Have you ever noticed four-letter acronyms popping up in your friends’ Twitter bios? You know, the ones that say “INFJ” or “ENFP”? Well, those acronyms are actually personality types as determined by the Myers-Briggs test, which was created by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs in the mid 20th century and was based on psychiatrist Carl Jung’s publication called “Personality Types.” Some people say that the tests we still take to this day are inaccurate, but to that, we say shove it, because if you’ve ever taken a Myers-Briggs test, you were probably thoroughly shocked by how accurate result ended up being. And as it turns out, your Myers-Briggs personality type can say a lot about the things you enjoy.
Take your taste in TV shows, for example. Some Myers-Briggs types are born leaders and serious thinkers, so something like The Good Place probably wouldn’t be their jam. Others are quiet, warm, and cautious, so Hannibal would probably just keep them up at night. If you know your Myers-Briggs personality type, keep reading to figure out which shows you need to add to your binge list!
INTJ
We INTJs are a rare breed, friends. According to 16 Personalities, we make up about two percent of the world’s population and women of this type are exceptionally rare. Per their website, “People with the INTJ personality type are imaginative yet decisive, ambitious yet private, amazingly curious, but they do not squander their energy.” But most importantly, we are the same type as Michelle Obama, and that’s all that matters.
So when it comes to TV, we need something that’s going to cater to our imaginative but analytical nature — something with a nuanced plot that weaves its way through an entire series with long narrative arcs. Our suggestions don’t tend to go over well on Netflix nights with friends since we live for a little psychological torture, so if you’re someone who might recommend Schindler’s List for a casual movie night, here are some TV shows you should definitely check out:
Bloodline
House of Cards
Westworld
Game of Thrones
Broadchurch
Black Mirror
INTP
People of this Myers-Briggs personality type are known as logicians. If this is you, congrats! You’re also super rare since INTPs make up just three percent of the population. Folks of your kind have been responsible for incredible scientific discoveries throughout human history. You know, people like Einstein. No big deal. You’re incredibly intelligent, fact-driven, and research-obsessed. If spotting discrepancies on TV and in movies is pretty much your brand and you have a penchant for seeking patterns across all aspects of life, then you definitely fit the INTP bill. You’re a deft problem solver with a keen eye for detail, and you love to flex your troubleshooting muscles when you sit down for a binge session.
It may sound antithetical to everything you are as in INTP, but shows with twisting plots that are laden with conspiracy theories will be the most psychologically stimulating to you! You’ll be that friend who can’t help but point out all the plot holes that show up along the way. Check these out if you want to show off your logic skills.
Homeland
Quantico
Mr. Robot
The Americans
Better Call Saul
ENTJ
If you’re an ENTJ, then you probably make friends everywhere you go with your outgoing, boisterous personality and amazing (but twisted) sense of humor. Jim Carrey and Whoopi Goldberg are on your team, so that all makes sense. You’re not afraid to use your imagination for creative problem solving, and your boldness makes you a total standout wherever you go. For that reason, you’re a natural-born leader. Just ask fellow ENTJ Margaret Thatcher. Everyone whose acronym starts with an introverted “I” is a little jealous of your ability to command a room.
On TV, you don’t have time to muddle through slow-moving plots propelled by bland, shy characters. You need to see leaders, ruthless as they may be, to feel satisfied with what you’re watching, and when it comes to comedy, not just any slapstick nonsense will do. The more twisted, the better. Add these to your must-watch list!
House Of Cards
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Billions
Suits
The League
Reign
ENTP
ENTPs often struggle to find people in their lives who can keep up with them. Known for being quick-witted, whip-smart, and funny, you guys never back down from a fight. Known as “The Debater,” you’re basically the embodiment of Devil’s advocacy, always challenging those around you to question everything they think they know. And it’s that tendency always to ask questions that make you a great thinker. Leonardo Da Vinci is believed to have been an ENTP. Stimulation is the key to your happiness even if it drives everyone around you nuts.
According to 16 Personalities, “[ENTPs] are uncompromisingly honest, but will argue tirelessly for something they don’t actually believe in, stepping into another’s shoes to argue a truth from another perspective.” If that sounds like you, here are a few shows that will keep pace with your fast-moving thought process and sense of humor.
