We’ve all done the infinite scroll on the Netflix app, spending an hour looking for something to watch before giving up. Sometimes there are just too many shows to choose from. And the last thing anyone wants is to get a few hours into a series that’s not worth finishing.
To save your precious time, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite shows on Netflix. From some of the streamer’s most iconic flagship series, such as Stranger Things and The Crown, to reliable comfort watches including Younger and Scandal, the platform has something for everyone. We’ve also found underrated or critically acclaimed originals you can’t find anywhere else. We’ll let you know which series have just arrived or are about to leave, too, so you can prioritize your watch list.
Sometimes the best shows aren’t the ones that win all the awards, they’re just the ones that let you unwind and have fun. This week, we recommend Outer Banks, which is heading into its fifth and final season this week. The show is an action-adventure-mystery about a group of teens living is coastal North Carolina who are on a hunt for a long-lost treasure that might save their beloved home. The series introduced us to stars like Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline and is a fun, breezy binge. And if you love entertainment industry inside jokes, check out all four seasons of the fun French series Call My Agent! The show is a wry look at the inner workings of a French talent agency, and a feature film version of the show will drop on Netflix in September.
If you’re looking for your next favorite series, here’s our roundup of some of the best shows you can stream on Netflix right now. And if you’d rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best movies on Netflix.
Outer Banks (2020 to present)
Netflix’s original action-adventure series Outer Banks has been a massive hit for the streamer since it first premiered in 2020, and it’s coming to an end this summer. The show is set in a coastal town in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and pits the haves (the “Kooks”) against the have-nots (the “Pogues”). Naturally, the Pogues are the heroes of the story as the Kooks try to take what little land and assets the Pogues have left. And while all of that is happening, the Pogues, led by John B. (Chase Stokes) are constantly on a hunt for (literal) treasure, stemming from the disappearance of John B.’s father who was on a hunt for gold before he vanished. Check the show out now; the fifth and final season arrives on Aug. 20.
Call My Agent! (2015 to present)
The French series Call My Agent is about a group of talent agents at a fictional firm. Though the agents aren’t real, the show is filled with real celebrities playing often egotistical and difficult versions of themselves (almost all of them are French, you’ll see the likes of Isabelle Huppert, Jean Dujardin, Juliette Binoche and Jean Reno appear throughout the series). The show consists of four hilarious seasons, and a feature film, Call My Agent! The Movie is arriving in September. If you’re a fan of inside-Hollywood style shows, it’s a fun option.
Showtime
Homeland (2011 to 2020)
All eight seasons of the great Showtime series Homeland are available now on Netflix. The series stars Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer who suspects that a Marine, Nicholas Brody, who was captured and held at a terrorists’ compound in Iraq, was turned into a sleeper agent who has plans to carry out an attack on the US government. The show evolves with each season and Danes gives an incredible performance as Carrie, who is brilliant at her job but struggles to cope under the weight of her bipolar disorder. Damian Lewis, Morena Baccarin and Mandy Patinkin all co-star.
Netflix
One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024 – present)
It took years to adapt Gabriel García Márquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude for the screen, but Netflix released the first season of the TV adaptation in 2024, and the second and final season is out this week. The new season, consisting of eight episodes, will reveal the fate of the magical, utopian town of Macondo and the Buendía family. Seven new episodes arrive this week, and a finale episode will air later, on Aug. 26.
AMC
Interview With the Vampire (2022 to present)
Interview With the Vampire is a critically acclaimed retelling of Anne Rice’s iconic book series. While the 1994 film starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt skirted the question of Lestat and Louis de Pointe du Lac’s relationship, the new iteration isn’t shy about embracing the queer elements of Rice’s original story, while amping up the sex, blood, and rock ‘n’ roll. The first two seasons are available on Netflix, while season 3, titled The Vampire Lestat, is expected to arrive in the future.
