How to Find the Next Show You’ll Be Addicted To

We’ve all been there: you’ve just finished a mind-blowing series, your heart’s still racing, the credits roll and then comes the dreaded question: what now? With thousands of titles across dozens of streaming platforms, finding your next favorite show can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t have to keep scrolling endlessly.

This guide will show you how to find your next TV show one you’ll be truly addicted to by using smart tools, recognizing your preferences, and making the most of modern recommendation systems.

Why It’s So Hard to Choose a New Show

Let’s face it: streaming fatigue is real. Between Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and countless others, the paradox of choice has left us frozen. With so many shows vying for your attention, how do you know which one is worth committing to?

The answer lies in understanding your viewing habits and using the right strategies to discover new series tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re into gritty crime dramas, lighthearted sitcoms, or mind-bending sci-fi, there’s a method for everyone to find a show they’ll love.

Step 1: Know Your Viewing Personality

Before diving into algorithms and lists, take a moment to think about your favorite past shows. What genres do you gravitate toward? What kind of pacing, tone, or themes do you enjoy?

Ask yourself:

• Do you like slow-burn psychological thrillers or fast-paced action?

• Are you more into emotional character development or complex plot twists?

• Do you prefer reality TV, animated series, or period dramas?

Once you recognize your patterns, it becomes easier to find similar titles. Tools like TasteDive and TV Time let you input your favorite shows and return personalized recommendations based on shared genres and audience behavior.

Step 2: Use Recommendation Algorithms to Your Advantage

Streaming platforms are constantly tracking what you watch to suggest shows they think you’ll enjoy. But did you know you can fine-tune those suggestions?

Here’s how:

• Complete episodes: Watch a full episode before quitting to improve your algorithm.

• Rate content (on platforms that allow it): Let Netflix or Hulu know when you loved (or hated) a show.

• Interact with trailers and previews: These minor engagements help train your account to recognize your tastes.

• Switch platforms occasionally: Each service has different algorithms and original shows using more than one widens your options.

So next time you open your app and wonder how to choose a new show, start by checking your recommended row. With a little engagement, those suggestions will become scarily accurate.

Step 3: Check Out Curated Lists and Expert Guides

If algorithms aren’t cutting it, take matters into your own hands. Do some digging using:

• Rotten Tomatoes “Certified Fresh” lists

• IMDb Top 250 TV shows

• Metacritic scores

• Reddit threads like r/television or r/netflixbestof

• YouTube reviewers who rank or analyze new releases

• Award-winning shows from the Emmys, Golden Globes, or BAFTAs

These curated resources help you discover new series that may not show up on your homepage but are critically acclaimed or fan favorites.

Step 4: Ask People You Trust

Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools for TV show recommendations. Ask your friends, coworkers, or family what they’re currently watching. You might be surprised at the hidden gems people suggest especially those outside your usual genre preferences.

If you want broader opinions:

• Join Facebook groups focused on streaming content

• Participate in fan communities on Discord or Reddit

• Follow hashtags like #WhatToWatch, #BingeWorthy, or #StreamingRecs on Instagram or TikTok

Real people often give the most passionate, honest recommendations especially if you share similar tastes.

Step 5: Try the “Three Episode Rule”

So, you’ve found something promising now what? Give it a fair shot. Many shows take a couple of episodes to hit their stride, introduce key characters, and develop the story.

The three-episode rule suggests watching at least the first three episodes before making a final judgment. If you’re still not feeling it after that, move on without guilt. Keep a “watchlist” of potentials and rotate through them until one sticks.

This simple method can help you discover new series you might have otherwise skipped.

Step 6: Use Discovery Tools and Apps

There are fantastic tools built specifically to help you find your next TV obsession:

• Reelgood: Aggregates shows across all your streaming services and allows filtering by mood, genre, and popularity.

• JustWatch: Helps you find out where any show is streaming and gives trending recommendations.

• Trakt.tv: Lets you track what you’ve watched and receive custom suggestions.

• TV Time: Social tracking app with ratings, reviews, and custom recs based on your watch history.

Some of these even include watch party features or allow friends to share what they’re watching—perfect for communal binge sessions.

Step 7: Be Open to New Genres and Styles

When thinking about what to watch next, don’t limit yourself. That Korean drama, Scandinavian crime series, or Spanish-language thriller might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

International shows, mini-series, or even documentaries can be just as binge-worthy as the latest U.S. hit. If you’re stuck in a rut, consider flipping the script and trying something totally different you might just get hooked.

Conclusion: Your Next Obsession Is Waiting

Finding the next show you’ll be addicted to doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With a better understanding of your preferences, some smart tools, and a little curiosity, you can go from aimlessly scrolling to full-on binge-watching in no time.