New York is everywhere. If you haven’t been, you probably know it from movies and TV shows that were set here (so many). And it really is just like the movies! That’s why, in times of corona, I have put together the perfect list of TV shows to binge watch and enjoy New York City without leaving your home. Get your New York slang ready!
Let’s start with some classic sitcoms to get you laughing in these hard times…
FRIENDS (1994)
Three young men and three young women live in the same apartment complex and face life and love in New York.
The biggest classic of all NYC TV shows. Funny, entertaining and definitely worth watching a million times.
English level: Intermediate
SEINFIELD (1989)
The continuing misadventures of neurotic New York City stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his equally neurotic New York City friends.
If you are a 90s fan, you will definitely enjoy this TV show. Join a comedian and his eccentric group of friends as they deal with the absurdities of everyday life in NYC.
English level: Intermediate
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (2005)
A father recounts to his children, through a series of flashbacks, the journey he and his four best friends took leading up to him meeting their mother.
On the line of Friends, this is the perfect option for those who fell in love with Chandler, Monica, Joey and Rachel but want new stories. A more modern version with different characters but that will equally melt your heart and make you laugh.
English level: Intermediate
SEX AN THE CITY (1998)
Four female New Yorkers gossip about their sex lives (or lack thereof) and find new ways to deal with being a woman in the 1990s.
You have probably heard of Carrie Bradshaw, and if you haven’t, you need to watch this. This is perfect for binge watching and especially if you are a fan of love.
English level: Intermediate
GOSSIP GIRL (2007)
Privileged teens living on the Upper East Side of New York can hide no secret from the ruthless blogger who is always watching.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely enjoy teenage drama. If you are like me and are ready to go back to your teenage years for 6 seasons, this is the show for you. Follow these teenagers on their way through high school in the Upper East Side… and fall in love with the city.
English level: Intermediate
And for those who love drama…
MAD MEN (2007)
A drama about one of New York’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm’s most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
Mad Men is a must see if you enjoy business and companies. This will definitely help if you are looking to improve your professional vocabulary, but it might be a little challenging.
English level: Advanced/business
YOU (2018)
A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by.
Have you ever stalked the person you like on social media? Well, Joe has, and he definitely took stalking to another level. Follow this creepy guy and the girl he is obsessed with around the city.
English level: Intermediate
But let’s go back to comedy… Here are some of the best new TV shows set in NYC…
HIGH FIDELITY (2020)
A fan of music, pop culture and Top Five lists runs a local record store in her hometown. A new adaptation of the movie “High Fidelity”
Even if you haven’t seen the original movie, this new TV-show starring the wonderful Zoey Kravitz, will make you want to move to Brooklyn once quarantine is over. If you want to get to know Brooklyn and its artsy environment, this show will take you to the best spots around the borough.
English level: Intermediate
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (2013)
Jake Peralta, an immature, but talented N.Y.P.D. detective in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct, comes into immediate conflict with his new commanding officer, the serious and stern Captain Ray Holt.
Discover the heart of Brooklyn with this funny detective and his crew. Definitely for those who want to laugh and enjoy comedy.
English level: Intermediate
THE BOLD TYPE (2017)
The show is a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for a global women’s magazine. Their struggles are about finding your identity, managing friendships and getting your heart broken, all while wearing the perfect jeans to flatter any body type.
Three friends working for an impressive magazine in Manhattan, what could go wrong? You will have to join them to find out. I can tell you one thing: it will be worth it.
English level: Intermediate
YOUNGER (2015)
After being mistaken for younger than she really is, a single mother decides to take the chance to reboot her career and her love life as a 26-year old.
Back to the editorial industry, join this single mother in pretending she is 26 in order to get a job as an intern. How far will this lie take her?
Englis level: Intermediate
MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL (2017)
A housewife in the 1960s decides to become a stand-up comic in New York City.
Comedy is a really big thing in NYC. Even in times of quarantine, there’s online comedy shows literally every day. But this is not new. Comedy has been around for a long time. Go back to the 60s and discover how this city became what it is now. Follow the marvelous Mrs Maisel in becoming one of the most famous stand up comedians in NYC.
English level: Upper-Intermediate, lots of jokes!
GIRLS (2012)
A comedy about the experiences of a group of girls in their early 20s.
Definitely one of my favourites, and it is set in Brooklyn! A dramedy about four 20-something women searching for careers and companionship in New York, what could be better right now? If you enjoy honesty and sarcasm this is for you.
English level: Intermediate
POSE (2018)
Pose is set in the world of 1987 and “looks at the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York: the rise of the luxury universe, the downtown social and literary scene and the ball culture world.“
We also have something for 80s fans! This era-defining drama about voguing and the world of underground ballroom will take you back in time from the first episode. It will also cover many controversial topics at the time such as AIDS, racism, transphobia or sexism. Open your eyes to a new New York.
English level: Upper-Intermediate
If you are still not convinced, we also have something for action and sci-fi fans!
IRON FIST (2017)
A young man is bestowed with incredible martial arts skills and a mystical force known as the Iron Fist.
One of Marvel’s hidden gems. Set in Manhattan, this show brings one of the most unknown heroes to the spotlight. If you thought the only hero in town was Spiderman, you were wrong!
English level: Intermediate, very visual!
If you are still looking for more you can take this quiz to check how well you know the TV shows that were set in NYC…
If you truly want to experience the city, you can also check our Instagram for weekly updates on online events happening in the city!