Our 12 Favorite TV Shows for a Dose of Interior Design
DESIGN
STORY BY VIRGINIA BESHEARS
If your watchlist is looking a bit sparse, whether you're a design enthusiast seeking fresh ideas or simply looking for some beautiful escapism, you’ve come to the right place.
We've rounded up 12 TV shows we love, both fiction and reality TV, that scratch our itch for good interior design.
Rest assured, every TV show on our carefully curated list has been personally watched and thoroughly enjoyed by our editors. Our selection criterion was simple yet stringent: each show had to strike a balance between entertainment/quality and visual style.
We’ve also omitted some of the usual suspects (i.e. Mad Men and Downton) and mixed in a few underrated picks.
COMEDIES & DRAMAS
CREDIT: ITV
Doc Martin (2004 - 2022)
This much-loved British dramedy follows Dr. Martin Ellingham, a crotchety doctor with a heart of gold, who relocates to the eccentric village of Portwenn to work as a general practitioner after his newly-developed phobia of blood derails his career as a surgeon.
The show was entirely shot in Port Isaac, a fishing village on the northern coast of Cornwall. The coastal scenery and stone buildings are unbelievably beautiful, and the interiors like the chemist shop and Doc Martin’s clinic are timelessly charming.
This series is an absolute delight, and although it already has a large following, I won’t stop recommending it until it’s as ubiquitous as Downton Abbey.
Where to watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Acorn TV (via Acorn TV or Amazon Prime Video)
CREDIT: HULU
Only Murders in the Building (2021 - )
"Only Murders in the Building" is a Hulu Original comedy that follows an unlikely trio, played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, who team up to solve a murder that occurred in their upscale New York City apartment building (and podcast about it!).
The writing is excellent, the stars have wonderful chemistry, and the celebrity guest star roster is nuts, but what truly sets this show apart is its incredible production design. Every apartment we’re shown in the Arconia (the titular building) is so beautifully and intricately decorated to reflect its inhabitant. Each apartment feels so lived in, and even the spaces we only see briefly contain an astonishing level of detail.
Where to watch: Hulu
CREDIT: HBO
The Gilded Age (2022 - )
The best description I’ve ever seen of HBO & Julian Fellowes’ The Gilded Age was “prestige soap opera.” The enormous production budget and powerhouse ensemble cast, combined with exceedingly low stakes plot points and generally clunky writing, somehow come together to create something magical and intoxicating.
Because the houses illustrate the show’s theme of old & new money, it’s clear that an immense amount of care and attention was put into the interiors. All of the homes are absolutely stunning, and it’s interesting to watch closely for all the little details that differentiate the old money and new money households.
Where to watch: Max
CREDIT: AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 - 2023)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel chronicles the life of a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comedian, navigating the challenges of pursuing her comedic dreams in the male-dominated world of comedy.
The production design on this show is quite meticulous and très chic. The Maisel Cinematic Universe is exquisite period furnishings and gorgeous color schemes as far as the eye can see. From Midge's Upper West Side apartment to the lively comedy clubs and upscale venues she frequents, the interiors create a visually stunning backdrop that enhance the overall charm of the series.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
CREDIT: BBC WALES AND MASTERPIECE
Upstairs Downstairs (2010 - 2012)
Upstairs Downstairs (2010) is the criminally underrated revival of the classic British drama that originally aired in the 1970s. Set in a luxurious London townhouse, the show delves into the lives of the wealthy Hollands living upstairs, and their staff below stairs. The events of the show take place between 1936 and 1939, amidst the rumblings and subsequent outbreak of World War II. There are only 9 episodes total, and the cast includes a very early-career Claire Foy.
The production design of Upstairs Downstairs is noteworthy for its meticulous recreation of Edwardian-era interiors. The Hollands’ house is absolutely beautiful, and the show captures the contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of the aristocracy and the functional, yet equally atmospheric spaces inhabited by the household staff. It’s historically immersive and a visual feast.
