8 Nerdy TV Shows Worth Watching on Your Study Breaks
With the fall semester now well underway, it’s important to remember to take some time away from school work and relax every so often!
One of my favorite ways to do this is to watch some of my favorite TV shows. Admittedly, I watch many shows that are considered “nerdy,” and I believe everyone should give them a try! Below are 8 of my favorite “nerdy” shows, perfect for relaxing during your downtime or indulging in a little procrastination.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is perhaps one of the most popular cult-TV shows. (And it’s one of our favorites – we’ve done a number of posts on fashion inspired by the show!) Full of “wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff,” the story follows the last of the Time Lords as he saves the universe with the help of his human companions.
Whether you start with the original series or the new continuation, it doesn’t matter – the stories are separate but the Doctor remains the same (albeit not physically). I personally have not seen the old series yet and started with the new series on season 1 with Christopher Eccleston as the beloved Doctor.
And for those of you that are curious, David Tennant is my favorite Doctor in the new series!
Where to watch it: Doctor Who is shown on BBC in the UK, BBC America in the US, and can also be found on Netflix and on DVD.
Merlin
Another BBC cult favorite, Merlin follows the legend of King Arthur with a twist – magic is not allowed in Camelot and Merlin must hide his gift! Unfortunately for Merlin, he’s Arthur’s friend and manservant, which does not make this easy.
Where to watch it: This magical series can be found on BBC, BBC America, Syfy, Netflix, and DVD.
Downton Abbey
If you share my love of costume dramas, you definitely need to give Downton Abbey a watch! Set in the early 1900s, the miniseries follows the wealthy Crawley family and their staff as they interact with one another and together make the transition into modern society. Additionally, along the way, both ends deal with the issues of inheritance, class, war, and love.
Where to watch it: This fantastic series can be found on ITV in the UK, PBS in the US, DVD, and also on Netflix.
Robin Hood
Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, but this series takes the beloved story to a whole new level: When Robin returns from war and finds that his village is extremely impoverished and his people are being repressed, he takes a stand. With all of the old favorites such as Lady Marian and Little John, everyone teams up against the wealthy to help the poor.
Where to watch it: Though the series has ended (and in my opinion jumped the shark after season 2), you can find it on Netflix, DVD, and in reruns on BBC.
Sherlock
A modern twist on the old tales of Sherlock Holmes, the series focuses on Sherlock (of course) and his friend Dr. John Watson as they solve intricate mysteries. Meanwhile, Watson tries to instill some humility in the very stoic Sherlock Holmes and show him the value of true friendship.
Unlike other TV series, Sherlock is unique in that each season has only a few episodes, each being about an hour and a half. I definitely recommend giving it a watch. (Psst – be sure to check out our post on fashion inspired by Sherlock, too!)
Where to watch it: This suspenseful show is available on BBC, BBC America, PBS, DVD, and Netflix.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Though it’s a cartoon, don’t dismiss this one just yet!
The Avatar series are set in a world where people can bend (basically, control) either water, earth, fire, or air. The Avatar is the only person that can bend all elements and is responsible for keeping balance between the nations. Aside from having great lessons, the episodes are also hilarious.
In Avatar: The Last Airbender (or The Legend of Aang for others of you), 12 year old Aang is the Avatar and has been missing for 100 years. During his absence, the fire nation declared war on all others and extinguished the Airbender race, all except for Aang. Aang and his friends have to work together to end the war before summer’s end.
Where to watch it: Want to give this show a try? You can find it on Netflix, DVD, and NickToons.
The Legend of Korra
The sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra follows a Watertribe girl named Korra as she deals with being the new Avatar after Aang’s passing. Still learning how to bend the elements, she has to come to terms with the pressure of living up to her predecessor, on top of typical teenage issues. As a plus, we get to see flashbacks of the old characters (all grown up) we all know and love from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Where to watch it: The show can be found on Nick and DVD.
Once Upon a Time
If you love fantasy or Disney, you will fall in love with ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
In this series, a curse sends the fairytale characters we all know and love into our world, and it’s up to the daughter of Prince Charming and Snow White to save them. Incorporating many different fairytale stories together, this show always keeps you guessing with new twists and turns. (It’s also a great source of fashion inspiration!)
