We’ve all been there: “There’s not enough time in the day!” This sentiment is incredibly common, and I’m no exception. Personally, I often express this when trying to decide what to stream. With my job requiring me to watch several shows, finding something suitable for short time slots—like during lunch or winding down at night—can be challenging.
Fortunately, Netflix has an excellent array of shows perfect for those fleeting moments. Shorter episodes are always a bonus, making comedies great options since they often allow for two to three episodes to fit into an hour. That being said, I also enjoy catching an episode of a classic legal drama when I have some time to spare.
Seinfeld
Classic comedy featuring an unforgettable cast
Seinfeld is famously described as a show about nothing. The sitcom centers on a fictionalized version of Jerry Seinfeld and his three friends: George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer.
Even now, it’s hard to pin down a main plot for Seinfeld, but it brilliantly transforms everyday dilemmas into comedic stories—whether it’s celebrating a quirky holiday or just finding the perfect bowl of soup. The episodes are around 22–23 minutes long, allowing viewers to comfortably watch two in just under an hour without needing to follow any specific order.
Barbecue Showdown
Get ready to feel hungry
Cooking shows are often my go-to when I’m struggling to find something to view. Who can resist food? I often find myself watching cooking competitions during dinner a few nights a week. Maybe it’s my way of convincing myself I’m enjoying gourmet dishes instead of my usual fare. Regardless, it’s relaxing content for times when I’m short on time.
Barbecue Showdown is exactly the kind of cooking competition I seek when I have about 50 minutes to spare. I’ve learned that mastering barbecue is as much about science—like selecting the right wood for smoky flavors and achieving the perfect temperature for tender ribs—as it is about the meat itself. Be prepared for some serious drooling!
Pop Culture Jeopardy!
A quiz show centered around entertainment
What’s better than shouting the right answer to a Jeopardy! question before the contestant buzzes in? Unfortunately, this rarely happens for me since my trivia skills in subjects like history and science are lacking. But Pop Culture Jeopardy! is much more my pace.
Hosted by Colin Jost from Saturday Night Live, this version of Jeopardy! caters to those who avidly follow celebrity news and entertainment headlines. Unlike its predecessor, it features team play, adding a fun twist. If you’re looking to feel good about your media knowledge, you’ll enjoy this show, which allows you to watch two episodes in less than an hour.
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
Mastering cringe comedy
Tim Robinson’s humor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; his style of cringe comedy often leaves viewers feeling uncomfortable. I know people who can’t handle it, but I find his work in I Think You Should Leave to be pure brilliance.
The show typically features three to four sketches per episode, running around 20 minutes each, allowing you to binge several within an hour. If one sketch doesn’t resonate, you can simply skip on to another one. Some of my favorites include the hot dog car crash and the drive-through pay-it-forward scene. We need to support Robinson in his unique comedic ventures!
Law & Order
A television classic
To many, Law & Order is a staple in television history, recognizable by its iconic sound effect. Created by Dick Wolf, this award-winning show has endured through the decades. It focuses on two main components: the investigative work of the police and the prosecution efforts by district attorneys. As the intro reminds us, “These are their stories.”
For U.S. subscribers, Netflix offers seasons 21–24, and episodes typically run under 50 minutes. Since it’s a procedural, you don’t need to follow a specific sequence to appreciate the show. You can jump in at any point, and still enjoy a gripping episode of crime-solving.
Endless streaming options on Netflix
Netflix offers a seemingly endless supply of content that can keep you entertained for hours. This week, one highlight could be 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a thrilling sequel to a zombie horror film. If you’re in the mood for captivating shows to spark conversation, consider diving into Outer Banks or I Will Find You.
