This blog lists down top web series and TV shows for entrepreneurs.
As I always figure out ways to grow my company and deliver WOW services to our customers, I often look for ways to get my creative juices flowing. Taking a break and indulging in self-care activity is pivotal. It’s always on my to-do list. For it helps me relax and recharge. The most tested-and-true relaxation strategy for me is binge-watching on web series and tv shows. A good web series is often a much-needed motivation I need in this fast-paced life.
The right pick of shows not only helps me unwind but also empowers me to see things from a wider angle. To help you recharge and rejuvenate, here are my recommendations on web series and TV shows for entrepreneurs:
1) Shark tank
Genre: Reality television
Cast: Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lory Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, and Daymond John.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
If reality TV shows excite you then, Shark Tank is your show. It’s an American business reality show series that was premiered in 2009 and has had 12 seasons ever since.
The basic idea of the show is to give aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their business model to the investors in the panel. In addition, the sharks (which are the investors) can decide whether to invest their money in the business or not.
Although the panel members are paid as the cast stars of the show, they decide independently whether they would like to go ahead with the investment in the business.
The entrepreneur can either make a deal with the panel members or opt out. The show got immense popularity and has now has reached Australia, Colombia, Vietnam, Nepal, and India.
Interesting Fact: The most successful product ever featured on Shark Tank was in the 6th season. It was Bombas Socks which now has more than $225 million in net sales.
2) Undercover Billionaire
Genre: Reality television
Cast: Grant Cardone, Elaine Culotti, Monique Mosley, Glenn Stearns.
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
Undercover Billionaire was broadcasted on Discovery Channel. It premiered in 2019. The show will leave your mouth and eyes wide open and inspire you to the next level.
The show has an interesting concept. The main cast of the show (usually successful business tycoon) is dropped in an unfamiliar city in the USA with only $100 in the pocket. The challenge for him is to use the money to make a $1 Million business in 90 days. If the person fails to do so, he/she will invest their own $1 million in the business.
The first season follows the American businessman, Glenn Bryant Stearns. He is the founder of Stearns Lending. In the show, he tries to build a million-dollar business in Erie, Pennsylvania in 90 days with $100 in his pocket, a car, and a tank of gas.
3) Billions
Genre: Drama
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Maggie Siff, David Costabile, Condola Rashad, Daniel K. Isaac, Kelly AuCoin, Jeffrey DeMunn.
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Billions is yet another American drama series that guarantees complete entertainment. The series premiered in 2016.
It comprises 6 series and approximately 55 episodes. The show is a dramatization of the battle between a hedge fund manager (played by Damian Lewis) and an Assistant US Attorney (played by Paul Giamatti) both fighting for power.
The plot is intense and overlaps with several real-life incidents such as 9/11, financial crisis of 2008, etc. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti have justified the roles and pulled off a brilliant performance.
If you’re looking for entertainment and inspiration in one go, then Billions should certainly be in your watch list!
4) Succession
Genre: Drama
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Alan Ruck, Matthew Macfadyen and Kieran Culkin
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
The HBO Series Succession has taken the TV world by storm. It is a fictional portrayal of the world of a multi-billion dollar media family. It primarily revolves around the central character of Logan Roy who is quite old and struggling to find a worthy successor to him to lead his business empire.
The show is full of lessons covering the areas of business and entrepreneurship. Logan’s story suggests that successful entrepreneurs don’t get down in the dumps over minor setbacks. They are calm, clear-headed, and driven to succeed.
You also get to learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. One important trait is having the ability to solve problems swiftly and intelligently. Furthermore, it teaches that success requires a strong understanding of financials, negotiation power, and people management skills.
Interesting Fact: It is widely considered to be based on Murdoch’s family (Rupert Murdoch)
5) House of Lies
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell, Ben Schwartz
IMDB Rating: 7.4 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
If you deal with an imbalance in personal and professional life, you’ll find House of Lies relatable.
House of Lies is a popular American comedy-drama. It follows the life of Marty Kaan, a manipulative and cold management consultant. The series primarily revolves around Kaan’s company ‘Kaan and Associates’ that uses questionable business practices with their clients. In addition to that, the show precisely follows Kaan’s disturbed personal life with his family.
