Background TV shows are perfect for watching when you can’t devote your full attention to a series.
These simple, casual programs can be enjoyed while you’re busy with other tasks around the house.
Some of our favorite series to stream as background TV include shows like “Wife Swap” and “The Office.”
Though we love watching prestige dramas that challenge our minds with complex plots, sometimes we all just want to flip on the TV and enjoy some passive entertainment. This is where “Background TV” comes in.
The term gives a name to the kinds of shows we put on for nothing more than background noise and casual enjoyment. They’re the type of shows that are perfect to fill the silence while you work from home, and are ideal when you want something to half-heartedly pay attention to while you cook, clean, or scroll through your phone.
Background TV can mean different things to different people; for some, reality TV or true-crime documentaries are ideal. Episodic shows with light plotlines might qualify as background TV to others — “Seinfeld” is a great example of this, because it’s famously “a show about nothing.” Shows you’ve already seen many times can also qualify, since you’re already familiar with the plot.
In an era filled with tons of new series popping up every week and never enough time to watch them all, background shows are becoming increasingly popular and they offer the perfect break from prestige TV. It doesn’t matter if a line of dialogue gets drowned out by a vacuum or you miss a scene while you’re busy checking TikTok, because these are the kinds of shows that don’t command your full attention.
If you’re searching for some streaming recommendations that are perfect for background TV, look no further. We asked our colleagues on the Insider Reviews team to recommend some of their favorite shows to put on when they just want some casual ambient entertainment.
’20/20′
ABC
Stream “20/20” on Hulu
Whenever I want to zone out and have something in the background while I play on my phone, I love to put on “20/20.” As a true crime junkie, the stories are really engaging and the episodes follow a podcast-type format, so it’s easy to just listen along if my eyes are engaged elsewhere. Because it also airs on TV (where folks might stumble across an episode while changing channels), there’s lots of repetition of information, which is helpful if I happen to tune out. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor
‘Futurama’Bender and Fry in “Futurama.”
Fox
Stream “Futurama” on Hulu
In my opinion, the best background show is a series you’ve already seen that has a lot of episodes. “Futurama” perfectly fits the bill for me; I saw most of it when I was a kid, plus it has 10 seasons to trek through. The witty sci-fi comedy also has pretty self-contained adventures, so if you miss something while folding laundry or working, chances are it won’t matter later on in the series. Though it’s over 20 years old now, “Futurama” aged well, with jokes that are still funny without being too offensive. — Sarah Saril, reporter
‘Wife Swap’A couple from season five of “Wife Swap.”
ABC
Stream “Wife Swap” on Hulu
“Wife Swap” is so structured and over-produced that it’s easy to check in and out. I like to have it on in the background when scrolling on my phone at the end of the day. The premise involves matching two families with opposite character traits: a messy household with an ultra-clean home or a family of jocks with book nerds. Then, the wife from each family goes and lives with the other family, and orchestrated drama ensues. While watching, my wife and I choose which house we’d rather live in, which person is secretly a serial killer, and which of the swapped couples got romantically involved — something that doesn’t actually happen (as far as we know). — James Brains, reporter
‘The Real Housewives of Potomac'”The Real Housewives of Potomac” is one of many reality shows on Bravo.
