I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better after a long day than sitting down with a snack or glass of wine, once the kids are in bed and watching a good binge-worthy show. Something that is not only entertaining but takes your mind off your own stress and brings you to another world. A world where new characters become like friends and you find yourself excited about the next episode.
Here are a few binge-worthy shows that will not leave you disappointed that you stayed up way past your normal bedtime.
- Succession: Who knew the little cousin from the Home Alone movies that peed in bed would grow up to be the heartthrob in the most talked about drama series? Talking about Kieran Culkin here in case you want to quickly look him up. He stars in the cutthroat drama where media conglomerates come to life as the Roy family jockeys for power and influence. Led by the formidable Brian Cox as Logan Roy, the stellar cast, including Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin, weaves a narrative of ambition, betrayal, and the intricate dance of family dynamics. The series takes you behind the polished facade of wealth and success, revealing the raw vulnerabilities that lie beneath. With a script as sharp as a CEO’s negotiation tactics, Succession is a masterclass in character-driven drama that explores the human cost of chasing corporate empires. This multi-emmy-winning show is sure to be a hit during your next binge weekend.
- Abbott Elementary: If you need a good laugh this one is for you. Emmy award winner, Quinta Brunson, takes the lead in Abbott Elementary, a mockumentary-style sitcom that peels back the layers of humor and challenges within a Philadelphia public school. The series shows a nuanced and witty exploration of the lives of dedicated teachers. As Brunson brings her comedic mastery to the forefront, the show cleverly navigates the complexities of the education system, offering a fresh and authentic take on the daily struggles and triumphs in the world of teaching.
- Ozark: Jason Bateman goes from giving us laughs that make our bellies hurt to keeping us at the edge of our seats for what is next to come in the suspenseful thriller Ozark, which also stars Laura Linney in lead roles. It’s about an ordinary family into the dark underbelly of money laundering. The series goes beyond the surface of criminal enterprises, delving into the psychological toll of constantly living on the edge. With a plot as intricate as a money laundering scheme and characters as multifaceted as the Ozark landscape, Ozark keeps you on the edge of your seat, questioning morality and the lengths one would go to protect their own.
- The Night Agent: Does anyone else love a good series revolving around the government or is it just me? Chris Pine leads the charge in The Night Agent, a gripping political thriller that follows FBI agent Jack Shepherd as he unravels a conspiracy threatening the very foundations of the government. The series skillfully balances suspense, espionage, and political intrigue. Pine’s intense performance adds depth to the complex character of Shepherd, and the intricate plot keeps viewers guessing at the end of every episode which makes it perfect for a binge-worthy show.
- Maid: I’m sure by now you have heard of this raw, genuine, heartbreakingly beautiful story about a young single mom trying her best to overcome trauma and build a solid life for herself and her daughter. I bet you didn’t know that the on-screen mother and daughter, played by Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley, are mother and daughter in real life. Maid was hard to watch at times, but I have never seen a more genuine portrayal of poverty, domestic violence, and mental health issues depicted in a way that so many people can connect to. Keep your tissues nearby and also check out the book that inspired it all, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive.
- Virgin River: This heartfelt, uplifting romantic drama takes place in the gorgeous mountain town of Northern California called Virgin River. There are currently three seasons on Netflix with another one on the way. The series follows a nurse practitioner as she leaves the hustle and bustle of the big city and settles in a small rural town where everyone knows everyone and no one can keep a secret. It is a love story that can be sappy at times but also packs the punches and throws twists and turns at you when you least expect it.
- You: Oh Joe! This psychological thriller is not for the faint of heart. It is messy, bloody, drama-filled, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s impossible to stop after an episode because you just have to know what Joe will do next. This is not your typical “love story” and will have you thinking about and analyzing the episodes long after they are over. If you like mystery, murder, messy love triangles, and intense on-screen romance this is your show.
- Only Murders in the Building: This Hulu original series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez is a fun, murder mystery. The three characters all live alone in the same NYC high-rise apartment building and share a love for true crime podcasts. After a mysterious event in their building, they find themselves putting on their detective hats and coming together to try and solve a crime that is more complicated than they thought. They realize that a murderer may be living among them and they have to act quickly and follow the clues before it’s too late.
- Nine Perfect Strangers: This psychological thriller, with its dynamic cast, and unique health and wellness resort setting, will have you hooked after the first episode. It is so unlike other shows and follows nine strangers who embark on a “wellness journey” led by a very mysterious and complicated Masha, played by Nicole Kidman. The characters think they are coming to destress and unwind from their busy lives but have no clue what is in store for them and it is a wild ride.
- Good Girls: This comedy-infused drama follows three moms who are sick of their normal routines and all need to make some extra cash for their families. They decide to attempt to rob a grocery store which ends up getting them caught up in a very tangled and dangerous web that is impossible to escape. They must lead double lives while they try to make it all right which seems impossible at times. Good Girls originally aired on NBC, but you can now watch all 4 seasons on Netflix.
- Cobra Kai: If you grew up watching The Karate Kid then this one is for you. This Netflix series follows the original cast of the karate kid as they parent, train, and raise the next generation of fighters. The cast is filled with both lovable and not-so-lovable, resilient teens and adults as they prepare for karate tournaments, and deal with injuries, bullying, and the rollercoaster of emotions life throws at them. They will fight through it all, with the help of their team and the lessons they learn through karate.
Now you can turn off Cocomelon, and look forward to pressing play on some truly good TV this Winter. You won’t regret it!
Check out these other binge-worthy shows after you complete this list!
