I feel there is a need for separate category for shows that don't require a ton of thought, and can be watched in the background. A lot of reality TV falls in this category, where if you weren't paying attention for a couple minutes you'll be fine you didn't miss anything. Comedies too. Most YouTube content is like this as well.

On the other hand, a show like Game of Thrones or House of Cards have a lot characters and have a complicated plot and can't really be listened to as background entertainment.

So what TV shows are good for easy watching? Examples I came up with:

Archer
Community
Walking Dead (sloowwww plot)
Basically any reality TV show

Any others?

There are a number of movies I've seen, such as RoboCop 2014 that fit this description as well but since this is a TV forum I thought I would stick to these.

I'd take Archer off this list because while full attention is not required to follow the plot lines of the show, you'd risk missing some of the quips and references, which is why you're watching the show in the first place.

24

it's possible i'm an idiot, but i like family guy.

Supernatural. still need to watch season 9 and 10

Ray Donovan. The plots are so dumb you don't have to pay attention, but once in a while stuff happens that is so unintentionally funny it almost always seem to pay off. I'm convinced Jon Voight knows the show sucks and is trying to do his worst acting job of his career.

Yeah fair enough on the Archer suggestion. It's OK to watch in the background but I must admit I miss some of the jokes unless I really pay attention.

24 is a perfect recommendation though yeah. Relatively simple plot that moves slowly so I can follow. Haven't watched Supernatural yet, though I did like Smallville so I figure it's in the same genre. Never heard of Ray Donovan but reviews seem decent...good suggestions keep them coming!

I've only watched a bit of Community but from what I know it's a pretty intelligent show and it would be foolish to watch it half-assed. Haven't seen any Archer but I'd lean towards same.

i like ncis

They look like the cast from a horror movie.

I often leave sitcom reruns playing while I go to sleep, but they're always good sitcoms that I've seen before.

The original premise here I don't really relate to, that there is a certain type of show you can kinda half-watch on the treadmill or whatever.