What to Watch on Discovery Plus – 25 Best Shows 2022 guide
In this squirrel’s humble opinion, Discovery television channels are the best in class when it comes to pajama programming, whether you enjoy binging rip-roaring food frenzies on the Food Network, messy drama, and relationships on TLC, or stunning wildlife content found on the Discovery Channel. If this sounds like something you can get into, then Discovery+ might be the streamer for you.
There is a wide variety of content available on the Discovery Plus streaming platform. HGTV favorites are available alongside new shows from the Discovery Channel and emerging networks such as the Magnolia Network and the Science Channel cause sometimes it’s just enjoyable to watch some random lady install a sink in a townhome outside Winnipeg, right?
Discovery Plus was launched in January 2021 with “50 original titles and more than 150 hours of exclusive content,” according to its press release, covering a wide range of Discovery segments from lifestyle to cooking, true crime, and nature.
More than 1,000 hours of original content are now available on the site, and those numbers continue to grow. The service is not only a great place to stream your favorite Discovery shows, but also offers exclusive spinoffs of many TLC, Travel Channel, Food Network, and HGTV original series not available on Apple TV.
With so much binge-worthy content available, Discovery+ is quite a bargain for reality fans at just $4.99/mo. This ad-free plan has a seven-day free trial, so start enjoying the vast library of Discovery+ today.
Here are the 25 best showstopper shows to watch on Discovery+.
25 Best Shows to Watch on Discovery+
Don’t know what to watch? Need something new to binge?
Browse this list of what’s trending on each of the Discovery Plus channels:
1. Curse of the Chippendales
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Documentary
Starring: Michael Rapp, Bruce Nahin, Roger Menache
Created By: Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
Sex. Drugs. Murder. The complete package. This unmissable series examines the dark side of an all-male striptease troupe in the 1980s. If you enjoy true crime as well as counting down the days until the release of “Magic Mike 3,” Discovery+ has the show you are looking for. A four-part docuseries entitled “Curse of the Chippendales” examines the allegations that Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee hired a hitman to kill his business partner. While it is unlikely to win a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism, this guilty pleasure is guaranteed to entertain.
2. Say Yes to the Dress
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Genre: Reality-TV
Starring: Roger Craig Smith, Randy Fenoli, Maria Urshel
Created By: Randy Fenoli
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 21
The experience of watching young women try on a multitude of beautiful wedding dresses in the hope of finding the one that fulfills their dreams is amusing, entertaining, and somehow oddly satisfying. Who cares about the actual relationship, let’s talk about the dresses! The “Say Yes to the Dress” franchise has survived everything from trashy drama st sample sales to COVID-19 bridezillas, and now audiences can watch every episode of dressmaker Randy Fenoli and his Klenfield’s staff helping brides. Moreover, Discovery+ will broadcast the series “Say Yes to the Dress: In Sickness and Health,” which examines how Kleinfeld’s helps brides during the pandemic.
3. Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Horror
Starring: Natasha Belisle, Ethan Mitchell, Hudson Robert Wurster
Created By: Eli Roth
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 2
If you are horror junkie, than you may want to ignore some of the bad revies on this one and just jump right in. Who said horror had to be good to entertain? Not this squirrel, that’s fo sho. As one of the most prolific horror filmmakers of the 21st century, Eli Roth has directed films such as “Hostel” and “The Green Inferno” and produced numerous others. As part of his Travel Channel series, Roth interviews survivors of allegedly true hauntings. The supernatural series from Eli Roth is def worth checking out, regardless of whether or not you believe the stories.
4. Selling the Hamptons
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Peggy Zabakolas, J.B. Andreassi, Mia Calabrese
Created By: DiGa Studios
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
Like Netflix’s “Selling Sunset,” “Selling the Hamptons” follows a group of Hamptons real estate agents as they make million-dollar deals and navigate their personal rivalries. If you were a fan of the Netflix reality show “Million Dollar Beach House,” which was cancelled due to the pandemic, three of the cast members have moved here. Now, I’m by no means saying the cast is brilliant or even smart, cuz the jury is still out on that, but I am saying that cozying up in your sweats and watching some randos flog multimillion dollar Hamptons houses can be amusing and at least there is plenty to look at.
