By now, I’m sure we’ve hinted enough that we want to take a break just as much we want it for you! Books and games are great ways to relax, but it’s not the same as watching or binging a good show. Two things happen when I’m watching a show; one, I’m totally absorbed, managing to binge the entire series in a few days; two, my brain has exited the building. Who can relate? Nonetheless, finding elements or characters that tie in or utilizes architecture gives me doses of serotonin. I’m sure everyone has a different sense of emotion when this happens! Without further ado, here are 4 shows that we think architects will enjoy!
We selected these fictional shows for enjoyment, so you will not be seeing anything related to house hunters, tiny home design, etc.! Although many find those shows enjoyable, we think these shows fall under a different category. It’s also important to note that shows were a little more difficult to pinpoint than movies, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to share some below!
The Queen's Gambit (Midcentury Maximalism)
This popular drama miniseries on Netflix centers around a woman (acted by Anya Taylor-Joy) with a talent for chess and the unique journey she has experienced. It was such a hit that chessboard sales went up, and everyone wanted to play the game! However, what does this show have to do with architecture + design? Besides exporting you to other countries, the design and overall atmosphere of Queen’s Gambit were through the lens of a style called midcentury maximalism. Rachael Burrow perfectly describes it as, “Think geometric patterns layered with faint echoes of Bauhaus and Brutalist architecture, a hint of tropical glamour, slender furniture silhouettes fashioned after French and Italian archetypes, and warm jewel tones mixed with sophisticated metallics.” This may have created more confusion, and it’s a mouthful, but I couldn’t explain it any other way!
Maximalism is the antithesis of minimalism, so it’s excess of aesthetic. Therefore, midcentury maximalism is a sleeker perspective of maximalism, and we can find various examples of this in the Queen’s Gambit. These are some ways that the show utilizes midcentury maximalism; layering pattern on pattern, modern twists on traditional, exotic motifs, groovy geometrics, one statement-making pattern, and sophisticated metallics. Be sure to check this out if you like aspects of design and chess!
Mad Men (Midcentury Modern Style)
A drama about one of New York’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm’s most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper. Mad Men begins at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, and later at the newly created firm of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (later named Sterling Cooper & Partners), located near the Time-Life Building at 1271 Sixth Avenue.
Boasting powerful people in a bustling city, this show seductively intertwines aesthetics, forbidden relationships, “Manhattan swagger,” sexual tensions, and power struggles while propelling midcentury modern styles to the forefront of media. For a more in-depth breakdown of some of the elements in the show, Huma Qureshi, wrote Mad Men and the mid-century style. which is a great and quick article to read! Be sure to check that out!
Westworld
Westworld could easily be a mastermind architect’s wet dream. The show takes place in a wild west-themed park where visitors interact with robotic NPC’s that are indistinguishable from real humans. The realism of this endless park allows visitors to live their biggest western fantasy.
A few of the watching points include, the stark contrast between the rustic theme park and the sterile control room that operates the park behind the scene. Beautiful and futuristic set design heightens the suspense as the blurred line between the real vs. fake crumbles down towards the season finale. Would you like to visit this park? What would you do when you have the power to create not only the whole world but also the experience itself?
How I Met Your Mother
I believe if I didn’t mention this show, then a horde of HIMYM fans would be coming after me! However, one of the main characters in the show, Ted Moseby, portrays an architect in this classic American sitcom. Over nine seasons, we’ve seen Ted fall hopelessly in love with countless women to fulfill his personal life. At the same time, we’ve also seen the highs and lows of his professional career as an architect. As we all know, anything design-related career can take up an exorbitant amount of time! 
I never really partook in this show, but my first interaction with my freshmen year of university was a discussion about Ted Moseby and HIMYM. Let’s say I was lost and confused as he went on about the show. Nonetheless, Ted Moseby is one of the best fictional architects in a tv show that characterizes the profession.
This is just a starting list for your binging needs, so make sure to even it out too! Let us know in the comments below about other shows that might be good to watch. Sharing is caring! We hope to provide you with valuable insights and share them with someone who might find this useful. Make sure to follow our Youtube and Instagram for more content!
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