Four Inspiring TV Shows That Will Motivate You to Follow Your Wildest Dreams
When you don’t have anyone in your circle chasing their wildest dreams, the idea of taking a leap can feel intimidating. But let me share a secret: there’s beauty in that discomfort. Feeling uncomfortable is often a sign of transformation and growth. As Kristin Lohr puts it perfectly:
“Growth is uncomfortable because you’ve never been here before.”
When I first stepped toward the version of myself I am today, I felt unsure about how to begin or whether I was good enough to reach my goals. Yet, I moved forward, driven by passion and inspiration from my favourite TV shows (you’ll see what I mean).
When you lack an experienced mentor to guide your journey, it’s completely normal to turn to fictional characters for inspiration and motivation. Below is a list of TV shows that will inspire you to chase your wildest dreams, all of which have personally impacted me. Whenever I need a boost of inspiration, I revisit these binge-worthy, career-inspiring series, and now you can too!
1. One Tree Hill
Initially centered on the rivalry between two half-brothers, Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty), competing for a spot on their high school basketball team, One Tree Hill evolves into a narrative about believing in your dreams and embracing the endless possibilities that arise when you do.
Inspiring Quotes From One Tree Hill:
“I think we got one life, one chance, and what we do with it is up to us.” — Peyton Sawyer
“When you stop fighting, you stop living. We all need that thing that’s worth fighting for. Maybe it’s a certain someone, or a special place, maybe just an idea. So find your fight, and fight like hell, ’til your battle is won.” — Brooke Davis
“You can choose to blame your circumstances on fate or bad luck or bad choices. Or you can fight back. Things aren’t always going to be fair in the real world. That’s just the way it is. But for the most part, you get what you give. Rest of your life is being shaped right now. With the dreams you chase, the choices you make, and the person you decide to be. The rest of your life is a long time. And the rest of your life starts right now.” — Haley James
“So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble and fall, cause most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most. Maybe you’ll get everything you wish for. Maybe you’ll get more than you ever could have imagined. Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination.” — Coach Whitey Durham
“Make a wish and place it in your heart. Anything you want, everything you want. Do you have it? Good. Now believe it can come true. You never know where the next miracle is gonna come from, the next smile, the next wish come true. But if you believe that it’s right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it, you just might get the thing you’re wishing for. The world is full of magic. You just have to believe in it. So, make your wish. Do you have it? Good. Now, believe in it with all your heart…” — Peyton Sawyer
Where to Watch One Tree Hill in the UK:
ITV Hub, Sky TV, Amazon Prime & Apple TV
2. The Bold Type
The Bold Type follows three stylish friends—Jane (Katie Stevens), a writer; Kat (Aisha Dee), a social media director; and Sutton (Meghann Fahy), an assistant-turned-stylist—as they navigate their careers at a New York City magazine. Together, they advocate for their beliefs and push each other to take risks.
Inspiring Quotes From The Bold Type:
“Keep bringing your passion, it’s how you’re going to make your mark.”– Oliver Grayson
“If you can’t do it with feeling, don’t.” - Sutton Brady
“Looking back, that's exactly why it was the right decision. Because it was the one that scared the shit out of me.” - Jacqueline Carlyle
“Life can change in a flash, so what are we waiting for?” - Jane Sloane
“We should be taking in every experience. We should be living our lives, taking risks, and, you know, putting ourselves out there.” - Jane Sloane
Where to Watch the Bold Type in the UK:
Seasons 1 - 3 are available on Amazon Prime.
3. The Good Wife
Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) returns to her legal career as a litigator after her husband's scandalous downfall. This gripping legal drama explores her journey of empowerment and resilience.
Inspiring Quotes From The Good Wife:
“I’m gonna try something I may regret, but at least I’m gonna try it.” - Alicia Florrick
“When the door you have been knocking at finally swings open, you don’t ask why. You run through.” — Diane Lockhart
“You won’t feel like it. But put on nice clothing. Force yourself, too. Not for public. For you.” — Alicia Florrick
Where to Watch the Good Wife in the UK:
Channel 4’s My4, Amazon Prime, Sky TV & Apple TV
For similar shows with strong female leads in the legal/political realm, check out Scandal or How To Get Away With Murder.
4. Ugly Betty
Ugly Betty follows the journey of Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), a bright but unconventional woman navigating the competitive fashion industry with her unique style and determination.
Best Quote From Ugly Betty:
"A word of advice, be who you are, wear what you want, just learn how to run real fast." - Marc St. James
Where to Watch Ugly Betty in the UK:
Disney Plus, Amazon Prime & Apple TV.
And that’s a wrap! Did I miss any career-inspiring TV shows? Let me know which ones have inspired you to follow your wildest dreams in the comments below!