5. Magnolia Network: Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Carson Beck
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 3
Have you ever wondered how your favorite products are manufactured? Probably not, but guess what? It’s actually kinda interesting in a weird way… and it’s oddly soothing and totally stress-free. The Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things focuses exclusively on goods manufactured in the United States, from pianos to pinball machines to American flags.
A great docuseries for kids and adults to enjoy together, this is an educational and entertaining program.
6. Ghost Adventures
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Documentary, History, Reality TV
Starring: Zack Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley
Created By: Zack Bagans, Nick Groff, Jay Wasley
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 22
Do you believe in ghosts? Cuz this squirrel does. But, even if you don’t, it’s difficult not to get all kinds of wrapped up in the kooky-spooky-crazy world of the “Ghost Adventures” series. Zak Bagans and his crew explore some of the most haunted places in the world, leaving viewers either scared or skeptical. The team will visit Los Angeles’ Cecil Hotel for a new 2-hour episode on the streaming service. This hotel is awe-inspiring regardless of whether or not you believe in the paranormal. Watch this episode of “Ghost Adventures” with the lights on. The remaining episodes of the series are also available for streaming.
7. American Heroes Channel: Our America With Lisa Ling (2011)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: News
Starring: Lisa Ling, Todd Bentley, Ciara Blue
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-14
Number of Seasons: 5
If you are younger than 30, chances are you have no idea who this lady is, and that’s ok. She’s smart and presentable, and a little bit forgettable, almost like a vanilla female Anthony Bourdain without the food. Her name is Lisa Ling and in this classic series she travels throughout the United States to meet with people from all walks of life and hear their stories. Discover Plus offers four seasons of this compelling documentary-style series, so let Lisa’s mediocrity sweep you away and take you somewhere you’ve never been.
8. Fixer Upper: Welcome Home (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Reality-TV
Starring: Chip Gaines, Joanna Gaines
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-G
Number of Seasons: 1
Renovation squirrels Chip and Joanna have retiled and grouted their way into our hearts over the past few years, one questionable house reno at a time. You can breathe a sigh of relief if you were a fan of the original Fixer Upper: the show has returned. During this revival, Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines focus their business on homeowners who wish to renovate and upgrade their existing homes.
9. Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Reality-TV
Starring: Guy Fieri, Hunter Fieri, Ryder Fieri
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-G
Number of Seasons: 38
For years, this squirrel thought the host of this show was Joey Fatone from NSYNC… turns out it’s his doppelganger and his name is Guy. There are 34 seasons of Guy Fieri’s entertaining series “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” available on Discovery+. Visit some of the best (and most delicious) local restaurants with Fieri as he travels throughout the United States. If anything, this is a great show to consult when planning a trip – you can make a list of diners, drive-ins, and dives to visit!
10. HGTV: Hometown (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: Reality-TV
Starring: Ben Napier, Erin Napier, Amber Hayes
Created By: Jenna Keane
TV Rating: TV-G
Number of Seasons: 5
Full disclosure, this squirrel finds Southern accents very soothing and relaxing, so if you like melting butter over popcorn, you may dig this quaint and quirky show. Hometown couple Ben and Erin Napier work with families who wish to establish roots in Laurel, Mississippi. This duo takes you through the process of finding a home for their client, as well as adding finishing touches that are specific to each family. Ben and Erin Napier work with families who wish to establish roots in Laurel, Mississippi. This duo takes you through the process of finding a home for their client, as well as adding finishing touches that are specific to each family.
11. The “90 Day Fiance” Universe
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Reality TV, Romance
Starring: Natalie Podiankova, Mike Youngquist, Nicole Nafziger
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-14
Number of Seasons: 9
Nothing says I’ve given up on going out tonight like curling up on the couch and watching a romance-themed reality TV show, this squirrel can tell ya that with a straight face. It is true that there is a “90 Day Fiance” universe, and it can all be found on Discovery+. As well as streaming all eight seasons of the binge-worthy series and its countless spin-offs, Discovery has also added four exclusive shows to their streaming service. Among the highlights is “90 Days Bare All,” an extension of their tell-all episodes, where past guests discuss topics that were not aired.
