TV for every occasion: 2019

I love TV —but which TV show I love really depends on the mood and moment. That’s why I put together a guide for The Wall Street Journal, mapping out how you can choose the right show for any given circumstance. This chart helps you choose the best shows right now, whether it’s a new program or one you can track down via Netflix or your favorite video service.

This chart maps all the shows that are (or have been) in my rotation, either as solo viewing, or as something I watch with my husband or kids. Below you can find explanations of each of my viewing categories; capsule reviews for new additions are here, and capsule summaries for returning favorites are here.

About my viewing categories

Dedicated viewing Some shows are so good that they actually get my full attention. These are the best of the best: TV I watch the way I’d watch a movie.

Multitasking TV I often use TV as background noise or motivation to do boring tasks I’d otherwise avoid (as I explained a few years ago in this Harvard Business Review story.) My multitasking category includes all the shows I watch with my husband or teenager, while doing stuff like invoicing, inbox cleanup, tax preparation, etc.

Craft & Gym TV There are plenty of shows I enjoy too much to waste as background noise, but not so much they…