12 Remarkable TV Shows and Movies That Capture the Essence of Self-Discovery

Carmy, a young fine-dining chef, comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop. As he endeavors to transform the shop and himself, he works alongside a rough-around-the-edges crew that ultimately reveal themselves as his chosen family. The Bear beautifully captures the essence of fighting personal battles while seeking a sense of belonging. Watch Now

Joe Gardner is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly gets into an accident that separates his soul from his body and transports him to the You Seminar, a center where souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must enlist help from other souls-in-training, like 22, a soul who has spent eons in the You Seminar, to get back to Earth. Soul masterfully blends metaphysical elements with the pursuit of purpose. Watch Now

A portrait into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, porn-watching, grief-riddled woman, Fleabag follows her as she tries to make sense of the world. As she hurls herself headlong into modern living, Fleabag is thrown roughly up against the frenetic energy, late nights, and bright lights of contemporary London. This series is a raw and unabashed exploration of a woman on the brink, diving deep into grief and detachment. Watch Now

A woman in her sixties embarks on a journey through the western United States after losing everything in the Great Recession, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. With a profound sense of resilience and adaptation, Nomadland paints a poignant picture of finding freedom, community, and oneself on the road. Watch Now

When 2% of the world's population abruptly disappears without explanation, the world struggles to comprehend just what they're supposed to do. The Leftovers is the story of the people who didn't make the cut. This drama series delves into the emotional and psychological effects of such a loss, exploring themes of faith, despair, and the search for meaning. Watch Now

When a lively young family moves in next door, grumpy widower Otto Anderson meets his match in a quick-witted, pregnant woman named Marisol, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world upside down. A Man Called Otto is a heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds and the transformations they lead to. Watch Now

Nadia keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party. Trapped in a surreal time loop, she stares down the barrel of her own mortality. Russian Doll is a darkly humorous take on the existential crises we all face, blending a compelling narrative with philosophical reflections on life and death. Watch Now

Meet the most beloved sitcom horse of the 90s, 20 years later. BoJack Horseman was the star of the hit TV show "Horsin' Around," but today he's washed up, living in Hollywood, complaining about everything, and wearing colorful sweaters. This animated series compellingly portrays the depths of depression and self-loathing, while BoJack searches for meaning and redemption. Watch Now

A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a photo negative goes missing. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty takes viewers on a visually stunning journey of self-discovery and courage, urging us to embrace the unknown and chase our dreams. Watch Now

Ted Lasso, an American football coach, moves to England when he’s hired to manage a soccer team—despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, will he get them to see the Ted Lasso Way? This feel-good series is a celebration of optimism, empathy, and the transformative power of kindness. Watch Now

When Chef Carl Casper suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner, he is left to figure out what's next. Finding himself in Miami, he teams up with his ex-wife, his friend, and his son to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen and zest for life and love. Chef is a flavorful journey of redemption and rediscovery. Watch Now

Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road on a trip into the western states. The folks they collect along the way help them test their skills for surviving outside their calculated existence. Together, they come to understand the importance of hope and the necessity of true friendship. Watch Now