You’re scrolling. We’ve all been there. You want something specific but your brain only gives you a letter. Today, it’s the letter S. Maybe you’re looking for that one show about the mob, or perhaps the one with the quirky scientist. Honestly, the list of tv shows starting with s is surprisingly dense with some of the heaviest hitters in television history. It’s not just a list; it’s basically a map of the "Golden Age" of TV.
The Titans of the S-Category
If we're talking about sheer cultural impact, you have to start with The Sopranos. It changed everything. Before Tony Soprano stepped out of his driveway in New Jersey to pick up the newspaper, TV was mostly episodic and safe. David Chase didn't care about safe. He gave us a protagonist who was a murderer, a father, and a panic-attack-prone patient all at once. People still argue about that final fade-to-black. Was he killed? Did life just go on? HBO basically built its entire reputation on this show. It’s the gold standard for a reason.
Then there’s Seinfeld. It’s literally a "show about nothing," yet it defined an entire decade of comedy. Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld tapped into the minutiae of everyday life—waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant, the "close talker," the "low talker." It’s cynical. It’s brilliant. No one grows, no one learns. That was the rule in the writers' room.
Succession and the New Era
Moving into the 2020s, Succession took the mantle. It’s Shakespearean but with more swearing and private jets. The Roys are terrible people, let’s be real. But watching Kendall try (and fail) to take down Logan was the most stressful and hilarious thing on television for four seasons. Jesse Armstrong’s writing is so sharp it practically cuts through the screen.
Sci-Fi and Supernatural Staples
You can't mention tv shows starting with s without diving into the weird stuff. Stranger Things is the obvious heavyweight here. Netflix hit a goldmine by blending 80s nostalgia with Lovecraftian horror. The Duffer Brothers didn't just make a show; they made a brand. It’s about friendship, but it’s also about the "Upside Down" and government conspiracies.
Star Trek is another massive one. Actually, it’s multiple ones. You have the Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and now Discovery and Strange New Worlds. It’s a franchise that refuses to die because its core message—hope for a better future—is something we’re all kind of desperate for.
- Supernatural ran for fifteen seasons. Fifteen. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles basically lived on that set. It started as a "monster of the week" show and turned into an epic battle between Heaven and Hell.
- Smallville gave us a decade of Clark Kent before he actually became Superman. No flights, no tights. That was the rule.
- Sherlock (the BBC version) made Benedict Cumberbatch a household name. The 90-minute episodes felt like movies. It was high-energy, visually inventive, and honestly, a bit smug. But in a good way.
Gritty Dramas and Hidden Gems
Sons of Anarchy is Hamlet on motorcycles. Kurt Sutter created this visceral, violent world in Charming, California, that was hard to look away from. Charlie Hunnam’s Jax Teller was a tragic hero in the truest sense. It’s heavy. It’s loud. It’s got a killer soundtrack.
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Then you have Shameless. The US version lasted forever, mostly because the Gallagher family's chaos was so relatable to anyone who’s ever been broke. William H. Macy plays Frank Gallagher as a man with zero moral compass, and somehow, you still find him fascinating.
What About the Animation?
South Park is the ultimate survivor. Trey Parker and Matt Stone have been mocking everyone and everything since 1997. They produce episodes in six days. That speed allows them to be more topical than almost any other show on air. Whether they’re skewering politics or celebrities, nothing is off-limits.
The Simpsons? Wait, that’s a "T" show. But SpongeBob SquarePants? Definitely an S-tier S-show. It’s been running since 1999 and has warped the sense of humor of at least two generations. Stephen Hillenburg created something genuinely surreal that works for kids and adults.
Why the Letter S Dominates the Charts
There’s a weird psychological thing where certain sounds stick in the head. S-sounds are sibilant. They’re sharp. Maybe that’s why showrunners like them. Or maybe it’s just a coincidence.
Think about Severance. It’s one of the best new shows in years. The concept of "severing" your work memories from your home memories is a literal nightmare for some and a dream for others. Ben Stiller directed most of it, and the clinical, white-walled aesthetic is haunting. It’s a slow burn, but the payoff in the season one finale is arguably one of the best cliffhangers in TV history.
- Squid Game became a global phenomenon almost overnight. It wasn't just the bright colors and the violence; it was the stinging critique of capitalism.
