Gaming and television often go hand-in-hand, with many gamers seeking shows that capture the same sense of adventure, immersion, or strategy that their favourite digital games do. Whether it’s a show about complex, multifaceted characters, intricate worlds, or the high-stakes world of gambling, there’s a TV show for every type of gamer. If you’re looking to unwind with a series that complements your love of gaming, here’s a must-see list of TV shows that every gamer should check out.
High Score (Netflix)
For any gamer who is interested in the history of video games, High Score is an essential watch. This six-part documentary series delves deep into the origins of the video game industry, tracing how some of the most iconic games were created and how the gaming industry evolved over the years. From the rise of arcade games in the ’70s to the introduction of home consoles in the ’80s, High Score provides an engaging and informative look at the games that shaped the world we live in today.
Whether you’re a retro gaming fan who fondly remembers playing Pac-Man in arcades, or you’ve only recently started gaming, High Score offers an excellent blend of nostalgia and education. The series features interviews with key figures in the gaming world, providing insight into their creative processes and the cultural impact of games. This show is a must-see for anyone who loves gaming and wants to learn more about its history.
Poker Night Live (UK TV)
For fans of high-stakes games, Poker Night Live offers an exciting glimpse into the world of professional poker. The UK TV show showcases live tournaments, highlighting expert strategies, bluffing, and the psychological aspects of the game, which will resonate with both poker enthusiasts and gamers.
The show is particularly popular among gamers who enjoy casino games like poker and blackjack as it’s filled with strategies and tips that players can use when wagering both in-person or online. With the growing popularity of online casinos, players can now enjoy poker and other casino games, like slots and roulette, from the comfort of home. These platforms offer flexibility, allowing players to access games anytime. Privacy-conscious players often prefer to visit the best no KYC casinos as these sites provide a more secure, private gaming experience by allowing users to play without submitting sensitive personal details. This growing trend in the online casino space offers a more confidential and relaxed approach to gaming, making it an attractive option for many.
As online gambling continues to grow in popularity gamers may see more shows like Poker Night Live become available due to their high demand.
The Witcher (Netflix)
For gamers who enjoy fantasy adventures, The Witcher is an absolute must-watch. This show follows the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in a world full of magic, political intrigue, and deadly creatures. If you’ve played the hit The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the show will feel familiar, as it brings to life the same rich world and captivating storytelling found in the game.
With its intricate lore, stunning visuals, and complex characters, The Witcher is a perfect blend of high fantasy and action that gamers will appreciate. The show’s ability to balance intense battle sequences with rich character development mirrors the experience of playing an open-world RPG, where decisions matter and characters evolve in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a The Witcher game veteran or new to the franchise, this series offers an engaging experience that will captivate your attention.
Stranger Things (Netflix)
While Stranger Things isn’t directly related to video games, it’s a TV show that will undoubtedly resonate with gamers, particularly those who grew up in the 80s or enjoy nostalgic pop culture. The series follows a group of friends in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they uncover supernatural mysteries, face terrifying creatures, and deal with government conspiracies.
For gamers, Stranger Things offers a mix of adventure, suspense, and references to classic video games. The show’s portrayal of Dungeons & Dragons and retro arcade games is a delightful nod to gaming culture, while the overall tone evokes the feeling of exploring an open-world game, full of mysteries and puzzles to solve. The show’s characters and their friendships also mirror the camaraderie often found in multiplayer gaming experiences, where teamwork is key to overcoming challenges.
Black Mirror (Netflix)
For gamers who enjoy dystopian themes and the intersection of technology and society, Black Mirror is the ideal TV show. This anthology series explores the dark side of modern technology, presenting thought-provoking stories that often revolve around the consequences of technological advancements. Several episodes have themes that will resonate deeply with gamers, particularly those who enjoy immersive virtual worlds or complex narratives.
One episode, “Playtest,” explores the concept of a virtual reality game that becomes all too real for the protagonist, blending the boundaries between gaming and reality. Another episode, “USS Callister,” delves into the world of online gaming, where a player’s control over a virtual universe leads to disturbing consequences. Black Mirror taps into the anxieties and thrills that come with the increasing role of technology in our daily lives, making it a must-watch for gamers who enjoy deep, reflective storytelling.
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian is a thrilling addition to your TV watchlist. Set five years after the fall of the Empire, the series follows a bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy as he takes on various missions, including protecting “The Child” (aka Baby Yoda). The show blends elements of action, sci-fi, and westerns, and has captivated fans of the Star Wars franchise with its visually stunning world-building and captivating storylines.
The Star Wars universe has always been popular among gamers, thanks to video game franchises like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars Battlefront. The Mandalorian captures the spirit of those games, offering exciting adventures, bounty-hunting missions, and an exploration of the Star Wars lore that will please any fan of the franchise. The show’s episodic format makes it feel like a series of connected missions, similar to the experience of progressing through a game’s levels, with each episode offering new challenges and rewards.
Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet (Apple TV+)
For gamers who love to laugh and want a comedic take on the gaming world, Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet is a hilarious and insightful series set in a video game development studio. The show follows the eccentric team behind the titular MMORPG as they navigate the challenges of creating and managing a massive online game.
The series is a fantastic reflection of the inner workings of the gaming industry, offering both humour and a satirical look at the personalities involved in creating video games. Whether you’re a game developer or just an avid gamer, Mythic Quest provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical aspects of the gaming world, all while delivering plenty of laughs. The show is also a perfect fit for fans of The Office or Parks and Recreation, as it offers a similar comedic style and workplace dynamics.
Altered Carbon (Netflix)
For gamers who enjoy the blend of futuristic technology and gritty detective work, Altered Carbon is a series that will appeal to fans of cyberpunk and sci-fi RPGs. Based on the novel by Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon takes place in the future.
The series follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he’s hired to solve the mystery of a wealthy man’s apparent suicide. With its intricate world-building, action-packed sequences, and philosophical exploration of identity and mortality, Altered Carbon has the same type of immersive narrative that is present in games like Deus Ex or Cyberpunk 2077. The show’s cyberpunk aesthetic and complex storyline will draw in gamers who enjoy futuristic, high-tech settings and deep narrative arcs.
