Audiences are on the verge of obsessive behavior when it comes to streaming must-see TV shows in binge-able servings. Peak TV constantly vying for our eyeballs doesn’t make it easy when it comes to adding series to ourNetflixqueue. So, whatshouldyou binge? Relax. We got ya covered. Whether you’re looking for a lazy Sunday, a long holiday weekend on the couch, or something to have on in the background, here are some essential TV series that all self-respecting fans of the medium should binge. While there are at least a billion shows on Netflix gunning for your attention, this mix of classic faves and Netflix originals are plenty to tide you over.
Looking for something more specific? Check out a list of the bestromantic,comedic, ordramaticshows on the platform, browse our list of thebest shows on Netflixacross all genres, or check out thebest shows to binge-watchon all platforms.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.9/10
The Fall of the House of Usher
The CEO of a pharmaceutical company must come face-to-face with his past decisions when his adult children start dying in mysterious and brutal ways in this gothic horror inspired by the works ofEdgar Allan Poe. Brooding and tense,Mike Flanagan’s typical stylish take on horror is in full swing as an acclaimed cast, including the likes ofWilla Fitzgerald,Carla Gugino,Kate Siegel, andMark Hamill, thrive with the script. An aesthetic delight,The Fall of the House of Usherallows for moments of breath to appreciate just how much gothic beauty goes into each frame but never fails to let up its suspense-laden atmosphere. Despite feeling fresh,The Fall of the House of Usheris also a touching nod to one of the horror genre’s best writers.- Jake Hodges
Watch on Netflix
‘Archive 81’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Archive 81
Archive 81is a mystery thriller that was made for binge-watching. In the present day, film archivist Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) is hired to restore videotapes that were damaged in a mysterious apartment fire. In 1994, film student Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) chooses the Visser apartment and its residents for her documentary thesis project. What neither Dan nor Melody realize is that they are both about to stumble upon a cult that has been determined to merge our realm with the realm of their demonic overlord for decades. As Dan watches and restores Melody’s tapes he forms a connection between them that transcends time and space – which iswild,I know. He’s able to communicate with her and hopes to use this connection to change Melody’s fate.Archive 81is a slow burn whose mystery will have you craving episode after episode. —Brynna Arens
‘Who is Erin Carter?’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Who Is Erin Carter?
Who is Erin Carter?is a thrilling British action mystery series that takes place in Barcelona, Spain. The story followsEvin Ahmad(Quicksand) as a teacher living a peaceful life with her husband and daughter, but her idyllic mundane routines are abruptly interrupted when she thwarts an armed robbery, exposing herself as a former undercover cop. From there, the story spirals into a breakneck pace as her past collides with her new life, and she has to use all the skills she’d hoped to leave behind in order to keep her family safe. The series is a brisk seven episodes, and they fly by quickly, making this an easy yet entertaining binge.
‘The Diplomat’ (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.0/10
The Diplomat
The Diplomatis filled with enough intrigue and mystery to keep you glued to your couch into the wee hours of the night and still wanting more after the credits roll.Keri Russell(Felicity) leads this captivating thriller and delivers a stunning performance that expertly balances high-stakes drama and comedy from start to finish. Russell plays Kate Wyler, a US diplomat to the UK who gets caught up in a massive international crisis that threatens to ignite a new world war. CreatorDebora Cahnis no stranger to political dramas, having cut her teeth on shows likeHomelandandThe West Wing, and she brings that experience to this series to create a charming show with great acting, quick-witted banter, and perfect pacing. –Tauri Miller
‘Beef’ (2023 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Ali WongandSteven Yeun(Invincible) star inBeef, a dark comedy-drama from Korean directorLee Sung Jin. Seamlessly weaving between drama and comedy,Beeffinds its ignition point with Amy and Danny (Wong and Yeun, respectively), two disgruntled strangers whose road rage incident blossoms into a chaotic and all-consuming war. Supported by an incredible cast,Beefco-stars includeJoseph Lee,David Choe, andAshley Park(Emily in Paris). Through the ten-episode first season, the bitter feud and ensuing acts of revenge escalate, ultimately burrowing into everything and everyone in these characters’ lives.– Yael Tygiel
‘You’ (2018 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Youis an American psychological thriller series that dives into the mind of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a serial killer who becomes obsessed with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). This series has made a killing on Netflix by keeping viewers locked in and infatuated with the meticulous musings of this toxic stalker, brought to life by the sensational Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl). The show manages to perfectly capture the narrative style of the original book series written byCaroline Kepnes. Viewers can thankSera Gamble(The Magicians) andGreg Berlanti(Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) for bringing this story from prose to the TV screen in such a vivid and kinetic way.Youis a ride from start to finish that keeps viewers on their toes every season. –Tauri Miller
‘Wednesday’ (2022 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% | IMDb: 8.1/10
Co-created byAlfred GoughandMiles Millar, with creative influence fromTim Burton, who directed four out of the eight-episode first season,Wednesdayfollows the title character, played byJenna Ortega(Scream), as she attends the prestigious private school for outcasts called Nevermore Academy. Featuring cameos fromLuis GuzmánandCatherine Zeta-Jonesas Wednesday’s parents, Gomez and Morticia Addams,Wednesdayprovides entertaining gothic, nostalgic tones paired with clever dry humor and spooky antics. Built on teen angst, love triangles, monsters, and murder mysteries,Wednesdayis an ideal follow-up toThe Addams Familyfranchise starringChristina Ricci(Yellowjackets).– Yael Tygiel
‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Ginny and Georgia
Antonia GentryandBrianne Howey(Batwoman) star as the titular dysfunctional mother-daughter duo inGinny and Georgia, an irresistible teen drama set in an idyllic Massachussettes town. Created bySarah Lampert, the first season introduced the Miller family and slowly cracked open their picturesque veneer as they attempted to settle into a new community and build a life. Season two seesGinny and Georgiadive deeper into the mysteries, lies, and unavoidable high school angst. Featuring a supporting cast includingJennifer Robertson(Schitt’s Creek),Felix Mallard, andScott Porter,Ginny and Georgiais an unstoppable force worth investing in.– Yael Tygiel
‘Derry Girls’ (2018 - 2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.5/10
Derry Girls
Derry Girlsis a British sitcom from creatorLisa McGee, heavily inspired by her own teen years growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, during the late 90s.Derry Girlstakes place during a time in history called The Troubles, allowing the series to comment on the period while finding humor in the personal lives of the teenage girls it centers. StarringNicola Coughlan(Bridgerton),Saoirse-Monica Jackson,andLouisa Harland,Derry Girlsis a hilarious comedy series that feels relatable even to audiences less familiar with the time period or the location’s history. – Yael Tygiel
‘Squid Game’ (2021 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Squid Game
Squid Gameis the most-watched show on Netflix of all time, accumulating over one billion viewing hours on the platform and winning several Emmys. The South Korean series follows 456 people who play deadly children’s games to win a large sum of money. Terrifying, relevant, and endlessly compelling,Squid Games' solid performances and sharp writing will keep you invested through all its wild twists and turns. –Taylor Gates
