Have you ever found yourself spending hours browsing your streaming libraries and finally landing on a new TV show only to find yourself struggling to get through the pilot episode? Well, you’re not alone. While some shows take time to pull you in as the characters and storylines develop fully, others know just how to hook you immediately. These shows draw you in with compelling storytelling and characters that feel genuinely intriguing as soon as they appear on the screen for the very first time.
Honestly, to kickstart a new series in a captivating way is an art. The pilot needs to be deft in laying the essential groundwork while also keeping the action fast-paced and never revealing too much. The shows we have selected for this list are masters at this tricky feat. Each one of these shows has the capacity to pull you into their world from the very beginning and keep you there until you’ve binged your way to the end.
We’re not talking about sitcoms like The Office or New Girl, that aim to slowly reel you in with multiple viewings. Instead, we are focusing on TV escapades that understand the importance of a head start, knowing it is the foundation for future success. So, if you are looking for a new show to quietly devour in one long, irresistible binge, hop on, because this comprehensive list counts down the best ones in the category.
20 Mr. Robot (2015 – 2019)
Rami Malek stars in this riveting thriller as Elliot Alderson, a young programmer in New York, who is recruited by the mysterious leader of an underground hacker group known as fsociety. The group is run by an eerie man who identifies himself as Mr. Robot and the main aim of the group is to ruin E Corp, which is the world's largest conglomerate. Elliot already struggles with social anxiety and buries within him a deep distrust for the world surrounding him. So when he hears of society’s plans, he is as thrilled as he is terrified.
The series pulls you in from the very first episode that opens with flashbacks of Elliot tinkering around with an old computer. Little did he know, his entire world would change after a fateful encounter. Besides the major twists and turns, the plot entices you with its moody tone and subtle comments on technology.
19 The Good Place (2016 – 2020)
It does not often happen that a sitcom pilot is so creative and gorgeous that it has you immediately hooked. But The Good Place is a show that offers both food for thought and plentiful laughter to keep you entertained. Eleanor Shellstrop was an unethical saleswoman when alive and used cheap tricks to con customers. She awakens in the mysterious ‘Good Place’ after her death only to realize that all is not as it seems in this idyllic neighborhood.
Soon, the heavenly host and architect Michael shows her the ropes and pairs her with a philanthropist named Chidi as her supposed ‘soulmate,’ leading Eleanor to suspect that a mistake has been made in her afterlife placement. The first episode also introduced oddball residents Tahani and Jason. As a biting satire on ethics and philosophy, The Good Place sure radiates unexpected feel-good vibes.
18 Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
Walter White is a mundane high school chemistry teacher until he isn’t. After being diagnosed with cancer and realizing how deep a hole the medical bills would burn in his pockets, he makes a last-ditch effort to provide for his family after he’s gone. How? By partnering with a former student named Jesse Pinkman to cook meth. When we meet Walt in the pilot of Breaking Bad, he’s already down on this dark path. But what seems like a failed attempt soon turns him into a deft and skilled man.
Tense and thrilling from the very beginning, the show portrays Walt as a formidable man, not an ordinary one. And clearly, he is willing to grow to extreme lengths to get what he’s envisioned. As the series progresses, we witness the transformation of a simple teacher into a criminal mastermind. Lauded critically for his performance, Bryan Cranston leads this unpredictable rollercoaster.
17 Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
Cillian Murphy has several brilliant films under his name, including Christopher Nolan’s recent biographical drama Oppenheimer. But when it comes to television, his charismatic yet troubled protagonist is unmatchable. Peaky Blinders is an outstanding period drama set in postwar Birmingham, England. It revolves around gang leader Thomas Shelby as he leads the titular crime ring with an iron fist. Following their various clandestine operations, the season gangsters deal with a new rival moving in on their turf as well as Chester Campbell, an inspector obsessed with taking Shelby down.
Apart from Cillian Murphy’s striking performance, the show features several calculative and enigmatic actors. Rich period detail showcases the streets of 1919 and the familiar bond of this tight-knot gang energizes you and intrigues you to no end.
16 Mad Men (2007 – 2015)
Another period television show that cemented itself as a landmark in the serial drama genre, Mad Men transports you to 1960s New York, in the bustling world of Sterling Cooper advertising agency. It familiarizes you with the main character, the agency’s suave director Don Draper who is crafting campaigns to sell America on progress. But the era was a closeted one, branded as “The Golden Age” but harboring secrets below the slick surface.
When the series opens with Jon Hamm’s Draper being smooth and confident in a meeting, there aren’t many hints at the chaos to come. There is a sharp contrast between the prestigious, fast-paced work environment and Draper’s private turmoil and eventual descent. Overall, Mad Men is a reflection on capitalism, gender roles, and an ever-evolving nation, making it more relevant today than ever.
15 Barry (2018 – 2023)
Watching Bill Hader in such a nuanced, morally complex role is what makes Barry so interesting from the first episode itself. After all, his global recognition came with that eight-year stint on Saturday Night Live, following which he appeared in a number of comedy movies. Drawing from his signature humor but still retaining that shock factor, Barry follows the titular character, Hader’s Barry Berkman, a depressed hitman seeking a fresh start by pursuing an acting career. Drastic change, isn’t it? He can’t deny the fact that his real talent lies in taking lives, not bringing them to life on stage, for long.
