20 TV Shows on Netflix That Are Perfect for Your Next Binge-Watching Session

A compelling, artful retelling of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family, and the turmoil of royal weddings — particularly that of Charles and Diana. In addition to spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is buoyed by strong writing and compelling storylines that stir emotions in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy.

Inspired by true events in the life of writer-actor Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is a bartender. The bar is where he shows kindness to a stranger named Martha, setting off a months-long chain reaction of stalking. Donny’s experience with stalking triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series recently won a series of Emmy Awards and is available to binge-watch.

Hailed as one of the greatest television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the makings of a standout series: a gripping story, dynamic characters, and shocking plot twists—many of which aren’t 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 how to support his family. But his talent for producing the illegal substance leads him down paths he never imagined.

Animated series Blue Eye Samurai centers on Mizu, a mixed-race female warrior who seeks revenge on four men, one of whom is her father. Set during Japan’s Edo period, the series stars Maya Erskine as Mizu, with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Mark Dacascos in the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy-winning series is streaming now.

Hailed by CNET’s Aaron Pruner as a “brilliant new take on the antihero tale,” Netflix’s Ripley is the latest film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s fictional character. Andrew Scott plays the wily Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally questionable methods to get what he wants — even murder.

Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang led by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang has taken over the city of Birmingham, but Shelby is starting to look beyond the streets as he seeks to make it big in the world. What makes this series so special is not just the compelling storyline, but also the stellar cast. For fans of costume dramas — and crime shows — Peaky Blinders is a must-see. But be warned: this gritty series is not for the faint of heart.

Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern “advancements.” A series of standalone episodes, each offers its own compelling — and often disturbing — depiction 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 every way possible.

This show is not only hilarious and witty, but it forces you to reexamine deeper questions about life and what is inherently “good” or “bad.” In the show, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself in the afterlife and, surprisingly, the Good Place. But as it turns out, she actually finds herself there by accident. This inspires Eleanor to embark on a mission to shed her old habits. The twists and turns will have you reeling and the funny, unique characters will keep you coming back for more.

This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal experience who lands a job at the law firm of one of New York’s top attorneys, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team, but must keep Mike’s lack of legal credentials a secret. A testament to Suits’ genius, it became the most-watched acquired series when it debuted on Netflix in 2023. (The star power of current Duchess Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane on the show, likely played a part, too.) All seasons are streaming on the platform now.

If you’re on TikTok, you’ve probably seen this one all over your feed. One Day is a heartbreaking adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel that sees Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) reunited on the same day two decades apart. It’s a unique storytelling device that will make you think about time and relationships, all while tugging at your heartstrings.

This thriller was all the talk of the town when it came out, and for good reason. Hundreds of people desperate for money compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes of this series, it’s an enthralling viewing experience. Then you’ll be eagerly awaiting season 2.

A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) escalates into a prolonged feud, setting the stage for a riveting comedic drama made all the better by the great casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards with eight wins, and won all three categories for which it was nominated at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.

Monk combines crime, drama, and comedy in an excellent way. It follows Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), a private investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder who teams up with the San Francisco Police Department to solve unconventional cases. It’s impossible to watch this show without developing an affinity for the main character, and the writing is clever throughout. Monk is perhaps best characterized as a comfort show, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Some of the most impactful shows are the ones that are rooted in reality. Such is the case with Maid , which is based on a memoir of the same name by Stephanie Land (some character names have been changed). It tells the story of Alex Russell (Margaret Qualley), who gets a job as a house cleaner after leaving an abusive relationship. As she struggles to make ends meet for her and her young daughter, the show paints a stark picture of poverty in America and explores the deep divide between the haves and have-nots.

Stranger Things is a captivating mix of horror, drama and nostalgia. It is set in a fictional Indiana town in the 1980s. Residents experience a series of strange events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin searching for answers.

This miniseries feels like it’s based on a true story, thanks to its authentic script and lifelike characters. An orphaned girl in the 1960s named Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers a talent for chess that propels her into major competitions and onto the world stage. But fame begins to take its toll as she’s forced to reevaluate what she really wants in life.

In this riveting Spanish crime drama, a mastermind known as “The Professor” assembles a group of eight people to pull off an ambitious heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. The show uses compelling flashbacks and time jumps to keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you need a fun, lighthearted show that will make you laugh, Never Have I Ever might be your answer. Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is a first-generation Indian-American teen struggling to reconcile her dual identities while dealing with the typical challenges of high school and climbing the social ladder. There are relatable themes no matter your age — or you might find yourself having flashbacks to the traumas of adolescence. But in a funny way.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list, Bridgerton is set in Regency England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while navigating high society — and becoming the subject of anonymously written gossip pamphlets. There’s enough drama, gorgeous costumes, and lavish tea parties to keep you coming back for more. The first part of season 3 drops on May 16, so tune in now.

One of Netflix’s funniest and most original shows, Grace and Frankie follows two longtime rivals who eventually lean on each other after they realize their spouses have fallen in love. Come for the all-star cast — including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston — and stay for the refreshingly unique plot.