12. Discovery Plus Originals: American Detective With Lt. Joe Kenda (2021)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Genre: Crime
Starring: Joe Kenda
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-14
Number of Seasons: 1
If you are anything like this squirrel, then you love yourself some Murder She Wrote late night when no one’s looking. If that’s true, then you may dig this. As part of this true-crime series, seasoned homicide detective Lt. Joe Kenda presents other detectives’ surprising and sometimes mind-boggling homicide cases. The episodes feature the dedicated detectives who worked on each case and did not give up until the problem was resolved.
13. Good Eats: The Return (2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Genre: Reality-TV
Starring: Alton Brown, Alex Guarnaschelli, Arielle Johnson
Created By: Alton Brown
TV Rating: TV-G
Number of Seasons: 1
If you are even the least bit curious about food, and let’s be real- who isn’t, then you will find kinship with Alton Brown and his show Good Eats, which debuted in 2005. In newer episodes, Brown explores everything from the origins of chicken parmesan to icebox cakes with the same combination of history, science, and humor.
14. Discovery Plus Originals: Jailhouse Redemption (2022)
IMDb Rating: N/A
Genre: Documentary, Drama
Starring: Karl Leonard
Created By: Magilla Entertainment
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
Cops have had it rough lately, so it is heart-warming to learn about this one in particular who gives back to his community so generously. The sheriff, Karl Leonard, is a good cop. He developed the Heroin Addiction Recovery Program (HARP) after discovering the prevalence of drug addiction in Virginia’s prison system. In Jailhouse Redemption, we get a glimpse into the daily lives of the counselors, staff, and patients of HARP.
15. Remix My Space with Marsai Martin
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
Genre: Reality TV
Starring: Marsai Martin
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
It’s time to move over Chip and Joanna Gaines – whose Magnolia Table content can also be found on Discovery+ – “Black-ish” star Marsai Martin has stepped into the renovation business. Marsai Martin’s series, “Remix My Space With Marsai Martin,” is both a home renovation series and a glimpse into the good works teens around the United States are accomplishing. In each episode, Martin helps a teenager create a space that reflects them while at the same time highlighting their activism. Here is a great way to introduce your children to the home renovation genre.
16. Science Channel: How the Universe Works (2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Phil Plait, Michelle Thaller, Mike Rowe
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 8
Have you ever dreamed of living on the moon one day? Have you ever wondered how black holes form? If so, then this series may be of interest to you. In the latest season of How the Universe Works, narrator Mike Rowe takes viewers on an exploration through the cosmos by interviewing leading scientists and combining their footage with CGI and visual effects to immerse the viewer in this breathtaking series. It explores the Super Massive Black Hole found at the center of the M87 galaxy, the possibility of a space fleet that can study the Sun, and countless other thrilling topics. If there is even a tiny bit of nerd in you, you will love this!
17. A Perfect Planet (2021)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: David Attenborough
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 1
Those who enjoy nature documentaries will not want to miss this visually stunning series narrated by David Attenborough. David and his crew take you around the globe, showing you nature in its purest and rarest form, completely unadulterated. Throughout this eight-part series, animals adapt to their surroundings with grace and resilience, exploring every habitat and corner of the natural world.
18. Scream: The True Story
IMDb Rating: 4.4/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Theresa Croft
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
‘Scream: The True Story’ belongs to two genres on the Discovery+ platform: true crime and paranormal. In this installment of the network’s “Shock Docs” series, “Scream: The True Story” sheds light on the Gainesville Ripper, a man who murdered eight people in the South and argued that he was possessed by the Devil. This doc is definitely a bit dark, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to skip it or save it for Halloween. Although its connection to the “Scream” series is perhaps a bit tenuous, that is more than enough to send paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and psychic medium Cindy Kaza to investigate the locations associated with the killer and his victims.