Where to watch it: Curious about Once Upon a Time? You can find the show on ABC, Netflix (rent), and DVD.
What are your thoughts?
Have you seen any of these shows? Do you have another favorite geeky show to add? Would you give any of these shows a try? I’d love to know!
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Posted on on September 16, 2012 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: College Life, Featured, Life, List, Staying In, TV, TV Show
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Manjaree G
Great list! But you missed out The Big Bang Theory, the geekiest show ever.
Laura Jane
Love Merlin so much! Fun show (plus Arthur is super cute ;) )
Kim
We must be television soulmates. Just saying.
Jen
I really want to watch once upon a time – looks just my kinda show!
Evelina
Love love love your list. Major props for adding Avatar and Korra!
Ashley
GREAT post! A:TLA and LOK are the two best cartoons to come out of Nickelodeon, period. And Merlin is my absolute favorite… I’m so upset that I have to wait until January for Season 5 to come to the US! I’ll definitely try to catch the other shows on the list while I wait!
Shelby
television soul mates. Except Camelot was way better than Merlin could ever be.
Nay
Yes, I love Doctor Who and Sherlock! However I want to talk about another recommendation on the list.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is definitely THE BEST animated show ever, as well as possibly the greatest shows ever created.
It has life lessons, AMAZING fighting choreography, TONS of humor, a culturally rich “world”, brilliant characters (and strong females), and an incredible journey as the characters GROW as they try to fulfill their destiny.
Think of it as Harry Potter but with martial arts!
Honestly if you like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Miyazaki films, or just action, adventure, drama and comedy then watch Avatar:The Last Airbender.
Miranda
I love Downton Abbey! I would love to see some inspired looks from that show!
Katy
If you’re going to go British-crazy, check out “Peep Show”, “The Young Ones”, “Blackadder”, “Spaced” “Jeeves & Wooster”, and “Upstairs Downstairs” (where “Downton Abbey” gets a lot of their character cliches from).
Kati
You just actually listed all of my favorite tv shows! I am soooo happy you did this post. My personal fave at the moment is Downton Abbey (Simply because it is premiering tonight in the UK, where I live)
Also, Merlin is one of my all time faves!!! Season 5 premieres at the end of the month!
I would actually LOVE it if someone did an outfit inspiration post on Downton Abbey! The costumes are so amazing!
Kelsey
Also, The IT Crowd. It’s on Netflix and I think it’s their best hidden gem.
Sara
Downton Abbey is the best show EVER! It’s like a classy version of Gossip Girl ;)
I too would love outfits inspired by Downton Abbey – love the costumes!
Rachel
So glad to see The Last Airbender on here! I’m actually rewatching it at the moment. Too bad the movie of it was no good :(
Alina
Love all of these shows!!! Can’t wait for Downton Abbey, Merlin, and Once Upon a Time to start up this fall!
Grace
Oh my god, I love all of these series! Why is it that most good series are British? The writing for them all is so good…though I agree that Robin Hood did jump the shark.
A post on Avatar: The Last Airbender please!
CM
Love the Avatar and Legend of Korra are one here. They are not your average kid shows. Genocide, murder, the loss of loved ones, family relations, and racism, are a few of the many deep topics that the shows discuss. They’re also very humorous, and a great way to relax after class. The creator’s attention to detail is simply breathtaking. I found myself stopping the show several times just to appreciate the detailed animation that went into it.
Ashley
EEEE MERLIN!!!! *dies of fangirlyness*
Jade - Concordia University
Manjaree – I really haven’t watched that too much, unfortunately!
Shelby – Thank you! I haven’t tried Camelot but I plan to! I know some people liked it and others didn’t, so we’ll have to see.
Nay, Evelina, & CM — ATLA and LOK are so great. They’re truly underrated in general, but once you find the fan base you realize how popular they actually are. They touch on so many important things and get so deep during some episodes.
Kim — Yes! I love finding TV soulmates. Many of my friends don’t watch these shows, so it’s mostly just me.
Thanks so much for the feedback so far, guys!
