Lately, we’ve had almost too much time to spend catching up on Netflix. If you’ve binged all of your regular shows, or are hoping to switch up your tv browsing routine and need some recommendations, look no further. We love these 10 series you can stream right now – some to keep your brain actively curious, others to help you travel the globe from your living room. Let us know your favorite show or episode from this list!
PS – If you haven’t already, make sure to download the Netflix Party extension for virtual viewing sessions with your friends and family. Just add to Google Chrome and send a link to one of these shows – it allows you to watch together, with a live chat feature built right into the screen.
TO EXPAND YOUR MENTAL HORIZONS
The Mind, Explained – Netflix
Vox’s Netflix show Explained hosts a miniseries all about the mind. Each episode packs a punch with fascinating information about anxiety, dreams, mindfulness, memory, or psychedelics.
5 Levels – Hulu
Each of these short episodes produced by WIRED dives deep into a big topic – with 5 different types of people. An expert in the field explains a high-level subject in five different layers of complexity—first to a child, then a teen, a college student, a grad student and, finally, a colleague. You can find more videos in the series on WIRED’s website here.
What’s Inside – Amazon Prime
These short episodes explore the science behind the everyday stuff we’re surrounded with – from coffee, to strike-anywhere matches, to your kid’s playdough. What actually is it, anyway?
FOR AWE-INSPIRING SCENES
Our Planet Behind The Scenes – Netflix
If you’re like us, you’ve binged Our Planet (and Planet Earth 1 and 2, too). But did you know you can get in on the production behind the scenes? This series lets you follow along on the other side of the cameras, to learn how the heck they get all those incredible shots.
Night on Earth: Shot in the dark – Netflix
If you’re looking for more, another beautiful docu-series on Netflix, Night on Earth, gives you the chance to learn just how these mysterious night scenes were filmed.
Tales By Light – Netflix
This National Geographic documentary series follows photographers and filmmakers from Australia. Filled with stunning imagery from around the world, this is a must-watch for scenes that will transport you to a different place instantly.
WHEN YOU NEED AN ADVENTURE
National Parks: America’s Best Idea – Amazon Prime
Filmed over the course of more than six years, this six-part documentary series by Ken Burns explains the history of America’s national parks. If you love the park’s untouched landscapes across the country as much as we do, make sure to add this to your list.
Expedition Overland – Amazon Prime
This reality-based series follows a team of friends of overlanders and outfitted vehicles through some of the most remote places of the world. Follow along with three seasons as they explore Alaska and the Yukon, Central America, and South America.
If you have young explorers at home with you, this show is perfect for families. In this interactive series, viewers make key decisions to help Bear Grylls survive, thrive and complete missions in the harshest environments on Earth. You must click on the screen to decide which tools, paths, and choices Bear Grylls picks as he explores.
Magical Andes
This stunning documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America. Travel to Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, and more with beautiful scenes of mountain peaks and an inside look into the countries’ cultures.
