Motivational TV shows, comedies that will make you laugh until your side hurts, ground-breaking documentaries, and all-around feel-good series can be found onNetflixthat will get anyone out of their funk and truly inspired. Sometimes, going on a Netflix binge doesn’t always sound like the most productive activity on the weekends, but it can be if an uplifting or informative series feeds the viewers' minds and boosts their mood. Netflix gives viewers access to intriguing travel series and heartwarming reality shows that people can sit back and enjoy.
A TV series can give anyone the jolt of creativity they are looking for, and with multiple episodes, that creativity can last for a longer period than a single movie. Fictional or real people can give anyone the idea that they were looking for and test out scenarios or conversations that someone may not be able to have. Self-made millionaires, family businesses, balancing work life and family life — there are certain areas of life that most viewers are trying to figure out themselves. Here are a few of the best motivational TV shows on Netflix that may bethe inspirational storysomeone may need.
Updated on June 12th, 2024 by Soniya Hinduja:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
24Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop (2023)
With so many TV shows out there, it is quite refreshing to see one that shines thelimelight on the early days of hip-hopthrough the eyes of women who emerged during the inception of the genre.Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hopis a four-part documentary series that jumps back between the past and present to tell the empowering stories of influential female rappers like Sha-Rock, Roxanne Shanté, and MC Lyte. Despite facing rampant sexism in a male-dominated genre, these women showcased raw talent, passion, and creativity and achieved their dreams.
Empowering Stories from the Music Industry
Directed and co-produced by Carri Twigg, Raeshem Nijhon, Dream Hampton, and Hannah Beachler, this docuseries creates an urgent and important environment for the viewers to admire and acknowledge the founding faces of women who chose to pursue their art unapologetically. The archival footage paired with candid reflections from Queen Latifah, Rah Digga, Monie Love, and Remy Ma reveal their shared battles, breaking barriers in the ’80s, and eventual empowerment.
23Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
This three-part docuseries explores the mind of legendary tech entrepreneur Bill Gates. Through various interviews with him and his professional partners, we get to learn what drove him to drop out of Harvard, and how he devoted nights and days coding Microsoft into the software behemoth it is while also being a loving husband and father. From his chaotic brain to his quiet motivation,Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gatesprovides a peek into Gates’ unique wiring and endless curiosity.
Learning from Bill Gates Himself
Directed byAcademy Award-winnerDavis Guggenheim, this intense and engrossing docuseries offers a look inside one of the world’s most fascinating minds. If that’s not enough to stimulate one’s entrepreneurial spirit and brilliant traits, what is? In the series, Gates provides inspirational messages about intelligence, and how if one’s not empathetic and kind enough, they end up achieving little. The possibilities are endless, and all one has to do is dedicate themselves thoroughly and generously to a craft.
22Life on Our Planet (2023)
A recent nature docuseries on Netflix,Life on Our Planetwatches over four billion years worth of life on Earth, from the history of evolution to the complex present times. Through rare footage and outstanding narration by Morgan Freeman, we witness how our planet has rapidly changed as humanity has left traces of its acts. But nature continues to conquer, adapt, and survive on Earth. Both emotion-inducing and celebratory, the series shares the loss of biodiversity, the consequences of climate change, and what future generations can do to forge a new environmental path.
We Can Learn a Lot from Our Planet
Like his several other projects, Freeman infusesLife on Our Planetwith a gentle yet determined tone. He tries to frame a lesson around history. Across eight beautiful episodes, the series chronicles Earth’s losses with compassion and admires its wonders with hope. It also features extraordinary visuals of the ecosystem, with the live-action segments standing out as hugely entertaining. Overall, by honoring nature’s fragility and capacity for change, the series awakens in the audiences a stronger desire to protect the planet and those who inhabit it through collective efforts.
21Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020)
Hollywood star Zac Efron and superfoods expert Darin Olien embark on a global adventure to explore healthy and sustainable living. The first season takes us to France, Puerto Rico, London, Iceland, and more, with Efron indulging in various activities ranging from beekeeping to goat milking. Whether it is learning how to grow apples in Peru or climbing a tree in the Amazon rainforest, Efron ends up gaining a newfound appreciation for nature and life.
Exploring the Natural World
Efron is known for his irresistible charm, and watching the sunny guide explore nature with earnest curiosity and willingness to learn only makes sustainability more accessible and exciting.Down to Earth with Zac Efronhas two seasons streaming so far; the first is set across the world and the second is based solely in Australia. Each visit to the unknown sparks inspiration due to the real stories it’s based on. Though lighthearted in tone, the series inspires us to be more responsible and active.
