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In just a few short months, Discovery+ has stealthily become one of the biggest new streaming services out there. Boasting a library full of juggernaut hits like 90 Day Fiancé and Fixer Upper, along with a robust spread of original programming like The Murder List, Valley of the Kings: The Lost Tombs, and exclusive first looks at the upcoming Magnolia network, Discovery+ is a TV nerd’s dream. You can binge everything from your favorite HGTV and Food Network shows to the true crime thrillers of ID and the glorious nature docs of the Planet Earth tab.
But where should you start? What are the ten best shows on Discovery+?
Depending on what your mood is, Discovery+ offers everything from Say Yes to the Dress to The First 48. There are brand spanking new episodes of your favorite series along with throwback content like Jon & Kate Plus 8 and Curb Appeal. But for our money, the best part of Discovery+ isn’t just its quantity of content, but the quality.
From the best in TLC reality programming to the all-time greatest documentary series ever made, here are the ten best shows and specials to watch on Discovery+. (Plus ten more series to watch when you’re done binging our first round picks.)
'Planet Earth'
Discovery+ is chock full of reality and documentary programming, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the landmark nature series Planet Earth. The 2006 BBC documentary created the gold standard for what we expect from nature docs. Narrated by Sir Richard Attenborough and featuring breathtaking looks at the live of Earth’s incredible creatures, it was a smash hit. Now it has its very own Planet Earth hub on Discovery+.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: The Blue Planet, a luxe look at Earth’s oceans, also narrated by Sir Richard Attenborough.
'Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations'
The great Anthony Bourdain brought a unique mix of rebellion and empathy to everything he did and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is considered his greatest achievement. Originally made for the Trvl Channel, the series followed the chef as he embedded himself in the food culture of a city or nation. Bourdain was less a polished tour guide than an honest one. He gave us the unfettered truth about his travels, including his own meltdowns, but always emphasized the power of food when it came to connecting people.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: The Layover: With Anthony Bourdain, because no one beats Bourdain.
'90 Day Fiancé'
Arguably the cornerstone of Discovery+’s content library, 90 Day Fiancé follows couples trying to get U.S. citizenship for a foreign fiancé(e). The rules of a K-1 visa mean that they have 90 days to marry each other or the foreign party doesn’t get citizenship. Naturally this puts pressure on the process, throws romance into doubt, and spurs a lot of real-life drama. While there have been many spin-offs, the classic is the place to start.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: 90 Day: The Single Life, a Discovery+ exclusive following folks who split up with their 90 Day Fiancés.
'Valley of the Kings: The Lost Tombs'
The most exciting history doc on Discovery+ isn’t a History Channel offering (womp womp), but the new Discovery+ original Valley of the Kings: The Lost Tombs. Dr. Zahi Hawass, a familiar-face to anyone who’s watched any major doc on Egyptology in the last few decades, is on the hunt for the great queen Nefertiti’s tomb. The nearly two-hour film follows Hawass as he journeys to the last untouched corner of the Valley of the Kings to lead the biggest Egyptian archeological excavation in close to a century.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Secrets of the Lost, a series that continues to dig into ancient archeology.
'Fixer Upper'
Chip and Joanna Gaines are perhaps the biggest homegrown stars in HGTV history. The Waco natives became something of an obsession for millions of Americans with their home-y blend of affordable buys, cutesy banter, and on-trend renovations. Now the two are prepping to launch their very own Magnolia network in July, but Discovery+ has the absolutely addictive full catalogue of the show that launched Chip and Jo (and inspired an HGTV slate of imitations): Fixer Upper.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Homegrown, an enchanting new garden show on the Magnolia Preview Tab
'Naked and Afraid'
Words can not express how much stupid fun Naked and Afraid is. The reality competition series asks two strangers to take off their clothes and attempt to survive Mother Nature with only the bare essentials. While the survivalists in your life might poo-poo the show (because, duh, the first thing you’d want to do in that situation is fashion clothes), it’s still a fascinating look at what makes humans tick when we’re driven to cope with extremes.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Alone, because what if Naked and Afraid, but with clothes?
'Design Star: Next Gen'
Design Star: Next Gen is hands down Discovery+’s first must-watch original series. Though it’s just launched, it already has all the ingredients of a reality competition winner. Filmed on an outdoor set with COVID precautions, this new take on the classic HGTV series feels like Great British Baking Show on steroids. In just the first episode, the designers are asked to pull off an insane renovation, establish their brand on social media, and survive Jonathan Adler’s tack-sharp barbs. Get on board now so you can be the trendsetter in your group chat.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Forged in Fire, because you’re going to want to watch more wild transformations in a competitive environment.
'Rehab Addict'
Before Chip & Jo, HGTV leaned on the charms of Detroit native Nicole Curtis. The petite realtor/renovator shared her obsession with restoration with a nation raised to prize new builds. Rehab Addict followed the single mother as she resorted to clever hacks and cheap solutions to some major house renovation issues. Her ultimate gift? Taking a forlorn and foreclosed home and bringing it back to its former glory. Her show arguably helped jumpstart our collective obsession with house flipping and sustainability in design.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Love Yurts, because I’m telling you this show is fun.
'The Murder List'
Discovery+ didn’t just launch with a robust library of home, food, and lifestyle shows; it also brought the murder shows. While you can scroll through any number of classic Nancy Grace or The First 48 episodes, the service boasts an original film that is high on the creepy true crime quotient. The Murder List looks at what happened when cops checked in on an elderly ex-con for a routine parole check and found a nest of creepy confessions, including a macabre list of murder victims.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: A Crime to Remember, which has glorious period reenactments of some super grisly historical crimes.
'Barefoot Contessa'
One could easily get lost in Discovery+’s vast library of Food and Cooking Channel content. There’s Good Eats, Beat Bobby Flay, and even some overseas imports worth sinking into. However, nothing compares to Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa and its spinoffs are that rare mix of aspirational and inspirational. Never forget that if you can’t style your own picture perfect life, complete with famous friends, a Hamptons home, and your very own Jeffrey, store-bought is fine.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: Simply Nigella, who serves up Britain’s version of Ina’s aspirational ease.