30 Rock
How to Get Away With Murder
Parks and Recreation
The Newsroom
Scandal
INFJ
And here we have the rarest Myers-Briggs personality type of all: INFJ. You make up less than one percent of the global population. You’re known as “The Advocate” because you have an innate sense of justice and ethical behavior. You’re super intuitive and a brilliant observer, even if you don’t readily share those observations with others due to your reserved nature. Carl Jung himself was an INFJ, so you’re in very smart company! Oh, and there’s Plato too, so yeah, you’re a pretty insightful lot.
Egalitarianism means a lot to you and you rarely feel motivated by your own personal gain, but rather by the gain of society at large. You value compassion and fair treatment. When you go to choose your next TV show, try to pick one that’s justice-oriented, stimulating, and overall shows a pretty decent view of the world (or at the very least, of people in the world trying to make it better).
Sense8
New Girl
True Detective
Twin Peaks
Broad City
The OA
INFP
As an INFP, you crave order and perfection. You hate conflict and prefer to see the bigger picture and act as the mediator when people begin to argue over particulars. At your core, you’re an idealist and you always look for the good in others even when they make it hard. You’re in good company with Shakespeare, Princess Diana, and Bob Marley. Peace and love is what you’re all about.
You’re guided by your principles more than any sense of strict logic, so when you’re looking for a new show to watch, orderly plot lines/character dynamics and the sense that characters are acting on their gut instincts will serve you well!
Sherlock
Dr. Who
Downton Abbey
Being Human
Cold Case
ENFJ
Known as “The Protagonist,” you’re interested in justice and deep human connection. You’re also an extroverted leader, so it makes sense that many politicians, coaches, and teachers are ENFJs too. Essentially, you’re the good guys! You’re super people-oriented and firmly believe that a lot of good can be accomplished when people work together and form communities. President Obama, an ENFJ, is basically the embodiment of that! Much like INFJs, you feel driven by the urge to do some good for society at large, but you’re more outgoing about it.
Seek out TV shows across lots of genres that show people making profound connections and changing the world around them by working for the greater good. Here are our suggestions!
The OA
Penny Dreadful
The Mindy Project
Easy
Big Little Lies
ENFP
Among some of the most creative thinkers out there, ENFPs are sociable, kind, outgoing, and can turn on a dime to meet the end they wish to reach. The latter quality can be a bit on the manipulative side if not used carefully. You’re really independent and have no issue with forging ahead on your own like a true free spirit. Also, Ellen Degeneres is an ENFP which alone is enough to make having this personality type awesome. While you can relax when you put your mind to it, you’re much happier with a project — something that really makes you think and requires your full attention.
That last quality can make for some truly satisfying TV watching if you know which shows to look for. Be on the hunt for twisting plot lines that you can’t just dip in and out of casually. While a lot of people hate that they can’t catch up with certain shows if they miss just one episode, that’s the sort of plot that will keep you feeling totally engaged. The following series will get you off to a good start:
Scandal
House of Cards
How to Get Away With Murder
The Wire
Mad Men
Homeland
ISTJ
Before we go any further, let’s begin with the fact that we mean this in the absolute best way. If you’re an ISFJ, you’re basically the strong, protective grandma everyone deserves. You’re warm, loving, and kind but you’ll fight fiercely for those you love. Does it get much better than that? Nope. Even though you’re super in tune with your emotions and the emotions of those around you, you’re also analytical, which helps you protect the people you care about. You’re an altruist and you’d be well-suited for work in medicine, academics, and in the charity/non-profit sphere. You’re the real MVP, basically. Speaking of being super cool, Beyoncé is in your group. Let us BREATHE, ISFJs!
Grab some popcorn and find a show full of warmth, compassion, and altruism to binge. You love seeing justice served and you thrive when you see others doing the same. Start with these feel-good shows:
Queer Eye
Love it or List It
Community
Transparent
ESTJ
This may sound boring as hell, but you’re the managerial type. ESTJs are amazing at organizing people both in their personal lives and communities to do some pretty incredible things. Not shockingly, a lot of American presidents have been ESTJs, like Lyndon B. Johnson. You’re a stick-to-your-guns kind of person and you use your power and strength to uplift others who have the same goals. You know how to keep large groups on-task, which often proves to be an impossible feat for many. You are all about getting down to business but you also place a lot of value on finding joy in life.