Despite finding his human side in acting class, his menacing past catches up to him. The series is one of the greatest crime dramas with a touch of black comedy in recent times. The way it shifts from tragic to funny, how it peers into the mind of an intricate and violent man, is truly fascinating.
14 The Newsroom (2012 – 2014)
After creating incredible and critically acclaimed shows like The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (sadly canceled after just one season), the very talented screenwriter Aaron Sorkin returned to deliver this masterpiece in 2012. The Newsroom guides you to experience the inside world of a prestigious Atlantic Cable News, where anchor Will McAvoy and his team is split up and the former is forced to collaborate with a whole new set of colleagues and reporters.
While the network is known to dominate cable with responsible, fact-based reporting, speaking truth in the media landscape isn’t without risks. From a botched interview to questions about integrity, the series is scary and prophetic and revelatory – enough to keep you invested episode after episode.
13 Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
George R. R. Martin’s legendary fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire, came alive under the sublime direction of David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and became the greatest TV show created by HBO in recent years. Game of Thrones clearly needs no description because of how widespread its craze and appreciation was. And yet, this story of the continent of Westeros, where nine noble families plot and plan for the control of the Iron Throne amidst great threats from the North is known specifically for how well-structured its pilot was.
When the series begins at Winterfell, we are immersed in the cutthroat maneuvering of its houses, the many complex characters, the diverse narratives. The episode teases the advent of winter and the dark forces that wait beyond the Wall. Eventually, the series drags us into a thick plot with magic, dragons, politics, brutalities, and rebellion in spectacular fashion.
12 Euphoria (2019 – Present)
Few TV shows have dared to explore the human condition – teenagehood, in particular – in all its raw, flawed, and unnerving glory. Euphoria may be centered around Rue, who is a 17-year-old recovering drug addict navigating identity, trauma, and temptations while grieving the death of her father, but there is more to this HBO drama than meets the eye.
Fellow students, whose journeys intersect yet remain discernible, play a massive role in Rue’s journey of becoming while untangling the mess that is life for themselves. Characters like Jules, Fezco, Maddie, Kate, Cassie, and Nate are portrayed beautifully. From the stylish cinematography, the use of glitter as a metaphor, to the neon aesthetics and uncomfortable themes, the show comments on subjects that need addressing, leaving the viewers startled until long after.
11 You (2018 – Present)
Currently at four seasons, You has found a humble abode in Netflix’s category of hit shows. The immersive psychological thriller began as a faithful adaptation of Caroline Kepnes’ bestselling novel, but soon transformed into a highly compelling and surprisingly addictive show. In the first season, Beck, a bookstore manager in New York, crosses paths with a customer named Joe who seems just a bit overly invested in learning about her. As Joe’s interest quickly turns obsessive, the full extent of his psychopathic actions are revealed.
Cruising through multiple narratives and perspectives, it is the inaugural episode that lays the groundwork and introduces us to Penn Badgley’s sinister hero. Dark and funny and unsettling yet predictive at times, this game of cat and mouse will certainly leave you craving for more.
10 The Boys (2019 – Present)
Subverting the antecedent superhero tropes that have seeped into the televised landscape thanks to streaming service, The Boys is a show that relies not merely on shock value but on its astute commentary on youth culture and power plays. Created by Eric Kripke and starring Kal Urban, Jack Quaid, and Anthony Starr, this wicked and clever show follows a bunch of superheroes, who are revered by the people and even considered supreme by some, roguing out and abusing their powers.
Apparently, the “Boys” understand how narcissism and commercialism has taken over the world, and in order to reveal the dirty secrets and unchecked use of powers of a hero management company named Vought, this underground team goes to extreme lengths.
9 Lost (2004 – 2010)
Quite popular in the 2000s for the way it flipped the Gilligan’s Island to create an astonishing sci-fi premise and infuse it with humor, drama, and enough plot twists to fill a tote, Lost cemented itself as one of the few, truly incredible survival shows out there. Starting with a plane crash that strands humanity factions, the two-part pilot episode wastes no time in introducing a bunch of relatable survivors charting this mysterious, uninhabited coastline with caution. That is until the unwelcoming “others” emerge from the shadows.
At the time of its release, the pilot was recorded to be the most expensive TV pilots ever made and suffice it so say, the show redefined immerse science fiction with its breathtaking set piece. For six seasons, the show indulges in character building and gripping storylines, assuring that it would be remembered by generations to come.
8 Fleabag (2016 – 2019)
The trend-defining brainchild of Phoebe Waller-Bridge reawakened our love for British comedy dramas. Featuring a dry-witted heroine with scattershot anger and a massive load of grief, Fleabag allowed us a glimpse into what turned out to be many of the mainstream audience’s own subconscious. Based on her one-woman show from 2013, this Prime Video series watches her navigate love and life in London, getting through pretentious cocktail-fueled family dinners, and candid conversations with her sister, Claire.