The show has been adapted from the book by the same name by Martin Kihn. With the right blend of drama, comedy and romance, House of Lies will impel you to stay glued to your screen until the very end.
6) Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
Genre: Television documentary
Cast: Melinda French Gates, Alex Bueermann, Davin Orness
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
Yet another Netflix original series to blow away your mind. This series revolves around former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates. He is one of the richest men on earth, the most recognized philanthropist, and the ultimate leader in the technology industry. But, what are his habits, interests, and quirks? If you are interested to know the answers this is your show!!
Each episode digs a different phase of his life, right from his humble beginnings to all the way to his peak. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, this series will definitely give you useful ideas and techniques.
7) Halt and Catch Fire
Genre: Drama
Cast: Lee Pace, Mackenzie David and Scooty McNairy
IMDB Rating: 8.4 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
If you’re interested in learning about technological evolution, Halt and Catch Fire is your one-stop destination.
Halt and Catch Fire is a popular periodic drama following the boom of personal computing through the eyes of an entrepreneur. It also follows the process of creating a startup company and the world web evolution.
With a crisp and intriguing storyline, this show stands apart from the crowd.
8) Breaking Bad
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn.
IMDB Rating: 9.4 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
If you’re a crime drama lover, Breaking Bad is the right fit for you. The show revolves around the life of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer. Walter is determined to secure his family’s financial future and embarks on a road to crime with the help of his former student.
The series follows how Walter makes his place in the underground world of drugs while battling with his mortality. The story of Walter tells us, even though we have few choices left in our life, the path to crime will always lead to destruction.
So, if you’re looking for a dose of a crime thriller for your downtime, don’t forget to add Breaking Bad to your watching list. It is one of the all-time favorite TV series for entrepreneurs.
9) Mr Robot
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Cast: Rami Malek, Christain Slater, Carly Chaikin
IMDB Rating: 8.5 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Mr. Robot is an American drama series revolving around the life of Elliot, an unstable and vigilant cybersecurity engineer.
Elliot’s life takes a major turn when he is hired by “Mr. Robot”- a strange anarchist to join a group of hackers. This group of hackers aims to destroy all the debt records of a rival company through illegal means. But, will they be successful in their endeavor? Watch Mr. Robot know more!
With a spicy storyline and brilliant acting, Mr. Robot sets itself apart from the crowd. If you’re a crime thriller lover, Mr. Robot must be on your watching list!
10) Modern Marvels
Genre: History, Documentary
Cast: Lloyd Sherr, William Atwater, Harlan Saperstein
IMDB Rating: 8.1 stars
If you’re interested in learning the history of technology, Modern Marvels has some unique and alluring informative bombs for you!
Modern Marvels is one of the most informative and intriguing historical documentaries covering the developments in technology. The show walks us through the development of various technological equipment like submarines, nuclear weapons and household electronics in a fun way.
With crisp content, Modern Marvels is one of the fast-paced and informative series of all time.
11) How to Make It in America
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Lake Bell
IMDB Rating: 7.9 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
If you love series about American hustles, then you will surely like How to make it in America.
How to make it in America entails the lives of a group of new-age entrepreneurs willing to establish a fashion startup in the hustling-bustling city of New York.
But, how will they conquer the obstacles in their way? And, will they be able to place a mark on the fashion industry? Watch How to make it in America to know more!
It is one of the best web series for startup founders and businessmen.
12) The Newsroom
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallager Jr.
IMDB Rating: 8.6 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 59%
The Newsroom is an American television series following the development of a fictional news channel ‘Atlantic Cable News’ (ACN). The series follows behind the scene events of creating this unique news channel broadcasting unfiltered news.
If you’ve been interested in learning about the cable-news channels, then give a shot to The Newsroom.
13) Undercover Boss
Genre: Reality-TV Show
Cast: Mark Keller
IMDB Rating: 5.8 stars
Undercover Boss is a unique reality tv show involving high-ranking executives of companies undercovered as entry-level workmen.
The executives in disguise play the roles assigned to them in the episodes. Through this role change, the higher executives can learn about the problems and difficulties of the staff and strive to solve them.
It is one of the best TV series for entrepreneurs.
