You Have To Watch These 8 Shows More Than Once To Truly Get Them

Certain TV programs necessitate multiple viewings for the full appreciation of their intricate storylines, unlike sitcoms that can be watched casually while cooking or browsing your phone. More demanding shows demand a higher level of focus to avoid getting lost in their intricate and disorienting narratives. Not all complex series are excellent, nor do all excellent series rely on complexity. Shows like “Breaking Bad” and “The Sopranos”, despite their complexity, can be understood relatively easily. The main reason for rewatching them is simply the pleasure it brings.

In my experience, there are certain television shows that can’t be fully appreciated during a single viewing. These series often have intricate storylines that twist and turn, leaving answers elusive, at least initially. Details from one season may not be addressed until much later, necessitating the ability to keep multiple plot points, characters, motivations, and themes in mind simultaneously. Yet, this process of deciphering a show’s message makes revisiting these series an enjoyable endeavor, as it feels like solving a puzzle piece by piece.

8. Community (2009-2015)

More Jokes And References Appear On A Second Watch

Unlike many other shows on the list, viewing Dan Harmon’s Community only once is sufficient to grasp its storyline, but if you enjoyed it initially, repeated watches are likely to deepen your appreciation. The series abounds with subtle callbacks, references, and jokes that may go unnoticed upon first glance. Over the course of six seasons, varying in quality, Community skillfully assembled a diverse group of characters and portrayed their transformation into genuine friends.

In the TV series, subtleties of each character’s personality unfold gradually, while references to their pasts are frequent, typically tied to earlier episodes. There are also background events, humor that requires time to comprehend, witty dialogue that could be overlooked, and more. Re-watching Community feels similar to revisiting a foreign language show once you’ve learned the language yourself.

7. True Detective Season 3 (2019)

A Show About Memory Loss Requires A Rewatch

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that over four seasons of “True Detective” have graced our screens, each with its unique charm. Admittedly, not every episode from each season is a must-rewatch, but there’s general consensus about the undeniable appeal of the first season. However, the third season, though less acclaimed, deserves another look for a fascinating twist – it features Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff portraying detectives in both their youthful prime and their twilight years. The narrative deftly oscillates between these timeframes, offering a captivating viewing experience.

In the intriguing third season of True Detective, Ali’s character struggles with memory issues that grow gradually, causing him to sometimes be an uncertain storyteller. It can be challenging to distinguish truth from fiction as you watch this series, but after careful analysis, especially during multiple viewings, you uncover a deeply emotional and thoughtful portrayal of friendship, duty, regrets, and the memories we lose in life.

6. Severance (2022-Present)

A Mindbending Psychological Thriller

The science fiction series “Severance,” now in its second season, is currently airing, making it an ideal moment to revisit the show as we eagerly await season 3. This Apple TV+ production focuses on the personal stories of employees at a biotech company called Lumon. Undergoing a procedure known as “severance,” these workers have no recollection of their life outside work during office hours, and when they depart, they cannot remember their in-office experiences.

As a captivated viewer, I must confess that this series delves profoundly into the realms of philosophy, grappling with thought-provoking themes of identity and free will. At its core lies an enigmatic puzzle, tantalizingly hinted yet to be fully resolved. With episodes that often leave characters as puzzled as the audience, revisiting this show multiple times becomes a necessity before the next season’s premiere, serving as a useful refresh on the unfolding narrative.

5. Westworld (2016-2022)

A Rewatch Allows You To Enjoy The Simplicity Of The Show

Despite some critics claiming that the show Westworld has declined, there are still plenty of captivating episodes in seasons 2 through 4 that justify revisiting this series. Set in a world inspired by Michael Crichton’s science fiction novel, the story revolves around the lifelike android hosts within the “Westworld” amusement park, where wealthy guests can indulge their wildest desires with near-indistinguishable robotic inhabitants.

