Every must-watch David Lynch TV show ranked

David Lynch was the master weaver of celluloid dreams. More than a mere director, his work transformed television into a canvas for surrealism and mystery. With his passing, we honor his legacy and revisit his shows.

With creations touched by the haunting beauty of imagination, the signature of his works, David Lynch redefined storytelling. He passed away, yes, but he left us his legacy.

Here’s every David Lynch TV show ranked

10. Weather Report (2005–2022) — Forecasting with Lynchian charm

In Weather Report, David Lynch turned a mundane activity into a delightful ritual. Every day, he used to deliver a one-minute weather update for Los Angeles, blending his quirky signature with an oddly soothing tone. The repetitive nature of the updates made it meditative and was a window into Lynch’s world.

Weather Report embodied Lynch's conviction in seeing beauty in the ordinary. Even though it lacks fantastical elements and epic narratives, it connected with fans on a very real, common experience theme.

With Weather Report, Lynch elevated a commonplace task to a stunning example of minimalism. This show shares a vibe similar to slice-of-life anime.

9. Today's Number Is... (2020–) — Numbers with a twist

In this series, Lynch begins with a cage containing ten numbered balls, each representing a number from 1 to 10. He spins the cage, mixing the balls, and randomly selects one. The chosen number is then declared as "today's number." That's it.

What makes this seemingly mundane act fascinating is Lynch’s deadpan expression and the careful, almost ritualistic way he performs the task. By assigning significance to a random number, he transforms a simple action into a surreal and oddly captivating moment. Viewers are encouraged to find beauty in the everyday and appreciate life’s small, often overlooked, moments.

Today’s Number Is... is simple but charming. It shows his playful side and offers us something uniquely personal.

Today’s Number Is is worth watching because it showcases Lynch at his most daring, pushing the envelope of what television can achieve. It’s a reimagining of the medium, offering something entirely new and unexpected. This series is perfect for fans of avant-garde storytelling and anyone curious about exploring the limits of TV, and for those of us who want to be more of the human side of our idols, of course.

8. What Is David Working on Today? (2020–) — A glimpse into his creative process

In this two-minute series, Lynch invites us into his workshop. He showcases woodworking projects, painting sessions, and other artistic endeavors there. The raw and unfiltered format gives fans an intimate view of the artist at work, finding beauty and meaning in what may initially seem not to hold anything special.

It is worth watching because it offers an inspiring glimpse into Lynch’s endless curiosity and creativity. His passion for his craft shines through, reminding us that art can be found in the simplest of tasks.

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Interlude — From the mundane to the insane(ly) awesome

The series mentioned above allow us to get glimpses into Lynch's life and way of thinking, much like modern-day vlogs. Let's now delve into his iconic works. The "Who killed Laura Palmer?" question in Twin Peaks (1990) had an echo one year before in Brazil. Coincidence? Influence? Maybe, we'll never know. In a Brazilian soap opera called Vale Tudo, the lingering question was: Who killed Odete Roitman?

Let us now dive into the more surreal and mysterious shows created by the visionary David Lynch.

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7. Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014) — Revisiting the mystery

This feature-length compilation of deleted scenes from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me gives fans a fresh perspective on Laura Palmer's mystery. This also adds to the enrichment of the mythology of the Twin Peaks universe.

Even though they are here in a ranked order, the ideal it to watch them chronological, of course.

6. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992) — The haunting prequel

Exploring the harrowing final days of Laura Palmer’s life, this prequel to Twin Peaks is even darker and more unsettling than the original series. Lynch explores themes of trauma, isolation, and corruption in it, creating a raw and emotionally charged experience.

Yes, it's not a series, but it is interconnected and important for the Twin Peaks universe, so it has been included on this list. It is now deemed essential to the Twin Peaks universe, for it provides a deeper understanding of Laura’s backstory and the town’s secrets.

Why it’s worth watching? Once divisive, the film is now celebrated for its emotional depth and narrative complexity. Suggested for: Fans of psychological drama and tragic storytelling.

5. Hotel Room (1993) — Intimacy in isolation

All three episodes of this anthology take place in the same hotel room, dealing with universal themes like love, sorrow, and human frailty. The minimalistic design heightens the intensity of the feelings and makes for an eerie, enduring ambiance. Once again, all markers and Lynch's signature style are all over the series, including the awkward silences. Can you forget that one minute of silence in Twin Peaks when the family was eating? More unnerving and tense than being face-to-face with Jason Voorhees!

