With tons of titles across every genre, from comedies to dramas to period dramas, choosing which shows to watch on Netflix can be a daunting task. Thankfully, we’ve narrowed down some of the most entertaining shows on the streaming service right now, including both Netflix originals and acquired series. The hardest part is deciding where to start.
If you’re looking for your next comforting show, check out this roundup of the best binge-watchable series on Netflix, and if you’re looking to watch a movie, check out our recommendations for Netflix Original movies.
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A compelling, artistic retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Crown touches on many themes, not just the monarchy, but politics, family, the tumultuous marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and more. In addition to an all-star cast across six seasons, the show is fueled by strong writing and compelling storylines that stir emotions in viewers, regardless of their actual feelings about the British Royal Family.
Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Hailed as one of the greatest television shows of all time, “Breaking Bad” has all the makings of a standout series: suspenseful storylines, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists (many of which are not for the faint of heart). It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White as he is diagnosed with cancer and, concerned about providing for his family, turns to manufacturing methamphetamine. But his talent for making illegal drugs leads him down a path he never imagined.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
Peaky Blinders tells the story of a British gangster gang led by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang ruled the city of Birmingham, but Shelby began to look outside the city for advancement. The show not only has a compelling storyline, but also a great cast. For fans of period dramas and crime dramas, Peaky Blinders is a must-watch. But be warned: this moody series is not for the faint of heart.
Black Mirror (2011–present)
Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian depiction of a world dominated by technology and modern “progress.” Each standalone episode in the series offers a unique, compelling, and often unsettling look at the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself is a fresh way to watch TV in the age of binge-watching.) This is a show that will fascinate and entertain you in every way.
The Good Place (2016 – 2020)
Not only is this show funny and witty, it also makes you rethink deeper questions about life and what is essentially “good” and “evil.” In the show, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself lost in the afterlife and to her surprise ends up in “The Good Place.” However, she learns that she was there in error. This sets her on a mission to unleash her old habits. The storyline will surprise you and the interesting and unique characters will keep you coming back for more.
The comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal experience, as he takes a job at the law firm of Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), one of New York’s top lawyers. They make a formidable team, but they must keep Mike’s lack of a license to practice law a secret. A testament to Suits’ brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it debuted on Netflix in 2023. (The star power of Meghan Markle, now a duchess, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane on the show, was likely a factor.) But beware: Only the first eight seasons are available on Netflix. The ninth and final season will have to be watched on Peacock.
If you use TikTok, you’ve probably seen this video on your feed a bunch of times. One Day is a heartbreaking film adaptation of David Nichols’ novel, in which Emma Morley (Ambika Modh) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) meet on the same day for the first time in 20 years. It’s a unique story that’s both thought-provoking and emotionally charged about time and relationships.
Squid Game (2021-present)
This thriller has been a hot topic since it was released, and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of survival games. If you can stomach the grotesque and cruel themes that run throughout the show, this is an engrossing show. If so, you can look forward to season 2.
You might want to keep a box of tissues handy while watching this one. This Is Us follows the Pearson family, consisting of Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and their three children (Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown, and Justin Hartley). In exploring the Pearson children’s upbringing, This Is Us effectively uses flashback and flash-forward techniques to explore issues surrounding race, adoption, alcoholism, family illnesses, and other important themes. Each episode will leave you moved, devastated, and curious to know what happens next.
A road rage incident between Danny Chou (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) escalates into a long-running feud, setting the stage for a captivating comedy-drama made even better by its all-star cast. Beef garnered attention at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, winning eight awards, and at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, it won all three of the awards it was nominated for.
Monk is a masterful mix of crime, drama, and comedy. It follows Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), a private investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder, as he teams up with the San Francisco Police Department to solve unconventional cases. It’s impossible not to relate to the protagonist while watching this show, and it’s well-written throughout. Monk is perhaps best described as a comforting drama, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Some of the most influential shows are rooted in reality, like “Maids,” based on Stephanie Rand’s memoir of the same name (with some characters’ names changed). The show tells the story of Alex Russell (Margaret Qualley), who takes a job cleaning houses after leaving an abusive relationship. As she struggles to provide for herself and her young daughter, the show paints a harsh portrait of poverty in America and explores the deep divide between the haves and the have-nots.
Stranger Things (2016–present)
Stranger Things is a captivating mix of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in a fictional small Indiana town in the 1980s, its residents experience a series of strange events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin searching for answers.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
With authentic writing and vibrant characters, this miniseries feels like it’s based on a true story. In the 1960s, an orphan girl named Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers her talent for chess and works her way up to major tournaments and the world stage. But fame begins to take its toll on her, forcing her to reconsider what she really wants in life.
Paper Heist (2017-2021)
In this riveting Spanish crime drama, a mastermind known as “The Professor” assembles a group of eight to pull off an ambitious heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, with compelling flashbacks and time jumps to keep viewers on their toes.
Never Have I Ever (2020 – 2023)
If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted, and funny show, “Never Have I Ever” might be just what you’re looking for. Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) is a first-generation Indian-American teenager struggling to reconcile her dual identity while dealing with the usual challenges of high school life. It’s full of themes that will resonate with you no matter your age, or you might find yourself having flashbacks to some of your adolescent traumas, but in a hilarious way.
Bridgerton (2020–present)
One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list, Bridgerton is set in Regency England and follows the Bridgerton siblings as they navigate high society, find love, and become the subject of an anonymous gossip pamphlet. Packed with drama, beautiful costumes, and lavish tea parties, it’s a show you’ll want to rewatch again and again. The first episode of season 3 will be available on May 16, so tune in now.
Grace & Frankie (2015-2022)
One of Netflix’s funniest and most original shows, “Grace & Frankie” tells the story of two longtime rivals who ultimately find themselves relying on each other when they discover their husbands have fallen in love with each other. Featuring an all-star cast including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, this show is a must-watch, and the story is fresh and unique.