TV shows that are a must-watch in 4K give audiences a high-definition immersive experience that transforms television into visual journeys. With streaming platforms like Max (formerly known as HBO Max), Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ offering a plethora of content available in 4K, there’s no shortage of visually stunning must-watch TV shows that are enhanced and improved by viewing them in that format.
Watching TV shows in 4K can significantly improve the viewing experience. However, great cinematography, settings, and visual effects are not the only factors that turn TV shows into an immersive experience. Cinematography and VFX can enhance a TV show and make it visually stunning and impressive, but engaging performances, well-thought-out plots and storytelling, and strong characterizations make TV shows appealing. Must-watch TV shows combined with 4K resolution can become vibrant and unforgettable adventures.
10 The Witcher (2019)
A Stunning Medieval Fantasy Series
The critically acclaimed The Witcher is an action-heavy TV show based in a magical and medieval setting that visually stuns in 4K. Starring Henry Cavill as the beloved Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher seasons 1-3, the passion for the project was palpable on the screen as Cavill is a massive fan of The Witcher video games. While Liam Hemsworth has big shoes to fill as the new Geralt of Rivia in the upcoming The Witcher season 4, the show’s early seasons amassed a strong and passionate fanbase through its dedication to following the original books it is based on.
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The streaming platform Netflix spent a whopping $70-80 million dollars on producing The Witcher season 1. The Witcher’s hefty budget paid off with impressive action sequences, fight choreography, and the VFX effects used to showcase spells and the magical set design. Watching The Witcher in 4K enhanced these features and created a visually stunning medieval fantasy series in which audiences can get lost.
Based on the novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and the video games, The Witcher follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. “Ciri” Cirilla is the Princess of Cintra, who has magical abilities and whose fate has been linked to Geralt’s. Yennefer of Vengerberg, a sorceress who trains to become a mage before deserting her duties and going solo, is also a main character in the Netflix series. The show’s storylines are intertwined but told throughout different timelines, all of which eventually catch up to Ciri’s, whose timeline of events is the most recent. Set on the Continent where men, monsters, and elves exist together, the characters all have separate journeys, though their destinies bring them into each others’ orbits.
- Cast
- Tom Canton , Maciej Musial , Björn Hlynur Haraldsson , Anna Shaffer , MyAnna Buring , Lars Mikkelsen , Royce Pierreson , Eamon Farren , Wilson Radjou-Pujalte , Joey Batey , Jodhi May , Therica Wilson-Read , Anya Chalotra , Mimi Ndiweni , Henry Cavill , Freya Allan , Adam Levy , Amit Shah , Liam Hemsworth , Laurence Fishburne
- Release Date
- December 20, 2019
- Seasons
- 3
- Franchise(s)
- The Witcher
9 The Boys (2019)
A Subversion of the Superhero Genre
The Boys is a dark and satirical take on superheros and masked crusaders that explores a world where heroes are violent and corrupt and controlled by corporate greed. While The Boys contains heavy violence and gore, it utilizes VFX to make the horrific scenes even more gruesome and dark. In addition, as a superhero show filled with strong, powerful characters with unique superpowers, striking cinematography and VFX play a large part in making a superhero TV show feel fresh and exciting.
The Boys’ impeccable cast, shocking twists, and enthralling action sequences in 4K quality make watching the show a truly immersive and gripping experience. The violence and gore that sets The Boys apart from other superhero shows is elevated by the stunning visuals provided by 4K quality and emphasizes the darkness of the show and genre as a whole.
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
- Cast
- Karl Urban , Jack Quaid , Antony Starr , Erin Moriarty , Jessie T. Usher , Laz Alonso , Chace Crawford , Tomer Capone , Karen Fukuhara , Nathan Mitchell , Colby Minifie , Dominique McElligott , claudia doumit , Cameron Crovetti , Nneka Elliott , Laila Robins , Shantel VanSanten , Aya Cash , Giancarlo Esposito , Jordana Lajoie , Katy Breier , Matthew Edison , Jim Beaver , Elisabeth Shue , Jensen Ackles , Simon Pegg , Susan Heyward , Valorie Curry , Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Ann Cusack , Nicola Correia Damude , Christian Keyes , Sabrina Saudin , Malcolm Barrett , Liyou Abere , Jennifer Esposito , David Reale , Frances Turner
- Release Date
- July 25, 2019
- Seasons
- 4
- Franchise(s)
- The Boys
8 The Last of Us (2023)
A Post-Apocalyptic World Filled With Zombies
The TV show adaption of the hit video game The Last of Us proved that video game adaptions done right can expand on an existing world while sticking to the source material. The Last of Us follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) journeying through the apocalypse-ridden land filled with terrifying zombies and even more dangerous humans. The TV show adaption had a tough act to follow as the survival horror video game The Last of Us could easily build tension through game mechanics.
