Let’s face it: there’s nothing better than getting completely and utterly lost in a TV series. Whether you’re looking for something new to binge-watch, or you’re simply hoping to get inspired to re-binge your favorite show, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we have a carefully-curated list of the best TV shows to fit your needs. From swoon-worthy period pieces to nail-biting mysteries, prolific medical dramas, sitcoms and everything in between, here are 25 of the very best binge-worthy shows to stream now.
The Crown
Whether you’re a history buff, or you just like to sink your teeth into a good old-fashioned drama series, Netflix’s “The Crown” is here to fit all of your watching needs. Written by Peter Morgan, the show follows the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, starting with her wedding to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, and spanning through her 21st Century rule. The show is ripe with biting familial drama, dazzling set pieces and an all-star cast, with stellar actors like Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter and Elizabeth Debicki leading the royal charge.
30 Rock
It’s hard to think of a more iconic modern sitcom than NBC’s “30 Rock.” Created by comedian Tina Fey and based on her time as a writer on “Saturday Night Live,” the series follows sketch-show showrunner Liz Lemon (Fey) and her endless gaffs and faux pas at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza address. Rounding out the stellar comedic cast are actors such as Tracy Morgan, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer. The show has a total of seven seasons and 139 half-hour episodes, which each come with a premise so unique and hilarious that it’s practically impossible not to digest multiple in one sitting. “30 Rock” is currently available to stream on Hulu or Peacock. (What are you waiting for?)
House
Let’s face it: there probably isn’t a more bingeable TV genre than the medical drama. From the stunningly prolific, 19-season (and counting!) “Grey’s Anatomy,” to the beloved “The Good Doctor,” and the classic “ER,” we could write a whole separate list about binge-worthy medical shows. Without a doubt hanging near the top of that list would be “House,” a show which centers around the delightfully antisocial Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) as he spearheads a team of diagnosticians at a hospital. Running for eight seasons starting in 2004, “House” is a captivating watch due to its unconventional protagonist, funny one-liners, and, of course, adrenaline-pinching medical drama.
Andor
When Disney+ announced that they were developing “Andor,” the fourth live-action series in the coveted Star Wars franchise, fans of the intergalactic series were understandably very excited. But the Disney+ series isn’t just for Star Wars enthusiasts – it has something for everyone. The show not only allows audiences to sink their teeth into juicy Star Wars lore, but it is also a riveting classic adventure story, political commentary and character study. And need we mention that it’s also just a hell of a lot of fun?
“Andor” takes place prior to the events of the 2016 film “Rogue One,” and follows the Rebel Alliance’s plot to overthrow the Galactic Empire. And while there’s only one season as of now, Season 2 has officially been ordered, giving audiences even more of a reason to get caught up on all of the episodes.
Ted Lasso
After it premiered in 2020, it was hard to go anywhere without hearing someone talk about “Ted Lasso.” The show, which stars Jason Sudeikis as a college football coach who is thrown into the deep end when recruited to coach pro soccer, garnered a ton of praise upon its release, and went on to become the most-nominated first-season of a comedy show in the history of the Emmy Awards. So whether you are looking to binge-watch a big-hearted underdog tale with heaps of laughs, or you simply want to see what all the fuss is about, head over to Apple TV now to stream the first two seasons of the series.
Bridgerton
In 2020, period drama “Bridgerton” took the world by storm, and by its second season, it was the most-watched English-language TV show on Netflix. The series takes place in the early 1800s, and follows an upper-class British family called the Bridgertons. Both of its seasons boast epic familial drama, mega-steamy love stories and stunning plots and costumes, all of which make it one of the most binge-worthy shows on Netflix. It’s just a bonus that everyone in the cast is really, really good-looking.
Arrested Development
One of the most popular American sitcoms out there, “Arrested Development” follows the Bluths: a family who lost all their wealth. Most of us can attest to the fact that the majority of families are majorly dysfunctional – and “Arrested Development” dials this notion up to a ten. The show is full of conflict, drama and laugh-out-loud humor, all of which is delivered by stellar comedic actors like Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, David Cross and Jessica Walter. It is currently available to watch in all of its uproarious glory on Hulu.
WandaVision
The 2021 show “WandaVision” marked an exciting television milestone: it was the first-ever TV series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It features beloved Marvel Comics characters Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they lead a quiet life in the suburbs that is quickly permeated by strange outside forces. Not only is “WandaVision” a fiercely original take on superhero tropes, but it also works as a tender love story and a bingeable drama. It also lit the torch for other great MCU shows, including “Loki,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “What If…?,” all of which are currently available to stream on Disney+.
