20 TV Shows to Watch If You’re a Taurus

You want stories built with care and characters whose lives feel real and rooted. This list brings together shows that prize persistence, craft, family bonds, and everyday detail. Each entry shares what the series is about along with the people who made it and the actors who brought it to life.

You will find period pieces, workplace dramas, and heartfelt comedies. Every pick includes the basics on plot and production so you can decide what fits your mood when you are ready to settle in.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

Set on a Yorkshire estate, ‘Downton Abbey’ follows the Crawley family and the household staff as they navigate inheritance, class, and sweeping historical change. Hugh Bonneville plays Robert Crawley with Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary and Maggie Smith as Violet while Elizabeth McGovern appears as Cora and Jim Carter leads the servants’ ensemble as Carson.

The series was created and written by Julian Fellowes with production by Carnival Films and executive production by Gareth Neame. John Lunn composed the score and scenes were filmed at Highclere Castle and locations across England with Brian Percival directing the pilot.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

‘Mad Men’ centers on the advertising firm Sterling Cooper and later Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce and tracks the work and private lives of its executives and copywriters. Jon Hamm stars as Don Draper with Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson plus Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, January Jones, and Kiernan Shipka in key roles.

The show was created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television for AMC. Frequent directors included Phil Abraham and Jennifer Getzinger with production design by Dan Bishop and costumes by Janie Bryant shaping the period setting.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

‘The Crown’ dramatizes the reign of Queen Elizabeth the Second and depicts political decisions and family relationships within the royal household. Claire Foy portrays the monarch in early seasons followed by Olivia Colman and then Imelda Staunton with Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies, Josh O Connor, and Dominic West among the leads.

Peter Morgan created and wrote the series with Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television producing for Netflix. The title theme is by Hans Zimmer and the production used British locations and large scale sets overseen by production designer Martin Childs and costume designer Amy Roberts.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

A prequel and companion to ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘Better Call Saul’ charts Jimmy McGill’s path as he becomes the lawyer Saul Goodman while crossing paths with criminals and corporate players in Albuquerque. Bob Odenkirk leads the cast with Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler, Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut, and Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring.

The series was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould and produced by Sony Pictures Television and AMC. Michael Slovis and Marshall Adams handled cinematography across seasons and the writers room was led by Gould with Gilligan directing key episodes.

‘The Good Wife’ (2009–2016)

‘The Good Wife’ follows Alicia Florrick as she returns to legal practice after her husband’s public scandal and rises through the ranks at a Chicago law firm. Julianna Margulies stars alongside Christine Baranski, Josh Charles, Archie Panjabi, Matt Czuchry, and Alan Cumming.

Created by Michelle King and Robert King, the series aired on CBS with production by Scott Free Productions and King Size Productions. The show used a case of the week structure with serialized arcs and counted Brooke Kennedy and Ridley Scott among its executive producers.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

Set during Prohibition, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ follows Atlantic City treasurer Enoch Nucky Thompson as he navigates politics and organized crime. Steve Buscemi headlines with Kelly Macdonald, Michael Pitt, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Michael K Williams in major roles.

Terence Winter created the series for HBO and Martin Scorsese directed the pilot and served as executive producer. Production was noted for large boardwalk sets built in New York with costume design by John Dunn and music supervision that highlighted period recordings.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

After losing their fortune, the Rose family relocates to a small town they once purchased as a joke in ‘Schitt’s Creek’. Eugene Levy and Catherine O Hara star as Johnny and Moira Rose with Dan Levy and Annie Murphy as David and Alexis.

The comedy was created by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy and produced by Not A Real Company Productions with CBC Television and Pop TV distributing in Canada and the United States. The series filmed in Ontario with Andrew Cividino and various directors shaping later seasons and a writers room led by Dan Levy.

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)

Set in New York City, ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ follows Miriam Midge Maisel as she discovers a talent for stand up and pursues a career in clubs and theaters. Rachel Brosnahan stars with Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson and Michael Zegen as Joel with Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle as Midge’s parents.

Amy Sherman Palladino created the series for Prime Video and served as showrunner with Daniel Palladino. The production featured choreographed crowd scenes by Marguerite Derricks and rich period sets by production designer Bill Groom with music supervision by Robin Urdang.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

‘Friday Night Lights’ focuses on Coach Eric Taylor, his family, and the Dillon Panthers as the town rallies around high school football while students face choices about school and home. Kyle Chandler plays Eric Taylor with Connie Britton as Tami Taylor and a young ensemble including Michael B Jordan, Taylor Kitsch, and Aimee Teegarden.

Developed by Peter Berg and based on the book by Buzz Bissinger and the film of the same name, the series aired on NBC and later in a partnership with a satellite channel. Jason Katims served as showrunner and the production favored handheld cameras and naturalistic lighting across Texas locations.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

‘Gilmore Girls’ follows single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory as they live in Stars Hollow and balance family, school, and friendships. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel lead the cast with Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Melissa McCarthy, and Jared Padalecki in recurring roles.