And to do all of that good work, you need to stay uplifted with your eye on the prize. Find TV shows that are charming, funny, and show someone who’s a leader railing against the iron fist (mostly).
Veep
Portlandia
Modern Family
Superstore
30 Rock
Parks and Recreation
ESFJ
You ESFJs are pretty much the ones around the cool kids table. Can’t relate. But seriously, you have magnetic personalities that just draw people to you and you love making people happy. Maybe you were the head cheerleader, for example! You’re outgoing, nice, and ready to make friends everywhere you go. As 16 Personalities puts it, “At their hearts, ESFJ personalities are social creatures, and thrive on staying up to date with what their friends are doing.” You share this title with cooler-than-cooler Alicia Keys and Tyra Banks because you really do have the “it” factor.
Since you thrive in the company of others and you’re a total team player, opt for shows that celebrate the art of collaboration. Anything even remotely connected to people slaying the game in large groups will be your jam. Try these!
Friday Night Lights
Intervention
Glee
Once Upon A Time
Stranger Things
ISTP
Never one to shy away from a challenge, you’re bold and experimental. ISTPs are at peak performance when they’re tackling a new challenge and working on a stimulating project. You’re super curious about everyone around you and you love to analyze every person and every situation just for the thrill of it. There are lots of ISTPs in fields like engineering and mechanics because there’s a ton of satisfaction to be gained from complex problem-solving.
You’re also one of those annoying people who are excellent at anything they try to do. I’m sorry. It’s true. Accept your burden as doer of all things. When you want to watch TV, try to find fellow doers of all things who are creepily great at everything they set their minds to (even the not-so-nice stuff). Try these on for size.
Breaking Bad
Archer
The Good Wife
Dexter
Sherlock
ISFP
You are the Lady Gaga of your own life. Like the queen of pop herself, ISFPs are wacky, creative, and get bored with doing anything inside the box. You’re an artist in every sense, taking creative approaches to just about anything and defying social convention every step of the way. You feel a rush when you do something that flies in the face of what we’ve decided is okay, and you love to watch people create something out of nothing, even if the creative process involves a little chaos. You never apologize for who you are and what you love. We have two words for you: Yas, queen!
So when it comes time to find a new show to watch, ask yourself one important question: What would Gaga do? Well, she’d like to see creative people in their element or to watch people sashay through life loving every single bit of who they are. Embrace your inner weirdness. Check these out:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
The Twilight Zone
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Iron Chef
Twin Peaks
ESTP
ESTPs are known for being charismatic, energetic, adventurous, and the life of the party. You thrive in huge groups, and you are THE reigning champ when it comes to networking. You never shy away from a group setting and instead see it as an opportunity to make your presence and your ideas known. Deep conversations about global issues or social justice don’t tend to keep your attention for long because you’re living in the here and now and prefer to keep things upbeat and full of energy. But that’s not to say that you aren’t sharp as a tack, because you have to be to be that engaging! Your ability to lead is among your best qualities. Sure, Donald Trump may be in your camp, but let’s ignore that by saying that Michael J. Fox and John Wayne are too. Talk about badass.
And with all that said, you might have a complicated relationship with TV. In fact, you may have never binged a day in your life because you just can’t sit still that long. There’s so much more you could be doing! For that reason, stick to shows with more episodic arcs. Anthologies that open and close a new story every episode are where it’s at for you.
Black Mirror
Bones
Criminal Minds
CSI
The Twilight Zone
Lore
ESFP
And last but not least, we have “The Entertainer.” ESFPs are the ones who are most likely to break out into song seemingly out of nowhere because life is a party and they’re always invited. This is also the most encouraging Myers-Briggs personality type, so you make for the ultimate hype woman or hype man. You get great joy from making others happy and lifting them up while still finding time to do what fulfills you. You’re also probably extremely well-dressed and ready for the spotlight, even if the spotlight is the line at Rite Aid where you will no doubt run into your ex after four years. Stars like Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber really are just like you!
Of course, you’ll want to stick to shows that nurture your entertaining and creative streaks. Find some series that are ready to bust out their best dance moves at a moment’s notice just like you. Here are our top picks!
Glee
Rise
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
New Girl
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Hopefully you’re now able to create the ultimate Netflix queue based on your personality type. Happy binge-watching!