Severance
One of the best breakout TV shows of 2022, “Severance” boasts a bold, original premise. The series takes place in a world where characters can undergo an operation that severs their work memories from their personal ones, which, of course, eventually comes with its fair share of shadiness. Before long, the show spirals into a full-blown conspiracy/thriller that you will be so desperate to get to the bottom of that it’ll be virtually impossible not to watch the whole first season in one sitting. And if the ending of Season 1 doesn’t have you completely satisfied, not to worry – a second season is currently in the works, and will likely dive even deeper into the show’s dark underworld.
The Good Place
Without a doubt one of the most bingeable shows out there, NBC’s “The Good Place“ is completely riveting from its very first episode, which sees protagonist Eleanor (Kristen Bell) landing in Heaven, AKA “The Good Place,” only to realize that someone made a mistake putting her there given that she’s actually a pretty terrible person. From this point onward, the show is filled to the brim with shocking twists and turns, hilarious moments and remarkably compelling characters, including philosophy professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper), posh British model Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and unfiltered AI chaperone Janet (D’Arcy Carden). All four seasons of the show are equally addicting and completely impossible to peel your eyes away from, as it’s always a challenge to guess where the story is headed next.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of period piece and raging comedy, Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has you covered. Created by “Gilmore Girls’” Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show premiered in 2017 and was instantly met with rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The show follows a Manhattan-based 1950s Jewish-American housewife named Miriam (Rachel Brosnahan) who accidentally becomes one of the city’s leading stand-up comics. All four (and counting) seasons of the show are equally hilarious and full of heart and are tied impeccably together by a tour-de-force performance from Brosnahan.
Friday Night Lights
Who knew that a show about a Texas high school football team would go on to become one of the most beloved series of all time? Over five seasons, “Friday Night Lights” looks at the lives and loves of the residents of Dillon, Texas, a town completely overrun by high school football. But you do not have to be a football fan to love “Friday Night Lights.” I repeat: you do not have to be a football fan to love “Friday Night Lights.” Indeed, the show has something for everyone: from swoon-worthy football players, (I’m looking at you, Tim Riggins), to roller coaster romances and heartwarming friendships, it’s virtually impossible not to get completely swept up in Dillon’s charm. Head over to Netflix or Hulu ASAP to get caught up on every episode. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
The Office (US)
You didn’t really think we’d compile a list of the most binge-worthy TV shows without including the US version of The Office, did you? For those of you who have somehow have made it this far without seeing an episode of the series, it is a mockumentary-style look at a Scranton, PA-based paper company called Dunder Mifflin, led by the world’s cringiest boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The show boasts 201 hilarious episodes, with a cast of characters that it’s impossible not to fall in love with. If you’ve never given it a watch, (or even if you have), head over to Peacock and start your binge ASAP.
Stranger Things
It’s hard to think of a show that has received more hype in the past couple of years than Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” In fact, its fourth season recently broke Nielsen’s record for the most-viewed show in the period of one week. In the seven days after its release, Season 4 of “Stranger Things” received a whopping 7.2 billion minutes streamed, and for good reason. It is a creative, adrenaline-pinching ‘80s throwback with easily loveable characters and twists at every turn. So what are you waiting for? Go binge all four seasons of the show now, before its fifth and final season hits Netflix.
Downton Abbey
One of the most popular period dramas out there, “Downton Abbey” is set in England in the early 1900s and looks at the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants. Like any good period piece, the show is ripe with steamy romance, betrayal and epic familial spats. It’s an added bonus that it also boasts magnificent post-Edwardian sets (those chandeliers though!) and equally dazzling costumes (can we bring back those floppy sun hats already?). So if you’re looking to sink your teeth into one of the juiciest period dramas that TV has to offer, head to Amazon Prime today to start binging all six seasons.
Frasier
Premiering in 1993 and running for a total of 11 seasons, “Frasier” is a stone-cold classic. The “Cheers” spin-off sitcom follows Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), a psychiatrist who returns to his hometown of Seattle to become a radio show host. There, he reconnects with his roots, and is met with plenty of life lessons and laughs along the way. Not only is “Frasier” a hilarious, binge-worthy romp, but it also saw a ton of critical acclaim. The series snatched up a whopping total of thirty-seven Emmy Awards, which was a record for scripted series at the time. If you’ve already seen “Frasier,” there’s never a bad time to head over to Hulu and revisit your favorite psychiatrist; and if you haven’t, do yourself a favor and see what all the fuss is about!
