We've all done the infinite scroll on the Netflix app, spending an hour looking for something before giving up. Sometimes there are just too many shows to choose from, and the last thing anyone wants is to get a few hours into a show that's not worth finishing. To save you and your precious time, we've compiled a list of our favorite shows on Netflix, from some of the streamer's most iconic flagship series like Stranger Things and The Crown to reliable classics like Gilmore Girls and Scandal and underrated or critically acclaimed originals you can't find anywhere else. We'll let you know about series that have just arrived or are about to leave, too, so you can prioritize your watch-list.

This week, why not tune into one of the streamer's Golden Globe-nominated series? Limited series Adolescence, already an Emmy-winner, received five nominations for the Globes, which will take place on Jan. 11, 2026. The Keri Russell series The Diplomat also received a nomination for Best Drama Series, while Nobody Wants This was nominated in the Best Comedy Series category. These are just a few of the great shows on our watch list – if you've got time off this week, they're all worth a binge!

---

Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

---

If you're looking for your next favorite series, here's our roundup of some of the best shows you can stream on Netflix. And if you'd rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best movies on Netflix.

Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2025

Netflix

Stranger Things (2016-)

Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. Seven episodes of the final season have already dropped in the past month, and the final episode (which reportedly clocks in at over two hours) arrived on New Year's Eve. Will the world ever be right side up again?

Netflix

Adolescence (2025)

Adolescence, the story of a young boy accused of killing a classmate, has gripped viewers since its release this year. The series earned 13 Emmy nominations and won eight, including outstanding limited or anthology series and acting awards for Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. It also just picked up five Golden Globe nods. The series became a phenomenon for its unique filming style: Each of its four episodes is shot in a single continuous take, giving the show a live-theater feel.

Bridgerton (2020-)

One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list. Bridgerton is set in Regency-era England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while navigating high society -- and being the subject of anonymously penned gossip pamphlets. The show's third season earned three Emmys at this year's award show, including one for narrator Julie Andrews, who won for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance. Season 4 will debut in two parts; Part 1 will premiere on Jan. 29, 2026, and Part 2 will premiere on Feb. 26. The upcoming season will have a total of eight episodes.

Netflix

The Diplomat (2023-)

Political drama The Diplomat, starring Keri Russell as American diplomat Kate Wyler in London, first premiered in 2023 and has proven to be an addictive hit. The show blends international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama, and now's the perfect time to catch up on its first two seasons: Season 3, which features Bradley Whitford as a new addition to the cast, premiered in October. Keri Russell just earned a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for her role as Kate Wyler, and the show was also nominated for Best Drama Series.

Netflix

Nobody Wants This (2024-)

In the Netflix original comedy series Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell stars as Joanne, an LA podcaster with no religious ties who falls for a rabbi, Noah, whose family struggles to accept their interfaith relationship. The show is hilarious and works especially well thanks to Bell and Brody's romantic chemistry -- both were nominated at the upcoming Golden Globes, and the show was nominated for Best Comedy Series. Both seasons are currently available to stream now. 

NBC

The West Wing (1999-2006)

During its seven-year run on NBC, The West Wing was showered with Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and Peabody Awards. The series, created by Aaron Sorkin, was a political drama about the goings-on in a fictional, but highly idealized version of the White House. Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Martin Sheen and Janel Moloney all co-starred. All seven seasons of the show arrived to Netflix on Dec. 9. 

Netflix

Death By Lightning (2025)

Death By Lightning is Netflix's new historical drama series, and at the beginning of the first episode, it states that it's the "true story about two men the world forgot. One was the 20th President of the United States. The other shot him." The show follows two parallel stories, one about the ascent of James Garfield from congressman to president of the United States, and the other about the life of a failed lawyer, Charles Guiteau, who developed an infatuation with the president and eventually became Garfield's assassin. The series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, with Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman and Shea Whigham rounding out the cast. 

Lara Solanki/Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-)

Adapted from Michael Connelly's novels,The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a lawyer who uses clever ways to defend his clients (or get around defending them). Riding around in a Lincoln only contributes to his charm, but this series isn't a lighthearted comedy, you also get crime, action, mystery, humor and loads of drama. Season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer will drop on Netflix on Feb 5. 

