TV shows that are a must-watch in4Kgive 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, butengaging performances, well-thought-out plots and storytelling, and strong characterizationsmake TV shows appealing. Must-watch TV shows combined with 4K resolution can become vibrant and unforgettable adventures.
10The Witcher (2019)
A Stunning Medieval Fantasy Series
The critically acclaimedThe Witcheris 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 inThe Witcherseasons 1-3, the passion for the project was palpable on the screen asCavill is a massive fan ofThe Witchervideo games. While Liam Hemsworth has big shoes to fill as the new Geralt of Rivia in the upcomingThe Witcherseason 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 producingThe Witcherseason 1.The Witcher’shefty budgetpaid off withimpressive action sequences, fight choreography, and the VFX effectsused to showcase spells and the magical set design. WatchingThe Witcherin 4K enhanced these features and created a visually stunning medieval fantasy series in which audiences can get lost.
The Witcher
Cast
The Witcher, released in 2019, follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter navigating a turbulent world where humanity’s darker nature often eclipses the monstrous.
9The Boys (2019)
A Subversion of the Superhero Genre
The Boysis a dark and satiricaltake on superheros and masked crusaders that explores a world whereheroes are violent and corrupt and controlled by corporate greed. WhileThe Boyscontains 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 setsThe Boysapart from other superhero showsis elevated by the stunning visuals provided by 4K quality and emphasizes the darkness of the show and genre as a whole.
The Boys
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.
8The Last of Us (2023)
A Post-Apocalyptic World Filled With Zombies
The TV show adaption of the hit video gameThe Last of Usproved that video game adaptions done right can expand on an existing world while sticking to the source material.The Last of Usfollows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) journeying through theapocalypse-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 gameThe Last of Uscould 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 showThe Last of Usperfectly captured the feeling of dread and urgencythat gamers experienced by cleverly using the background score and cinematography. In addition, the visual effects ensure thatThe Last of Us' various types of zombiesinstilled a sense of fear whenever they appeared. With 4K quality adding to the atmosphere,The Last of Usturns into a true thriller.
The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two decades after a global catastrophe. It follows Joel, a seasoned survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl, across a desolated United States, transforming into a harrowing journey of survival and companionship.
7The Mandalorian (2019)
A Western Set In The Star Wars Universe
The Mandalorianfollows 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’svisuals are stunning and vibrant. The 4K quality makes the bright settings pop and feel more vibrant, whilethe visually darker locations' subtleties are highlighted through 4K.
In addition to the striking visuals,the space Western’s fast-paced action and fight scenesfeel more engaging and mesmerizing when viewed in 4K. The captivating adventures of The Mandalorian andGrogu, with his mysterious origins and powers, and characterizations inThe Mandalorianare embellished with its visually pleasing backdrop, action-filled sequences and visual effects. WatchingThe Mandalorianin 4K transports audiences into a more exciting world where they can traverse outer space from the comfort of their home.
The Mandalorian
Released on June 08, 2025 The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter navigating the galaxy’s outer reaches after the Galactic Empire’s fall. As a skilled bounty hunter, he operates in a lawless universe, undertaking various missions on the fringes of the New Republic’s territories.
6Sense8 (2015)
Redefining Human Connection Across The Globe
Sense8followed 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 tofilm on location to properly highlight the international aspects ofSense8.
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The beautiful location shoots and cinematography ofSense8turned the highly ambitious show into a success. Thestrong characterizations and intriguing character dynamics were set against an international backdrop,which added to each character’s backstory. ViewingSense8in 4K quality turns the already stunning TV show into a journey through the world.
Sense8
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.
5House of the Dragon (2022)
The Rise And Fall Of House Targaryen
House of the Dragonis set 172 years before the events ofGame of Thronesand follows the events that led to the downfall of the famed House Targaryen and the war of succession betweenHouse of the Dragon’s familiesthat 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 Dragonboasts stunning visual effects and cinematography that makes the fantastical setting feel realistic.
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The show’shigh production value can be seen inHouse of the Dragon’s VFXand 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, viewingHouse of the Dragonin 4K quality allows audiences to catch the nuances of the set and filming despite the show’s visual darkness in certain scenes.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
4The Crown (2016)
Historical Drama About Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign
The Crownis 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 Crownis a visual masterpiece that allows audiences to step into the lives of historical figures.
The Crown’shigh production valueelevates the vibrant and vivid historical settingand factors like set design and costumes turn the show into a journey back in time. Viewed in 4K,The Crownfeels 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
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.
3Stranger Things (2016)
Vibrant Sci-Fi Horror Set In The 80s
Stranger Thingsis one of the most expensive TV showsever 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. Withhostile 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 withStranger Things' dark and dangerous Upside Downis best viewed in 4K quality, as it allows for thebrightness of the real world to shine in contrast against the terrifying darkness of the Upside Down.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
2Game of Thrones (2011)
A Battle To Rule The Lands Of Westeros
The fantasy dramaGame of Thronesisarguably one of the greatest TV series of all time, despiteGame 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 Thronesis critically acclaimed for its plot, characterizations, performances, setting, visual effects, and cinematography. Even the divisive season eight ofGame of Thronesreceived praise for the performances, cinematography, and visual effects.
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The gorgeous yet dangerous and bloody setting ofGame of Thronesis 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 qualityand make it an immersive experience. Rewatching in that new format makesGame of Thronesa whole new riveting experience.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
1Dark (2017)
A Sci-Fi Thriller Journeying Through Time
The German sci-fi TV showDarkfollows 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.Darkreceived critical acclaim for the acting performances, writing, visuals, and theme. Due to its complex narrative and interconnected details,Darkis 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’sDarkis acaptivating and immersive experience that is best viewed through 4K.The plot and characters ofDarkare enough to capture the interest of viewers, but the 4K quality turns it into an unforgettable visual experience.
Dark
Dark is a German science fiction thriller focusing on four families in a small town impacted by the disappearance of a child. As they search for answers, they uncover a web of interconnected secrets, revealing complex temporal and familial relationships spanning multiple generations.
