Eye Candy Shows That You Must Put Your Phone Down to Watch

There are some shows you can "watch" without lifting your eyes up from your phone. Even sight gags like Dwight's jello-encased stapler or Joey wearing all of Chandler's clothes only need a quick glanced to enjoy them.

And then there are shows where the visuals are so striking, you just have to watch every detail. Whether it's stunning costumes, drop-dead scenery, or tiny, can't-miss moments that you have to notice to keep up with the story—if you blink, you just might miss it.

So go ahead check out these shows that have plenty of eye candy for you to enjoy.

Palm Royale

This soapy story of a Tennessee beauty pageant queen trying to make it big in Palm Beach high society in the late 1960s features a cavalcade of legendary actresses (Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, and Kristen Wiig, to name a few), in a candy-colored world of fizzy fashion and architecture. I see a lot of fab 60s cocktail parties—featuring grasshopper cocktails, of course—in our future.

Where to watch: Max

The Gilded Age

If your guilty pleasure is slightly more old-fashioned luxury, check out this look at the robber baron era, featuring yet another formidable slate of actresses (Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Carrie Coon, among them) and plenty of extravagant parties and eye-popping florals and costumes to dazzle you.

Where to watch: Max

Death and Other Details

The rich and fabulous board a gorgeously refurbished vintage cruise ship that's soon beset by a series of murders—with a legendary detective (Mandy Patinkin) on board to try to solve the case. Think high seas Knives Out, with an even posher set of suspects and a more beautiful locale.

Where to watch: Hulu

The White Lotus

Yes, Jennifer Coolidge steals the show in both installments of this lifestyles of the rich and troubled show. There's always plenty of trouble in the White Lotus version of paradise, no matter how jaw-droppingly beautiful the location. Right now, you have your pick of Sicily or Hawaii as destinations, but season 3 (set in Thailand) is just around the corner in 2025.

Where to watch: Max

Shogun

This new series is the very definition of the word "epic." A new retelling of the classic novel, Shogun is a sweeping tale of political and real-life battles for power in feudal Japan, with a shipwrecked English sailor, a powerful lord, and a female samurai at its center.

Where to watch: Hulu

Wednesday

If it's from Tim Burton, you know it's guaranteed to have plenty of eye candy. His fresh reimagining of the classic Addams Family puts Wednesday at a gothier version of Hogwarts, with similarly creepy dangers afoot.

Where to watch: Netflix

Only Murders in the Building

Even if you've already caught this hilarious neighbors-turned-murder-podcasters show, rewatch just to enjoy (and envy) the gorgeously styled apartments at the Arconia. They're definitely to die for.

Where to watch: Hulu

Big Little Lies

If your job is "beach"—or you just wish your job was—this dishy murder mystery in reverse features enough windswept beach vistas to keep you satisfied, along with sneak peeks into a slew of stylish beachy mansions that'll leave you green with envy.

Where to watch: Max

Julia

This fun and frothy look at the rise of legendary chef Julia Child takes you from her all-too-charming little cottage in Cambridge, to (in season two) an eye-poppingly beautiful sojourn in France. Be sure to have plenty of gourmet eats available, as the food she makes is just as delicious as the rest of it.

Where to watch: Max

The New Look

This new series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of legendary fashion houses in the 1940s, including Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and more. If fashion is your favorite form of eye candy, this is the show for you.

Where to watch: Hulu

Blue Planet II

Enjoy the real life beauty of the oceans—and learn about the fascinating creatures beneath the waves—with this critically acclaimed series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Where to watch: Max, Discovery+

The Haunting of Hill House

If you're looking for a more chilling must-watch, The Haunting of Hill House, based on the equally creepy classic by Shirley Jackson, could be your cup of tea. In addition to the ominous (though grand) house, you'll need to keep a watchful eye out for the spirits that all-too-regularly appear in the background.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Reluctant Traveler

Travel shows give you a front row seat to all the beauty in the world, and Eugene Levy makes a charming travel companion. In the series' two seasons, he takes you everywhere from ice fishing in Finland to sumo wrestling in Japan.

Where to watch: Apple TV

Twin Peaks

David Lynch's tour de force series had two disturbing and dazzling go-rounds, filled with supernatural weirdness, visual chaos, and plenty of cherry pie. Even if you already know who killed Laura Palmer, it's stunning enough for another rewatch.

Where to watch: Paramount+

Pushing Daisies

This gone-too-soon delight created a visual wonderland with its colorful vintage vibe and excessively fun set pieces. Pie maker Ned has a magical power that lets him briefly resurrect the dead, and he puts it to use to help solve outlandish murders—all while falling in love with his childhood friend who he's unable to touch.

Where to watch: Max

Bridgerton

From the vibrantly candy-colored clothing for the Featherington clan to Queen Charlotte's grandiose wig—to the easy-on-the-eyes actors playing each season's newest paramour, the ever-popular and ever over-the-top series is the very definition of eye candy. The good news? You don't have to wait much longer for the newest season (and the latest set of lovers).

Where to watch: Netflix