8 Broadcast TV Shows to Binge This Week (Oct. 20–26) — And 4 You Can Safely Skip
Between streaming overload and endless reruns, finding a great show on broadcast TV feels like digging for gold in a sandbox. But this week? The schedule’s packed with hidden gems, nostalgic comebacks, and a few clunkers you’ll want to avoid. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to what’s worth your time—and what’s not.
Think of this as your TV cheat sheet: no spoilers, just honest takes on whether that new procedural will hook you or if that sitcom’s laugh track is louder than the jokes. We’ve combed through the schedules, checked the buzz, and even accounted for what’s trending so you don’t have to. Let’s cut through the noise.
The Great TV Paradox: Why Broadcast Still Rules (Sometimes)
In a world where algorithms shove 12 seasons of a show about sentient toasters at you, broadcast TV might seem like your grandpa’s old radio. But here’s the secret: it’s the last bastion of shared culture. When a show like Abbott Elementary or The Masked Singer blows up, it’s not because Netflix’s algorithm whispered in your ear—it’s because everyone’s watching it at the same time.
This week’s lineup proves broadcast isn’t dead—it’s just pickier. Networks are swinging for the fences with:
- Live events that streaming can’t replicate (looking at you, Dancing with the Stars).
- Comfort food TV: procedurals and sitcoms that don’t require a PhD in lore to enjoy.
- Surprise hits that become watercooler talk overnight (remember Ted Lasso started on NBC?).
So why should you care? Because this week’s schedule is a microcosm of what broadcast does best—and worst. Let’s break it down.
🍿 The 8 Shows to Clear Space For (Ranked by “Drop Everything” Potential)
1. The Rookie (ABC, Oct. 20) – “Cop Drama That Doesn’t Feel Like a Time Capsule”
Nathan Fillion’s rookie cop at 40 gimmick could’ve worn thin by Season 6, but this show’s secret weapon? It’s genuinely funny. This week’s episode leans into the “old guy vs. Gen Z” dynamic with a case involving—what else?—a viral TikTok challenge gone wrong. If you like your procedurals with heart and self-awareness, this is your fix.
Watch if: You miss Castle but wish it had more emotional range than “smirk or brood.”
2. Survivor 45 (CBS, Oct. 20) – “The OG Reality Show Still Has Teeth”
Yes, it’s been on for 23 years. No, it’s not out of ideas. This season’s twist—“Summit”, where players climb a mountain for advantages—adds a fresh layer of “Do I want this reward or do I want to not die?” drama. The premiere’s blindside was so brutal, it had Twitter (or X, or whatever) trending harder than a Marvel trailer.
Watch if: You love strategy but hate when reality TV feels staged (we’re side-eyeing you, The Traitors).
3. Ghosts (CBS, Oct. 20) – “The Only Sitcom Where the Laugh Track Isn’t the Funniest Part”
This British import (now firmly Americanized) is the rare multi-cam sitcom that’s actually clever. The ghosts’ one-liners land harder than most late-night monologues, and this week’s episode—where the crew tries to haunt a skeptic—is packed with “rewind and pause” moments. Bonus: It’s the perfect palette cleanser after a heavy drama.
Watch if: You wish The Office had more supernatural puns.
4. Dancing with the Stars (Disney+, Oct. 24) – “The Only Reality Show Where Niceness Is a Plot Twist”
In a world where reality TV thrives on backstabbing, DWTS is wholesome to a fault. This season’s cast includes an Olympian, a Bachelor villain, and—somehow—X-Men’s Nightcrawler (okay, fine, it’s actor Alan Cumming). The live votes and pro-am chemistry make it appointment viewing in the best way.
Watch if: You need a break from dystopian dramas but still want stakes (those lifts are terrifying).
5. The Golden Bachelor (ABC, Oct. 26) – “Gerry Turner Is Your New Favorite Grandpa”
Call it a gimmick, but The Golden Bachelor (a Bachelor spin-off for seniors) is the most heartwarming thing on TV right now. 72-year-old Gerry’s dates involve bingo, polka lessons, and actual emotional vulnerability—something the main franchise forgot existed. This week’s hometown visits are guaranteed to make you call your grandparents.
Watch if: You’re over “love is a game” tropes and want to see real connection (and zero hot tubs).
6. Young Sheldon (CBS, Oct. 26) – “A Nostalgic Victory Lap”
The Big Bang Theory prequel wraps up this week, and while it’s had its “precious” moments, the finale promises to tie up Sheldon’s childhood with a bow. Expect cameos, callbacks, and at least one scene where adult Sheldon (Jim Parsons) narrates something painfully relatable about growing up.