Heartstopper (2022 to 2024)
Kit Connor and Joe Locke star in Heartstopper, a Netflix original coming-of-age drama, as high school students navigating their sexuality and social norms. In the show’s first season, Charlie (Locke) comes out of the closet and realizes his feelings for his friend, the rugged and athletic Nick (Connor). Eventually, Nick also starts to embrace his own bisexuality. Throughout the show, the two, along with the rest of their friends, explore this ever-changing era in their lives. The beloved show includes some notable guest appearances from Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey and Hayley Atwell. A Heartstopper film which serves as a series finale, is out now, too.
Shrill (2019 to 2021)
Shrill originally ran for three seasons, from 2019 to 2021, on Hulu, and now it’s available on Netflix. The comedy stars Aidy Bryant as Annie Easton, a journalist who’s trying to get ahead in her career and dating life, but finds herself constantly judged and facing setbacks due to her weight. The show is easy to get through — 22 half-hour episodes total — and has a great supporting cast that includes Lolly Adefope, Luka Jones, Julia Sweeney, John Cameron Mitchell and Patti Harrison.
Dark Winds (2022 to present)
Set in the American Southwest during the 1970s, Dark Winds stars Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, the lieutenant of the Navajo Police, as he and his team solve a series of crimes. The show is adapted from the Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman and is produced for AMC Plus. The first three seasons are now available on the platform. Keep an eye out for Robert Redford, who produced the series, in an uncredited cameo in the Season 3 premiere. Season 4 just arrived on the platform this summer.
Legends (2026)
After a slew of drug-related deaths in the early 1990s, Britain’s Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, publicly announced a crackdown on drugs. Privately, however, there was very little budget or government support behind the measure, and a small team of just a few customs agents was tasked with infiltrating some of the biggest gangs and drug importers in the country. Working deep undercover (“legend” is the term for their fake identity), a handful of agents were able to topple one of the biggest smuggling rings of the time, placing themselves in grave danger along the way. This great six-part series stars Tom Burke, Steve Coogan, Aml Ameen and Hayley Squires.
The Last Dance (2020)
The Last Dance focuses on the career of Michael Jordan, specifically his 1997-98 season with the Chicago Bulls, his last with the team. The 10-part series features interviews with Jordan and his then-teammates, including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Steve Kerr, coach Phil Jackson and many other personalities. It’s an emotional and riveting journey through Jordan’s impressive career.
Resident Alien (2021 to 2025)
The fourth and final season of Resident Alien recently arrived to Netflix, which means it’s the perfect time to binge the quirky series about an alien who crash lands on Earth with the intention of destroying the human race, only to stay after he starts feeling a fondness for the place. He assumes the identity of a local doctor — and then has to keep up the ruse, keeping his alien identity a secret as best he can. Alan Tudyk stars, along with Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds and Alice Wetterlund. (The series has an impressive list of guest stars and an extensive, diverse soundtrack, too.)
The Four Seasons (2025 to present)
The Netflix original series The Four Seasons first premiered in 2025, turning the 1981 Alan Alda film into a heartfelt, cozy dramedy series reimagined by Tina Fey. Fey not only co-stars in the show but co-wrote it with 30 Rock writer Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher, offering a modern take on the story of three couples whose friendships are turned upside down when one of the couples announces their separation. By the end of the first season, one of the main characters is killed in a car crash and another announces her pregnancy, which will certainly shake things up in Season 2. The show is filled with great performances, including from Colman Domingo, who earned an Emmy nod for his role — and it returned in May with eight new episodes.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019 to present)
Since its 2019 release, Formula 1: Drive to Survive has been credited with boosting Formula 1’s popularity worldwide. Each season of the show crafts a narrative story around the drivers and their crews as they compete throughout their championship seasons. (The show has proven to be such a winning formula that the producers have also tackled other sports, including a tennis series called Break Point, Sprint, about elite runners, and the golf docuseries Full Swing, all of which are also on Netflix.)
Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
Born into slavery, the real Bass Reeves, played on the show by David Oyelowo, eventually became one of the first African American deputy US Marshals in the American West. This series about his life was created by Chad Feehan and executive-produced by Taylor Sheridan. It’s been on Paramount Plus for a few years, but you can now catch it on Netflix, too.
