Deciding on a show to watch on Netflix can feel overwhelming, given the plethora of titles across all genres, from lighthearted comedies to intense dramas to period pieces. We’ve narrowed down some of the most entertaining shows on the streaming service right now, including both Netflix originals and acquired series. The toughest bit will be deciding which one to start with.
If you’re looking for your next comfort show, here’s our roundup of some of the best series you can binge on Netflix. And if you’d rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best Netflix original movies.
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The Crown (2016 – 2023)
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, 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 recently won a string of Emmy awards and is available to binge.
Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race woman 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, 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.
Ripley (2024)
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. For fans of period dramas — and crime shows — Peaky Blinders is a must-watch. A word of caution, though: This gritty series is not for the squeamish.
Black Mirror (2011 – Present)
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THE GOOD PLACE — \"Everything Is Fine\" Episode 101– Pictured: Ted Danson as Michael — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)
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THE GOOD PLACE — \"Everything Is Fine\" Episode 101– Pictured: Ted Danson as Michael — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)
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THE GOOD PLACE — "Everything Is Fine" Episode 101– Pictured: Ted Danson as Michael — (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)
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This show is not only hilarious and witty, but it’ll force you to reexamine deeper questions about life and what’s inherently “good” or “bad.” In the show, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself in the afterlife and, surprisingly, in the Good Place. But, as it turns out, she learns she’s actually there by mistake. This inspires Eleanor to embark on a mission to shed her old ways. The plot twists will throw you for a loop, and the amusing, one-of-a-kind characters will keep you coming back for more.
Suits (2011 – 2019)
If you’re on TikTok, you’ve probably seen this one all over your feed. One Day is a heart-wrenching adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel, in which we see Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) reunite on the same day across two decades. It’s a unique storytelling device that’ll make you reflect on time and relationships, and pull at your heartstrings all the while.
Squid Game (2021 – Present)
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Beef earned a well-deserved Emmy nod this year.
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Beef earned a well-deserved Emmy nod this year.
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Beef earned a well-deserved Emmy nod this year.
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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, and won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.