As a film enthusiast, I must say, this series is a mind-bending journey! It’s packed with episodes that lead you back in time and mysteries that reshape your perspective on earlier scenes. As the story unfolds, the universe expands, and upon revisiting it, the revelation that the characters are developing sentience adds an extra layer of understanding to all the complex technical terms and misleading clues. It’s like peeling off layers of a simple series, revealing its intricate complexity beneath.

4. Dark (2017-2020)

Time Travel Plots Require A Second Watch

In 2017, a captivating German-language series titled “Dark” made its debut. The story unfolds in the fictional town of Winden, Germany, where a string of mysterious disappearances sets off a chain of eerie events. Four families, each grappling with their own struggles, find themselves entangled in a chilling time-travel mystery that tests their bonds and forces them to confront their darkest selves as they work together to unravel the puzzle. Not only is “Dark” one of the top foreign language originals on Netflix, it stands as one of the platform’s finest offerings overall.

Additionally, the narrative is intricate and full of twists, so if your focus wavers for a brief instant, it may become challenging to follow along. This is where re-watching proves beneficial since viewing each episode repeatedly can help you align with the correct timelines, enhancing your overall enjoyment of the story.

3. Lost (2004-2010)

A Puzzle Box Mystery With Questions That Are Still Unresolved

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on my six-season journey through the captivating narrative of Lost, masterfully crafted by the minds of J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber, and Damon Lindelof. This show took me on an extraordinary voyage with the survivors of Oceanic Airlines Flight 815, where I was constantly enthralled by their intricate, enigmatic, and frequently jaw-dropping storyline.

The ensemble cast’s histories, futures, and even alternate selves in parallel universes were skillfully unveiled, keeping me hooked and eager for more. The show has left an enduring impact, with still-active message boards buzzing with fans trying to decipher every cryptic hint and clue hidden within its layers. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling that continues to resonate long after the final credits rolled.

Although not every enigma in the series culminated in a fulfilling resolution, the abundance of intricacy and detail makes revisiting the show essential to catch all the subtly placed clues. Even though Lost might never disclose its complete narrative, rewatching it serves as a reminder of why it was once hailed as an iconic television program.

2. The Leftovers (2014-2017)

The Point Of The Show Is Not In Its Mystery

Damon Lindelof’s series, “The Leftovers,” represents the evolution of his previous work on “Lost.” Unlike “Lost,” which delved into the mystery itself, “The Leftovers” explores how this show’s enigma influences its characters. It’s a thought-provoking, emotional, and masterfully crafted narrative that offers a twist at every turn, yet never leaves you feeling overwhelmed by its challenges.

The show takes place following an occurrence where 2% of Earth’s population inexplicably vanished. Initially, you might seek explanations for the missing people, but these answers are largely elusive, apart from some vague hints in the final episode of The Leftovers. Consequently, additional viewings may be necessary to grasp and value the series. It’s essential to embrace the mystery that pervades the show and recognize it delves into the experiences and consequences that follow this event.

1. Twin Peaks (1990-2017)

A Mysterious And Murky Series

As a movie connoisseur, I must say that David Lynch’s masterpiece, “Twin Peaks,” is unlike any other series out there. It has a unique extension in the form of the film, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” and a revival in 2017, making it a journey spanning over two decades. The show, on the surface, revolves around detective Dale Cooper (played by Kyle MacLachlan) unraveling the mystery of the murder of local teenage girl, Laura Palmer (portrayed by Sheryl Lee).

However, this show is not your typical whodunit. It’s a peculiar, intensely melodramatic, and intentionally over-the-top production that leaves you feeling uneasy for reasons that are hard to pin down.

Re-watching the series might not uncover new plot twists, but delving back into it offers a chance to scrutinize Lynch’s intricate universe more thoroughly, an exploration well worth the effort given its unique charm. Every nook and cranny of this TV production seems to hold a mystery, and revisiting it will bring these subtle details to light.

2025-05-25 02:39