14) Dragon’s Den
Genre: Reality-TV show
Cast: Evan Davis, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden
IMDB Rating: 6.8 stars
If you want to launch your startup, you have to pitch your idea to various investors to get investments. But, how would you persuade investors to invest in your startup? It takes more than confidence and a big idea to attract investments.
Dragon’s Den is a popular Canadian reality tv show giving budding entrepreneurs a real-time glimpse of how to convince angel investors to invest in their startup.
The reality show allows budding entrepreneurs and small businessmen to pitch their ideas to the five “dragons” or investors These dragons ask several questions before finalising a contestant. Once finalised, the chosen contestant gets guidance and financial aid from the investors to kick-start their business.
15) House
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Cast: Omar Epps, Hugh Laurie.
IMDB Rating: 8.7 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
House follows the life of an unconventional medical genius Dr Gregory House. Dr House leads a team of doctors to solve rare and complex medical conditions of patients.
The episodes of this series are interesting, and doctors’ attempts to cure a patients’ illness keep us glued to our seats. So, if you’re willing to learn how to work in a time-pressed environment then give a shot to House!
16) Vikings
Genre: Drama, Action, Adventure
Cast: Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, Jordan Patrick Smith.
IMDB Rating: 8.5 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
If you love historical fiction with a blend of drama and adventure, don’t forget to add Vikings to your watching list.
Vikings follow the tales of a popular Norse hero, Ragnar Lothbrok. The show revolves around his journey from a small farmer to a legendary warrior and King.
Through this series, you get life-like having the audacity to stand against wrong, sailing through a corrupt environment, and getting rid of the fear of death.
With the perfect blend of drama, fantasy, and action, Viking sets itself apart from much historical drama series.
17) Planet of the Apps
Genre: Reality-TV Show
Cast: Jessica Alba, Gary Vaynerchuk, Gwyneth Paltrow
IMDB Rating : 6.0 stars
Mobile apps have gained huge momentum in recent times. If you’re interested in learning about the evolution of mobile apps, nothing’s better than Planet of Apps.
Planet of apps is an unscripted American reality tv show wherein the contesting programmers get the chance to pitch their ideas to judges in 60 seconds.
If their presentation intrigues the judges, the contestants get a chance to partner with them. Also, the contestants can earn a chance to get a huge investment for their startup.
This is one of the highly recommended TV shows for entrepreneurs.
18) Silicon Valley
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Thomas Middleditch, Josh Brener, Kumail Nanjiani
IMDB Rating: 8.5 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Next up on our list is HBO’s popular show, Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley is a satirical comedy series revolving around the lives of a group of early entrepreneurs in the business hub of the world- Silicon Valley.
The show follows six programmers willing to begin a startup in a highly competitive environment. Despite all the hurdles, they strive to make it big and fulfil their dream. But, will they succeed? Only time can tell.
Silicon Valley is a comical representation of the inner lives of entrepreneurs in the “Mecca of Business World”. If you’re a startup founder or a businessman, this show must be on your watching list.
19) America’s Next Great Restaurant
Genre: Reality Tv show
Cast: Lorena Gracia, Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone
IMDB Rating: 5.7 stars
Having a great plan for opening a restaurant? Pitch your idea to a panel of judges on America’s Next Great Restaurant and get financial backing to kick start your dream business. This popular reality tv show gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to build their own business with proper financial backing.
If you want to get a glimpse of how the contesting entrepreneurs intrigue the judges/investors, then don’t forget to give a shot to America’s Next Great Restaurant.
20) Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares
Genre: Reality Tv series
Cast: Gordon Ramsay
IMDB Rating: 7.6 stars
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Last but not least, we have a fascinating reality tv show, Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.
Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmare features world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay as the lead. In each episode, he visits a tottering restaurant and provides valuable guidance to grow it.
After a few weeks, Ramsay again visits the restaurants to check whether there has been any improvement or not.
This show must be on your watching list if you want to learn to tackle business problems smoothly!
Bottom Line
That’s about it on must-watch TV shows and web series for entrepreneurs. If you further wish to satiate your binge-watching hobby, you can check out the best movies for entrepreneurs.
All these movies and web series would be available across different OTT platforms. Do check them out and unwind your mind!
If you are looking for a mobile app or website development for your startup, feel free to get in touch with us. We have helped several companies around the world build their digital products.
