Buzz
While it's easy to lose focus when watching TV, especially with shows featuring numerous real housewives, some programs demand your full attention to truly enjoy them. Here are 11 series that will keep your mind sharp, even as you relax on the sofa.
1. Mental Samurai (2019-)
Produced and hosted by Rob Lowe, this brain-teasing obstacle course premieres on April 2. Contestants must tackle a series of challenging questions while being physically moved by a giant robotic capsule called AVA.
2. Jeopardy! (1964-)
Long before the term 'smart TV' was coined, Alex Trebek and the show made intellectual television a staple. Every weeknight, audiences are prompted to answer questions (phrased as answers) before contestants can respond. Now in its 36th season, Jeopardy! continues to set the benchmark for game shows that engage viewers as active participants.
3. Brain Games (2011-)
This series, initially narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and now hosted by Keegan-Michael Key, delves into the fascinating ways our minds can deceive us. Celebrities showcase everything from memory lapses to the science of detecting lies.
4. Cosmos (1980, 2014, 2020-)
The original 1980 series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, created and hosted by
5. NOVA (1974-)
PBS’s NOVA, a staple since 1974, offers a comprehensive exploration of science, highlighting researchers and their quests to unravel the mysteries of our world. Topics span from the demise of dinosaurs to the power of superstorms and the enigmas of Stonehenge.
6. Outrageous Acts of Science (2013-)
If you value evidence-based thinking and admire those who challenge limits, Outrageous Acts of Science shines a spotlight on groundbreaking inventors and innovators. From underwater jetpacks to rock-climbing cars, this show reveals the extraordinary.
7. MythBusters (2003-)
For 14 seasons, hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage rigorously tested popular scientific and cultural myths. From exploding dough cans in hot cars to the feasibility of escaping Alcatraz, they left no stone unturned in proving or disproving these claims.
8. QI (2003-Present)
This enduring British quiz show removes the formality of traditional trivia, allowing panelists to give incorrect answers—as long as they’re intriguing. Each season focuses on a new letter of the alphabet, ensuring that even amidst the wrong answers, you’ll gain fascinating insights.
9. How It’s Made (2001-)
How It’s Made provides an in-depth inspection of everyday items, exploring the history and manufacturing processes behind products ranging from jeans to braille typewriters.
10. Brainchild (2018)
This Netflix series simplifies complex scientific ideas such as gravity, memory, and social media, demonstrating their influence on our lives. While aimed at younger audiences, it’s equally enlightening for adults.
11. Explained (2018-)
With concise episodes under 25 minutes, this series delivers quick yet comprehensive insights into trending topics like cryptocurrency and K-pop, offering a fast-paced education on current issues.
Where to Watch: Netflix