Irina
I love this post! I’m addicted to Merlin (new season starts at the end of this month, so excited!) as well as Sherlock. I’m just getting into Doctor Who and Once Upon a Time sounds pretty interesting. I’m a huge sci fi nerd though so my favorite TV show of all time is Stargate SG-1 :)
dm
thanks for leaving out TBBT because although I love it, it’s basically a show about nerds for non-nerds, whereas community is a show about “normal” people geared towards nerds. So this post included what I am currently aware of as the shows with the most fandoms, and fandoms=nerdiness (being that obsessed with something is essentially the definition of a nerd (albeit usually in reference to a science or books or something like that). Good list :)
LOVE!
Doctor Who! Sherlock! Avatar! Yes! Great minds think alike. :o)
AnnieK
Yay for Once Upon a Time!!!
LOVE!
Also, @Nay, you are awesome and TOTALLY right. :o)
Mimi Herrick
Ohh my gosh we have the same taste in tv! How weird!
Rebekah
Ya you pretty much just listed ALL of my favorite shows!!! There are only 2 in this list I dont watch!! I LOVE all of those!
Sam
Adventure Time is a great 10-15 minute cartoon. It’s a little all over the place, but I can’t stop watching.
Annie
Absolutely love/intend to watch every single one of these shows. I’m a little surprised that Game of Thrones didn’t make it on here, though, it’s a fantastic show!
Lydia
I also love Arrested Development. It’s from the early 2000s, and isn’t necesailly nerdy, but the humor is extremely clever and it features an (adorable) 15 year old Michael Cera. I also like The Big Bang Theory, Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, Merlin, and Downton Abbey.
Hannah
If you’re looking for an eighties-tastic show (that is unfortunately being redone and I’m horrified), try Beauty and the Beast with Ron Perlman. It’s all on Netflix. SyFy’s take on classics, such as Alice, Tinman, and Neverland are also fun to, although they’re longer.
Alexandra
Oh my word, Doctor Who is my favorite show of all time (the Tenth Doctor is my favorite as well) and I was so excited to see this on here today!!!!! Sherlock is totally awesome as well. :)
Madlyn
My favorite shows. All of these shows (maybe excluding “Once Upon a Time,” which can drag and got quite boring after the first few episodes) are INCREDIBLE. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Who (which I’m watching right now), Avatar: The Last Airbender (possibly one of the best shows and definitely the best animated show on television), The Legend of Korra, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and Robin Hood (so cheesy; so wonderful). Would also like to give a thumbs up to someone’s comment on “The IT Crowd.” Absolutely hysterical. Especially the episode “The Red Door.”
Shelly
AVATAR AND KORRA
YES!
Casey
Just want to say the toes in the first picture are super gross (I hate feet) but these shows are spectacular!
Dana
Where is Game of Thrones?!
Dahiana
some of the shows in the list I have never watched but now I think I should give them a chance.
as for Avatar, wow I thought I was the only one lol looks like I am not after all, I was so obsessed with this show, its crazy :) I need to catch up on legend of Korra now. ok now back to my homework!
good post
Ali
I have spent the majority of my time watching nearly all of these…I’ll have to give Robin Hood a try next! Nerd and proud!
Holly
If you’re going for nerdy shows, you’ve missed the biggest of them all: Star Trek. It’s how I maintain my sanity during the school year.
Shannon - Boston University
@Holly: Yesssss. Star Trek foreverrr. I’ve yet to watch anything other than the original series, but what can I say, I love me some Shatner and Nimoy!
Elle
“Doctor Who” AND ATLA+LoK? Jade, you’re a girl after my own heart.
Rose
Love it! I’ve watched all these shows except the last one. :)
Janelle
SUPERNATURAL!!! It’s an amazing show!
Natalie
You guys should do a fashion-inspiration thing based on Downton Abbey! PLEASE MAKE IT SO! (the new series has just started and it features certain amazing wedding dresses) xxx
Victoria
Great post! I love Merlin and Avatar! I watch them almost all the time.Has the 5th season of Merlin been released?I really want to see the end of Morgana.
