of the Kappa Delta sorority and has served as an advisor to the Northeastern chapter since 2014.

2 COMMENTS

  1. HI Catlin,
    What a great idea. II wish they had binge shows to watching when I had my kids, back in the Flintstone days! ‘m featuring a, “Moms at Work Roundup” on my blog , haartfelt.com this week and your post on great shows to binge watch with your newborn is my first feature. Thank-you!
    Pamela

    • Thank you so much, Pamela!! You have a wonderful site. It’s incredibly uplifting, and I’m honored that you featured my post!

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