Now that streaming services have all but erased the obstacles to watching TV shows that are no longer on the air, viewers can choose from a dizzying variety of shows to catch up on. Just take a look at the out-of-nowhere success of “Suits,” the entertaining, but relatively low-profile legal drama that originally aired from 2011 to 2019, on the USA Network.
After becoming available on Netflix last summer, “Suits” went on to become a major streaming hit, and, as several entertainment sources reported, it became the most-streamed show of 2023. The sudden popularity of the canceled show, which some sources attributed to Meghan Markle (aka the Duchess of Sussex) being in it, and others chalked up to who-knows-what?, has prompted an upcoming spinoff, “Suits: LA,” starring Stephen Amell.
So, with so many choices tempting viewers to step away from new series and watch older ones, what’s the show that people in Oregon rewatch the most?
According to a survey by Casino.ca, the most-rewatched show in Oregon is “Breaking Bad.” That makes a lot of sense, especially considering the show, which originally aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013, was a hit, with viewers, critics, and the people who hand out awards.
The show told the intense, and sometimes darkly humorous, story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), an Albuquerque, New Mexico, high school teacher who, upon being diagnosed with cancer, turned to making top-quality methamphetamine, aided by his former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).
“Breaking Bad” was one of the hallmarks of the so-called “prestige TV” era, days when viewers could choose from “Mad Men,” “Games of Thrones,” “Orange is the New Black,” and many more. It also spawned a critically loved spinoff, “Better Call Saul.”
While Oregonians can take pride our good taste, it must be noted that Casino.ca, a guide to online casinos in Canada, may not be the most unimpeachable source of this info. According to the site, Casino.ca “surveyed 3,000 Americans and 3,000 Canadians to reveal the ultimate shows worth watching again and again. We then analyzed the data by state, province, and territory. From timeless classics to today’s obsessions, these series have North America hooked.”
The survey method might not be the most scientific, but it’s hard to doubt some of the findings, namely that “The Office” holds the top spot. According to Casino.ca, “’The Office’ leads as the #1 show for Americans to rewatch, ruling in 14 states including California, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kentucky.”
And though Oregonians might want to get cocky about “Breaking Bad” being our most-rewatched show, it turns out we’ve got plenty of company. Casino.ca reports, “‘Breaking Bad’ claims the second spot as the most rewatched show in America. It leads in seven states including Florida, Alabama, Nebraska, Oregon, and its home state of New Mexico.”
Coming in at No. 3 is another old favorite, the comedy “Friends.” Casino.ca reports, “Friends” reigns in four states, ”New Jersey, Tennessee, South Carolina, and, fittingly, its home turf of New York.”
The Casino.ca site includes a map of the United States, showing what shows are individual state’s most rewatched. As the site says, “‘Law & Order: SVU’ and ‘Seinfeld’ are neck and neck in fourth place, each taking the lead in three states. ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Modern Family,’ ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’ follow closely behind, each winning over two states. Meanwhile, shows like ‘Gilmore Girls,’ ‘Dexter,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Parks and Recreation,’ ‘Rick and Morty,’ ‘New Girl,’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’ each take the top spot in one state.”
Want to rewatch “Breaking Bad”? It’s streaming on platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist
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