Emily
I LOVE that you included Avatar on here! My sorority sisters and I are literally OBSESSED with the show and watch it all the time on Netflix! I feel like the worst fan ever that I didn’t know about Legend of Korra even existing, but now I guess I’ll have to watch that as well :D
You guys also left out Big Bang Theory (another roommate favorite!), it’s pretty awesome too.
Rachel
UGH, you and I are television soulmates. I love a list of shows loaded with BBC, beautiful costumes, and my favorite cartoons (and favorite TV shows) ever: Avatar and Korra. Bless your heart.
Alice
You have the best taste EVER in TV shows.
Ana
Downton Abbey inspired blog post? :D
Staci
Yes, yes, yes to all of these! Especially Downtown Abbey…seriously, every time I watch I can’t help but pause to glimpse at the details in the costumes, so carefully wrought and accurate! Oh I can’t wait for the CF post on it, I’m such a dork I can already imagine Mary’s “classic chic” vs Edith’s “bohemian vibe” (she wore this incredible floral dress I so loved, I would do corsets everyday if I could wear it for just a moment!) vs Sybil’s new pants or nurse uniform…and of course, Cora and Lady Grantham are style icons of another era!
Kimie
I love Once Upon A Time!
Don’t forget about Bones! It comes back tonight :)
Jessica
I love how much you guys love Doctor Who!!! and for you to add Downton Abbey and Sherlock, ahhh!! Thank you for giving this list of tv shows for all those who have no idea how good nerdy tv is!!!!!
Also, you can never go wrong with British men!!
MM
SO, I have to say while I love the list, I am super frustrated at you for the description of The Legend of Korra! I haven’t finished Avatar yet, and even just scrolling past, now I know that Aang dies? You suggest a show and then kind of ruined it directly below it. Not cool.
Dana
These are all some of my absolute favorite shows! The only thing on this list I haven’t seen is Korra. But these shows are all so amazing and definitely worth watching! :)
Ashley
Now that I think about it, where’s Red Dwarf? Not that it’s well-known or anything, but it’s damn hilarious (only reason I know of it is my older brother loves it).
Jade - Concordia University
Irina — I am so excited too! I seriously cannot wait. You’ll love Doctor Who to pieces the more you watch!
dm — Thank you! I agree, from what I’ve seen and read about it, it’s a show about nerds but not a “fandom” show.
Annie & Dana — I have yet to see Game of Thrones! It’s unfortunately not offered on Netflix. :(
Madlyn — Thanks! I know some people don’t like Once Upon a Time and I understand why. It can get complicated and cliche.
Dahiana, Emily, & Shelly — Isn’t it just fantastic?! So underrated by people our age…that is, until you find the fandom.
Elle, Dana, & Alice — Aw thank you! I’m glad others like the same shows I do. Many of my friends don’t, unfortunately!
Victoria — The 5th season comes out later this month!
Rachel — Thanks, dear! I so agree, BBC has wonderful TV. Gorgeous costume dramas.
MM — Oh, it’s not a spoiler. Since there’s a new Avatar, Aang has to be dead. It’s how the Avatar Cycle works!
Virginia
I can’t even express how HAPPY I am that you DIDN’T put The Big Bang Theory on this list. Thank you, thank you, THANK you, for leaving it out. I hate that so many people feel it’s a show that is positive for nerds, when in reality it just laughs AT them rather than WITH them. Ugh. Anyway, everything else is excellent on this list. Great article! It helps that most of these are on Netflix too!
Virginia
@MM: If the piece of media has been out (on DVD and Netflix no less, as well as being in re-runs on television) for more than a year, then the spoiler thing doesn’t really apply. Plus, the fact that there’s a new avatar isn’t really a spoiler. Aang talks about the avatar cycle all the time, even as early as the 3rd episode, I think.
Jenna
I really feel like this list just validates my awesomeness. I love pretty much all of these shows..
Lisa
Wait a second can this blog get any more amazing? At first I was like “Oh yes Doctor Who. Excellent taste these people have.” but then I saw Avatar and Korra
and fell in love with whoever wrote this post
I see her name is Jade
Jade you are an outstanding human being
Tori
Games of Thrones beats all of these shows.