Where to watch: Tubi, Hulu, The Roku Channel, BritBox (via BritBox or Amazon Prime Video)
CREDIT: HBO
The White Lotus - Season 2 (2022)
The White Lotus is a dark comedy-drama television series that explores the lives of guests and staff during their stay at the White Lotus Hotel. The show explores privilege, social dynamics, and wealth with a satirical tone and some of the best acting performances in recent TV history.
As much as I loved the Hawaiian White Lotus location of season 1, season 2, which is set in Italy, definitely takes the cake on the interior design front. The spaces are so perfectly curated and opulent that it’s hard to look away, even when the characters are doing something mortifying that makes you want to cover your eyes.
Where to watch: Max
CREDIT: APPLE TV+
Lessons in Chemistry (2023 Mini Series)
This novel-turned-mini series follows a female chemist in 1960s America who uses a daytime cooking show gig to teach women about science.
The show features a number of wonderful mid-century interiors, but the true gem of the show is obviously her pink kitchen soundstage. The show is wonderful and was nominated for multiple Golden Globes, but honestly the pink kitchen alone warrants watching it, because that thing is a triumph.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
REALITY TV
CREDIT: HGTV, DAVE & JENNY MARRS
Fixer to Fabulous (2019 - )
HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous features husband-and-wife duo Dave and Jenny Marrs as they take on home renovation projects in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. The Marrs family, including their five children, are all actively involved in the renovation process, adding a personal touch to each project.
The Marrs' dynamic personalities and genuine passion for their work is always a pleasure to watch. Dave and Jenny both always explain the thought process or technical side behind what they’re doing, so you get to learn in addition to marveling at each grand finale transformation.
Where to watch: Discovery+, Max
CREDIT: APPLE TV+
Home (2020)
"Home" on Apple TV+ is a documentary series that explores innovative houses around the world. The show offers viewers an inside look at the unique designs, architectural concepts, and personal stories behind each featured home.
The styles vary wildly, so while you might not always love the look of the house being featured, every episode is worth watching for the educational value alone. The series goes beyond mere house tours, delving into the motivations and inspirations of homeowners and architects, and providing a deeper understanding of the connection between people and their living spaces. The show's global scope, featuring homes from various countries, allows viewers to appreciate different design philosophies and lifestyles.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
CREDIT: FREEVEE
Hollywood Houselift with Jeff Lewis (2022 - )
This Freevee original follows interior designer Jeff Lewis (of Flipping Out fame) as he remodels the homes of Hollywood celebrities like Mira Sorvino and Christina Ricci. Aside from the fact that his clients are famous, the thing that sets this show apart is that it feels more organic, like the camera is just following Lewis and his team as they go about their business, as opposed to the more structured format you typically see in remodel shows.
Although much of each episode’s 30 minute runtime is occupied by Lewis gossiping, we always walk away with a better understanding of both interior design principles and what it’s like designing for a client.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
CREDIT: HGTV
Home Town (2016 - )
HGTV’s Home Town follows husband-and-wife team Ben and Erin Napier as they work to revitalize homes in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. Each episode features the Napiers helping a family or individual find and renovate a house to make it their dream home.
What makes Home Town special is how passionate Ben and Erin are about community engagement and preservation of historic homes. The Napiers bring a genuine warmth and personal touch to the renovations, working to preserve the character of each home they transform.
Where to watch: Discovery+, Max
CREDIT: HGTV CANADA
Sarah’s Mountain Escape (2022 Limited Series)
This limited series by HGTV follows Canadian designer Sarah Richardson & her family as they tackle turning a tired, 5,000-square-foot Bavarian-inspired B&B in Whistler, BC into a successful luxury vacation rental.
Spoiler alert, the B&B does turn out to be absolutely stunning. It’s interesting and fun to watch the process from start to finish, but only because we had no financial stake in the property.
Where to watch: Hulu