Netflix

A Man on the Inside (2024-)

A Man on the Inside, created by Mike Schur, is essentially a comedy blended with meditations on loss, grief, and adult child and parent relationships, all wrapped up in a private investigation over some mysteriously missing jewels. Ted Danson stars as Charles, a lonely widower whose wife died the year before after living with Alzheimer's disease. When his daughter (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) encourages him to find a hobby, he finds a job assisting a private investigator who is looking into a jewel theft at a local nursing home. Charles moves into the facility, hence the "man on the inside," to look into potential suspects, but he finds himself getting too close to the suspects he's supposed to be investigating. A second season, costarring Danson's wife Mary Steenburgen, Max Greenfield and Gary Cole, is out now.

Netflix

Envious (2024-)

Envious (Envidiosa) is an Argentinian comedy starring Griselda Siciliani as Vicky, a 40-year-old woman who is depressed and jealous that all of her friends are getting married and she's not. After abruptly breaking up with her long-term boyfriend Dani, things for Vicky fall apart even more when Dani immediately marries a hot, younger woman. An under-the-radar gem, Envious is buoyed by Siciliani's terrific comedic presence. A third season just arrived on the platform this fall.

Netflix

The Great British Baking Show (2010-)

The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. Host Alison Hammond, who joined two seasons ago, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and there are nine total seasons on the streamer, a junior competition and several holiday specials.

Starz

Minx (2022-2023)

Minx first premiered on HBO Max in 2022 before getting shuffled over to Starz (and eventually getting canceled), and it's a shame that it suffered such an annoying fate, because it was truly a deeply funny series full of great relationships and storylines... and a lot of nudity. Ophelia Lovibond stars as Joyce Prigger, a journalist tired of traditional women's magazines who wants to create a truly feminist publication. But the only financial backing she can get is from a sleazy porn publisher (Jake Johnson), so she has to find a balance between the Feminine Mystique and Playgirl. The show features some great performances from the supporting cast, which includes Lennon Parham, Jessica Lowe and Oscar Montoya. Both seasons are available now on Netflix.

Colin Hutton

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

Broadchurch originally ran on ITV in the UK for three seasons between 2013 and 2017, and now it's come to Netflix. The series stars Olivia Colman and David Tennant as Detective Ellie Miller and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, police officers investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy in the coastal town of Broadchurch. The show is riveting for it's addictive story and incredible performances (and for the way Tennant says the name "Miller"), you'll binge the whole thing as quickly as possible once you start. 

Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark Winds (2022 - present)

Set in the American Southwest during the 1970s, Dark Winds stars Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, the lieutenant of the Navajo Police, as he and his team solve a series of crimes. The show is adapted from the Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman is produced for AMC Plus. All three seasons are now available on the platform; keep an eye out for Robert Redford, who produced the series, in an uncredited cameo in the Season 3 premiere, it's his final appearance onscreen before his death this past September.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are one of the most iconic mother-daughter duos in TV history thanks to Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino's sharp, pop culture-filled scripts and vivid cast of characters inhabiting the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The show's cozy New England setting adds to its autumn vibe, even though the series takes place throughout the year. Its four-episode reboot, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, is also on Netflix, so now's the perfect time for a rewatch.

Netflix

Love on the Spectrum (2022-)

If you're looking for the antidote to a stressful day, look no further than Love on the Spectrum. The show, now in its third season, is a docuseries about young adults on the autism spectrum who are looking for love, and it is just about as heartwarming and generally wonderful as you can imagine. Each of the show's three seasons contains either six or seven episodes, making it the perfect binge if you need a rush of dopamine. The newest season also took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program.

Netflix

Arcane (2021-)

Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters' journeys. The critically lauded show took home the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.  

Jan Thijs 514-992-2316, Jan Thijs

Orphan Black (2013-2017)

Originally broadcast on BBC America, Orphan Black is a Canadian sci-fi series about a woman named Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) who witnesses the suicide of a woman who appears to be her exact clone. As Sarah digs into the other woman's past, she learns that they're two of many clones who were part of a secret experiment, and now the lives of her and her "sisters" are in danger. The show, which lasted for five seasons, is a solid mystery, but Maslany is truly a marvel as she toggles between her multiple roles. 

Netflix

Wednesday (2022-)

Jenna Ortega stars in Netflix's Wednesday, a modern take on the life of one of the most morbid teens in pop culture history, Wednesday Addams. The series, executive produced and occasionally directed by Tim Burton, quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix when it premiered in 2022 and both parts of season 2 are out now.

