The Best Shows to Marathon on a Plane

Logan Rapp
Updated January 1, 2025 47.0K views 44 items
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Vote based on how engaging and entertaining it would be to marathon each series during a long airplane flight, making the time fly

Embarking on a long flight can often be a tedious experience, but watching engaging television series can make the journey fly by. To maximize entertainment and minimize boredom, certain factors like a compelling storyline, humor, and easily digestible episodes play a crucial role in making a show ideal for an in-flight marathon. With a plethora of options available, identifying the best shows to watch on a plane may seem overwhelming; however, this selection of popular and binge-worthy TV series promises to keep passengers entertained and time well spent. 

A combination of engaging storylines and high entertainment value makes these the perfect TV shows to watch on a plane for passing the time and escaping the monotony of air travel. Each series boasts a unique combination of easily watchable episodes and high entertainment value, ensuring that hours pass more quickly for viewers glued to their screens. The handpicked collection of airplane TV shows caters not only to different tastes but also to those seeking exciting storylines that captivate the attention of viewers from beginning to end. 

Timeless classics such as Friends, The Office, and Parks and Recreation are some of the best airplane TV shows, providing laughter and enjoyment for viewers on flights. Friends is a noted sitcom featuring six lovable characters navigating life in New York City. It provides a perfect blend of humor and relatable storylines that many passengers will find enjoyable. Similarly, The Office, with its mockumentary-style format and unforgettable characters, offers endless laughter and light-hearted entertainment. For those who appreciate a balance of humor and heartfelt moments, Parks and Recreation delivers a delightful combination, led by the endearing Leslie Knope and her quirky team of government officials. These series are just a few examples of the remarkable TV shows that have made traveling a more entertaining experience. 

Showcasing a multitude of enthralling shows to pass the time on a plane, there's little doubt that these top picks can provide a much-needed reprieve from the boredom of lengthy air travel. The chosen shows cater to a wide array of preferences while providing the vital element of escapism, making long flights more bearable and enjoyable. 

Most divisive: White Collar
Over 3.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Shows to Binge Watch on a Plane
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  • The Good Place
    1
    Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper
    399 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveBrooklyn Nine-Nine, Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, The Office, Parks and Recreation
    Why Should I Stream? The Good Place offers a refreshing take on the afterlife, infused with clever humor and philosophical themes that have earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Its original concept, charming cast, and witty writing make it a must-watch for those seeking intellectually stimulating entertainment. Not to mention, its influence on pop culture has made it essential viewing for anyone wanting to stay informed.

    • Premiered: September 19, 2016
    • Genres: Comedy

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  • Supernatural
    2
    Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins
    896 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveBuffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, Grimm, The X-Files
    Why Should I Stream? Supernatural is an enthralling cult favorite that blends horror, drama, and deep-rooted mythology across 15 captivating seasons. Boasting unforgettable characters brought to life by stellar performances from its talented cast, this series has garnered numerous awards and a loyal following over the years. It's no wonder why fans find themselves continuously drawn to this gripping show.

    • Premiered: September 13, 2005
    • Genres: Drama,Fantasy,Horror

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  • It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
    3
    Danny DeVito, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson
    215 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveArrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Workaholics, Archer, Louie
    Why Should I Stream? With its irreverent humor and unapologetically flawed characters, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has earned its place as a celebrated dark comedy that continues to push boundaries. Praised for its daring storylines and sharp writing, this series remains fresh even after numerous seasons on air. For those seeking fearless comedy that isn't afraid to court controversy or challenge societal norms, look no further than the raucous world of Paddy's Pub.

    • Premiered: August 4, 2005
    • Genres: Comedy

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  • Friends
    4
    Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
    403 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: -How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, Will & Grace, New Girl, The Big Bang Theory
    Why Should I Stream? Friends remains one of television's most cherished sitcoms due to its timeless humor, iconic catchphrases, and lovable ensemble of characters. The Central Perk gang has not only captured the hearts of their original audience but also continues to appeal to new generations who discover the show's enduring charm. With its lasting impact on pop culture and significant critical acclaim, Friends is a can't-miss classic.

    • Premiered: September 22, 1994
    • Genres: Comedy

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  • Battlestar Galactica
    5
    Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff
    408 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveStar Trek: Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Firefly, Stargate SG-1, Farscape
    Why Should I Stream? Regarded as one of the all-time best sci-fi shows, Battlestar Galactica presents an intense tale of survival in outer space that transcends typical genre confines. Its thought-provoking storylines address complex political and social issues while showcasing compelling character arcs grounded in superb performances from its cast members. This critically revered series rightfully deserves a spot on any television aficionado's watch list.

    • Premiered: January 14, 2005
    • Genres: Action,Fantasy,Science Fiction

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  • Modern Family
    6
    Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell
    277 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Black-ish, The Goldbergs, Fresh off the boat, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl
    Why Should I Stream? Modern Family expertly balances heartwarming moments with laugh-out-loud comedy while offering fresh insights into contemporary family dynamics across three diverse households. Its winning combination of relatable storylines, superb writing, and talented ensemble cast has garnered critical praise and numerous accolades. For a delightful fusion of humor and heart that reflects the evolving landscape of American families, Modern Family is an ideal choice.

    • Premiered: September 23, 2009
    • Genres: Comedy

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