Outlander
The romantic time travel drama Outlander has been a massive hit for Starz for the past decade, and the show just wrapped up its eighth and final season on May 15 on that platform. But if you’re looking for the previous seasons of the show, Netflix has them all, and they’re the perfect, addictive binge. (Just be warned: The latest season won’t hit Netflix for a while; it’ll be at least another year.)
Love on the Spectrum (2022 to present)
If you’re looking for the antidote to a stressful day, look no further than Love on the Spectrum. The docuseries follows young adults on the autism spectrum who are looking for love, and it’s just about as heartwarming and generally wonderful as you could imagine. Each of the show’s seasons contains either six or seven episodes, making it the perfect binge if you need a rush of dopamine. All four seasons are now streaming.
Beef (2023 to present)
A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a drawn-out feud, setting the stage for an enthralling comedic drama made all the better by stellar casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, nabbing eight wins. It also won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. Catch up with Season 1 now, or check out Season 2, starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny, which arrived this spring.
Peaky Blinders (2013 to 2022)
Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set his sights beyond the streets as he aims to move up in the world. What sells this show is not only its compelling storyline, but also its stellar casting. If you’ve never seen the show or want to refresh your memory, now is the perfect time – a Peaky Blinders movie starring Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, arrived to Netflix in March.
Bridgerton (2020 to present)
Set in Regency-era England, Bridgerton is the story of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they search for love while navigating high society — and being the subject of a gossip newsletter written by one of their closest friends. The latest season features a love story between the second-oldest Bridgerton, Benedict, who no one thought would settle down, and a mystery woman he meets at a masquerade ball. While the first few episodes of the season were reminiscent of a Cinderella story, things get more complicated in the second half as Benedict and his new love, Sophie, try to find a way to be together against the odds.
The Night Agent (2023 to present)
Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show’s first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top-secret Night Agent program. He’s pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government. A new season of the addictive thriller kicks off with Peter heading to Istanbul in search of a young Treasury agent who’s fled the US. This uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the highest ranks of the government. Three seasons are available to stream now.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022 to present)
Adapted from Michael Connelly’s novels, The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a lawyer who uses clever tactics to defend his clients (or get around defending them). Riding around in a Lincoln only contributes to his charm, but this series isn’t a lighthearted comedy; you also get crime, action, mystery, humor and loads of drama. Four seasons of the show are available to stream.
Veronica Mars (2004 to 2007)
Originally a CW series, Veronica Mars stars Kristen Bell in her breakout role as the titular character, a high school student who dabbles in private investigation. Aided by her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), an actual P.I., she investigates the murder of her best friend, Lilly Kane (Amanda Seyfried). At the same time, she’s ostracized from her former friend group, who have all turned on her. Each season has an ongoing investigation and highlights the tension between the haves and have-nots in Veronica’s town. It’s one of the great shows of the early aughts, and the Veronica Mars movie also just dropped on the platform recently, to.
The West Wing (1999 to 2006)
During its seven-year run on NBC, The West Wing was showered with Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and Peabody Awards. The series, created by Aaron Sorkin, was a political drama about the goings-on in a fictional, but highly idealized version of the White House. Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Martin Sheen and Janel Moloney all co-starred. All seven seasons of the show arrived to Netflix last year.
Adolescence (2025)
Adolescence, the story of a young boy accused of killing a classmate, has gripped viewers since its release in 2025. The series earned 13 Emmy nominations and won eight, including best limited series and acting awards for Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. It also picked up four Golden Globe wins this week. The series became a phenomenon for its unique filming style: Each of its four episodes is shot in a single continuous take, giving the show a live-theater feel.
Stranger Things (2016 to 2025)
Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. The series came to a dramatic end in 2025 but remains one of Netflix’s flagship shows.
