From Game of Thrones to Outlander: The TV Shows We Couldn’t Stop Watching In 2014

Ah, 2014 — the year binge-watching truly took over. From gripping dramas to addictive comedies, we couldn’t resist the allure of streaming entire seasons in one sitting. Shows like Breaking Bad had just wrapped up, leaving us reeling from Walter White’s transformation. Game of Thrones had us hooked on its medieval intrigue and shocking twists. Below, reminisce on the TV shows in 2014 we were binge-watching.

Orange Is the New Black brought us into Litchfield Penitentiary with its mix of humour and social commentary. House of Cards kept us glued to its ruthless political machinations, while True Detective dazzled with its compelling narratives and stellar performances.

A decade later, these shows remain emblematic of a binge-watching era that reshaped how we consume television. As we revisit them now, we ponder: do they still hold the same magic? Are the storylines as gripping, the characters as captivating? Join us as we journey back to 2014, when binge-watching was a lifestyle, and these shows were our obsessions. Let’s see if they stand the test of time in today’s ever-evolving world of TV and streaming.

TV Shows In 2014 We Were Binge-Watching

Breaking Bad

What it’s about: Breaking Bad hooked audiences with its gripping journey into the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer.

What makes it so binge-worthy: Bryan Cranston’s compelling performance as Walter White and the show’s intense storytelling kept viewers hooked, episode after episode. Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White’s descent from sympathy to anti-hero status was unforgettable. Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman added emotional depth, while the show’s blend of drama, dark humour, and shocking twists made each season binge-worthy. The series explored morality, power dynamics, and the consequences of choices in profound ways, resonating deeply with viewers. Its cultural impact remains strong, cementing its place as one of television’s most iconic dramas.

Where to watch: Netflix, Stan

Pretty Little Liars

What it’s about: Even though Pretty Little Liars kicked off earlier, by 2014, we were all still deep in the mystery of “A” wreaking havoc on those poor high school friends.

What makes it so binge-worthy: The show was like this addictive mix of drama, suspense, and all the juicy teenage angst you could handle. Each episode felt like a rollercoaster ride — you never knew who to trust or what crazy twist was coming next. And let’s be real, trying to guess the identity of “A” was like a full-time job. It was the kind of show where you’d binge-watch three episodes in a row and then stay up all night Googling fan theories.

Where to watch: Stan

Orange Is the New Black

What it’s about: Orange Is the New Black is loosely centred around Piper Chapman, an unlikely resident of Litchfield federal prison. The show expertly unfolds the backstories of the diverse women who populate the prison, giving depth and dimension to each character.

What makes it so binge-worthy: Orange Is the New Black was captivating because it mixed humour with raw human emotion. It wasn’t just about the challenges of incarceration; it delved deep into the complexities of identity, race, and social issues. The characters were so well-developed that you found yourself rooting for them, empathising with their hardships, and laughing along with their antics.

Where to watch: Netflix

New Girl

What it’s about: New Girl was this refreshing sitcom that had Zooey Deschanel playing Jess Day, an adorkable teacher who moves in with three guys after a rough breakup.

What makes it so binge-worthy: It was all about the quirky humour and these endearing characters that just drew you in. I mean, Jess’s awkward charm was so relatable, and the dynamic with her roommates was hilarious. Every episode was packed with funny moments that just made you smile. And let’s not forget Schmidt — his one-liners were pure gold. It was the kind of show you’d watch when you needed a good laugh or just wanted to unwind after a long day.

Where to watch: Disney+

Game of Thrones

What it’s about: Game of Thrones wasn’t just a TV show; it was a global obsession. HBO’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s sprawling fantasy saga took viewers on a journey through the intricate webs of power, betrayal, and magic in the realms of Westeros and Essos.

What makes it so binge-worthy: From the ruthless politics of King’s Landing to the icy dangers beyond the Wall, each episode delivered a blend of intrigue, breathtaking battles, and mythical creatures like dragons that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The show’s ability to surprise with shocking deaths and unexpected alliances kept viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode. Complex characters like Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Jon Snow became cultural icons, their journeys resonating with audiences far and wide. Even today, Game of Thrones is still a hot topic, whether it’s through spin-offs, merchandise, or debates about its ending.

