15 Long-Running TV Series Perfect as a Background Noise

1. Travelers

Ever thought about people from the future time-traveling back into the present day? Well, that's exactly what Travelers is all about. Teams of operatives, called 'Travelers', come from a post-apocalyptic future. They transfer their consciousness into people of the 21st century just moments before their demise, inheriting their lives.

Their mission? To prevent the downfall of humanity. They're trying to change their grim future by altering events in the present. Picture this: these operatives living double lives, juggling their critical missions while blending in and keeping their true identities a secret.

2. Terrace House

Terrace House is a unique blend of reality TV set in Japan. No script? No problem! Six strangers – three men and three women – share a luxurious house together. Their goal? Finding love and personal growth. Think of it as a milder, more polite version of reality TV. There's subtle drama, friendships, love interests, and lots of genuine conversations. And while it might sound straightforward, the interactions and cultural nuances make for intriguing viewing (or listening, if it's just on in the background).

3. Midnight, Texas

Welcome to a place where being normal is really quite strange. Midnight, Texas is based on the book series by Charlaine Harris. It's a remote town where your neighbor could easily be a vampire, a witch, a werewolf, or even an angel. Manfred, a medium, moves to the town and realizes there's more to this place than meets the eye.

As he forms alliances with the supernatural residents, they band together to fend off outside pressures from ever-suspicious cops, deadly biker gangs, and their own dangerous pasts. Spooky, right?

4. Life in Pieces

Ever wished for a show that offers quick, hilarious vignettes of a family's life? Enter Life in Pieces. It showcases the Short family's fun, often awkward, and crazy moments, but in a unique format. Each episode consists of four short stories focusing on different members of the family, from grandparents down to the grandkids. So, one moment you might see parents struggling with their toddlers, and the next, siblings dealing with their old-school parents.

5. Republic of Doyle

Let's jump to St. John's, Newfoundland in Canada. Jake Doyle and his father Malachy run a private investigations agency. Yep, it's as fun as it sounds. They navigate through mysteries, fistfights, car chases, and family feuds, all while dealing with the complicated personal lives of the Doyle clan. It's a comedy-drama, where the family ties are as tangled as the cases. Fun fact? It's shot in Newfoundland, which provides some absolutely stunning backdrops.

6. Being Erica

Ever had regrets? Erica Strange sure does. She's given a chance to do something about it when she meets Dr. Tom, a mysterious therapist. He sends Erica back in time to relive and possibly even change her most regrettable moments. Sounds awesome, right? But with every change, there's a consequence. As Erica revisits her past, she learns valuable life lessons. It's a quirky take on the whole "careful what you wish for" idea.

7. The Finder

Walter Sherman, an Iraq War vet, has a unique talent after surviving an explosion: he can find absolutely anything. Lost your keys? He's your guy. Need to track down a criminal or long-lost relative? No problem. Set in the Florida Keys, Walter is aided in his quests by his legal advisor and a US Marshal. Every episode sees them unraveling a new mystery, making it perfect for when you just need some playful background chatter.

8. Happy Endings

Three couples in various stages of their relationships live in Chicago, navigating the ups and downs of life. Simple enough, right? But throw in some breakups, hilarious scenarios, and a tight-knit friend group that's more like family, and you've got Happy Endings. Whether it's dealing with exes, oddball neighbors, or just the day-to-day quirks of friendships, this bunch never has a dull moment. It's kind of like Friends but with a modern, zanier twist.

9. Men at Work

Four buddies working at the same magazine in New York City are trying to figure out life, love, and friendship. Milo, fresh from a breakup, relies on his friends for advice on the dating world. Gibbs is the bachelor, Tyler is in a committed relationship, and Neal is navigating an interracial relationship. They hang out, share jokes, and often land in comical situations. It's a bromance-laden show that's easy on the ears.

10. Hart of Dixie

(Yes, it's worth mentioning twice!) Big city doctor Zoe Hart inherits a medical practice in the small Southern town of Bluebell, Alabama. While adjusting to the town's unique traditions and quirky characters, Zoe also grapples with her own love life and career aspirations. From town feuds to romantic triangles, there's a charm in Bluebell that might just seep in as you let it play in the background.

11. Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23

June moves to New York and ends up rooming with Chloe, the ultimate party-girl and con artist. While they're complete opposites, the duo forms an unlikely friendship. With James Van Der Beek (yes, from Dawson's Creek) playing an exaggerated version of himself as Chloe's best friend, the series is filled with hilariously absurd situations and unexpected heart.

12. Whites

Ever wondered about the inner workings of a country house hotel kitchen? Head Chef Roland White, once destined for culinary greatness, has lost his edge and ambition. His team includes a quirky ensemble of chefs, each with their own dreams and problems. It's a peek into the chaotic world of the kitchen with comedic flair. You know, a lot of sizzle but no steak (pun intended).

13. Cougar Town

Jules Cobb, a recently-divorced mom, navigates single life while living in Florida. Sure, there's wine, younger boyfriends, and a ton of hilarious escapades, but at its heart, Cougar Town is about friendships that feel like family. With her neighboring best friend, ex-husband, and quirky crew, Jules learns that age is just a number.

14. Better Off Ted

Set in the R&D department of the fictional Veridian Dynamics company, Ted Crisp manages a team that brings the most absurd and morally questionable products to life. While Ted tries to stay ethical, the corporate environment constantly challenges his morals. Remember the chair that's designed to be slightly uncomfortable to boost productivity? That kind of zany.

15. Mozart in the Jungle

Music, love, and the chaotic life behind the curtains of a renowned orchestra in New York City. We follow the journey of young oboist Hailey as she navigates this glamorous yet cutthroat world. Rodrigo, the eccentric and passionate conductor, brings both drama and inspiration to the table. Think classical music is dull? This show will prove you wrong.