Lifestyle TV for Adults Over 50 12/19/2023 | By Annie Tobey From three major networks and PBS to cable TV and now to streaming TV ready to watch at your convenience – television has come a long way, but the plethora of options can make deciding what to watch even more difficult. Writer and baby boomer John Levan offers his picks on TV for adults over 50. Many of us over 50 are still living life in the fast lane. Seriously, we’re busier than ever. I can’t count how often I’ve heard one of my fellow retirees say, “How did I ever have time for work before retirement?” or “I need a calendar to keep up with all my activities.” And you know what? I’m right there with them, living my 70-something life to the fullest. But let’s talk about my guilty pleasure. After a jam-packed day, I love nothing more than plopping down in front of the TV. Although I enjoy movies and sports, nothing beats diving into a TV series that gets under my skin, where I have to keep watching (it’s called binge-watching) until the last episode. Here’s the thing, though. As we age, our tastes change. The shows that used to captivate us don’t have the same magic anymore. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of TV shows catering to our mature tastes. Don’t worry – these are not your grandparents’ programs. We’re talking about television for discerning over-50-year-olds who refuse to settle for the so-called “wasteland” of TV entertainment. Now, I have to be honest here. These picks are subjective. Don’t take them as the ultimate “best of” list. Instead, think of them as TV shows that deliver the goods with great plots, captivating settings, and intelligent dialogue. Forget the flashy special effects; these 10 programs have substance. 10 streaming shows on TV for adults over 50 ‘The Crown’ (Netflix, six seasons) “The Crown” chronicles the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning with her earliest days on the throne. The show delves into the personal intrigues, romances, and political rivalries behind England’s significant events of the second half of the 20th century. As the decades pass, the actors change to reflect their advanced age, while personal foibles, scandals, and the burden of the crown are presented with relative accuracy. ‘The Morning Show’ (Apple TV+, three seasons) “The Morning Show” looks at the cutthroat world of morning news with the spotlight on two complicated women working to navigate this high-stakes landscape. Jennifer Aniston stars as Alex Levy, a seasoned anchor dealing with the fallout of her co-host’s dismissal due to sexual misconduct allegations. Reese Witherspoon plays Bradley Jackson, an impulsive, free-spirited journalist catapulted into the limelight as Levy’s new co-host. The series explores the interplay of power dynamics, ego, and the pressure of public image in the media industry. Related: 10 Varied TV Shows for Adults ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ (Prime, one season) “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” is a captivating series that narrates the story of Alice Hart, a young girl with a tragic history. She is taken to live with her grandmother, June (Sigourney Weaver), a flower farmer who introduces Alice to the language of Australian native flowers. The series explores love, loss, and the power of nature to heal emotional wounds. ‘The Gilded Age’ (HBO, two seasons) “The Gilded Age” is a period drama set in late 19th-century America, marked by rapid economic growth and conspicuous affluence. The show presents the era’s luxury and underlying social issues through the eyes of young Marian Brook, who moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after her father’s death. She navigates between the old and new moneyed classes, exposing their tensions, while illuminating the glamour and evolving social dynamics of a transformative period in American history. ‘Fargo,’ the Series (FX/Hulu, five seasons) “Fargo” is a critically acclaimed television series inspired by the classic 1996 film of the same name. It’s produced by the Coen Brothers and stars A-listers, including Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Odenkirk, Chris Rock, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Set in the American Midwest, each season of the anthology series presents a separate, self-contained narrative, teetering on the edge of comedy and tragedy. ‘Lawman Bass Reeves’ (Paramount+, one season) “Lawman Bass Reeves” chronicles the unique and compelling life story of Bass Reeves, a legendary African-American deputy U.S. Marshal in the 19th-century West. Born into slavery and later escaping into Indian Territory, Reeves overcomes unfathomable odds to achieve the prestigious position of a lawman. Defying the racial norms of his time, Reeves became a respected and influential lawman. ‘Doc Martin’ (Acorn TV, 11 seasons) “Doc Martin” relates the story of Dr. Martin Ellingham, a talented surgeon who has developed hemophobia, an irrational fear of blood. His condition forces him to abandon his career in the city and relocate to a quaint English village as a general practitioner. Martin’s brusque demeanor and lack of bedside manners often clash with the villagers’ laidback lifestyle, resulting in many humorous and heartwarming situations. ‘The Sinner’ (Netflix, four seasons) “The Sinner” is a thriller exploring the concept of ‘whydunit’ rather than ‘whodunit.’ Each season follows a different crime, with Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) delving deep into the psyches of seemingly ordinary individuals who commit shocking acts of violence. The series uniquely focuses on understanding the motivations behind the crimes rather than simply identifying the perpetrator. It explores human nature, trauma, and those hidden layers of personality that can lead to unthinkable acts under certain circumstances. Related: Is “Wednesday Addams” worthwhile TV for adults over 50? ‘Call the Midwife’ (Netflix, 13 seasons) “Call the Midwife” is a compelling drama series set in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s and ’60s. The series follows a group of nurse midwives working at the Nonnatus House convent. Their daily lives blend personal and professional challenges as they tend to the needs of the local women and children. The series offers a moving and intimate insight into midwifery and families in London’s East End. ‘Julia’ (Max, two seasons) “Julia” portrays the life and career of celebrated chef and author Julia Child. The series explores Julia’s impact on American cuisine, her struggles and victories in a male-dominated industry, and her enduring legacy in the culinary world. As the show unfolds, viewers get an intimate look into Julia’s personal life, her passion for cooking, and her unwavering commitment to democratize gourmet cuisine for the everyday American household. Finding engaging and appealing TV for adults over 50 doesn’t have to be complicated. With the variety of shows available, there is something to satisfy every taste. The programs featured here are merely the “tip of the iceberg.” Whether you enjoy fictional dramas, shows based on actual events, or enlightening documentaries, a world of entertainment is waiting for you. Age is a number, and there is always time to discover a new favorite series. Happy viewing! Read More Annie Tobey Annie Tobey has been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years. As editor of BOOMER magazine, she explored a diversity of topics of particular interest to adult children of seniors. When she’s not writing, she can be found running the trails or enjoying a beer with friends.