20Gentefied (2020)
A comedy-drama series created by Marvin Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez,Gentefiedis set in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Los Angeles. It follows three Mexican-American cousins struggling to realize their own version of the American dream while also making sure they stay connected to their roots. Chris, who is a professionally trained chef, longs to keep his grandfather’s taco shop afloat by any means necessary but is also torn between wanting to venture out into the world of fine dining.
The Power of Community
Gentefied, which is a play on the word “gentrified,” refers to the way a community experiences an influx of trendy and classy changes, which are mainly associated with wealth. The show is authentic in its portrayal of family conflicts as well as how a community shifts under the weight of economic forces. The exchanges between characters are humorous and honest, sometimes even blunt, but always assured and unafraid.Gentefiedinspires inclusivity and a sense of belonging. According to critics, the show “is as strikingly personal as it is hilariously relatable.”
19Cobra Kai (2018)
Thirty four years after events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, a down-and-out Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso.
With 5 seasons and 50 episodes,Cobra Kaireturned decades after the original Karate Kid films to continue the combustible rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel Russo. Down-and-out Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai dojo with an aggressive style, straying away from the motto of the art, while the very successful Daniel advocates compassion. Throughout the seasons, we see confrontations and conflicts between their students. But amidst it all, they discover strength, learn about perseverance, and find purpose.
Impressive Physical Feats
The show leads you to believe that it is all about rivalries, whether it is between Johnny and Daniel or the students. However, the truth is that its heart speaks of never giving up on one’s dreams. No matter what age or status. The young leads are seen growing from their mistakes and standing up for their principles. Moreover,the fun pop-culture referencesalso point out the fact that life lessons come from places you least expect.
18Family Business (2019)
After the performance of their kosher butcher shop sees a steady decline, young and hapless entrepreneur Joseph is determined to bring it back to life. At the same time, he hears that cannabis is about to be legalized in France, and the idea of turning the show into the first marijuana coffee shop in the country strikes him.Family Businessfollows the Parisian family’s struggle to realize this dream.
A Great Appreciation for Family
The family takes center stage in the show. By becoming theepitome of empathy and determinationagainst all odds, and working diligently under Joseph’s quiet leadership, they lift each other up. Because it is a family that works together, there are some inevitable differences, but the show particularly resonates with the viewers for its ability to balance the drama and changing dynamics with unconditional support and love.
17The Good Place (2016)
The Good Place
When Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who has lived a less than virtuous life full of deceit and corruption on Earth, unwittingly ends up in the blissful afterlife meant for good souls, she decides to hide her mistaken identity and become a better person instead – one who deserves to be in “the good place.” Paired with characters like Michael, Janet, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason, who strive endlessly to keep their experimental neighborhood in order, she goes through several life-defining moments.
Proving that We Do Have Control Over Our Fate
Though marked as a comedy,The Good Placeasks profound questions about a person’s righteousness, ethics, personal growth, and overall kindness, leaving the audience to ponder on their own life and how it impacts others. Kristen Bell is a phenomenal protagonist and her journey challenges the belief of who deserves to be in a “good” place and who ends up in the “bad” place. Michael is also an inspirational character. His open-minded and understanding nature truly lights up a room.
16Gilmore Girls (2000)
Gilmore Girls
Set in a blissful, picturesque Connecticut town, Stars Hollow,Gilmore Girlsis a witty and fast-paced series that follows Lorelai, a single mother who raises her daughter Rory with absolute grace. Their tight bond is the core of the show. From surviving adolescence and pursuing education at Yale to navigating relationships and dealing with heartbreaks, themother-daughter duohas an unforgettable story.
Celebrating Single-Motherhood
Lorelai and Rory model empowerment from family, which is as rare on television as it is in real life.Gilmore Girlsis all about learning and coffee, and the glowing personalities of its lead, played wonderfully by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, only add to the overall charm. Despite them being omnipresent throughout the seven seasons, the show focuses on theshared joys and lossesof the supporting characters, who also lend their humor, compassion, and can-do spirit.
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15New Amsterdam (2008)
New Amsterdam
Based on the book12 Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospitalby former medical director, Eric Manheimer,New Amsterdamis an inspiring medical show for many reasons. The focal character, Dr. Max Goodwin shines in it continuously as an amazing example of kindness, generosity, and someone who cares about helping less fortunate people in any way he can. When he’s appointed as the medical director of the New Amsterdam public hospital, he quickly makes radical and unpopular changes. However, it soon becomes clear that his motivations are pure since his vision is to transform the place into one that prioritizes patient care and provides access to quality healthcare to those who need it most.
Tackling Medical Injustice
Across its five seasons, the show was often a real tear-jerker at times. It was also known for tackling many social justice themes and shining a light on issues such as racism, profits versus patient care, and immigrant struggles. Given all it does to imbue its main characters with plenty of heart, it’s no coincidence that Max and the show’s catchphrase is “How can I help?”