Not to forget the smoldering chemistry with Andrew Scott’s Priest because we all know how that turned out. But before the show honored Waller-Bridge’s messiness and gray areas, there was that one scene in the pilot episode where she’s waiting for a random guy at the door of her apartment at two o’clock and we witness her erratically breaking the fourth wall and in that moment, we feel achingly connected to her.
7 Yellowjackets (2021 – Present)
Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson are the brains of this thriller show that is so brilliant it is on its way to become a sure classic. Told in two different timelines – one during the actual events that occurred in 1996 and the other, 25 years after, when the characters are recalling the same in 2021 – Yellowjackets follows a girls soccer team’s plane crashing in remote Canada when they’re on their way to a national tournament.
Surviving in the wilderness was not what the girls had in mind, but the first episode showcases their descent from determined girls to pure cannibalistic clans in captivating light. Flash forward to present day, we also see their complex adult life and the inside of a mysterious cult. Early trauma and strong characters drive the series forward and needless to say, the talented cast and the drama that ensues keeps you wondering what really happened.
6 Severance (2022 – Present)
Blending the elements of science fiction and psychological thrillers, this wildly innovative Apple TV+ series focuses on world-building and intrigue from the very first episode. Set in a dystopian workplace of Lumon Industries, the show’s protagonist is Mark, who leads a team of office workers who are wired surgically to their work and personal lives are severed. In such a space, there is one character who has started wondering about vague memories outside the office.
Severancehas the perfect premise for a show that relies heavily on mystery, satire, and posing questions that viewers so desperately want answered. Its stark visuals and exploration of new-age technology also makes the series interesting.
5 Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991)
David Lynch’s serial drama premiered on ABC in 1990 and soon secured its place in one of the most compelling mystery television shows of the decade. The show follows Agent Cooper, who is burdened with investigating the murder of 17-year old schoolgirl, Laura Palmer in small town Twin Peaks.
From the very first scene, when Laura’s body washes up on the shore wrapped in plastic, the show absorbs all your attention. Clues like her bizarre home video and the introduction of quirky townsfolk offers no easy answers. Moreover, the subtle hints about something sinister and paranormal being responsible for the murder leaves your head spinning in circles. Twin Peaks is a delightful show for fans of murder mysteries.
4 The Mandalorian (2019 – Present)
Disney Plus is currently having a fantastic run in its Star Wars content and most of the credit for that success goes to The Mandalorian. Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, the show follows a lone bounty hunter hired to find 50 years old prey. In classic tone of the franchise, the show begins with the main character delivering iconic dialogues and setting up the chilling yet badass premise.
If Mando’s mysterious main character and the introduction of Grogu in the opening episode isn’t enough to give you the feels, the jarring plot twist in the end of the episode sure is. Almost immediately after its release, the series became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its heartwarming vibe.
3 Stranger Things (2016 – Present)
Netflix’s greatest accomplishment of the decade, Stranger Things plasters the small screens with that ‘80s nostalgia. Set in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show first introduces us to Will Byers, an unassuming boy who vanishes into thin air. Following which the town sheriff Jim Hopper leads a search party with Will’s mother Joyce and his friends, Mike Lucas and Dustin. Their desperate search does not lead to immediate answers, but the friends do stumble upon a mysterious girl with powers named Eleven.
As the show progresses, more secrets about a government lab, a parallel dimension “Upside Down,” and the presence of deadly creatures are revealed. But there is no denying the unforgettable blend of sci-fi, mystery, and horror delivered by the initial episode that got the world talking.
2 Ozark (2017 – 2022)
Marty Byrde is a financial advisor who has just found out that his wife, Wendy, is having an affair with someone. On the other hand, he and his business associate have found themselves in a grave situation involving a money laundering scheme gone wrong and a very, very angry leader of a Mexican drug cartel.
Turns out, Marty is quick-witted enough to look in the face of death and make a deal with the cartel to pay off $500 million in five years. He relocates his family to the Lake of the Ozarks and despite being un-welcomed by the town and townsfolk, the Byrdes manage to find their footing and build a relationship with Navarro himself. Led by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, Ozarkis a show that hits really hard with its dark blend of crime drama, black humor, unexpected deaths, and the toll it takes on a family forced to navigate a dangerous world.
1 The Last of Us (2023 – Present)
Post-pandemic, the entertainment industry has benefited from all sorts of content surrounding the subject, and The Last of Us is a show that adapts its namesake, an immersive video game, through top-notch production, flawless narrative, and gorgeous performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The show’s initial premise goes like this: a global pandemic has ravaged the planet, infecting humans and turning them into zombie-like monsters.
Twenty years after the outbreak, Joel, a hardened smuggler, is hired to spirit a 14-year-old immune girl named Ellie from an oppressive quarantine zone to safety. What begins as a small job taken up reluctantly by a simple man soon becomes a brutal journey across America and both Joel and Ellie must rely on each other for survival. The show grips you from the very beginning. Whether it is the tense build-up or the rapport between the main characters, the effect is undeniably strong.
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September 16, 2023 at 09:16PM
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20 TV Shows That Will Have You Hooked From the First Episode - MovieWeb
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