Where to watch: BINGE

Outlander

What it’s about: In 2014, we all got swept up in Outlander. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, this show had everything: time travel, romance, and adventure.

What makes it so binge-worthy: Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, gets transported back to 18th-century Scotland, and her fiery romance with Jamie Fraser kept us all hooked. The compelling characters, stunning Scottish landscapes, and rich historical details made it irresistible. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the series is still going strong with its seventh season, proving its timeless appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, Outlander remains a must-watch.

Where to watch: Netflix

Girls

What it’s about: Girls was a raw, unfiltered look at four young women trying to figure out life in New York City. It was all about careers, relationships, friendships — the whole shebang.

What makes it so binge-worthy: What made it so captivating was how brutally honest it was. You got these characters who were flawed, sometimes infuriatingly so, but always real. The dialogue was sharp, witty, and didn’t shy away from controversy. Lena Dunham really pushed boundaries with this show, and whether you loved it or hated it, you couldn’t deny it sparked conversations. It was like a snapshot of millennial struggles, all wrapped up in this sometimes messy, sometimes poignant package.

Where to watch: BINGE

True Detective

What it’s about: True Detective wasn’t your typical crime series — it was a deep dive into the darkest corners of human nature. Remember that first season with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson? It was like stepping into a Louisiana swamp filled with mystery and chilling murders.

What makes it so binge-worthy: McConaughey’s Rust Cohle with his intense monologues and Harrelson’s Marty Hart battling his own demons — it was pure TV gold. It wasn’t just the gripping murder mystery, but the way they told the story, jumping between timelines, and building suspense with every episode. The atmosphere was eerie as heck, with cinematography that made your skin crawl. You couldn’t resist binge-watching, needing to uncover how it all played out.

Where to watch: BINGE

Black Mirror

What it’s about: Black Mirror was that mind-bending series in 2014 that totally messed with our heads, making us question everything about the tech-filled future we were hurtling towards.

What makes it so binge-worthy: Each episode was like a mini-movie, tackling crazy concepts like social media ratings ruling your life in “Nosedive” or the creepy digital afterlife in “White Christmas”. It was like peeking into a crystal ball gone dark, showing us the weird, often unsettling ways technology could shape our lives. Black Mirror wasn’t just about cool gadgets or sci-fi gimmicks; it was about the real, sometimes chilling consequences of our tech obsession. It made you think twice about posting that selfie or wondering if Alexa was secretly plotting something sinister. Even now, years later, its stories still linger in our minds, reminding us that while tech can be amazing, it also comes with a cautionary tale or two.

Where to watch: Netflix

Jane the Virgin

What it’s about: Imagine going in for a routine pap smear and ending up accidentally artificially inseminated. The twist? You’re a virgin. That’s the wild premise of “Jane the Virgin.”

What makes it so binge-worthy: For starters, it’s 100% certified fresh, which is reason enough to dive into this Golden Globe-nominated gem. The show is delightfully campy, blending over-the-top telenovela drama with authentic, relatable characters. Gina Rodriguez, who plays Jane, brings real emotion and charm to the role, making the story both hilarious and heartfelt. “Jane the Virgin” is the perfect mix of escapism, heart, and comedy, making it an irresistible binge-watch.

Where to watch: Stan

Orphan Black

What it’s about: Orphan Black follows a young, streetwise single mother who stumbles into a vast conspiracy involving other women who look exactly like her.

What makes it so binge-worthy: The show’s star, Tatiana Maslany, plays the lead character, Sarah Manning, and all her doppelgängers. Maslany’s incredible performance makes each clone feel like a distinct character, from an uptight soccer mom to a troubled Ukrainian assassin. The storytelling is twisty and propulsive, the supporting cast is solid, and the emotional complexity keeps things interesting. The impressive performances and engaging plot make it easy to binge-watch. Just hope your favourite clone survives.

Where to watch: Stan

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