Watch if: You’re a TBBT fan or just love a well-earned series finale (RIP, Better Call Saul).
7. Blue Bloods (CBS, Oct. 26) – “The Comfort Food of Cop Shows”
In its 14th season, Blue Bloods is the TV equivalent of your favorite diner: you know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s okay. This week’s episode tackles a cold case with family ties (because of course it does), but the real draw is the Reagan family dinner—where politics and meatloaf collide.
Watch if: You want a show that feels like a warm blanket (even if the plot’s a little threadbare).
8. Saturday Night Live (NBC, Oct. 21) – “Bad Biden or Bad Host? Tune In to Find Out”
With Timothée Chalamet hosting and musical guest Olivia Rodrigo, this episode could either be iconic or a “why did they let the interns write this?” mess. The real question: Will they go all-in on the “President Biden’s age” jokes, or play it safe? Either way, the cold open is must-see TV.
Watch if: You live for live TV’s “this could go anywhere” energy.
🚫 4 Shows to Skip (Unless You Love Pain)
1. The Irrational (NBC, Oct. 25) – “A Behavioral Scientist Solves Crimes (Yawn)”
Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order) is a treasure, but this procedural’s premise—“a professor helps the FBI using psychology”—feels like Criminal Minds meets a TED Talk. The pilot was so by-the-numbers, you could predict the twists and the commercial breaks.
Skip if: You’ve seen one crime show, you’ve seen ‘em all.
2. Magnum P.I. (NBC, Oct. 20) – “A Reboot That Ran Out of Gas”
Four seasons in, and this reboot still can’t decide if it wants to be action-packed or soapy. The writing’s as inconsistent as Magnum’s facial hair, and this week’s “undercover at a tech conference” plot feels like it was written by someone who’s never used a computer.
Skip if: You’d rather rewatch the original (or literally anything else on Peacock).
3. The Voice (NBC, Oct. 23) – “A Singing Competition That Forgot How to Compete”
Remember when The Voice was the cool alternative to American Idol? Now it’s just a bloated infomercial for iTunes. The blind auditions are long gone, and the coaches’ “witty” banter feels like it was focus-grouped into oblivion. This week’s “country night” is as exciting as watching paint dry—to a Keith Urban song.
Skip if: You’d rather listen to your Spotify Discover Weekly (which, let’s be honest, has better taste).
4. Quantum Leap (NBC, Oct. 24) – “A Reboot That Leaped Too Far”
The original was a cult classic; this version is a pale imitation with none of the original’s charm. The time-jumping gimmick feels more like a “how do we stretch this to 22 episodes?” crutch than a storytelling tool. This week’s “leap into the ‘90s” episode is so heavy-handed with nostalgia, it might as well be a Friends reunion.
Skip if: You’d rather binge the original on Peacock (or, again, literally anything else).
🎯 Your Personalized TV Flowchart (Because Decision Fatigue Is Real)
Overwhelmed? Here’s how to choose:
- Need comfort? → Ghosts or Blue Bloods.
- Craving drama? → The Rookie or Survivor.
- Want to feel something? → The Golden Bachelor (bring tissues).
- Miss live TV chaos? → SNL or Dancing with the Stars.
- Just here for nostalgia? → Young Sheldon.
Pro tip: Set a “one-episode rule”. If a show doesn’t grab you in 20 minutes, bail. Life’s too short for filler.
📈 What’s Trending (And What It Means for Your Watchlist)
According to Google Trends, here’s what’s buzzing this week:
- The Golden Bachelor is outpacing The Bachelor in searches—proof that authenticity > drama.
- Survivor 45 is the top reality show for the first time in years. Nostalgia’s a hell of a drug.
- SNL spikes every time they announce a host—but the actual ratings? That’s a different story.
What’s next? Networks are doubling down on live events (sports, awards shows) and short-season experiments (like The Rookie: Feds, which got axed after one season). Expect more “limited series” on broadcast—because even they know binge culture is here to stay.
🗣️ Over to You: What’s on Your Screen?
Did we miss your favorite? Vehemently disagree with our skips? Sound off in the comments—we’re all about the debate. And if you’re still not sure what to watch, here’s a radical idea: turn off the TV and read a book. (Just kidding. Or are we?)
Want more recs? Check out our last week’s picks or dive into our streaming deep cuts. And if you’re a cord-cutter, here’s how to watch broadcast TV for free—because no one should pay for Magnum P.I..
Happy watching—and may your DVR never fail you.
