TV Show Recommendations for Escape Room Fans

Not sure what to watch next? Here are our top television show recommendations for escape room fans, to stream in-between your next escape adventure!

1.      The Traitors

What it Is: A new UK game/reality show, where contestants put their sleuthing skills to the test to determine who among the group are the treacherous “Traitors,” murdering off the faithful each night.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: Dramaaaa

Our Thoughts: Everyone at Lucardo Rawtenstall got completely hooked on The Traitors earlier this year, and we can’t recommend it enough! It’s funny, it’s twisty, it’s so gripping… a fantastic popcorn-watch reality TV show. Plus, Claudia Winkleman. Better yet, there’s even Australian and US versions streaming on iPlayer now too, to tide you over until the new season drops!

Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer

2.      The Mole

What it Is: A US gameshow where a group of players must complete escape room-style puzzles to win a cash prize, while a mystery “Mole” among them is busy sabotaging their efforts.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: It’ll keep you guessing, while you enjoy watching someone else figure out the puzzles for a change.

Our Thoughts: Especially if you love The Traitors, you have to watch The Mole. A tight game of logic that’ll keep you guessing right until the very end.

Where to Watch: Netflix

3.      Schitt’s Creek

What it Is: Multi Emmy-winning Canadian sitcom, about a formerly-wealthy family forced to live in a small, quirky town.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: Trapped in a room with family, chaos ensues.

Our Thoughts: If you’ve not watched Schitt’s Creek yet, I don’t know where you’ve been. It’s heart-warming comedy television at its finest, with incredible re-watch value. Sure, it’s not puzzle-filled, but I think all of us seasoned escape game players can relate to the whole “trapped in a room with family” trope!

Where to Watch: Netflix

4.      The Crystal Maze

What it Is: A classic and long-running British game show, where teams of contestants have to solve puzzles and challenges for prizes.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: Sound familiar? It’s like the OG puzzle room… with shiny things.

Our Thoughts: Obviously, I wasn’t going to write an escape room TV recommendation list without including this show. It’s a classic! And it’s got it all – mental, mystery, physical, and skill-based puzzles, great theming, and fantastic appeal. A must-watch, for sure.

Where to Watch: Channel 4 (reboot) or YouTube (original clips)

5.      Jungle Run

What it Is: Basically, a jungle-themed version of The Crystal Maze, except exclusively for children and with strong ‘00s nostalgia behind it.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: It’s a cute throwback, and great for kiddos.

Our Thoughts: I’m probably showing my age here, but did anyone else watch this as a kid? It ran from 1999 to 2006 on CITV, and everyone wanted to be a contestant. I think more escape rooms today should feature bananas, monkey statues… and zipwires. All hail the Jungle King!

Where to Watch: BritBox, ITVX, or Amazon Prime

6.      Squid Game

What it Is: A Korean survival drama, which sees contestants compete in children’s games to win money… yet with the deadliest of high stakes of the table.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: Because sometimes, escape rooms just aren’t intense enough.

Our Thoughts: I ain’t gonna lie, I’m way too chicken to watch this gory show. But, it’s ranked as Netflix’s number one show of all time, there’s already spin-offs in the works, and everyone wouldn’t stop talking about it back in 2021. So I feel fairly confident recommending it.  

Where to Watch: Netflix

7.      Celebrity Escape Room

What it Is: A one-time US TV special, that saw Jack Black hosting a celebrity team of Ben Stiller, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Adam Scott in a hilariously high-budget escape room. Yes, seriously.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: I mean, what’s not to love?

Our Thoughts: It’s random, it’s whacky, it’s our favourite sitcom actors taking part in a hobby we love… it’s worth a go, for sure. More episodes would have been greatly appreciated.

Where to Watch: YouTube

8.      Prison Break

What it Is: A long-running US drama, about two brothers (and various other unique characters) attempting to break out of prison.

Why it Appeals to Escape Roomers: A classic break-out TV show, with countless escape rooms based around this premise.

Our Thoughts: I loved this show, and while the later series get a bit… far-fetched…. I found it incredibly gripping and unique. Did Michael and Lincoln manage to break out in the end? You’ll have to watch it and see, and I’m sure you’ll find their efforts gripping!

Where to Watch: Disney+ or Amazon Prime

Have you seen all these shows, or will you be adding some to your list to binge soon? If I've missed any other good shows, please do let me know!

Written by Madeleine Lily

To book your next escape room adventure in Manchester or Rawtenstall, visit lucardo.com. For any queries, you can call us on 01706 551600. Be sure to also stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram, as well as the blog, for many more fun insights, news, giveaways, and more!