The Diplomat (2023 to present)
Political drama The Diplomat, starring Keri Russell as American diplomat Kate Wyler in London, first premiered in 2023 and has proven to be an addictive hit. The show blends international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama, and now’s the perfect time to catch up on its first two seasons. Season 3, which features Bradley Whitford as a new addition to the cast, premiered in October. Keri Russell earned a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for her role as Kate Wyler, and the show was also nominated for best drama series.
Nobody Wants This (2024 to present)
In the Netflix original comedy series Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell stars as Joanne, an LA podcaster with no religious ties who falls for a rabbi, Noah, whose family struggles to accept their interfaith relationship. The show is hilarious and works especially well thanks to Bell and Brody’s romantic chemistry — both were nominated for Golden Globes, and the show was nominated for best television series – musical or comedy. Both seasons are available to stream now.
A Man on the Inside (2024 to present)
A Man on the Inside, created by Mike Schur, is essentially a comedy blended with meditations on loss, grief and adult child and parent relationships, all wrapped up in a private investigation over some mysteriously missing jewels. Ted Danson stars as Charles, a lonely widower whose wife died the year before after living with Alzheimer’s disease. When his daughter (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) encourages him to find a hobby, he finds a job assisting a private investigator who is looking into a jewel theft at a local nursing home. Charles moves into the facility, hence the “man on the inside,” to look into potential suspects, but he finds himself getting too close to the suspects he’s supposed to be investigating. A second season, costarring Danson’s wife Mary Steenburgen, Max Greenfield and Gary Cole, arrived last year and the show was just picked up for season 3.
The Great British Baking Show (2010 to present)
The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. Host Alison Hammond, who joined two seasons ago, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, who just announced her retirement. Leith will be replaced by Nigella Lawson. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and there are nine total seasons on the streamer, a junior competition and several holiday specials.
Minx (2022 to 2023)
Minx first premiered on HBO Max in 2022 before getting shuffled over to Starz (and eventually getting canceled), and it’s a shame that it suffered such an annoying fate, because it was truly a deeply funny series full of great relationships and storylines… and a lot of nudity. Ophelia Lovibond stars as Joyce Prigger, a journalist tired of traditional women’s magazines who wants to create a truly feminist publication. But the only financial backing she can get is from a sleazy porn publisher (Jake Johnson), so she has to find a balance between the Feminine Mystique and Playgirl. The show features some great performances from the supporting cast, which includes Lennon Parham, Jessica Lowe and Oscar Montoya. Both seasons are available now on Netflix.
Broadchurch (2013 to 2017)
Broadchurch originally ran on ITV in the UK for three seasons between 2013 and 2017, and now it’s come to Netflix. The series stars Olivia Colman and David Tennant as Detective Ellie Miller and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, police officers investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy in the coastal town of Broadchurch. The show is riveting for it’s addictive story and incredible performances (and for the way Tennant says the name “Miller”), you’ll binge the whole thing as quickly as possible once you start.
Arcane (2021 to present)
Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters’ journeys. The critically lauded show took home the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.
Orphan Black (2013 to 2017)
Originally broadcast on BBC America, Orphan Black is a Canadian sci-fi series about a woman named Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) who witnesses the suicide of a woman who appears to be her exact clone. As Sarah digs into the other woman’s past, she learns that they’re two of many clones who were part of a secret experiment, and now the lives of her and her “sisters” are in danger. The show, which lasted for five seasons, is a solid mystery, but Maslany is truly a marvel as she toggles between her multiple roles. Check the show out now, it leaves Netflix on Aug. 31.
Wednesday (2022 to present)
Jenna Ortega stars in Netflix’s Wednesday, a modern take on the life of one of the most morbid teens in pop culture history, Wednesday Addams. The series, executive produced and occasionally directed by Tim Burton, quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix when it premiered in 2022 and both parts of season 2 are out now.