Netflix

The Four Seasons (2025)

The new Netflix original series The Four Seasons turns the 1981 Alan Alda film into a heartfelt cozy dramedy series reimagined by Tina Fey. Fey not only co-stars in the show but co-wrote it with 30 Rock writer Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher to offer a modern take on the story of three couples whose friendships are turned upside down when one of the couples announces their separation. The show is filled with great performances, including from Colman Domingo, who earned an Emmy nod for his role.

Netflix

Dept. Q (2025)

In Dept. Q, Matthew Goode stars as DCI Carl Morck, a detective in Edinburgh, Scotland, whose been assigned to a newly formed task force that investigates cold cases. Morck is your typical "doesn't play by the rules" cop who has just returned to the force after an incident where he was seriously wounded and his partner was paralyzed, and he's a loose cannon now more than ever. As the reluctant leader of this new department, he and his team look into a case involving a female prosecutor who mysteriously disappeared, with no real leads to go on. Scott Frank, the co-creator of The Queen's Gambit, is also responsible for this series. The show, which was nominated for an Emmy this year, has also been renewed for a second season, so hopefully we'll finally get to the bottom of who shot Morck.

Netflix

Love, Death + Robots (2019-)

The adult animation anthology series Love, Death + Robots was developed by filmmaker Tim Miller (who also directed Deadpool) and is co-produced by David Fincher. There are currently 45 episodes which range from 6 to 21 minutes each, and most are helmed by a different director and animation team, giving them all a distinct style and visual approach as they bring to life adaptations of short stories. (Over the show's four seasons, it has consistently won Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its design and artistry, including four awards this year.)

Netflix

Black Mirror (2011-)

Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern "advancements." A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling -- and often unsettling -- imagining 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 all the best ways. Season 7, which arrived in 2025, received nine Emmy nominations. 

Netflix

Ozark (2017-2022)

At this point, Ozark might be most remembered as the vehicle that made Julia Garner a star. The actress won three Emmys for her role as criminal Ruth Langmore, who faced off against Marty and Wendy Byrde (Jason Bateman and Laura Linney), a Chicago couple who relocate to the Ozarks and find themselves laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. The crime drama ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2022, loading up on awards and critical acclaim in the process.

IFC

Portlandia (2011-2018)

Portlandia, the great sketch series written by and starring Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen, ran for eight seasons on IFC, and now you can watch every episode on Netflix. The show, which hilariously and lovingly poked fun at the city of Portland and all the various people you might find there, just arrived on Netflix this week. Keep an eye out for the dozens of celebrity cameos throughout the series, too. SNL alums like Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis show up, but so do the Portland Trailblazers, Eddie Vedder and the rest of Sleater-Kinney, too.

Netflix

I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson (2019-2023)

Tim Robinson is having a moment now that his first feature film, Friendship, debuted this year, and if you loved that movie, you definitely need to catch up on his absurdist sketch comedy show I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson. The often cringey comedy might not be for everyone but for a certain subset of comedy fans it's a gem. The show features a who's who of notable talent -- stars from Saturday Night Live including Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer and Will Forte appear, along with Ayo Edebiri, Fred Willard, Sam Richardson and more. The premises are usually bonkers, often humiliating situations and Robinson has perfected his awkward persona in each of them. If you're a fan of Robinson's humor, definitely try the other Netflix series he stars in alongside Richardson, Detroiters, after you've finished this one.

Netflix

Squid Game (2021-2025)

This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it's an enthralling watch. The third and final season arrived in June so now is a great time to watch the complete series.

Getty Images

Sex and the City (1998-2004)

If you're craving some late '90s nostalgia, you can find all six seasons of Sex and the City on Netflix. The series follows sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her friends in New York City. It was a cultural touchstone for a minute, so whether you've never watched or want to be reminded of a different era when Louboutins became a whole thing and everyone still smoked in bars, you won't want to miss the original show that begat the (less satisfying) reboot, And Just Like That.

Netflix

Lupin (2021-)

French mystery-thriller Lupin first premiered in 2021 and stars Omar Sy as Assane Diop, a robber inspired by fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Diop seeks revenge for his father's death by targeting the family he holds responsible. The acclaimed series has already released three batches of episodes, and Part 4 is currently in production in Paris and is confirmed to premiere in the fall of 2026.

Netflix

Mo (2022-)

Comedian Mo Amer is the namesake of the Netflix original series Mo, which has run for two seasons (so far) on the streamer. The Peabody-winning series follows Mo Najjar (played by Amer), a Palestinian-American living in Houston, Texas, on his quest for citizenship in the United States. The show is co-created and co-written by fellow comedian Ramy Youssef.

