20 TV shows that are best binged in the winter

Fargo is one of the wintriest shows in TV history. It takes place in some of the wintriest places in America, and the plots will make you glad you’re inside watching TV and not outside with murderers. 

If you love a wintry background, few shows will sate your desire for that aesthetic like Game of Thrones. Plus, it’s widely considered one of the greatest shows of all time, and there’s not a whole lot else to do in the winter than binge on great TV. 

You can watch all of True Detective in the winter if you want, but if you want a specifically winter backdrop, just skip ahead to True Detective: Night Country. It takes place in Alaska during the polar night, and the setting doesn't get much wintier than that. 

If you like a thriller and don’t mind some gore, Yellowjackets is worth checking out. It takes place in Ontario, so there’s some winter in the mix. It’s great for fans of horror who don’t often get their itch scratched outside of autumn.

The Crown takes place throughout the entire year, including the winter. And since it takes place primarily in the United Kingdom, a place that seems cold no matter what time of year it is, it’s the perfect series to watch in the winter. 

If you want a reality series, opt for The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Several seasons of the show have been filmed in the winter, and it’s got some of the most iconic moments in all of Housewives history. 

The Killing is perfect to watch in winter because its setting and tone match the season. Plus, it features season-long murder mysteries that are especially fun to piece together when bingeing because the details are fresh in your mind. 

Shameless takes place in Chicago, so of course there are some wintry episodes. There’s also heart, soul, humor, and drama, and there’s Emmy Rossum, Jeremey Allen White, and William H. Macy. It’s worth checking out. 

Outlander should be watched in the winter because there’s a lot to keep track of, the episodes are long, and there are several seasons. You need to dedicate a lot of time to watching it, and there’s no better opportunity for that than the winter.

Snowpiercer is a fun thriller series that’s all sorts of wintry. The episodes are long, but there aren’t that many seasons. If you’re looking to binge a couple of series this winter, Snowpiercer is a great option. 

If you like love, drama, and reality shows with seemingly pointless challenges, The Bachelor Winter Games is perfect. There’s only one season of the show, but it’ll give you little bits of Bachelor Nation history that you either didn’t know or totally forgot about. 

Abbott Elementary follows a group of teachers throughout the school year, so you get just about every season in the show. It’s the perfect option if you want something wholesome with an edge, and it’s hilarious, so it’ll definitely cheer you up if you have some winter blues. 

Call the Midwife is cozy and heartwarming. There are several seasons of the British drama, and watching in the winter will ensure you have all the time you need to soak up every minute of this great period piece.

Severance is an excellent show to watch in the winter. It takes place in the winter, and it’s a lot to follow and unpack. You may need some time to decompress after certain episodes, and you’ll have time to do that in the winter. 

Sometimes you watch a show you can binge over a winter weekend spent at home. If that’s your vibe, watch Fleabag. It’s a quick watch and a hilarious masterpiece. 

Westworld is another great show that can be difficult to follow if you’re not paying attention. Watch it in the winter so you can take your time and fully immerse yourself in the Westworld universe. 

Winter House is another fun reality show that’s dramatic yet mindless. It’s a good entry point if you’re looking to get involved in the Bravo world without committing to a series with 10 or more seasons. 

The Wire is widely considered one of the best TV shows of all time. You want to give it your full attention, and it’s easiest to do that in the winter when there isn’t much else to distract you. 

Lost is another series that requires your attention. And if you’re someone who hates winter, Lost is a good option because it takes place on an island, so you can pretend you’re there instead of inside during a snow storm. 

If there’s ever a time to binge Law & Order, it’s winter. You’re going to need as much time as possible to get through that show. It’ll likely take you several months - maybe even longer than a year - to watch it all, but the winter is a good time to start.