The Last of Us is a towering achievement of the video game medium, having pushed the form in new directions upon its release almost 10 years ago. If anything, video game adaptations have proven that there is no true stand-in for inhabiting a character for 25+ hours over the course of a grueling game experience. One thing HBO’s The Last of Us does prove, however, is that television is the place to do it. –
Screen Rant
The TV show The Last of Us perfectly captured the feeling of dread and urgency that gamers experienced by cleverly using the background score and cinematography. In addition, the visual effects ensure that The Last of Us‘ various types of zombies instilled a sense of fear whenever they appeared. With 4K quality adding to the atmosphere, The Last of Us turns into a true thriller.
The Last Of Us is a television adaptation of the acclaimed video game, set in a post-apocalyptic world where a smuggler named Joel (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), across the ravaged United States. Along their journey, they must confront various threats from both infected creatures and hostile human factions. The show is produced by HBO and created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
- Cast
- Pedro Pascal , Bella Ramsey , Anna Torv , lamar johnson , Jeffrey Pierce , Keivonn Woodard , John Getz , Olivier Ross-Parent , Samuel Hoeksema , Gabriel Luna , Merle Dandridge , Nico Parker , Melanie Lynskey , John Hannah , Josh Brener , Christopher Heyerdahl , Brad Leland , Marcia Bennett , Brendan Fletcher , Jerry Wasserman , Wendy Gorling , Jessica Belbin , Haysam Kadri , Sarah Himadeh , Caitlin Howden , Max Montesi , Natasha Mumba , Gina Louise Phillips , Taylor St. Pierre , Ryan D. Clarke , Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah , Logan Pierce
- Release Date
- January 15, 2023
7 The Mandalorian (2019)
A Western Set In The Star Wars Universe
The Mandalorian follows the titular character (Pedro Pascal) who is suddenly thrust into guardianship of a young child and subsequently goes on the run to protect Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda. Set in a fantastical space setting, The Mandalorian’s visuals are stunning and vibrant. The 4K quality makes the bright settings pop and feel more vibrant, while the visually darker locations’ subtleties are highlighted through 4K.
In addition to the striking visuals, the space Western’s fast-paced action and fight scenes feel more engaging and mesmerizing when viewed in 4K. The captivating adventures of The Mandalorian and Grogu, with his mysterious origins and powers, and characterizations in The Mandalorian are embellished with its visually pleasing backdrop, action-filled sequences and visual effects. Watching The Mandalorian in 4K transports audiences into a more exciting world where they can traverse outer space from the comfort of their home.
The Mandalorian is set after the Empire’s fall and before the First Order’s emergence in the ever-growing Star Wars universe. The series follows the travails of a lone gunfighter named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. Acting as the first live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian has become incredibly popular on Disney+, partly due to Mando’s relationship with Grogu, which the internet dubbed “Baby Yoda” upon his introduction in season 1.
- Release Date
- November 12, 2019
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- Disney+
6 Sense8 (2015)
Redefining Human Connection Across The Globe
Sense8 followed a group of eight people across the globe who were suddenly linked together and could experience each other’s lives. With an ensemble cast of characters from across the world, filming took place in major cities in various countries. The filming in season one took place in nine cities in eight countries, and the second season was filmed in 16 cities located in 11 countries. Netflix invested $9 million dollars per episode to film on location to properly highlight the international aspects of Sense8.
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The beautiful location shoots and cinematography of Sense8 turned the highly ambitious show into a success. The strong characterizations and intriguing character dynamics were set against an international backdrop, which added to each character’s backstory. Viewing Sense8 in 4K quality turns the already stunning TV show into a journey through the world.
Created by the Wachowski sisters, Sense8 features an ensemble cast playing eight different people from around the world, who discover that they are suddenly mentally linked with one another and begin experiencing each other’s lives and feelings. As the sensates begin to get to know each other, they must face a growing threat to all their lives by using their newfound empathic powers to their advantage.
- Release Date
- June 5, 2015
- Seasons
- 2
5 House of the Dragon (2022)
The Rise And Fall Of House Targaryen
House of the Dragon is set 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones and follows the events that led to the downfall of the famed House Targaryen and the war of succession between House of the Dragon‘s families that changed the course of history in the fantasy world. Set in a fantasy world filled with dragons, politics, and a struggle for power, House of the Dragon boasts stunning visual effects and cinematography that makes the fantastical setting feel realistic.
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The show’s high production value can be seen in House of the Dragon’s VFX and set design that makes even dragons look realistic and tangible. The show is notorious for its gorgeous scenery and cinematography, but the visual darkness of the show impedes the show’s potential. However, viewing House of the Dragon in 4K quality allows audiences to catch the nuances of the set and filming despite the show’s visual darkness in certain scenes.
Taking place about 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.
