We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
You know how it is: you’re on your way out of the house, maybe you’re getting dressed, and then, suddenly, a show you’ve seen a dozen times before catches your eye.
Next thing you know, eight hours have passed, you’re still half-dressed, and somehow, you’ve gotten sucked into a marathon of a familiar series, and there’s no slowing down.
It’s something about these series that have such a strong rewatchability quality to them that you can lose time when they suck you into an unexpected binge.
We’ve compiled a list of some series most guilty of perpetuating this phenomenon in no particular order.
Check it out below!
Law & Order: SVU
Shout out to USA Network for keeping this iconic series on heavy rotation with so many marathons. They actually have THEMES.
Maybe it’s the “Boys Behaving Badly” edition, with Stabler behaving poorly in the early seasons. Perhaps it’s a marathon devoted to the best episodes showcasing the expert abilities of SVU’s roster of elite DAs over the years.
Whatever the case, there’s something so addictive and bingeable about Law & Order SVU.
In one sitting, you can cover at least three different stages of Olivia’s career, all based on her hairdo.
Sometimes, they have marathons like “Before They Were Stars” editions because goodness knows SVU has become a Rites of Passage for more than a few of the biggest television and film stars.
All I know is I once spent three full days bingeing an SVU marathon while battling the flu, and it was riveting from sun up to sundown.
Few shows have the binge-able quality of SVU, and it doesn’t hurt that we’re now two and half decades into the series, so there’s plenty to watch.
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F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Syndication is a gift, and F.R.I.E.N.D.S is a prime example of this because how else can you happen across an episode or two of this sitcom and then get sucked into some of the most timeless comedies of the past 40 years?
They knew what they were doing when they titled each installment with “The One Where…” because that’s exactly what it’s like when you happen across one of your favorite episodes in passing. Suddenly, you’re folding laundry while Ross Gellar desperately tries to pull up some leather pants.
Pulling up the series on a streaming network and curating it to your liking is fun. However, the unexpectedness of falling into a binge marathon on some obscure network or another added to the excitement and enjoyment.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is so widely appealing that no matter how many times you’ve seen any of the episodes, you’ll still find yourself either rewatching them all over again like it’s the first time or reciting dialogue word for word while laughing along.
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N.C.I.S.
Technically, you can marathon-watch almost every series in this franchise (and there are plenty of shows), but truthfully, nothing hits quite like the original NCIS.
Because the series has been on for so long, clocking in at 22 seasons and going, there are so many eras of the show that you can watch at any given point in time.
And each era will have you locked in for one reason or another.
Maybe you’re a Kate fan, so you enjoy all of the early seasons, or perhaps you like a thematic approach to the most shocking moments (which undoubtedly will always include her death, among many other characters).
Sometimes, you’re in the mood for the funniest episodes, which will undoubtedly always include DiNozzo.
Of course, there’s always a solid “Best of Abby Sciuto” marathon, which features one of the series’ most iconic characters.
But even if you’re fond of the later stages, you can stumble across a nice marathon featuring the most recent members of the series in this endearing new era.
They’re particularly gratifying as reminders of McGee and Palmer’s growth over so many years.
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Supernatural
And, of course, there’s the Winchester brothers.
With evolving storylines, 15 seasons, and episodic adventures in a unique genre, it’s one of the most fun marathon binges on the list.
We get the best of both worlds with complex characters and relationships, monster-of-the-week episodes, and larger mythological arcs that keep the story fresh.
No matter how often you’ve seen the content, you can effortlessly lose yourself in this series for hours.
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Cold Case
Cold Case’s unique concept and premise are fascinating because I had never considered the importance of solving cold cases before.
Lilly’s compassion and determination as she and the team peel back all these layers and reexamine cases from a new angle make for compelling and emotional television.
It’s also exciting to have flashbacks to various time periods and touch upon many cultural and social issues and milestones as the past and present converge.
Each episode feels like a puzzle to solve, leading up to the emotionally satisfying closure at the end. It’s definitely a series that will leave you in your feelings after viewing. Its powerful storytelling makes Cold Case a binge-worthy experience that is perfect for extended viewing sessions.
Watch Cold Case Online
Modern Family
Who hasn’t fallen into a Modern Family marathon? It’s far too easy to do when you catch a single glimpse of Phil Dunphy or hear Gloria’s voice, and suddenly, you’re glued to the screen.
Modern Family is the perfect escapist show. It simultaneously reminds you of the heartwarming, hilarious family moments while also allowing you to escape your own and the drama it entails.
