Recently I put out a piece sharing some of the best currently airing TV shows you should be watching – read it here – but I had a request to put together another list of great shows to watch that aren’t so heavy on the blood and gore. Some of these aren’t currently airing but can be found via demand services, on Netflix or you could commit and pick up a box set!

Once upon a Time 

Watch on Netflix 

If you’re a Disney fan then this is the show for you. Set in a fictional town, its residents are story characters under a curse created by the Evil Queen seeking revenge on Snow White. It’s fun to work out who new characters are supposed to represent each episode and we’ve met everyone from Cinderella to Cruella De Ville to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as well as newer Disney characters Elsa and Anna from Frozen, throughout the series.

Season 5 has just ended on Netflix, with another big twist and a new villain for the characters to come back and fight in the next season but the previous episodes are all there waiting for you to tuck in.

Jessica Jones 

Watch on Netflix 

I’m still holding out for a season 2 date but if you’re looking for something to binge watch Jessica Jones is a must. It’s Marvel branching out into a grittier way of storytelling, without the lewdness Deadpool put out. There is plenty of violence and sex but Jessica is such a compelling character to watch and David Tenant is the perfect villain as Kilgrave. The show also features another Marvel hero, Luke Cage, who is apparently getting his own spin off series later this year.

Falling Skies 

Watch on Netflix 

I’d say this sci-fi show is a 12A when it comes to violence and follows the story of a group of survivors who are fighting back against an alien invasion in the U.S. It’s a great show for drama but it’s also got that American TV show cheesiness when it comes relationships and friendships between characters, it’s all about sticking together and working hard to meet their goal – which is basically getting the aliens to bugger off and saving all the people that are being held captive. The show first aired in 2011, but it’s a great one to pick up and watch through on the weekday evenings.

Adventure Time 

Watch on Cartoon Network 

Yes, I know, it’s a kid show. But trust me, Adventure Time has plenty of adult jokes and themes to keep you amused and it’s so bizarre at times it’s funny to watch. The characters are great, the stories are fun and it’s the perfect lighthearted show to enjoy just before bed. The episodes are only around 10 minutes long, so I like to set up three or four to watch all in one go before I sleep.

Parks and Rec 

This comedy series is just so funny, featuring Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari and Rob Lowe it follows a group of employees who work for the Government in the Parks and Recreation department and what they get up to. Okay, that doesn’t sound very funny but it’s a show all about the characters and their interactions and relationships. I’ve popped a few of the best clips below, which should give you an idea of why you should be watching.

As you can tell, I watch a lot of horror and shows, with plenty of violence, so this list isn’t full of gritty dramas like someone else’s might be – the thought of watching a crime drama makes me want to snooze right here.

If you’re stuck for something to watch then give these shows a try!

Jade