Created by Amy Sherman Palladino, the series aired on the WB and later the CW with music by Sam Phillips and theme vocals by Carole King. The show was produced by Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions and Warner Bros Television and used a dialogue rich script style across studio backlots and California towns.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Set in Manhattan, ‘Friends’ follows six friends as they navigate relationships, careers, and family while gathering at Central Perk. The ensemble features Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.

Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the sitcom was produced by Bright Kauffman Crane Productions and Warner Bros Television and aired on NBC. James Burrows directed early episodes and the series filmed before a live audience with studio taping at Stage Twenty Four in Burbank.

‘Frasier’ (1993–2004)

‘Frasier’ follows psychiatrist Frasier Crane as he returns to Seattle to host a radio show while living with his father and keeping close ties with his brother Niles. Kelsey Grammer leads with David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney, Jane Leeves, and Peri Gilpin in principal roles.

Developed by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, the comedy was produced by Grub Street Productions and Paramount Television and aired on NBC. The character originated on ‘Cheers’ and the series used multi camera staging with music by Bruce Miller and performances recorded by the Seattle Symphony for the theme.

‘The West Wing’ (1999–2006)

‘The West Wing’ chronicles the inner workings of the White House under President Josiah Bartlet and highlights policy debates and staff duties. Martin Sheen stars with Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Rob Lowe, Janel Moloney, and Dulé Hill rounding out the senior staff.

Aaron Sorkin created the series and wrote many early scripts with John Wells later serving as showrunner. The drama aired on NBC and was produced by Warner Bros Television with sets that recreated West Wing corridors and a theme composed by W G Snuffy Walden.

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)

‘Six Feet Under’ centers on the Fisher family who run a funeral home in Los Angeles and explores work, grief, and changing relationships. Peter Krause and Michael C Hall play brothers Nate and David with Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, and Rachel Griffiths in the ensemble.

Created by Alan Ball for HBO, the series used single camera production and location shoots around Southern California. Thomas Newman composed the main theme and key episodes were directed by Rodrigo García, Jeremy Podeswa, and Daniel Attias.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

Set in the early personal computing and internet eras, ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ follows engineers and entrepreneurs as they build machines, write code, and launch startups. Lee Pace plays Joe MacMillan with Scoot McNairy as Gordon Clark and Mackenzie Davis and Kerry Bishé as Cameron Howe and Donna Clark.

Created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C Rogers, the series aired on AMC with Melissa Bernstein and Mark Johnson among the executive producers. The production filmed in the American South for early seasons and later moved settings to the Bay Area with period hardware and prop details supervised by technical consultants.

‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

‘The Americans’ follows two deep cover KGB officers living as a suburban couple near Washington and tracks their operations and family life. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys star as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings with Noah Emmerich as FBI agent Stan Beeman and Holly Taylor and Keidrich Sellati as the children.

Created by Joe Weisberg and produced by Fox Television Studios and FX Productions, the series used showrunner duties shared by Weisberg and Joel Fields. Music supervision mixed rock and pop from the period and directors such as Daniel Sackheim and Chris Long handled multiple episodes.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

‘Breaking Bad’ tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to manufacture and sell methamphetamine while hiding the enterprise from his family. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul lead the cast with Anna Gunn, RJ Mitte, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, and Bob Odenkirk in supporting roles.

Created by Vince Gilligan for AMC, the series was produced by Sony Pictures Television with locations in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Michael Slovis defined much of the visual style as director of photography and Dave Porter composed the score.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Set in New Jersey, ‘The Sopranos’ follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he balances family obligations and criminal operations while seeking therapy. James Gandolfini plays Tony with Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, and Dominic Chianese among the principal cast.

David Chase created the series for HBO and served as executive producer with directors such as Tim Van Patten and Alan Taylor shaping key arcs. The production filmed across New Jersey and New York with a score by composer David Chase and music selections by Kathryn Dayak and others.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

‘Justified’ follows Deputy United States Marshal Raylan Givens as he returns to Kentucky and confronts criminals and old acquaintances while working cases. Timothy Olyphant stars as Raylan with Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder and Natalie Zea, Joelle Carter, and Nick Searcy in supporting roles.

The series was developed by Graham Yost from stories by Elmore Leonard and aired on FX. Production took place in California standing in for Appalachia with Fred Golan and Dave Andron in producing roles and music by Steve Porcaro and various artists.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

‘This Is Us’ follows the Pearson family across multiple timelines as it explores siblings growing up and their parents’ lives over decades. Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore play Jack and Rebecca with Sterling K Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley as the adult children.

Created by Dan Fogelman, the drama aired on NBC with Ken Olin as a frequent director and executive producer. The production used a mix of stage work and location shoots and relied on makeup and design teams to portray characters at different ages.

Share your favorite picks from this list in the comments and add the shows you think fit a steady and down to earth watchlist.