TV shows are a great philosophical medium, so if you’re a philosophy student, about to be, or just appreciate deep topics, there are some great series’ you must watch.
For many years existential concepts have been explored on the silver screen and to get you ready to fully explore this area at uni we’ve compiled a list of some of the best TV shows for philosophy students – and lots of them you can watch on Netflix.
Russian Doll
Natasha Lyonne plays the eccentrically brilliant Nadia in this comedy drama. The series follows the character as she experiences a frustrating time-loop, reliving the same day over-and-over again.
Without going into too much detail, she starts each day as the guest of honour at her own birthday party, finding herself repeatedly dying shortly afterwards.
Russian Doll is perfect for philosophical consideration, the complexity and layering is endless. Hilariously exploring human connections, moral codes and multiple dimensions, it will no doubt leave you questioning; what is up with the universe?
The Good Place
The Good Place follows an unlikely group experiencing life after death. This is a witty and thoughtful comedy with world-shattering twists. The series tackles great philosophical debates head-on.
Ethics and moral codes have never been so entertaining. You will become attached to these characters and their wholesome journey together.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is not for the faint hearted. The show has a stomach turning quality and the ability to provoke human emotion like nothing else.
The storylines are gripping, ground-breaking and likely leave you in disbelief. It’s a perfect binge-watch for any philosophy student who enjoys the feeling of existential dread.
BoJack Horseman
The show follows a narcissistic horse and his Hollywood fall from grace. Even though BoJack is objectively a horrible being, audiences catch themselves rooting for him.
Especially as his background and inner-psyche unravels. BoJack Horseman is heartbreaking, hilarious and shamefully relatable. You’ll enjoy the episodes for their artistic depth and honest approach.
Fleabag
Fleabag is a masterpiece. Phoebe Waller-Bridge presents an insightful dramatic comedy. Through the unnamed and chaotic protagonist, themes of grief, femininity and self-destruction are explored.
The complex character experiences tragic events narrating them along the way. She makes great use out of the fourth wall to stress how ludicrous life is. Like a lot of deeply-flawed characters you will find yourself connected with Fleabag.