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

by Rachel Simon

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…

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'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…

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'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…

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'Cougar Town'

Everyone drinks a lot on this show, too, except they’re always happy and nobody dies.

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If You're Loving 'Homeland...'

Why not mix it up with…

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'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.

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If You're Bingeing on 'Lost...'

Can’t stop freaking out over polar bears and smoke monsters? Take a break and check out…

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'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.

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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…

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'How I Met Your Mother'

Trust me, it works.

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If You're Watching 'True Detective...'

What do you watch after the mind-twisting events of True Detective? Try…

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'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.

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If You're Bingeing on 'House of Cards...'

The antics of Frank Underwood got you pessimistic about politics? Lift your spirits with…

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'Veep'

Selina Meyer would not be a good president, but she’d definitely be a fun one.

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