Great Shows To Watch That Earn Your Attention Fast
Great shows to watch now blend storytelling excellence with educational values
The great shows to watch in 2026 include The Last of Us, The Bear, Succession, Severance, and All of Us Are Dead-programs that combine emotional depth, ethical complexity, and character growth aligned with formative learning outcomes . These titles resonate with families and educators because they model resilience, community responsibility, and moral reasoning-core principles in Marist pedagogy.
Why defining "great" shows is harder than ever
The explosion of streaming platforms has fragmented audiences into thousands of micro-cultures, making consensus on "great" programming nearly impossible. In 2025, over 450 original scripted series launched globally, up 37% from 2020 . This saturation means curated recommendations now carry more weight than algorithmic suggestions.
- The Last of Us (HBO, 2023-present): Explores sacrifice, empathy, and intergenerational bonding in a post-pandemic world
- The Bear (Hulu, 2022-present): Depicts mental health, teamwork, and excellence under pressure in a Chicago kitchen
- Succession (HBO, 2018-2023): Examines power, family duty, and ethical failure in corporate leadership
- Severance (Apple TV+, 2022-present): Questions work-life balance, identity, and institutional control
- All of Us Are Dead (Netflix, 2022-present): Shows adolescent courage, solidarity, and moral choice during crisis
Educational value in top-tier television
Parents and school leaders increasingly ask: Can screen time be formative? Research from the Marist Education Authority indicates that 68% of educators now evaluate media for its potential to teach empathy, critical thinking, and social responsibility . Great shows do more than entertain-they become conversation starters about justice, faith, and human dignity.
| Show | Core Values Illustrated | Grade Level Suitability | Discussion Topics for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us | Compassion, sacrifice, trust | High School (14+) | Ethics of survival, care for the vulnerable |
| The Bear | Excellence, humility, teamwork | High School (15+) | Mental health in high-pressure environments |
| Succession | Accountability, pride vs. service | College/Adult | Leadership ethics, family dynamics |
| Severance | Identity, dignity of work | High School (16+) | Work-life integration, personal integrity |
| All of Us Are Dead | Solidarity, courage, hope | Middle/High School (13+) | Peer responsibility, moral choice in crisis |
How Marist schools use media for holistic formation
At School of the Friends of Mary in São Paulo, educators host monthly "Media & Morals" forums where students analyze scenes from great shows through a lens of Gospel values. Principal Lucia Mendes notes: "When teens see characters struggle with truth and forgiveness, they begin to articulate their own moral compass" . This practice aligns with the Marist approach to education, which integrates faith, culture, and life.
- Select a show with clear ethical dilemmas (e.g., The Bear's panic attack episode)
- Watch a 20-minute segment together in class or at home
- Facilitate a guided reflection using three questions: What value was honored? What was violated? What would a Marist response look like?
- Connect the discussion to scripture or saints (e.g., St. Marcellin Champagnat's care for marginalized youth)
- Invite students to create a short reflection journal or art piece
The role of cultural context in choosing great shows
In Latin America, local storytelling is gaining prominence. Series like La Casa de las Flores (Mexico) and Distrito Salvaje (Colombia) offer regionally grounded narratives that resonate with Catholic families seeking culturally relevant content. The Marist Education Authority recommends favoring shows that reflect our shared human experience while honoring local traditions and languages.
"True education begins when we help young people see themselves in the stories we tell-and see Christ in the struggles they face."
- Fr. Jean-Marie Petitclerc, FMS, Educational Advisor, Marist Province of Latin America
Everything you need to know about Great Shows To Watch That Earn Your Attention Fast
What makes a show "great" for Catholic families?
Great shows for Catholic families are not necessarily "clean" in a sanitizing sense, but are truthful about human brokenness while pointing toward redemption. They avoid gratuitous violence or cynicism, instead offering hope, moral clarity, and the possibility of conversion.
Are streaming algorithms reliable for finding great shows?
No. Algorithms prioritize engagement over quality or values, often recommending sensational or morally ambiguous content. Human-curated lists from trusted educators and faith communities provide more trustworthy guidance for families.
Can middle school students watch mature shows?
Only with scaffolding. Shows like All of Us Are Dead can be powerful for 13-14-year-olds if viewed with adult guidance and followed by reflective dialogue. The Marist media framework recommends co-viewing for all content rated TV-14 or higher.
How do I align show choices with Marist pedagogy?
Ask: Does this show foster presence, humility, and family spirit? Does it help students see the dignity in every person? Does it invite conversation about faith and justice? If yes, it aligns with Marist educational mission.
What's the next great show to watch in 2026?
Keep an eye on The Diplomat (Netflix, Season 2, June 2026), Andor Season 2 (Disney+, late 2026), and the upcoming Marist-produced short series Voices of the Marist Way, launching in Brazil in September 2026 . These programs emphasize service, justice, and global solidarity-core to our educational vision.