19. Discovery Plus Originals: The Prison Breaker (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Richard Lee McNair, Byron Christopher
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: N/A
Number of Seasons: 1
Warning, this documentary is awesome. Okay, so it’s crazy long, but you can stop it and start it a bunch and enjoy. Richard Lee McNair is considered to be one of the greatest escape artists of all time. Apparently, he is the only person to have escaped from jail, a state penitentiary, and a federal prison. This four-hour documentary reveals McNair’s mind through hundreds of letters, personal photographs, and videos, as well as interviews conducted by a journalist who covered McNair’s exploits for more than ten years.
20. Animal Planet: Crikey! It’s the Irwins (2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin, Robert Clarence Irwin
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 3
Remember Steve Irwin? He was that quirky Aussie who fearlessly interacted with animals until his last breath when he got pierced in his chest by a stingray barb while filming a show in the Great Barrier Reef. The documentary series follows the Irwin family as they continue Steve Irwin’s legacy at the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital. The zoo provides a safe environment for thousands of animals and serves as a platform for the dissemination of conservation information.
21. Travel Channel: Destination Fear (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Genre: Reality-TV, Horror
Starring: Dakota Laden, Chelsea Laden, Tanner Wiseman, Alex Schroeder
Created By: Dakota Laden
TV Rating: PG
Number of Seasons: 3
You might want to check out Destination Fear if you are in the mood for some paranormal weirdness. Four intrepid investigators pack into an RV and travel across America’s highways and byways, spending their nights in some of the country’s most haunted locations. In its latest season, the team has faced some of the harshest conditions yet. Among the places they visit are the Ohio State Reformatory, the Villisca Axe Murder House, the Odd Fellows Home, and more.
22. Onision: In Real Life
IMDb Rating: 5.0/10
Genre: Documentary, Mystery, Reality TV
Starring: Chris Hansen, Maggie Mabie, Eugenia Cooney
Created By: N/A
TV Rating: TV-MA
Number of Seasons: 1
Not this squirrel’s favorite show by far, but you may enjoy it. Different strokes for different folks, I say. In the spirit of truth being stranger than fiction, the synopsis for “Onision: In Real Life” will capture your attention from the very first seconds. In this series, we examine YouTuber Greg Jackson, also known as Onision. In what began as the creation of a massively successful YouTube channel, there are darker secrets to be revealed. In light of the success of “Tiger King,” which took a figure most people were unfamiliar with and turned it into a massive success, this could be a similar concept.
23. Discovery Channel: MythBusters (2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Genre: Documentary, Mystery, Reality TV
Starring: Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Kari Byron
Created By: Peter Rees
TV Rating: TV-PG
Number of Seasons: 21
This show is fun to watch and actually quite informative. You’re in for a treat with MythBusters if you’ve ever wondered about certain urban legends. In each episode, two special effects experts with over 30 years of experience bust three urban legends. In order to determine what is true and what is merely an urban myth, they test theories. As part of each episode, science, research, and controlled explosions are used to debunk or confirm three myths.
24. Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (2022)
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Genre: Documentary
Starring: Marie Finch, Troy Dillinger, Jaclyn Hales
Created By: Dan Johnstone
TV Rating: TV-14
Number of Seasons: 1
No matter what continent, there seems to be no shortage of scams hiding behind religious credentials. As a result of allegations of abuse, fraud, and corruption, Hillsong Church in Australia made international headlines. What caused this event to occur, and how was it covered up for so long? If you like the sound of an Australian accent, then you are probably going to at least enjoy listening to this one. Former delegates and survivors recall their experiences at the controversial megachurch.
25. Discovery Plus Originals: Generation Drag (2022)
IMDb Rating: 4.0/10
Genre: Fashion, Reality
Starring: Jameson Johnson, Bailey, Nabela
Created By: Tyra Banks
TV Rating: TV-14
Number of Seasons: 1
Tyra Banks has been pounding the reality series pavement for longer than this squirrel can count, and the results are mixed. On the one hand, she seems to know a lot about makeup, but we are pretty sure she is not a drag queen. Either way, this show is full of heart and these kids deserve our respect.
Some kids do sports. Some kids do marching band. These kids do drag. Former America’s Top Model host Tyra Banks produces this reality series about five families preparing for the annual Dragutante. The love expressed in Generation Drag is unlike anything you’ll see in traditional pageant shows. If you didn’t know it already, you’ll learn that performing drag is incredibly hard work.