Matt Klitscher/Netflix

Sweet Tooth (2021-2024)

Sweet Tooth is a fantasy series based on a comic book of the same name set in a dystopian world where much of the world's population has died off, and babies are born as animal-human hybrids. The story, which is geared toward a more youthful teen audience, follows Gus (Christian Convery), half boy-half deer, who is joined by a man named Tommy as they travel in search of Gus' father (played by Will Forte). Despite the show's post-apocalyptic setting, it's less foreboding than many dystopian shows, with moments of lightness that keep it from getting too heavy.

FOX

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Even though Andy Samberg was the face of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which first aired on Fox and then NBC, the police sitcom is truly an ensemble filled with incredible comedic performances. (The late, great Andre Braugher, who was best known for his dramatic roles, was especially brilliant as the 99's Captain Ray Holt.) Currently, you can catch seasons 3-6 on Netflix.

Netflix

The Residence (2025)

Get caught up in Shonda Rhimes' new original, The Residence, a mystery series set in the White House. When a staff member is murdered on the grounds, the list of suspects includes more than 150 people, and there's seemingly only one person who's fit to investigate -- and solve -- the crime. Enter Uzo Aduba's Cordelia Cupp, a quirky detective with the skills to peer into the murkiest clues, examine the 100-plus mansion rooms, and question the plethora of oddball employees. Although the show was canceled after just one season, Aduba received an Emmy nomination for her role.

Nicole Rivelli/ViacomCBS

Younger (2015-2021)

Younger was critically acclaimed but flew under the radar when it first aired on TV Land but it's gotten a major bump in popularity since it arrived on Netflix. The show stars Sutton Foster as 40-year-old Liza Miller, who relocates to Brooklyn from New Jersey to start over after her husband leaves her and her daughter heads to college. When she has no luck landing a job in publishing by being honest about her age and the fact that she took time off to raise a child, she pretends she's 26 and gets a job right away. Though the lie helps her land a job and a new boyfriend, she's often conflicted. As the seasons pass, she slowly has to let the people in her life know the truth. Despite the sometimes goofy premise, the show -- created by Sex and the City and Emily in Paris creator Darren Star -- is hilarious, silly and often raunchy in the best way. Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella and Peter Hermann co-star.

Netflix

Russian Doll (2019-2022)

For two seasons, Natasha Lyonne starred in Russian Doll, a New York-set fantasy about a woman who's caught in a time loop and experiences her own death every night, only to wake up very much alive the next day. Lyonne played Nadia, a video game developer who attempts to figure out why this keeps happening to her, when she eventually meets a man named Alan (Charlie Barnett) who's experiencing the same thing. A little bit of a mystery blended with comedy and sci-fi, the show was co-created by Lyonne, SNL's Amy Poehler and writer Leslye Headland and features memorable performances from Greta Lee and Chloe Sevigny.

Netflix

Hellbound (2021-2024)

South Korean horror-fantasy Hellbound was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho with Choi Gyu-seok and is based on their short of the same name. The series takes place in a dark, futuristic version of South Korea where spiritual beings materialize to condemn people to certain death at some point in the future, and eventually the condemned are dragged off to hell. The episodes shift in tone, with some coming off more like a police procedural and others offering social commentary on religion, the media and sin, often blending genres into a spooky, smart thriller full of plot twists. The show's creators are also responsible for writing and directing the Netflix original film Revelations, which was released in March 2025.

Netflix

Cunk on Earth (2023)

Cunk on Earth is peak absurdist comedy, and it's undeniably hilarious watching Diane Morgan play the oblivious and under-informed reporter Philomena Cunk. Cunk travels the globe interviewing people who are experts in the fields of history, theology and more. But this isn't a show that truly wants to teach so much as dare you not to laugh when Cunk deadpans her way through serious conversations with her inane commentary.

Netflix

The Recruit (2022-)

The second season of Netflix's The Recruit has just arrived, making now the perfect time to binge this political thriller starring Noah Centineo as CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks. When the show began, Hendricks found himself negotiating with a former CIA asset who was attempting to extort the agency. In season two, the drama heads to Seoul when Hendricks finds himself working on a mission with Korean intelligence.

Netflix

Heartstopper (2022-2024)

Kit Connor and Joe Locke star in Heartstopper, a Netflix original coming-of-age drama, as high school students navigating their sexuality and social norms. In the show's first season, Charlie (Locke) comes out of the closet and realizes his feelings for his friend, the rugged and athletic Nick (Connor). Eventually Nick also starts to embrace his own bisexuality. Throughout the show, the two, along with the rest of their friends, explore this ever-changing era in their lives. The beloved show includes some notable guest appearances from Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey and Hayley Atwell.

