Peak TV

We are all spending more time at home these days, which means the longing to travel to far-flung destinations burns stronger than ever. Transport yourself, at least in your mind, with these seven series—some of which are for the whole family, while others are for when the kids are off to bed. From the shores of the Mediterranean to America’s own national parks, together they encompass a world as rich and diverse as the World of Ralph Lauren itself.

Family is of course central to Ralph Lauren, and few shows capture the humor and tenderness of homelife as well as this series, about a widowed British woman who moves with her children to a Greek isle in the ’30s. Based on the whimsical memoirs of naturalist Gerald Durrell, this series charms through both the natural beauty of the Mediterranean and the nonstop parade of cute guest stars—the animals the family regularly encounters in their adopted home.

The American West has long played a vivid role in Ralph Lauren’s imagination, while Downton Abbey, of course, proved just as inspiring in its time. This show is for fans of either or both, set in 19th-century Colorado and starring Downton’s Michelle Dockery as a widow managing a ranch with her mother-in-law and son. Jeff Daniels and Merritt Wever won Emmys for their work in supporting roles in this seven-episode series.

An unexpected silver lining of the global slowdown is a renewed focus and appreciation of the natural environment. This documentary series will further deepen your appreciation, thanks in large part to its jaw-dropping visuals (the series is executive produced by the director Darren Aronofsky). Hosted by Will Smith, each episode focuses on the perspective and insights of a different astronaut who has spent more than 1,000 days seeing the earth from the vantage point of space, crosscut with gorgeous and often unexpected footage highlighting the simultaneous fragility and resilience of life on our wondrous (and, indeed, strange) rock.

A family road trip through Yellowstone or Big Bend National Park may not be possible at the moment, but Ken Burns’ recent classic will give you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. In typical Burns style, it tells the story of “America’s best idea” elegantly and comprehensively, from John Muir’s early naturalist stirrings through the modern dilemma of managing the environmental impact caused by the parks’ success—and the millions of visitors that come with it.

This show has been called “the nicest show on television,” which makes it a great choice to calm any fraying nerves from spending too much time at home. Jovial presenters provide witty commentary as eager contestants navigate three culinary challenges, including the over-the-top showstopper category. Home bakers will find plenty of confectionary inspiration, and the non-chefs among us may find themselves inspired to join their ranks.

The bad news: Live sports are still on hiatus. The good news: There’s a lot of amazing documentary content out there. And if you’ve already made your way through ESPN’s 30 for 30 archive (twice), add this Netflix series to your watchlist. The story of the Chinle High basketball team in Arizona’s Navajo Nation, which makes a run at the state championship while facing no shortage of hardship at home, is inspiring. And the basketball is thrilling, too, as the team plays a fast-and-loose local style called Rezball, where speed is at a premium. It’s a moving story that combines the best of Friday Night Lights and Hoop Dreams.

One of the most stylish shows on TV is no slouch when it comes to substance. Over five seasons (with more on the way), Cillian Murphy expertly portrays Tommy Shelby’s sometimes-scary rise from ultraviolent mob boss to respected member of Parliament, around the same time the Crawleys were grappling with their own set of transitions at Downton Abbey. And RL fans will appreciate that the series’ memorably eerie theme song—“Red Right Hand,” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds—also made an appearance in Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2015 Collection Runway Show.