- Six Feet Under dealt with death in a way no other show has. Every episode started with a death. It was morbid, beautiful, and featured what many consider the best series finale ever.
- Suits had a massive resurgence on streaming recently. Why? Because it’s easy watching. It’s "blue sky" TV. Everyone is attractive, everyone is smart, and the stakes feel high but manageable. Plus, it’s the show that gave us Meghan Markle.
Misconceptions About Popular S-Series
People often forget that Scrubs was actually quite a serious show. Yes, it had the "Eagle!" moments and JD’s daydreams, but it was also praised by actual doctors for being one of the most medically accurate shows on TV. It captured the burnout and the grief of a hospital better than Grey's Anatomy ever did.
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Another one is Skins. The UK version was a raw, often uncomfortable look at teen life. The US tried to remake it, and it just didn't work. The grit was replaced by a polished version of rebellion that felt fake. It’s a good lesson in how regional "flavor" matters in storytelling.
Finding Your Next Binge
If you're looking for something specific within tv shows starting with s, you need to categorize by mood.
If you want to feel smart: Watch The Shield. It’s often overshadowed by The Wire, but Michael Chiklis as Vic Mackey is a masterclass in the "corrupt cop" trope. It’s fast-paced and doesn't let up.
If you want to cry: This Is Us (Nope, that's a T). Let's go with Sense8. It’s a Wachowski project about eight strangers around the world who become mentally linked. It’s diverse, expensive, and deeply emotional. Netflix canceled it too soon, but the fan outcry was so loud they got a wrap-up movie.
If you want to laugh but also feel slightly depressed: Stath Lets Flats. It’s a British comedy about a truly incompetent letting agent in London. Jamie Demetriou is a genius of physical comedy.
The Evolution of the Search
Back in the day, you’d just flip through a TV Guide. Now, we type a single letter into a search bar. We’re looking for Snowfall, the story of the crack cocaine epidemic in LA. Or Station Eleven, a beautiful, quiet show about the end of the world that somehow isn't depressing.
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The variety is insane. You have Shogun, which recently took the world by storm with its incredible production value and respect for Japanese history. It’s not just "action"; it’s a political chess match. Then you have Silica or Silo—specifically Silo on Apple TV+, which is a fantastic adaptation of Hugh Howey's books. Rebecca Ferguson is incredible in it.
Actionable Tips for Your Watchlist
- Check the Network: If an S-show is on HBO or FX, it’s usually going to have high production value and darker themes. Think Sharp Objects or Snowfall.
- Look for the Creator: If it’s Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of... series, but wait, those don't start with S), you know what you're getting. But if it’s a Taylor Sheridan show like Special Ops: Lioness, expect high-octane military drama.
- Don't Ignore International Hits: Suburra: Blood on Rome is a fantastic Italian crime drama. If you liked Gomorrah, this is your next stop.
- Use "S" to Filter Your Streaming Apps: Honestly, just typing "S" into the Netflix search bar is a valid way to find stuff you missed.
Real Talk on Ratings
Just because a show starts with S doesn't mean it's good. Selfie was a show. Remember that? Probably not. It was a modern take on My Fair Lady starring Karen Gillan and John Cho. It was actually better than the title suggests, but it got buried because of its name. Titles matter.
And then there's Sleepy Hollow. It started so strong. Ichabod Crane in the modern world? Great. But then it got weirdly bogged down in its own mythology and lost the plot by season three.
Final Thoughts on the S-Catalog
The sheer volume of quality content in this specific alphabetical bracket is wild. From the historical epic of Spartacus (which was basically 300: The Series) to the satirical bite of Silicon Valley, there is literally something for every mood.
If you're stuck, start with the classics. If you haven't seen The Sopranos, stop reading this and go watch it. If you need something light, Schitt's Creek is technically an S-show depending on how you alphabetize "The," and it's the ultimate "comfort watch."
Next Steps for Your Viewing:
- Audit your current subscriptions: Most of these shows are spread across Max, Netflix, and Apple TV+.
- Check out Shogun: If you haven't seen the 2024 version, it's the current peak of the "S" category.
- Go back to the 90s: Revisit Star Trek: Deep Space Nine if you want sci-fi with actual political depth.
- Track your progress: Use an app like Letterboxd or Trakt to keep a list of the "S" shows you've actually finished, because let's be honest, we all start way more than we end.