Entertainment
8 TV Combos That Work Together Perfectly, Because Every 'Mad Men' Fan Should Also Watch 'Parks & Rec'
Here's my theory about binge-watching a TV show: it's only unhealthy if you don't know how to balance. Of course your brain is gonna feel fried if you watch 10 straight episodes of Breaking Bad in a row — but if you manage to fit a few episodes of Broad City in-between? Then chances are, you'll feel just fine, because even the best dramas need a palette cleanser after a few too many episodes in a row.
The key to all successful binge watches, however, is knowing which pairs of shows, typically a dark drama and a lighthearted comedy, go together the best. Mad Men followed by The Sopranos? Disaster. But Mad Men followed by Parks & Rec? Now that's a perfect combination. Read on for eight TV show pairs you'll want to get started on ASAP.
Image: AMC
If You're Watching 'Mad Men...'
I know it was said, but hear my reasoning for why the AMC drama is best to be watched with…
Image: AMC
'Parks & Rec'
Just like Mad Men, it’s a workplace show, except that all the employees are ridiculous and the saddest moment was when a mini-horse named Li’l Sebastian unexpectedly passed away. The perfect combo.
Image: NBC
If You're Into 'The Good Wife...'
Growing tired of watching strong, brilliant women accomplish great things for hours on end? Break it up with…
Image: CBS
'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'
Chances are, you’ll only need an episode or two before running back to Alicia and co.
Image: E!
If You're Watching 'Game of Thrones...'
Then you’ll need to follow it up with a lighthearted show that also contains a big ensemble, some questionable relationships, and a bunch of recurring themes, such as…
Image: HBO
'Cougar Town'
Everyone drinks a lot on this show, too, except they’re always happy and nobody dies.
Image: TBS
If You're Loving 'Homeland...'
Why not mix it up with…
Image: Showtime
'30 Rock'
Both series feature a female heroine, albeit with very different personalities. When you’re sick of Carrie’s crying jags, move on to Liz Lemon and her night cheese.
Image: NBC
If You're Bingeing on 'Lost...'
Can’t stop freaking out over polar bears and smoke monsters? Take a break and check out…
Image: FOX
'Gossip Girl'
Sure, it’s still a drama, but let’s be real: the mysteries on this show won’t exactly be keeping you up at night.
Image: The CW
If You're Crazy About 'The Sopranos...'
This pair might seem strange at first, but once you’re a few episodes deep into both, you’ll agree that The Sopranos goes great with…
Image: HBO
'How I Met Your Mother'
Trust me, it works.
Image: CBS
If You're Watching 'True Detective...'
What do you watch after the mind-twisting events of True Detective? Try…
Image: HBO
'Jane the Virgin'
Those Rust Cohle won’t seem so confusing once you’ve heard Jane’s narrator try to sum up five episodes in thirty seconds.
Image: The CW
If You're Bingeing on 'House of Cards...'
The antics of Frank Underwood got you pessimistic about politics? Lift your spirits with…
Image: Netflix
'Veep'
Selina Meyer would not be a good president, but she’d definitely be a fun one.
Image: HBO