Lynch’s mastery of tone and atmosphere is on full display, proving that even in the smallest spaces, the biggest emotions can emerge. Each episode feels like a self-contained play, drawing viewers into its intimate storytelling.

Why it’s worth watching? In it, Lynch masterfully explores human vulnerability and connection in a confined space. Suggestion? Watch the episode "Tricks," where intense feelings and tense situations come memorably together. Recommended for: People who enjoy stories with minimalistic plots and strong characters.

4. On the Air (1992) — A surreal sitcom

Set behind the scenes of a chaotic 1950s live TV show, On the Air is Lynch’s dive into absurdist comedy. With eccentric characters and slapstick humor, it offers a rare look at his playful side.

Though short-lived, On the Air was a fascinating detour into Lynch’s lighter side, blending comedy with his signature surrealism.

Episode to watch: The pilot, where the chaos of live television unfolds hilariously. Suggested for: Fans of eccentric comedies and behind-the-scenes mayhem.

3. The Mulholland Drive Pilot (1999) — The Hollywood Dreamscape

Mulholland Drive's story began as a rejected TV pilot. The original version already showcased Lynch’s knack for blending dreams and reality, setting the stage for one of his most iconic works. The movie, however, became critically acclaimed.

The pilot stands as a testament to Lynch’s resilience and creativity, an example of how something that started as a failure can become something even grander. This pilot was the raw beginning of a masterpiece. It’s an intriguing what-if scenario that offers a glimpse into his unfiltered artistic process.

Why watch it? It’s a fascinating glimpse into Lynch’s raw creative process before it became a masterpiece. Part of the episode to focus on: The opening dream sequence, which sets the tone for the surreal journey. Suggested for: Lovers of Hollywood mysteries and fans of Mulholland Drive.

2. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017) — That revival every fan wanted

Lynch returned with an 18-hour masterwork that shocked everyone, decades after the first series aired and changed the way TV series would be made. Episode 8 stands out for it delves into cosmic fear and the beginnings of evil. It is a triumph both visually and thematically.

Why it’s worth watching: It’s Lynch at his most daring, creating a work that redefines what television can achieve. Episode to watch: Episode 8, an unforgettable journey into the atomic age and the birth of evil. Suggested for: Fans of avant-garde storytelling and anyone curious about the limits of TV.

1. Twin Peaks (1990–1991) — The blueprint for modern television

The show's fundamental mystery, "Who killed Laura Palmer?" revolutionized serialized storytelling. Its unsettling atmosphere, iconic characters, and innovative story structure formed the groundwork for contemporary prestige television.

Twin Peaks was more than a murder mystery; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought Lynch's surrealist tastes to a wider audience. The groundbreaking combination of soap opera drama, supernatural aspects, and dark comedy captivated both fans and critics, going on to become one of the most studied and critiqued television series of all time.

The beautiful yet foreboding village served as a metaphor for the inherent duality of human nature, an idea central to Twin Peaks. Every scene was laced with suspense and mystery because Lynch and Frost expertly constructed a universe where the extraordinary was hidden beneath the surface of the ordinary.

Why is it the best? Twin Peaks remains a cultural touchstone that redefined serialized storyelling.

Episode to watch: The pilot, where the haunting discovery of Laura Palmer’s body sets the stage for everything to come.

Suggested for: Fans of mystery, psychological drama, and groundbreaking TV.

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The roaring fire of David Lynch's legacy

In addition to being entertaining, David Lynch's television work radically altered the medium's potential and landscape. His stories were daringly odd, introspective, and eerily beautiful as he ripped the rules apart, demonstrating that television could be an art form.

His creations resonate because they reflect life’s dualities: the beautiful and the terrifying, the mundane and the extraordinary. Lynch’s world is one where small-town diners sit alongside cosmic horrors, and every quiet moment pulses with the possibility of the surreal.

As we say goodbye to this visionary, we’re reminded that his work wasn’t just for his time. The way David Lynch redefined television's standards is unmatched. His legacy is a roaring fire, illuminating the path for generations of creators bold enough to dream.

Bonus: The fire that connects

"Fire will rain," inscribed dramatically in flames becomes a critical moment that sets the tone of danger and mystery at Nevermore Academy in the Netflix series Wednesday. In David Lynch's Fire Walk With Me, fire symbolizes both revelation and destruction; this moment of blazing symbolism in Wednesday seems like a subliminal reference to that film. Although there is no causal relationship between the two, Lynch's impact will likely be felt by storytellers of all ages. Lynch has truly left an indelible mark on the weird and cryptic narrative genre.