Your Guide to Slow-Paced TV
Feeling drained from overstimulating media? You're in good company.
As the day's exhaustion sets in, many of us look for an easy escape.
From binge-worthy TV shows to fast-action movies to overstimulating short-form video clips, it’s no wonder we feel frenzied—even when we sit down to relax.
Have you noticed how media companies will do anything to keep our attention once they have it? They’ll use everything from loud sound effects and strobe lights to jump scares and fast editing to hook us in.
The result? Sensory overload.
When I started to notice how agitated and overwhelmed I was while watching certain shows, I set out to (1) watch less TV and (2) consciously choose low-stimulant shows.
So, here’s my ever-growing list of slow-paced, feel-good TV shows.
Slower Entertainment Alternatives
Each curated Slow TV category—from green-thumbed gardeners to soulful foodies—will feature a detailed summary of three TV and/or video series that are a seamless fit.
You’ll also find a:
Personal rating: On a scale of 1-5/5 (with five being the shows I recommend most)
Three MPH rating: Slow, Slower, or Slowest (reflected by its pace and *vibes*)
Worth Mentioning list: Additional shows beyond my top three
Am I being over the top with this? Absolutely, but life is more fun when you let your freak flag fly.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
For green-thumbed gardeners
Growing Floret (Max & Discovery+)
It’s not just a docuseries about a family-run flower farm; it’s a visual masterpiece. It truly earned its Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography. I’ve never witnessed a show like this. Featuring a gorgeous display of flowers—including the most beautiful dahlias you’ve ever seen—the show gives viewers an inside look into Erin’s decision-making process as a business owner as she scales her operation. It’s an unforgettable series, and it will inspire you to go all-in with your creative interests.
Personal rating: 5/5
Three MPH rating: Slowest
Retro Plant Shop (Max & Discovery+)
This show made me want to quit everything, buy a mini RV, and launch a plant nursery like Mikey, Joanna Gaine’s sister. It was fun to watch Mikey start a business from the ground up while caring for her six kids. I loved following her journey, starting from humble beginnings to opening her new storefront at the Magnolia Silos. If you are a midcentury modern enthusiast who loves plants, this is a must!
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Homegrown (Max & Discovery+)
If you dream of growing a sprawling garden in your yard, you will love this show. Based in Atlanta, host Jamila helps families transform their lawns into functional backyard farms. It’s perfect for viewers who dream of starting a homestead where they can grow their own food but don’t have the acreage for it. The message of this show is that you can do a LOT more than you think with the space you currently have. You’ll learn so much!
Personal rating: 4/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Worth Mentioning:
The Big Flower Fight (Netflix) - 3.5/5, Slow
The Garden Chronicles (Max) - 3/5, Slower
Garden Hike (YouTube) - 5/5, Slower (It’s my uncle’s YT channel!)
For free-spirited travelers
Inn the Works (Max & Discovery+)
This series follows Lindsey, a design agency owner turned innkeeper who teams up with her three siblings to restore a motel property. It’s truly as heartwarming as it sounds. She adds a flair of midcentury design (love!) while honoring the lodge-inspired finishings. If you like this show, watch her other spin-off called Motel Rescue.
Personal rating: 4/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Bespoke Inns (Max & Discovery+)
If you love visiting cute B&Bs—or someday dream of opening your own like my husband and I—then you’ll love this show. Each episode is less than 15 minutes long, so you can easily jump in and out of this series. As luck would have it, Episode 1: Foxfire Mountain House is my favorite because of the ethos and story behind the inn. But if you want to see an incredibly ambitious and artistic concept come to life, you’ll like Episode 6: The Maker.
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slowest
Storefront Stories (Max & Discovery+)
Are you a wandering traveler who loves to explore boutiques and storefronts wherever you are? You’ll LOVE this show. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It follows multiple store owners as they tell the stories behind their retail spaces along with the inspiration behind their designs. I especially liked the episodes featuring Pistils Nursery and Collier West.
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slowest
Worth Mentioning:
The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV): 4/5, Slow
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix): 3/5, Slow
For DIY enthusiasts
Making It (NBC)
If you’re crafty—or at least admire crafty people like I do—this show is for you. It’s hosted by none other than Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. While this show is technically a prize competition, you’d never know it since all of the makers are so friendly and kind to each other. It’s very heartwarming! I’d be the first one in line to sign a petition so NBC adds Making It to Peacock.
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Flea Market Flip (Hulu & HGTV)
Everyone on this show makes furniture flipping look WAY easier than it probably is! It feels like I get to live vicariously through them whenever the contestants peruse flea markets and select their pieces. As a business owner, I also like how they explore setting the right price and negotiating with potential customers. It’s a very easy show to hop into if you’re looking for something lighthearted and creative.
Personal rating: 4/5
Three MPH rating: Slow
Bargain Block (Max & HGTV)
My dad and I used to love watching this down-to-earth home-flipping show. While other shows focus on luxury finishings and big budgets, partners Evan (builder) and Keith (designer) take a more budget-friendly approach. It’s not uncommon to see them living out of the homes they’re working on, moving their few possessions by wagon from house to house. Their goal is to revitalize Detroit neighborhoods one crumbling home at a time. Keith especially has an incredible eye for design!
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slow
Worth Mentioning:
Fixer Upper (Max & HGTV) - 4/5, Slower
Ariel Bissett Renovation Videos (YouTube) - 4/5, Slower
Happy to Be Home (Max & Discovery+) - 3/5, Slower
Lone Fox DIY Videos (YouTube) - 3.5/5, Slower
Good Bones (Max & HGTV) - 3/5, Slow
For the Love of Kitchens (Max & Discovery+) - 3/5, Slow
For soulful foodies
The Big Brunch (Max)
There are SO many chef competition shows out there, and while I haven’t watched them all (not even close), this is my favorite rewatch. It’s hosted by Dan Levy (love!) and features diverse chefs from multiple culinary disciplines to cook a variety of delicious brunch dishes. Since it’s a competition, each chef shares why they’re competing and how they’d use the winnings. From hosting cooking classes to starting a restaurant pop-up to writing a cookbook, it’s cool to hear about their unique business plans.
Personal rating: 5/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Baking It (Peacock)
What’s more festive than a holiday-themed baking show? No matter if you watch this leading up to the holidays or if you want to enjoy Christmas in July, you’ll love Baking It—a sister show to the previously mentioned Making It. The first season was hosted by Maya Rudolph and my first celebrity crush, Andy Samberg, but Amy Poehler joined Maya for the second season. It’s fun to watch what all of the home baker teams come up with.
Personal rating: 3.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Drink Masters (Netflix)
This earns the top spot in my favorite rewatch competition show during the pandemic. I originally started watching in hopes of taking my cocktails (and mocktails) to the next level, but this was not that. The contestants aren’t your average at-home mixologists; they are experts at their craft. Some competition prompts allow the mixologists to work a couple of hours on ONE drink. It’s extraordinary. I wish I could sample every drink!
Personal rating: 4.5/5
Three MPH rating: Slower
Worth Mentioning:
The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) - 4/5, Slower
Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Max & Food Network) - 3.5/5, Slowest
What are your favorite slow, low-stimulant shows?
Tell us in the comments below. You may see it featured here soon!
I haven’t been watching much TV lately because the thought of diving into all the options out there is pretty overwhelming frankly! But the brunch show you mentioned sounds right up my alley! I loved Drink Masters too.