While financial news and reports are essential, sometimes it's beneficial to gain insights from unconventional sources. TV series can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for investors and founders through their captivating storytelling and unique perspectives.

It can also be your good dose of fun after a long day of pitching or due diligence tasks.

Many TV series draw inspiration from real-life events or expert advice, making them a valuable source of realistic scenarios. Investors and founders can learn from their successes, failures, and problem-solving strategies by watching characters navigate complex business situations.

Here are 12 TV series across various genres that offer intriguing narratives and valuable insights for investors and founders looking for inspiration and entertainment.

Silicon Valley

"Silicon Valley" is an Emmy-nominated TV show that revolves around the tech industry in the renowned Silicon Valley. It explores the transformative power it holds for entrepreneurs and their ethical challenges.

The show delves into whether pursuing success can coexist with moral integrity. Viewers can expect to gain insights into the dynamics of the tech world, the influence of power players, and the complexities of decision-making.

Released on December 8, 2019, the show is available on HBO.

Dirty Money

"Dirty Money" is a business TV show that exposes corruption, securities fraud, and the underbelly of the global economy.

Produced by Netflix, this original documentary series delves into the darker aspects of some of the largest corporations, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of their hidden secrets and unethical practices. It serves as an eye-opening experience for aspiring entrepreneurs, shedding light on the complex realities of the corporate world.

Released on January 26, 2018, "Dirty Money" is available on Netflix. The show is a must-watch for those interested in exploring the untold stories behind corporate giants.

The One

"The One" is a TV series on Netflix that combines science fiction, drama, and romance elements. The show explores the profound implications of a groundbreaking scientific discovery: a DNA test that can identify an individual's perfect romantic match.

The show delves into themes such as love, trust, identity, and the nature of human connections, in an era where technology intersects with matters of the heart. With compelling twists and turns, the show explores the moral dilemmas its characters face as they navigate the complex dynamics of romance, personal desires, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Playlist

"The Playlist" is an exciting TV series on Netflix that outlines the story behind Spotify and its founder Daniel Ek who faced various challenges in revolutionizing the music industry. In each episode, the show explores the journey of different characters, delving into their personal stories, aspirations, and challenges.

Like Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network," Ek's drive stems from a sense of rejection by Google. He seeks to carve out a space between corporate control and the disruptive nature of platforms like The Pirate Bay. His goal is to propel the music industry into the digital age, but his solution needs to be revised, leading to unforeseen consequences.

The Dropout

"The Dropout" is a captivating TV series on Hulu that tells the true story of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and former CEO of Theranos.

The series chronicles the events surrounding Holmes and her healthcare technology company, Theranos, which promised to revolutionize the medical industry with a breakthrough blood-testing device.

The show also offers a compelling exploration of corporate greed, ethics, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It delves into the intricate web of lies and manipulation that Holmes wove to maintain the illusion of success, drawing viewers into the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship.

Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates

"Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates" is a thought-provoking documentary series on Netflix that provides an intimate look into the life and mind of Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.

The documentary delves into Gates' early days as a tech prodigy, his pivotal role in building Microsoft into a global powerhouse, and his subsequent transition to full-time philanthropy. It offers a compelling narrative of one of the world's most influential figures, providing valuable insights into his mindset, strategies, and the lessons from his remarkable journey.

WeCrashed

"WeCrashed" is a compelling TV series available on Apple TV+ that tells the gripping story of the rise and fall of WeWork. The series offers valuable insights for investors and founders, highlighting the importance of due diligence, corporate governance, and balancing ambition and ethical decision-making.

It is a cautionary tale in the startup world, reminding viewers of unchecked ambition's potential risks and consequences and the need for robust business fundamentals.

Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga

"Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga" is a three-part docuseries available on Netflix that aims to educate and entertain viewers about the GameStop stock situation and the phenomenon of meme stocks.

The series highlights the story of retail investor Keith Patrick Gill, also known as RoaringKitty or DeepFuckingValue, who became a central figure in the GameStop saga. Gill's online videos and posts played a significant role in rallying support for GameStop.

The Office

"The Office" is a popular sitcom that offers a hilarious and often cringe-worthy depiction of the everyday lives of office employees. Set in the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, the series takes a mockumentary-style approach, presenting the humorous and sometimes absurd situations that unfold within the office walls.

The show revolves around a diverse cast of characters with quirks and personalities. Whether you're an office worker or enjoy clever comedy, "The Office" offers a delightful and entertaining glimpse into the workplace's mundane and often absurd world.

The Startup Show

"The Startup Show" is a compelling drama series on Amazon Prime that provides valuable insights into the world of tech entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in building successful businesses.

While it primarily falls within the drama genre, the show is an excellent teacher for working with diverse groups and the importance of flexibility in the business world. Viewers witness the protagonists navigating through various challenges, such as conflicts, differing perspectives, and unexpected obstacles in the fast-paced world of startups.

Succession

"Succession" is a critically acclaimed drama series on HBO that delves into a wealthy media family's captivating world.

Led by the formidable and enigmatic patriarch Logan Roy, the Roy family comprises his ambitious children, each vying for their position within the family empire. The series explores this influential and dysfunctional family's complex dynamics and intricate power struggles.

The Empire

"The Empire" is a drama series on Amazon Prime that delves into power, wealth, and family dynamics.

The show takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the lives of the fictional Lyon family as they navigate the complexities of the music and entertainment industry. It also explores the lengths people are willing to go to protect their interests, the sacrifices made for success, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.