There are more great and good Netflix TV shows than there ought to be. With new episodes and new series to watch on a weekly basis, it can be hard figuring out what to watch without getting lost in Netflix’s algorithm.
We’ve handpicked a list of the best series to stream right now to help you spend more time on Netflix bingeing shows. You can also check out our list of the best Hulu series, best Amazon Prime series, best Disney+ series, and best Netflix movies for more options.
Breaking Bad
A local Albuquerque high school chemistry teacher named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with terminal cancer, the real question is how long he actually has to live. Torn between his talents and his responsibility as a family provider, he becomes one of the most powerful players in the underground methamphetamine trade.
Main Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Total Episodes: 62
IMDb Rating: 9.4
The Queens Gambit
The newest limited series to hit Netflix, The Queens Gambit is one of the best shows to binge right now. Orphaned at age 9, introvert Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers her love and unexpected mastery of chess thanks to a janitor at her orphanage. After becoming a child prodigy, she goes on to break gender norms and defeat grandmasters. However, child stardom comes at a price as she struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse on her way to the top.
Main Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chloe Pirrie, Bill Camp
Total Episodes: 7
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Arrested Development
The Bluths, a very wealthy family, finally discover that their wealth has been founded on lies and deceit as Michael Bluth’s (Jason Bateman) father is arrested. Seemingly the only sane one in the family, he must attempt to keep them all above water as their way of life crumbles around them. This comedy series on Netflix is one of the best and features some of the most quotable lines from the colorful cast of characters that are the Bluths.
Main Cast: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia De Rossi
Total Episodes: 91
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Peaky Blinders
Incredibly acted and shockingly graphic, Peaky Blinders is a period-piece crime drama loosely based on the real Shelby crime family. Shortly after WWI, the infamous Irish crime family, the Shelby’s, infiltrate and uproot high-class society during the peak of its riches and splendor. Focused on Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), the leader of Peaky Blinders, who must establish and maintain power by means of fear and brutality. Disclaimer: This is not at all a show for the kids.
Main Cast: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
Total Episodes: 30
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Gotham
A young, devoted Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie), fights against the chaotic crime in Gotham as the infamous DC villains dig their roots into the broken and deviant city. Though at times a bit corny, this supernatural crime drama explores a fascinating alternate DC universe where a remarkable number of characters get their origins, including a very young Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) and an utterly badass characterization of Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee).
Main Cast: Ben McKenzie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donal Logue
Total Episodes: 99
IMDb Rating: 7.8
One Punch Man
This anime series follows the life of Saitama, a hero that fights evil just because it’s fun to do so. Of course, fighting can only be so entertaining when you can defeat any enemy with a single punch. With comedy intricately intertwining with action, One Punch Man is a unique series that even anime newbies can enjoy from the start, dubbed, or subbed.
Main Cast: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max Mittelman
Total Episodes: 12
IMDb Rating: 8.8
The Great British Baking Show
Many competitive food shows tend to feature intense, cut-throat culinary challenges, but The Great British Baking Show is the exact opposite of that. This lovely Netflix cooking show is full of sweet treats and calming British accents all set amid the beautiful English countryside.
Main Cast: Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Mel Gidroyc
Total Episodes: 80
IMDb Rating: 8.6
The Magicians
Brand new to Netflix as of this year, The Magicians is a fun and mystical show that has gained an impressive following since its release in 2015. A young man named Quentin Coldwater has an unnatural obsession with a children’s book series about a magical world (not unlike Harry Potter), beginning the adventure of a lifetime after discovering that these books describe a world that is very real. With some great moments of self-awareness and silly mishaps, this show is just the sort of magical melodrama that we crave from a fantasy series.
Main Cast: Stella Maeve, Hale Appleman, Arjun Gupta
Total Episodes: 65
IMDb Rating: 7.6
The Crown
Chronicling a dramatized portrayal of the royal family history, we learn about the political happenings and overall attitudes present in the royal drama, with some real-life historical details added for emphasis. Wonderfully acted and dazzlingly told, the story of this royal family dives into the divisive nature and petty rivalries that have the potential to turn into major wars and scandalous secrets, with simple indifference and little effort to alleviate the twisted monarchical mayhem.
