15 Shows You Only Watched Because Nothing Else Was On
Here's a nostalgic look at 15 TV shows that filled the void when no better options were available, despite being forgettable or bizarre.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Not every show we watched was out of love — sometimes, it was just a matter of convenience. This list highlights 15 series that became unexpected background companions when boredom struck and the TV guide failed us. Whether cheesy, strange, or just plain average, these shows survived because they were simply there when we needed something — anything — to watch.
1. Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001)
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Chuck Norris brought roundhouse kicks and stoic expressions to every episode, but plot depth was never the draw. The show was formulaic, predictable, and oddly comforting for a late afternoon slump. You didn’t plan to watch it, but somehow you were still there when the credits rolled.
2. According to Jim (2001–2009)
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This dad-joke-laden sitcom wasn’t exactly a comedy gem, but it filled the void. Jim Belushi played a gruff but lovable husband in a very cookie-cutter family setup. You probably stuck around because you were too lazy to change the channel after Home Improvement.
3. 7th Heaven (1996–2007)
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With its preachy tone and squeaky-clean characters, 7th Heaven felt more like a lecture than entertainment. However, when nothing else was on after school, you’d end up following the Camden family’s drama anyway. It was unintentionally funny at times, which made it tolerable.
4. Full House (1987–1995)
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It was cheesy, predictable, and aggressively wholesome, but it was on constantly. Even if you rolled your eyes at the life lessons, you still knew every character’s catchphrase. You never planned to binge it, but somehow you knew every episode.
5. Reba (2001–2007)
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This sitcom about a single mom dealing with her dysfunctional family wasn’t groundbreaking, but it had charm. You likely found it playing on cable during a lazy Sunday morning. It didn’t demand your attention, which made it easy to keep on.
6. Touched by an Angel (1994–2003)
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Heavy on sentiment and light on subtlety, this drama had angels solving life problems with tearful speeches. You might have left it on after church or while waiting for dinner. It was the TV equivalent of a soft pat on the back.
7. Small Wonder (1985–1989)
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This bizarre sitcom about a robot girl living in a suburban family was more creepy than cute. Yet, it was often airing during odd time slots with no competition. You didn’t know why you watched it, but you did.
8. The Pretender (1996–2000)
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It had a cool concept but a repetitive structure that wore thin fast. You’d tune in just to see what persona Jarod would take on next. The real reason you watched? Probably because you couldn’t find the remote.
9. Coach (1989–1997)
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This sports-centric sitcom had a decent cast but rarely delivered anything memorable. Still, it aired during awkward time slots when not much else was running. It became a staple of background noise in American living rooms.
10. Baywatch (1989–2001)
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Let’s be honest, most people watched for the slow-mo beach runs, not the drama. The plots were paper-thin and often laughable. However, when it aired during a dead time slot, you didn’t exactly mind watching lifeguards solve crimes.
11. The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008–2013)
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A teenage soap opera pretending to be deep, it was painfully awkward and melodramatic. However, it aired during the post-dinner dead zone, and curiosity won. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
12. The Nanny (1993–1999)
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Fran Drescher’s voice was hard to ignore, and neither was her wardrobe. The jokes were hit or miss, but it had a certain campy appeal. You watched it mostly because there was nothing else that looked remotely fun.
13. Petticoat Junction (1963–1970)
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This vintage rural sitcom never held a candle to Green Acres or The Beverly Hillbillies, but it still aired in syndication for years. You probably stumbled across it while flipping channels on a lazy weekend morning. It was harmless enough to let it play.
14. Laguna Beach (2004–2006)
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This MTV reality show followed rich high schoolers being bored in beautiful locations. It wasn’t good, but it was oddly hypnotic. You didn’t care who Kristin was mad at until it was the only thing on, and suddenly it mattered.
15. Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
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Angela Lansbury solving small-town murders was strangely addictive. You wouldn’t seek it out, but if it came on during dinner time, it stayed on. It was comfort food for your TV brain.