Haley
I’m so glad you included The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra! They are so good. I like The Last Airbender a little bit better, probably just because I fell in love with it first, but Korra is so good too! Everyone should watch them. They’re funny and cute but also quite dark at times.
M
I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan…it would be so fun to see a CF Downton Inspired Fashion post! :)
M
I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan…it would be so fun to see a CF Downton Abbey Inspired Fashion post! :)
Anita
You are like my tv show solemate!!! All the shows except Sherlock, Robin Hood, and Downtown abbey, I’m a avid follow and lover of!
Melanie
Forgot Supernatural and Copper
Jezzy
Why is Torchwood not on here???????? :(
Lea
I prefer the old Robin Hood (with Richard Greene)( also called the adventures of Sherwood Forest), old Sherlock Holmes and Hogan’s Heros (Best Show Ever!!).
Does anyone else think that the older shows had more structured?
Jade - Concordia University
Lisa — Thank you! That’s very sweet. It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one who loves these.
Haley — Right? Most people just see them as kids shows but there’s way more to them.
Anita — I’m glad! I love finding people that share my taste in TV.
Melanie — Supernatural is pretty high up there on the fandom list. I still have to watch it! Copper is so new yet that not many people know about it.
Jezzy — It seems that Torchwood isn’t as popular as Doctor Who. It’s great for those that really want more Jack Harkness, though! :)
Lea — I agree that older shows have a different structure to them! I wonder why?
Taylor
The IT Crowd is another great one. You can find it on Netflix. It’s nerdy without being obnoxious like The Big Bang Theory (can’t stand that show).
I also like Arrested Development and 30 Rock. Not necessarily nerdy shows, but I really enjoy the humor of both.
Kate
I don’t care if it was cancelled, firefly should be on this lost :0)
Shelby
I watch all of these shows except Downton Abby, although I really want to. I love Dotor Who, David Tennant is my favorite too, though Matt Smith is growing on me!
Leah Dooley
Jeeves and Wooster! I love Hugh Laurie so I indulged my geek in this show :)) Anyway all these shows are great..having a nice laugh break makes studying easier
el
I LOVE Doctor Who (but unfortunately I haven’t enjoyed it nearly as much since David Tennant left us :’( … I’ve tried..),
Sherlock is awesome,
Once Upon a Time was great for the first series, but I’m not so sure it’s going to maintain the same level of awesome
The IT Crowd is dorkily hilarious, as is:
Chuck (I’m a huge Chuck fan – the Third and fourth series are my favourite though (mainly the third), you have to kind of get into it a little)
Community is great! Troy and Abed bring in a little of the dork element, though it’s probably not generally considered a geek show. You have to love it, though :) Paintball and blanket forts. What’s not to love?
Primeval (original series) should definitely be on this list – science geeks + time travel + fighting dinosaurs. Oh, and Andrew Lee Potts :p What could be better?
OH! And, Eureka! One of my all time favourites. So sad it was cancelled. :( I love it so much.
(I still haven’t watched Firefly, but will very soon and can already say it should be on the list)
Jane
I don ‘t like Once Upon A Time, I’m an obsessed Whovian, and I heard the music to Sherlock playing from our living room once and screamed like a fan girl… not me finest hour…
I don’t really know or care about Downtown Abbey either… I watched it once and didn’t really like it – well, taste is taste! Anyways, now I’m going to start Robbin Hood and Marlin… I know they’ll be great ;) AND, I finished all of Avatar in two and a half days (I stayed up all night…) and now have three episodes left of Korra… no, I did not find out about those via this website…
But, I think the show that I absolutely adore that’s always left out is Torchwood. Then again, it never really airs on a normal schedule (RUSSEL!) so I never really expect it to be there…
Other than that, AWESOME LIST! I’m glad no sitcoms, or The Big Bang Theory, were there – I only like one sitcom: New Girl. the rest, kind of not my thing.
But, Great list ;) You have impeccable taste!
Gotsmilk
where are, CHUCK and the Big Bang Theory
Sarah
YES! You managed to hit EVERY SINGLE ONE of my favorite shows! I’m a devoted fan to Once Upon a Time, Sherlock, ATLA and LOK, the others I plan to watch when I get the free time (ha. ha.). But seriously, this is so great!