Main Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton
Total Episodes: 40
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Sword Art Online
Taking place in the year 2022, thousands of gamers find themselves trapped in a new and fully immersive virtual MMORPG. The series follows Kirito as he becomes one of the strongest players in the game in an attempt to escape. If you’ve ever enjoyed an online RPG game before, this anime series is definitely worth a watch. Looking for more kickass anime shows? Check out our list of the best anime on Netflix for 2021.
The last season isn’t available on Netflix yet, but it is available on Hulu.
Main Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu, Bryce Papenbrook
Total Episodes: 74
IMDb Rating: 7.6
The Last Dance
Following the rise of the Chicago Bulls in the 90s with unaired footage, The Last Dance has quickly become one of the best documentaries you’ll want to watch in 2020. With commentary from Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Scotty Pippen, and many others, it’s worth watching. You can also check out our list of the best documentaries on Netflix for more options.
Main Cast: Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen
Total Episodes: 10
IMDb Rating: 9.1
Umbrella Academy
If you’re looking for a great Netflix series, Umbrella Academy is a good place to start. The story follows a family of former child heroes who has grown apart and are now in their 30’s. But when their adoptive father Sir Reginald Hargreeves dies, they realize they must reunite to save the world.
Main Cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda
Total Episodes: 20
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Disenchantment
From the creators of Futurama and some of the best Simpsons episodes comes this wonderful and very different animated series. Disenchantment follows the story of Princess Bean, (voiced by comedian Abbi Jacobson) who is less than ladylike. After befriending a demon and an elf, her life quickly changes from royalty to an exciting and dangerous adventure. The newest season has just aired so it’s time to catch up with the classic comedy we are so familiar with. If you’re looking for other ways to watch cartoons online, you can also check out our guide.
Main Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Eric André, Nat Faxon
Total Episodes: 30
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Norsemen
According to Viking experts, Norsemen is one of the most accurate depictions of what life might have been like for these people. On top of that, the show is absolutely hilarious. It’s a good series to watch even if it isn’t in Netflix’s top 10 list right now.
Main Cast: Kåre Conradi, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Jon Øigarden
Total Episodes: 18
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Stranger Things
Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi series takes place in a small town in the middle of nowhere, where spooky happenings start to unfold. When a high school girl goes missing, the residents of the town start to panic, with no end in sight. Meanwhile, a seemingly mute girl appears in town. She is sheltered and hidden by a group of young and nerdy boys who soon find that she has special powers, and who must discover and fight off a dark force lingering in their town.
Main Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder
Total Episodes: 25
IMDb Rating: 8.7
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Originally from Nickelodeon, this animated series follows the story of Aang, a young boy who has been trapped in ice for over a hundred years. The world has fallen into chaos in his absence, and as the Avatar, he is the only one who can restore the balance between the 4 elements: Earth, fire, air, and water. He has many challenges to overcome to do so, but he finds the strength to do so with the help of those who believe in him.
Main Cast: Zach Tyler, Jack De Sena, Dee Bradley Baker
Total Episodes: 54
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Queer Eye
More than 10 years after the original series went off the air, Netflix decided to reboot the series with an entirely new Fab Five in Atlanta. Rather than just offering fashion tips, recipes, and a makeover, however, the style experts provide apt social commentary to everyone they work with. All in all, it’s an easy show to binge on and will likely leave you with a good feeling on the inside. We’ve also found even more fashion documentaries on Netflix if you’re interested.
Main Cast: Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness
Total Episodes: 42
IMDb Rating: 8.5
The Legend of Korra
Set in the same timeline as Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra follows the adventures of the latest Avatar as she struggles to find her place in the world. With technology suddenly at the center of everything, this series is more about the struggles between benders and non-benders than ever before.
Looking for more like this? We’ve found the best animated series on Netflix right now.
Main Cast: Janet Varne, J.K. Simmons, P.J. Byrne, David Faustino
Total Episodes: 52
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Ozark
The Byrdes are just an ordinary family living in Chicago with nothing to hide. Except for the father, Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), who just so happens to be the top money launderer for one of the largest drug cartels in Mexico. When things go South, Marty and the family are forced to relocate to the Missouri Ozarks.
Main Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz
Total Episodes: 30
IMDb Rating: 8.4
BoJack Horseman
If you’re looking for an adult cartoon comedy that does more than just make fun of itself, Netflix’s Bojack Horseman scratches that itch. The story follows the life of a washed-up sitcom star who made his claim to fame with a popular sitcom from the late 80s and 90s. Bojack (Will Arnett) struggles with depression, addiction, and maintaining relationships in this witty but dark comedy.