Dept. Q (2025)
In Dept. Q, Matthew Goode stars as DCI Carl Morck, a detective in Edinburgh, Scotland, whose been assigned to a newly formed task force that investigates cold cases. Morck is your typical “doesn’t play by the rules” cop who has just returned to the force after an incident where he was seriously wounded and his partner was paralyzed, and he’s a loose cannon now more than ever. As the reluctant leader of this new department, he and his team look into a case involving a female prosecutor who mysteriously disappeared, with no real leads to go on. Scott Frank, the co-creator of The Queen’s Gambit, is also responsible for this series. The show, which was nominated for an Emmy this year, has also been renewed for a second season, so hopefully we’ll finally get to the bottom of who shot Morck.
Love, Death + Robots (2019 to present)
The adult animation anthology series Love, Death + Robots was developed by filmmaker Tim Miller (who also directed Deadpool) and is co-produced by David Fincher. There are currently 45 episodes which range from 6 to 21 minutes each, and most are helmed by a different director and animation team, giving them all a distinct style and visual approach as they bring to life adaptations of short stories. (Over the show’s four seasons, it has consistently won Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its design and artistry, including four awards this year.)
Black Mirror (2011 to present)
Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern “advancements.” A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling — and often unsettling — imagining of the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to consume television in the age of binge-watching.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways. Season 7, which arrived in 2025, received nine Emmy nominations.
Ozark (2017 to 2022)
At this point, Ozark might be most remembered as the vehicle that made Julia Garner a star. The actress won three Emmys for her role as criminal Ruth Langmore, who faced off against Marty and Wendy Byrde (Jason Bateman and Laura Linney), a Chicago couple who relocate to the Ozarks and find themselves laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. The crime drama ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2022, loading up on awards and critical acclaim in the process.
Squid Game (2021 to 2025)
This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it’s an enthralling watch. The third and final season arrived in June so now is a great time to watch the complete series.
Lupin (2021 to present)
French mystery-thriller Lupin first premiered in 2021 and stars Omar Sy as Assane Diop, a robber inspired by fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Diop seeks revenge for his father’s death by targeting the family he holds responsible. The acclaimed series has already released three batches of episodes, and Part 4 is currently in production in Paris and is confirmed to premiere in the fall of 2026.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 to 2021)
Even though Andy Samberg was the face of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which first aired on Fox and then NBC, the police sitcom is truly an ensemble filled with incredible comedic performances. (The late, great Andre Braugher, who was best known for his dramatic roles, was especially brilliant as the 99’s Captain Ray Holt.) Currently, you can catch seasons 5 to 8 on Netflix.
Younger (2015 to 2021)
Younger was critically acclaimed but flew under the radar when it first aired on TV Land but it’s gotten a major bump in popularity since it arrived on Netflix. The show stars Sutton Foster as 40-year-old Liza Miller, who relocates to Brooklyn from New Jersey to start over after her husband leaves her and her daughter heads to college. When she has no luck landing a job in publishing by being honest about her age and the fact that she took time off to raise a child, she pretends she’s 26 and gets a job right away. Though the lie helps her land a job and a new boyfriend, she’s often conflicted. As the seasons pass, she slowly has to let the people in her life know the truth. Despite the sometimes goofy premise, the show — created by Sex and the City and Emily in Paris creator Darren Star — is hilarious, silly and often raunchy in the best way. Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella and Peter Hermann co-star.
Hellbound (2021 to 2024)
South Korean horror-fantasy Hellbound was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho with Choi Gyu-seok and is based on their short of the same name. The series takes place in a dark, futuristic version of South Korea where spiritual beings materialize to condemn people to certain death at some point in the future, and eventually the condemned are dragged off to hell. The episodes shift in tone, with some coming off more like a police procedural and others offering social commentary on religion, the media and sin, often blending genres into a spooky, smart thriller full of plot twists. The show’s creators are also responsible for writing and directing the Netflix original film Revelations, which was released in March 2025.
Cunk on Earth (2023)
Cunk on Earth is peak absurdist comedy, and it’s undeniably hilarious watching Diane Morgan play the oblivious and under-informed reporter Philomena Cunk. Cunk travels the globe interviewing people who are experts in the fields of history, theology and more. But this isn’t a show that truly wants to teach so much as dare you not to laugh when Cunk deadpans her way through serious conversations with her inane commentary.