- Cast
- Matt Smith , Emma D’Arcy , Olivia Cooke , Fabien Frankel , Steve Toussaint , Rhys Ifans , Jefferson Hall , Sonoya Mizuno , Paddy Considine , Ryan Corr , Eve Best , Gavin Spokes , Graham McTavish , Bill Paterson , Matthew Needham , David Horovitch
- Release Date
- August 21, 2022
4 The Crown (2016)
Historical Drama About Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign
The Crown is a period piece with outstanding cast performances, script, setting, and production. The historical drama follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from 1947 to the 21st century and examines the dynamics of the British monarchy, politics, and the personal lives of the royal family. The notable performances of cast members like Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Emmy winner Elizabeth Debicki, and Olivia Colman add to the characterizations of the historical figures. With remarkable costuming, set design, and cinematography, The Crown is a visual masterpiece that allows audiences to step into the lives of historical figures.
The Crown’s high production value elevates the vibrant and vivid historical setting and factors like set design and costumes turn the show into a journey back in time. Viewed in 4K, The Crown feels like a time machine for the prestigious British monarchy, the dynamics between the royal family, and the captivating politics that comes with ruling a nation.
The Crown is a Netflix Historical Drama created by Peter Morgan and starring Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton. The series follows the life of ruler Queen Elizabeth II, outlining different points in her life.
- Cast
- Claire Foy , Olivia Colman , Imelda Staunton , Matt Smith , Tobias Menzies , Jonathan Pryce , Vanessa Kirby , Helena Bonham Carter , Lesley Manville , Victoria Hamilton , Marion Bailey , Marcia Warren
- Release Date
- November 4, 2016
3 Stranger Things (2016)
Vibrant Sci-Fi Horror Set In The 80s
Stranger Things is one of the most expensive TV shows ever at $30 million dollars per episode. Set in the 1980s, the small fictional town of Hawkins is forever changed after a young boy named Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) goes missing. With hostile creatures and horrors from an alternate dimension plaguing the town, the characters are constantly thrown into dangerous and life-threatening situations.
The set design perfectly encapsulates the feeling of living in a small rural town in the 1980s, and the impressive visual effects allow viewers to be transported into alternate dimensions with supernatural creatures. The vibrant town setting along with Stranger Things‘ dark and dangerous Upside Down is best viewed in 4K quality, as it allows for the brightness of the real world to shine in contrast against the terrifying darkness of the Upside Down.
Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King’s works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.
- Cast
- Finn Wolfhard , Joe Keery , Jamie Campbell Bower , Brett Gelman , Caleb McLaughlin , Maya Hawke , David Harbour , Matthew Modine , Priah Ferguson , Gaten Matarazzo , Winona Ryder , Charlie Heaton , Sadie Sink , Millie Bobby Brown , Joseph Quinn , Dacre Montgomery , Natalia Dyer , Noah Schnapp
- Release Date
- July 15, 2016
- Seasons
- 4
2 Game of Thrones (2011)
A Battle To Rule The Lands Of Westeros
The fantasy drama Game of Thrones is arguably one of the greatest TV series of all time, despite Game of Thrones‘ divisive final season 8. Set in a fictional world where noble families fight to rule the continent of Westeros, the show is filled with drama, politics, murder, and action. Game of Thrones is critically acclaimed for its plot, characterizations, performances, setting, visual effects, and cinematography. Even the divisive season eight of Game of Thrones received praise for the performances, cinematography, and visual effects.
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The gorgeous yet dangerous and bloody setting of Game of Thrones is visually breathtaking. Its episodes are highlighted by the cinematography and the fantastical setting is accentuated by the 4K format. The impressive scenery, setting, and background score are breathtaking in 4K quality and make it an immersive experience. Rewatching in that new format makes Game of Thrones a whole new riveting experience.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, this fantasy series follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists.
- Release Date
- April 17, 2011
- Seasons
- 8
1 Dark (2017)
A Sci-Fi Thriller Journeying Through Time
The German sci-fi TV show Dark follows four families after the disappearance of a child as they uncover a time travel conspiracy linking them all together. The perfectly planned and executed TV show is only three seasons long and has a satisfying conclusion to the time-traveling journey. Dark received critical acclaim for the acting performances, writing, visuals, and theme. Due to its complex narrative and interconnected details, Dark is a show that requires a viewer’s full attention.
The perfectly planned and executed TV show is only three seasons long and has a satisfying conclusion to the time-traveling journey.
Set in a small town in Germany, the moody rainy atmosphere, foreboding forest, and the cave beneath the local nuclear power plant instill a sense of dread that fits the thriller series. Watching Netflix’sDark is a captivating and immersive experience that is best viewed through 4K. The plot and characters of Dark are enough to capture the interest of viewers, but the 4K quality turns it into an unforgettable visual experience.
Netflix’s Dark is a sci-fi thriller that follows the populace of a German town on the search for a missing child that quickly spins into a time-traveling journey into the heart of a conspiracy. The show’s core follows four different families and follows them through different generations after they discover a wormhole near the local nuclear power plant.
- Cast
- Tamar Pelzig , Louis Hofmann , Moritz Jahn , Stephan Kampwirth , Christian Hutcherson , Karoline Eichhorn , Andreas Pietschmann , Maja Schöne , Deborah Kaufmann , Oliver Masucci , Jordis Triebel , Peter Benedict
- Release Date
- December 1, 2017
- Seasons
- 3