Dead to Me
It is no secret that Netflix pretty consistently churns out highly binge-worthy shows and original series. From “Stranger Things”, to the adrenaline-pinching “Ozark” and the beloved ensemble show “Orange Is the New Black,” there are almost too many to count. One of the most addicting shows that the streamer has to offer is “Dead to Me,” which follows two women who meet in a grieving support group, and from there get involved in an unexpected world of crime and conspiracy. All three seasons are stuffed with unexpected twists and turns, and almost every episode ends on a cliffhanger, making it pretty much impossible to avoid binge-watching.
Parks and Recreation
If you’re a fan of “The Office,” run – don’t walk – to Peacock and get started on your 7-season “Parks and Recreation” binge today. One of the greatest entries into the cringe-comedy-sitcom genre, the show follows the Parks department in a small town in Indiana. Perhaps the best thing about the show is its all-star cast, which has to be one of the greatest of all time. Some of the main actors include Amy Peohler, Rashida Jones, Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott and Rob Lowe. Come on – can you really top that?
Breaking Bad
Often referred to as one of the best TV shows of all time, Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad” premiered in 2013 and has since become a cult classic. The series follows a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) who, following a lung cancer diagnosis, decides to use his advanced chemistry skills to cook prime quality crystal meth so he can leave his family enough money after his death. Soon enough, Walter’s master plan spirals out of control and he sees himself in the midst of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s dangerous drug scene. Not only does “Breaking Bad” boast a superb high-concept premise, but it also remains consistently engaging and suspenseful throughout all five seasons, with cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat even on a second watch. Head to Netflix now to get started on your binge.
Manifest
One of the lesser-known additions to this list, “Manifest” is one of the most binge-worthy hidden(ish) gems out there. The show starts with passengers landing from a seemingly short flight only to discover that they have somehow been missing and presumed dead for over five years. If that wild premise isn’t enough to hook you, rest assured that all four seasons of the show are wildly entertaining and perplexing, and are guaranteed to keep you guessing until the very end. Head to Netflix now to let the mystery begin.
The Great British Bake Off
Perhaps the most wholesome show that this list has to offer, “The Great British Bake Off” is a reality cooking competition that sees amateur bakers competing in front of seasoned judges. Not only is it always fun to watch people battle for a prize, but the food on this show always looks utterly delicious, and everyone is so sweet to each other that it’s difficult to feast on any of the episodes without a smile on your face. The show has 13 seasons currently available on Netflix, with each tastier than the last.
Freaks and Geeks
Talk about a classic! Binge-watching “Freaks and Geeks” is bound to hit any viewer with a serious dosage of nostalgia. The 1999 show, which takes place in a high school in the early 1980s, centers around a group of wacky teens. Not only is it a fun throwback drama, it also offers the unique opportunity to look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars back in the early days of their careers, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel and Busy Phillipps. Head over to Hulu to binge the show now.
Grey’s Anatomy
Without a doubt one of the most prolific TV shows out there, “Grey’s Anatomy” premiered back in 2005 and has been running for a total of 19 seasons – and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon! The show follows Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), a surgeon who makes her way through an internship, residency and eventual full-time position at Seattle Grace Hospital. Along the way, she has some pretty epic romances and friendships, and faces a great deal of trauma (including but not limited to: plane crashes, bomb scares and vengeful gunmen). So whether you’re in it for the action, the romance, or the medicine, “Grey’s” has something for everyone. Head over to Netflix to start your binge ASAP.
Schitt’s Creek
Given that it is helmed by “American Pie’s” Eugene Levy and his son, Dan, it’s no surprise that “Schitt’s Creek” is an absolute barrel of laughs. The show follows a wealthy family who, after being found guilty of embezzling money, lose their fortune and are forced to turn to their one asset: a small town called Schitt’s Creek that they bought as a joke. Now streaming on Netflix, the six-season show sees the family members adjusting to their new life, with hilarity naturally ensuing at every corner.
Better Call Saul
It’s hard to think of a better spin-off show than “Better Call Saul,” a series based on “Breaking Bad’s” kooky criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk). The six-season show chronicles how Saul got involved in the brutal meth world of “Breaking Bad,” and is both harrowing and surprisingly funny. Not only was “Saul” very well-received, but some also deem it superior to its predecessor. Head over to Netflix now to see for yourself.