Netflix

Dead to Me (2019-2022)

Dead to Me packs laughter, tears, grief and mystery into every one of its perfectly balanced 30 minute episodes, and the worst thing about the show is that we only got three seasons of it.  The show's first season begins as Christina Applegate's character, the recently widowed Jen, is befriended by a woman named Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a grief support group, not realizing that Judy is responsible for Jen's husband's death. The relationship between the two women evolves over time, especially after Jen finds out the truth about Judy, but eventually the women's love-hate relationship becomes more love than hate and they come to depend on each other more than they ever expected.

Netflix

The Night Agent (2023-)

Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show's first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top secret Night Agent program, where he gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government.

Netflix

Is She the Wolf? (2023)

Netflix has become a reliable platform for dating shows with a twist, like Love Is Blind, the one where you have to get engaged immediately, or Too Hot to Handle, the one where everyone has to be celibate. On the Japanese series Is She the Wolf? the big twist is more along the lines of The Traitors or The Mole: Planted among all of the legitimate contestants searching for love is a decoy. In the first episode, you learn that one woman brought on the show is not allowed to fall in love, and if someone does fall for her, it's game over. It's an emotional roller coaster as the wolf tries not to actually fall in love herself, while trying to keep her identity and motives under wraps. And just to add to the fun, the challenges each couple has to participate in are unlike anything else we're used to, with many of them requiring the contestants to use an old film camera to capture scenic shots of Japanese landmarks (it's hard to explain but it works, trust me). 

Ed Miller/Netflix

Baby Reindeer (2024)

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 played by Jessica Gunning, 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 won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for best limited series and best supporting actress for Gunning.

Photo: Netflix

GIrls5Eva (2021-2024)

Though Girls5Eva only lasted three seasons, it remains a source of incredible comedy thanks to its wild performances and hilarious songs. (New York Lonely Boy and I'm Afraid (Dawn's Song of Fears) hit especially close to home.) The show was originally a Peacock original, but was picked up (and canceled just as quickly) by Netflix. Created by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt writer Meredith Scardino, the show is about a reunited '90s girl group played by Sara Bareilles, who proved that her comedic timing was as good as her musical talent, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renee Elise Goldsberry, whose truly unhinged performance as self-obsessed has-been Wickie Roy is one of the great comedic performances of late.

Netflix

Ripley (2024)

Praised by CNET's Aaron Pruner as a "brilliant new take on the anti-hero story," Netflix's Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants -- even murder.  Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian.

Netflix

Black Doves (2024)

When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and was quickly renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly -- who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role -- as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen's friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor.

Keith Bernstein/Netflix

The Crown (2016-2023)

A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages -- namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy. 

Sam Tayor/Netflix

Sex Education (2019-2023)

Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It also served as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother's profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years.

Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists -- many of which are not 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 providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. 

Netflix

Blue Eye Samurai (2023-)

Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race female 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 with 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. 

Netflix

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

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. 

USA Network

Suits (2011-2019)

This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal background who somehow lands a job at a prestigious New York law firm working for top attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team but have to keep Mike's lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits' brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform.

Netflix

Asura (2025)

Netflix's new Japanese drama Asura has a seemingly straightforward premise: in 1979, four sisters discover that their aging father has had an affair and fathered a boy outside of his marriage to their mother. That's the starting point, but over the course of the show's seven episodes, the show layers this family drama with humor and warmth. As the sisters grapple with how to confront their father (and withhold the information from their mother), their own lives change course and new secrets emerge. Despite the sisters' drastically different personalities, they maintain their own bond that's loving and occasionally contentious, but always remains honest and real.

Netflix

Beef (2023-)

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. The show will become an anthology series; a second season starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny is in the works.

Netflix

Derry Girls (2018-2022)

Before it landed at Netflix, Derry Girls aired on Channel 4 in the UK and was the most-watched show ever in Northern Ireland. Set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the series was inspired by creator Lisa McGee's experiences growing up. The show centers around five teens attending Catholic school amid the political turmoil of the time, set to a soundtrack of perfectly selected mid-1990s needle drops from the likes of The Cranberries, Salt-N-Pepa and Take That. It also made celebrities of its young stars including Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Nicola Coughlan, who stars in another show on our list, Bridgerton.