Once you’ve started an episode, it’s difficult to stop, and it doesn’t matter how often you’ve watched. Certain installments will make you belly laugh as if you’re seeing them for the first time.
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Criminal Minds
Nothing can suck me in like old Criminal Minds episodes. Some of them, I can quote like I read the script myself.
Like many of the other procedurals listed here, Criminal Minds is a series with various eras, each scratching a different itch during a marathon watch.
Many people didn’t like Elle, but I did, and I have fond memories of the chemistry between her, Reid, and Morgan.
Hotch had one of the best character arcs in the series, and there were so many hidden layers. Not to mention, some of the best storylines were tied to his character. The Reaper arc? It still lives in my head rent-free.
The best thing about Criminal Minds is that it combines psychological intrigue with profiling and dark cases while somehow managing to inject enough humor.
Plus, as a girl who loves quotes, I have a notebook filled with them thanks to every bookend to each installment.
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Martin
Much like F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Martin is one of the greatest sitcoms of the ’90s. It was pretty iconic for its time, often featuring some of the biggest names and faces in acting and the music industry, particularly hip-hop, guest-starring and making cameos.
Once you’ve started an episode of Martin, it’s difficult to stop, as you get lost in its nostalgia, with some of the classic zany comedy, sketch, and character work, and great dynamics between the characters.
It’s just off-kilter enough to put a smile on your face on the worst of days. The high-energy antics and absurdity get a bit redundant, but they’re half of what makes it so entertaining.
You’ll be eagerly awaiting your favorite episodes or iconic characters and guest stars whenever you watch.
Watch Martin Online
Chicago PD
Say what you will about Chicago PD, but there’s nothing like watching Voight and Intelligence taking down bad guys.
It doesn’t even matter if you’ve seen the episodes a dozen times before. The high-stakes action and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the familiarity of the characters is comforting.
Of course, the characters add to the fun, too. Maybe you liked the Erin Lindsay timeframe along with Dawson and Olinksy. Or perhaps Hailey and Halstead were more your speed.
Earlier seasons had more humor, while later ones had more action and a character-centric focus. We needn’t get into the grit, ethical dilemmas, or questionable morality of some seasons versus others.
Following along with the Intelligence Unit as they solve major crimes and gruesome cases can still lure you in every bit as much as when you first tuned into the episodes.
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Charmed
What’s not to love about Charmed?
You get magic, sisterhood, love, and lots of adventure.
Genre shows often make for the best marathons because they’re unexpectedly quirky and fun while still having enough action and human themes that resonate.
Eight seasons worth of magic, love, fantasy, and adventure means that any movement you tune in, you’ll get wrapped up in a fascinating story where the Charmed Ones will hold your interest for hours at a time.
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9-1-1
Have you ever fallen into rewatching 9-1-1? It’s glorious!
The series is absolutely unhinged on a good day, so combining many episodes into a marathon binge that you’ll randomly fall into on some Saturdays is one of the most delightfully bizarre experiences ever.
Who couldn’t spend a whole day (or weekend) lost in the antics of the 118 as they go on the craziest calls known to humankind? The series is just wacky enough to be comforting, and the show bolsters one of the strongest and most likable ensemble casts currently airing.
The cast turnover isn’t even high, meaning there are over seven seasons’ worth of episodes ranging from silly and bizarre to emotional or action-packed with the same characters we know and love.
It doesn’t get any better than that.
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Bones
Procedurals are among the easiest series to marathon binge because, more often than not, there aren’t overarching plot points that have to connect all the time.
One minute, you can tune into an episode from the first season and the next, one from the fifth, and you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out on much or concern yourself with storylines not connecting. It’s just luck of the draw and a good time!
Bones is the epitome of a good time because it’s not your typical crime procedural, thanks to all of its quirky fun and characters like Brennan, Angela, and Hodgins.
From the forensics to the mystery of cases, it’s a great blend of things that somehow soothe the mind while reliving Brennan and Booth’s slow-burn “will-they/won’t they?”
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Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is such an addictive series that it’s easy to park in front of the screen and watch for hours at a time without even realizing it.
Its pulse-pounding action combined with its primetime soap personal arcs and relationship drama makes every episode, no matter what season, stage, or whatever characters, purely addictive.
And don’t think for a second that the storylines aren’t as emotionally effective after the fourth or fifth watch as they were the first time. I can attest that they are.
Chicago Fire will keep you locked in, no matter the season. It definitely explains how I’ve gotten so caught up in a marathon that I’ve missed an appointment or two. But who can blame me?!
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Over to you, TV Fanatics.
Which of these series can you watch over and over again? Have you ever gotten sucked into a television marathon? Let’s hear it below!
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