Larry French/Bravo
Stream “The Real Housewives of Potomac” on Hulu or Peacock
Reality TV is great for ambient noise, which is why I turn to all things Bravo. I consider myself an equal opportunity “Housewives” lover; I give the entire franchise a fair shot, but “Potomac” is far and away my favorite. I love putting the show on when I need to fill the silence in my house because it’s great for my selective attention span. If there’s a housewife or a storyline I don’t personally love, I can tune it out or turn away from the TV for a few minutes to do something else. — Angela Tricarico, streaming editorial fellow
‘Emily in Paris’
Netflix
Stream “Emily in Paris” on Netflix
When I had COVID over Christmas, like most of my pals in NYC, “Emily in Paris” was the show I could watch for hours while aimlessly scrolling or finishing up work. The playful costumes drew me in every so often, and the plot is fun, but pointless. You don’t feel guilty missing the dialogue and you never become attached to any of the characters, so it’s the perfect mindless watch. If you’re looking for a quintessential romantic dramedy to put on in the background, this is the one for you. — Maiya Pascouche, associate story producer
‘Charmed’ (2018)
The CW
Stream “Charmed” on Netflix
Even after four seasons and a few new character additions, the premise of the “Charmed” reboot stays consistent. Each episode centers around three witches who juggle saving the world from unknown terrors with everyday feuds and romantic flings. With every plot twist comes a resolution and knowing that makes it easy to tune in or out freely. Whether you’ve checked out for a moment to text a friend or you miss an entire episode, it’s always easy to jump back in. — Kayla Bickham, style & beauty editorial fellow
‘Ted Lasso’Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso.
Courtesy of AppleTV
Stream “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV Plus
Another category of background TV in my own house is “the show I’ve rewatched so many times I can practically quote every episode,” and even though there are only 22 episodes of “Ted Lasso,” it firmly falls into that category. If it’s something I’ve seen already, I’m less likely to look up at the TV and drop everything else every other minute. Instead, I know my favorite episodes and scenes and I know when to look out for them. Even though each season has a serialized arc, it’s not too complicated to follow and missing details won’t ruin your enjoyment of the episode or series at large. — Angela Tricarico, streaming editorial fellow
‘The Great British Baking Show’
PBS
Stream “The Great British Baking Show” on Netflix
I love shows about food, and “The Great British Baking Show” is my favorite. Each season features a new group of British amateur bakers in a weeks-long competition where contestants bake everything from Victoria sandwiches to elaborate tarts. Unlike typical competition shows, the judges here are incredibly positive with their criticism, and sometimes the contestants will even help each other out. The show’s vibe is so pleasant, it’s my go-to for background watching when I’m sewing or crafting. — Sarah Saril, reporter
‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’
BBC
Stream “The Great Pottery Throw Down” on HBO Max
If you’re wondering whether this is just a pottery version of “The Great British Baking Show,” then you’re on the right track. As a die-hard fan of the baking predecessor, I was thrilled to discover another wholesome, hobby-based competition show. In the series, home artisans sculpt memories, build toilets, and throw dinner sets under the watchful eye of expert potters. It’s niche, it’s set to calming instrumental music, and it’s perfect background television. — Lily Alig, reporter
‘Love on the Spectrum’Sharnae and Jimmy in “Love on the Spectrum.”
Netflix
Stream “Love on the Spectrum” on Netflix
I went into this show skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised to find it so informative, considerate of individuals on the autism spectrum, and unbelievably sweet. The show follows a handful of singles (and two couples) on their journey for love as people on the spectrum. You really start rooting for the hopefuls as they embark on a series of firsts: dates, kisses, and boyfriends/girlfriends. With so much of the action happening over conversations, it’s perfect to listen to while tidying up or crafting. It’s super heartwarming, and there’s even a US season to watch now too! — Sarah Saril, reporter
‘The Office’
NBC
Stream “The Office” on Peacock
“The Office” is quintessential background TV in my house. I’ve seen every episode but it never fails to entertain me. I can just stream a few episodes here and there while eating dinner or checking emails without having to worry about missing anything. The show is filled with tons of jokes and quotable lines, so it’s easy to tune in intermittently for a good laugh. — Steven Cohen, senior editor
‘Shark Tank’
ABC
Stream “Shark Tank” on Hulu
ABC’s popular series about aspiring entrepreneurs is a favorite of mine. It’s always fun to see the investors debate the merits of each new business pitch, and I love seeing all the creative product ideas. The show is easily digestible with several pitch segments in each episode, so it lends itself well to tuning in and out. I can handle other tasks and turn my attention back to the show if a particular pitch really catches my eye. — Steven Cohen, senior editor
