Once you retire, you find yourself having more time on your hands than you ever did. Why not catch up on some of the TV shows you missed over the years? Streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ make it easy to watch a number of shows from different time periods, as well as new, original content you can enjoy viewing with your spouse or alone. So, why not check out some of the best tv shows on Hulu for seniors?
The great thing about streaming shows from Hulu is that it’s affordable and it’s convenient. You can watch content from your smart TV, computer, tablet, or even your smartphone, in a pinch. This makes it a breeze to keep up with your favorite shows or have a binge session on a day when you’re feeling like relaxing in front of the television.
There are numerous genres to select shows from, including drama, comedy, and science fiction, so you’re sure to find something in your wheelhouse from the massive selection that Hulu offers. If you don’t already have Hulu, opt for a free trial so you can click around and determine if the site has enough content you’d enjoy to make a subscription worthwhile. Happy streaming!
Here are the best five TV shows on Hulu for seniors!
Best 5 TV Shows on Hulu for Seniors
1. The Handmaid’s Tale
An award-winning show based on the dramatic book by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale follows the story of Offred, played to perfection by Elizabeth Moss.
This show takes place in a post-apocalyptic society where a religious regime is in place, controlling the women of the community by separating them into women who can breed children for the wealthy, maids, and nannies. Women don’t hold positions of power.
Though the show will make you angry from time to time, it’s too compelling not to watch. You’ll find yourself rooting for the women as they try to plot escapes and rail against their captors in this vivid and horrifying portrait of a futuristic society. The acting is top-notch and the drama-filled episodes will have you binging an entire season before you know it!
No matter what genre of entertainment you like, this is a show that all women (and even men) can relate to and enjoy, and it will definitely take your mind off any worries you may personally have – Offred has it much worse than any of us can possibly imagine!
Currently, there are three seasons to stream, with the fourth season promised in 2021, and fans can’t wait for Offred’s return, as each season typically ends on a heart-wrenching cliffhanger.
2. Seinfeld
If you didn’t catch it the first time around or it’s just been awhile since you entered the world of George, Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine, Seinfeld is worth a watch.
This hilarious show “about nothing” offers up some of the most famous catchphrases and episodes in TV history, including “Soup Nazi.” Jerry spins entertaining stories based on his own experiences and stand-up comedy to bring viewers into the weird and comical world of these New Yorkers.
These half-hour shows offer up nine seasons of entertainment, and episodes go by fast. Before you know it, you’ll have seasons flying by! This is a perfect show if you just want something fun, light, and interesting to watch that won’t give you bad dreams, make you think too much, or take too long to complete an episode.
Everyone can enjoy Seinfeld, no matter what age. And it basically defined popular culture in the ‘90s, so you’ll see some relevant references to the decade that will surely make you smile. The cast won multiple awards as did the show, so take a look at one of the most popular and decade-defining shows when you stream Seinfeld on Hulu.
3. The Wonder Years
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the good old days, The Wonder Years is the perfect way to fill that need. This show originally aired in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s but takes place in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. It follows the story of an average family, the Arnolds, and specifically focuses on the youngest member of the family, Kevin, as he traverses puberty and coming of age during this era.
He has an older brother and sister, a best friend, and a girl he has a crush on all set against the backdrop of important historical events, great music, and the innocence of a completely different era. It’s altogether enjoyable and will definitely give you the warm, fuzzy feeling you may be needing these days.
Kevin starts off at age 12 and goes up to age 17 during the run of this show, which lasted from 1988 to 1993. Played by the adorable Fred Savage, Kevin is the kid that everyone can identify with, facing up to awkward moments while growing up with the aid of his closest companions.
The point of the show is really to teach all of us some life lessons through the lens of a young boy learning them himself, and it does that with humor and heart.
4. Parks and Recreation
Tired of politics? Then you’ll love the satiric humor of Parks and Recreation. Starring comedian Amy Poehler and hilarious actors like Chris Pratt and Nick Offerman, this half-hour comedy show is a breath of fresh air. Based around a town’s Park and Recreation department, the funny stories of small-town bureaucracy in Pawnee, Indiana provide plenty of fodder for the cast’s raucous and ridiculous comedy.
This show has won numerous awards, and it’s easy to see why. The clever writing coupled with the comic timing of the actors makes it a definite winner, and it’s a breeze for anyone to watch no matter what types of genres are enjoyed. The show was on the air for seven seasons, so there’s plenty of material for you to enjoy.
A fun show for simply relaxing and enjoying some laughs, Parks and Recreation is the perfect recipe for political satire that nobody can take seriously. The show’s popularity even inspired a reunion show years after it aired as well as numerous special episodes like Christmas ones to enjoy.
For tongue-in-cheek laughs when you’re tired of the seriousness of politics, turn off the news and turn on Parks and Recreation!
5. Bob’s Burgers
Don’t be turned off by the fact that Bob’s Burgers is animated. Though it can be enjoyed by young people, it’s not necessarily a kids’ show, as evidenced by some of the more mature jokes. It’s so much fun to watch that it doesn’t matter what age you are, you’ll find yourself laughing along at Bob, Linda, and their three nutty kids, Tina, Louise, and Gene.
The voice actors of this show are razor-sharp and absolutely hilarious, and the silly storylines of the family that owns a burger restaurant will have you in stitches. Catchy songs written just for the show inspire even more humor and take the show to the next level.
New episodes are still airing, as the show is still on the air as of 2020. The show has been airing for 10 seasons, and viewers still haven’t tired of the animated antics of the Belcher family. Some of these storylines mirror real life all too well, as the family struggles with real issues like money, their extended family, and bullying.
The half-hour episodes go by in a blink, and you’ll love the warm moments of the show, too.
How to Choose a Show on Hulu
Comedy vs. Drama
There are benefits to watching comedies or dramas. Dramas have a way of pulling you in, gaining your interest and providing you a respite from thinking about the world at large or your own problems since you get so engaged and engrossed in the characters’ lives. A good drama can be a great escape from reality.
Great acting is also impressive and pulls you in. However, a comedy show can provide you the laughs you need when you’re simply feeling down or don’t want to think the way a drama may inspire you to. You can leave your brain behind when you watch a silly, funny comedy.
Both genres are excellent, but it mainly depends on your mood!
Hour vs. Half-Hour
Though it doesn’t seem like there would be a big difference in half-hour vs hourlong shows, it does seem like half-hour episodes fly by much faster than hourlong streaming shows. If you don’t have much time and you’re busy, committing to a half-hour show is likely enough.
You may only have time to catch a couple of episodes a day, and a half-hour is the perfect amount of time to watch an episode during lunch or before bed. However, an hour gives you time to really immerse yourself in a show and give you something to look forward to, especially if you really enjoy the plot.
Old vs. New
Sometimes you want to remember the way things were, and that’s where a more vintage show comes into play. There’s something to be said about going back in time to the ‘60s, ‘70s, or even the ‘80s to remember when life was a little simpler than it is now.
However, for more relevant humor and current popular culture, today’s shows fit the bill a bit better. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for. Of course, current shows that are set in a different era, like The Goldbergs, may be the perfect marriage of the two.
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