Main Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie
Total Episodes: 76
IMDb Rating: 8.7
The Witcher
Based on the popular game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, this adventurous series does a good job of filling the void that Game of Thrones left behind. The storyline follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) as he travels around fighting vicious monsters, beasts, and of course, the occasional human. Filled with sorcery, war, and the undeniable performance of Cavill and Anya Chalotra, this is one of the best shows you’ll find today. Though be careful watching these episodes too fast, season 2 doesn’t arrive until later in 2021.
Main Cast: Anna Shaffer, Henry Cavill, Freya Allan
Total Episodes: 8
IMDb Rating: 8.2
The Chef Show
This wonderful show all began during the filming of Favreau’s hit movie, Chef. Roy Choi had been brought on as a consultant for the film, and during that time, the two ended up bonding over the cooking process. Throughout the series, the lighthearted food duo travels around the country cooking with celebrities, famous chefs, and more. They also showcase a variety of delicious recipes, taking you step-by-step through the creative process. The Chef Show is also one of our top picks for the best cooking shows on Netflix right now.
Main Cast: Jon Favreau, Roy Choi
Total Episodes: 25
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Mindhunter
True-crime podcasts and true-crime shows are great, but adding a bit of theatrics into the mix never hurts anyone. Mindhunter is a Netflix Original drama based on the true story of a man at the forefront of profiling serial killers. The show follows FBI agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) as he and his team interview serial killers across the U.S. in an attempt to understand why they do what they do.
Main Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Total Episodes: 19
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Altered Carbon
If you’re a fan of sci-fi movies and find yourself in need of a fresh story, Altered Carbon is here to deliver that freshness. Set in the future, this Netflix show offers a look into a world where consciousness can be digitized and stored. This allows humans to survive beyond the death of their physical bodies, allowing for something close to immortality.
Main Cast: Chris Conner, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Dichen Lachman
Total Episodes: 18
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Sherlock
This modern update to an old classic is one of the best crime dramas to find its way to Netflix. The series follows Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) as the eccentric duo expertly solves 21st-century crimes.
Main Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs
Total Episodes: 16
IMDb Rating: 9.1
The Punisher
Revered as one of the best Marvel series released yet, The Punisher really packs a punch. When Marine veteran Frank Castle’s (Jon Bernthal) family is murdered, he loses all hope for himself and goes after everyone responsible, but when it comes to avenging murder, it seems the work is never done.
Main Cast: Jon Bernthal, Amber Rose Revah, Ben Barnes
Total Episodes: 26
IMDb Rating: 8.5
The Haunting of Hill House
You can only watch those classic horror movies so many times before your bloodthirst demands something fresh. The Haunting of Hill House is a horror/mystery series that follows the lives of a family struggling with haunting memories of their childhood home. The plot jumps between past and present, revealing more and more of the terrors that dwell inside Hill House.
Main Cast: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas
Total Episodes: 10
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Schitt’s Creek
This 9-time Emmy-winning comedy follows a rich video store owner, Johnny Rose (Eugene Levy), as he and his family suddenly find themselves completely broke. They are forced to uproot their lives and regroup to a podunk town called Schitt’s Creek that Rose originally purchased as a joke. Though the first season starts out a bit slow, each short episode expands the dynamic of the characters to new and hilarious heights.
Main Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy
Total Episodes: 80
IMDb Rating: 8.5
GLOW
This dramedy follows the personal and professional lives of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, or GLOW for short, in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Although this Netflix original series is entirely fiction, it is based on the actual GLOW girls from the mid-80s.
Main Cast: Alison Brie, Marc Maron, Betty Gilpin
Total Episodes: 30
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Black Mirror
In a wild mix of sci-fi themes and terrifyingly not-so-distant-future technology, Black Mirror will thrill, entice, and possibly scare you. Each episode is entirely different, meaning you can watch them completely out of order and still enjoy a gripping short film with guest stars and eerie concepts. Even if this show has been around for a while, it still challenges your comfort level with the new and top-of-the-line technology that you may have seen glimpses of in pop culture, normally showing its potentially ugly side.
Main Cast: Daniel Lapaine, Hannah John-Kamen, Michaela Coel
Total Episodes: 22
IMDb Rating: 8.8
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