10 Great TV Shows for Senior Citizens

Social distancing regulations may have put a damper on some of the everyday activities that seniors regularly enjoy; however, cozying up on the couch and watching television isn’t one of them. Whether you are discovering a new show or revisiting a favorite series, the Golden Age of Television is sure to add some excitement to your day. The following comedy and drama TV shows are great options for senior citizens who crave adventure and an escape from reality right from the comfort of home.

Great Comedy Series for Senior Citizens

1. The Kominsky Method — This award-winning Netflix original comedy tells the story of a former actor-turned-acting coach (Michael Douglas), who navigates the trials of getting older with his best friend (Alan Arkin). You can stream The Kominsky Method now on Netflix.

2. The Golden Girls — A classic sitcom that follows the life of four older women (Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty) who are all either widowed or divorced, and live together in Miami, Florida. All seven seasons of The Golden Girls are currently available to stream on Hulu.

3. Grace and Frankie — This comedy-drama is about two women (Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda) who find out their husbands have been seeing each other romantically for the past 20 years and have to learn how to cope with their situation together, despite their already troubled relationship. Grace and Frankie is available to stream on Netflix.

4. Hot in Cleveland — The 2010 sitcom revolves around three women (Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Wendie Malick) who find Cleveland, Ohio more accepting of their aging selves than their hometown of Los Angeles. The women decide to stay, leasing a home where a bold caretaker (Betty White) still lives in the guest house. The binge-able six-season series is available on Amazon Prime Video through a free Comedy Central NOW 7-day trial.

5. The Cool Kids — Three men (Martin Mull, David Allen Grier, and Leslie Jones) who all live in a nursing home and are known as “the cool kids” are challenged when a rebellious woman takes residence in the home. The entire 22-episode series is available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video for $9.99.

Great Drama Series for Senior Citizens

1. Downton Abbey — This British drama follows the Crawley’s aristocratic family and their servants throughout major historical events in the early twentieth century. All seasons of Downton Abbey, starring Dame Maggie Smith, are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

2. Dynasty — The 1981 soap opera, Dynasty, follows the Carringtons and Colbys, two elite families in Denver, Colorado. These families feud over wealth and status. While individual episodes of the original series are available for purchase through many digital providers, an updated sequel series of the same name is currently available to stream on Netflix.

3. Murder, She Wrote — This 1980s crime series revolves around retired English teacher, Jessica Fletcher (Angela Landsbury) who takes up mystery writing and amateur detective work to solve crime in her hometown by piecing clues together. All five seasons of Murder, She Wrote are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for free with ads.

4. Matlock — A 1980s, fan-favorite, legal-drama, Matlock stars Andy Griffith as attorney Ben Matlock and follows his success coming up with alternative, and usually correct, crime case theories while practicing at his law firm in Atlanta. Reruns of Matlock play regularly in syndication on basic cable. Check your local listings.

5. Columbo — Columbo is a crime-drama that stars Peter Falk as Los Angeles Police Department detective, Columbo. Columbo’s relentless personality allows him to obtain slip-ups or confessions out of criminals who usually happen to be wealthy members in society. All seven seasons of Columbo are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for free with ads.

Entertainment Awaits Seniors at Encore at Avalon Park

Encore at Avalon Park is the perfect assisted living community for seniors in Central Florida. Our community will not only care for your loved one’s safety and well-being, but also offers a variety of engaging activities and fun entertainment that will keep their spirits high and have them feeling young again. Find out why Encore at Avalon Park is the premier living solution for your senior loved one by scheduling a socially-distanced virtual tour. For more information, call us today at 407-270-7500.