The Recruit (2022 to present)
The second season of Netflix’s The Recruit has just arrived, making now the perfect time to binge this political thriller starring Noah Centineo as CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks. When the show began, Hendricks found himself negotiating with a former CIA asset who was attempting to extort the agency. In season two, the drama heads to Seoul when Hendricks finds himself working on a mission with Korean intelligence.
Dead to Me (2019 to 2022)
Dead to Me packs laughter, tears, grief and mystery into every one of its perfectly balanced 30 minute episodes, and the worst thing about the show is that we only got three seasons of it. The show’s first season begins as Christina Applegate’s character, the recently widowed Jen, is befriended by a woman named Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a grief support group, not realizing that Judy is responsible for Jen’s husband’s death. The relationship between the two women evolves over time, especially after Jen finds out the truth about Judy, but eventually the women’s love-hate relationship becomes more love than hate and they come to depend on each other more than they ever expected.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Inspired by real events from writer-actor Richard Gadd’s own life, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is bartending. The bar is where he extends kindness to a stranger named Martha played by Jessica Gunning, setting off a months-long chain ordeal of stalking. Donny’s experience being stalked triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for best limited series and best supporting actress for Gunning.
GIrls5Eva (2021 to 2024)
Though Girls5Eva only lasted three seasons, it remains a source of incredible comedy thanks to its wild performances and hilarious songs. (New York Lonely Boy and I’m Afraid (Dawn’s Song of Fears) hit especially close to home.) The show was originally a Peacock original, but was picked up (and canceled just as quickly) by Netflix. Created by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt writer Meredith Scardino, the show is about a reunited ’90s girl group played by Sara Bareilles, who proved that her comedic timing was as good as her musical talent, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renee Elise Goldsberry, whose truly unhinged performance as self-obsessed has-been Wickie Roy is one of the great comedic performances of late.
Ripley (2024)
Praised by CNET’s Aaron Pruner as a “brilliant new take on the anti-hero story,” Netflix’s Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants — even murder. Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian.
Black Doves (2024)
When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and was quickly renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly — who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role — as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen’s friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor.
The Crown (2016 to 2023)
A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages — namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy.
Sex Education (2019 to 2023)
Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It also served as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother’s profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years.
Breaking Bad (2008 to 2013)
Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists — many of which are not for the faint of heart. It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when he’s diagnosed with cancer and worries about providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. You can also find all six seasons of Better Call Saul on Netflix, too.
Blue Eye Samurai (2023 to present)
Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race female warrior who is seeking revenge against four men — one of whom is her father. Set during the Edo period in Japan, the show features Maya Erskine as Mizu with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Mark Dacascos among the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy winner is streaming now.
Suits (2011 to 2019)
This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal background who somehow lands a job at a prestigious New York law firm working for top attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team but have to keep Mike’s lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits’ brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform.
Asura (2025)
Netflix’s new Japanese drama Asura has a seemingly straightforward premise: in 1979, four sisters discover that their aging father has had an affair and fathered a boy outside of his marriage to their mother. That’s the starting point, but over the course of the show’s seven episodes, the show layers this family drama with humor and warmth. As the sisters grapple with how to confront their father (and withhold the information from their mother), their own lives change course and new secrets emerge. Despite the sisters’ drastically different personalities, they maintain their own bond that’s loving and occasionally contentious, but always remains honest and real.
Derry Girls (2018 to 2022)
Before it landed at Netflix, Derry Girls aired on Channel 4 in the UK and was the most-watched show ever in Northern Ireland. Set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the series was inspired by creator Lisa McGee’s experiences growing up. The show centers around five teens attending Catholic school amid the political turmoil of the time, set to a soundtrack of perfectly selected mid-1990s needle drops from the likes of The Cranberries, Salt-N-Pepa and Take That. It also made celebrities of its young stars including Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Nicola Coughlan, who stars in another show on our list, Bridgerton.
