The Best TV Shows for Creatives

Since we are all quarantined during this awful Coronavirus epidemic, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about one of my favorite subjects - TV. Guys, I’m a hardcore TV junkie. You name it, I’ve probably seen it. It’s how I decompress on the weekends after being creative all week.

My favorite kind of TV shows are the ones I don’t feel bad watching, because I’m learning something new or gathering inspiration. Don’t get me wrong, I watch plenty of mindless trash TV. I just don’t feel good about it.

I also love a happy show - one that makes me want to sing from the rooftops afterwards! Right now, we need that kind of show more than ever. I’ve curated a list below of all of my favorite TV shows that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to create. When you are done watching them, you won’t feel drained, depressed, or like you wasted any time.

Non-Fiction:

• Grand Designs: This is one of my favorite Netflix shows. A good friend told me about it, and I am obsessed! It follows people who have crazy ideas for homes they want to build (I’m talking CRAZY) - and the film crew documents the design process from start to finish. Usually the footage spans several years. These people are so committed to building their dream homes. Every time I watch this show, I feel inspired to tackle big creative projects!

• Fake or Fortune: This is another of my British shows on Netflix. It’s about famous lost art that’s recovered by ordinary people. Each episode is about a different painting mystery that needs to be solved. Throughout the episode, you learn all about the artist, when they made the painting, and where. At the end, you find out if the piece is real or fake.

• House Hunters International: This show always gives me illustration ideas. I feel like I’m traveling the world every time they show a new family in a new city. We watch this on cable OnDemand, but you can also watch it on Hulu. It’s one of our favorites, and never gets old!

• Nate and Jeremiah by Design: Another good friend told me about this TLC show and I love it! It’s about Nate Berkus and his husband Jeremiah Brent. They help out families who are knee deep in disastrous renovation projects. The designs they come up with always inspire me and make me feel creative.

• Stay Here: LOVE LOVE LOVE this one on Netflix! Genevieve Gorder (from Trading Spaces) and her business savvy partner rebrand struggling Airbnbs. The show is packed with useful business advice, and I always find the design process of the Airbnbs inspiring. I’m patiently waiting for Season 2 to come out!

• Queer Eye: Most of you have probably seen this Netflix already. If not, prepare to sob happy tears! The show is about a fabulous group of gay men who transform people’s lives. New beginnings and transformations are such a big part of the creative process. This show will give you courage you need to put yourself out there and take the next step in your art or business. It’s highly motivating. Also, the makeovers and renovated homes are amazing!

Fiction:

• Mad Men: Need I say more? This is the ULTIMATE show for creatives, and it’s on Netflix. It teaches you everything you need to know about the history of ad agencies through a fictional storyline. I find the sets, costumes, and music very inspiring.

• The Mindy Project: First off, this Hulu show is HILARIOUS. Second, it’s actually really beautifully done. I love all of Mindy’s clothes, her apartment, and her office. I find myself feeling so inspired by how colorful the show is.

• Four Weddings: My sister-in-law told me about this one, and it is awesome! It definitely has not gotten enough buzz! It’s produced by Mindy Kaling, so it has a similar aesthetic to the Mindy Project. It takes place in London, and every scene is as beautiful as the next. The story is so sweet, and the music is great. You can find it on Hulu. Warning: you might want to move to London after watching.

• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: If you haven’t gotten on this train yet, it’s time! Every episode of this show is so well done, it’s like a movie. The show is about a female comedian, and it takes place in the 1950s. I find all things vintage so inspiring, so this show is right up my alley. Every scene is more beautiful than the next. It’s so colorful, and the costumes are amazing! You can find it on Amazon Prime Video.