The 30 Best Netflix Shows to Binge in 2021

There are more great and good Netflix TV shows than there ought to be. With new episodes and new series to watch weekly, 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.

30 Rock (2006)

78%

73%

8.2/10

Genre Comedy

Created by Tina Fey

Cast Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracey Morgan

Seasons: 7

tv-14

Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is the head writer of a sketch comedy show for a major television program, which means she has to deal with needy, arrogant, relentless, and outright ridiculous actors and superiors. This show — which was created and largely written by Tina Fey — is loosely based on her experience as the head writer for Saturday Night Live, painting hilarious parallels that they leave up to the audience to interpret.

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Sweet Tooth (2021)

98%

78%

7.9/10

Genre Action, Adventure, Drama

Created by Jim Mickle

Cast Christian Convery, Nonso Anozie

Seasons: 1

tv-14

In the midst of an apocalyptic pandemic, children suddenly are born as hybrids, somewhere between human and animal. A little boy known as “Sweet Tooth” or Gus (Christian Convery) is the focus of this show, detailing the discrimination and evil of humankind as one of the most astonishing events in human history takes place. The performances and pace of events are what make this show, besides being a great and new concept that comes from the DC Comics series.

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Breaking Bad (2008)

96%

87%

9.4/10

Genre Crime, Drama

Created by Vince Gilligan

Cast Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn

Seasons: 5

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After an 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.

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The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

96%

8.0/10

Genre Drama

Created by Scott Frank, Allan Scott

Cast Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram

Seasons: 1

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The most popular limited series to hit Netflix, The Queen’s 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.

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Arrested Development (2003)

74%

78%

8.7/10

Genre Comedy

Created by Mitchell Hurwitz

Cast Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia De Rossi

Seasons: 5

tv-14

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 who are the Bluths.

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Peaky Blinders (2013)

92%

8.8/10

Genre Drama, Crime, Historical Fiction

Created by Steven Knight

Cast Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory

Seasons: 7

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Incredibly acted and shockingly graphic, Peaky Blinders is a period-piece crime drama loosely based on the real Shelby crime family. Shortly after World War I, an infamous Irish crime family, the Shelbys, 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 kids.

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One Punch Man (2015)

100%

8.8/10

Genre Animation, Action, Comedy

Created by ONE

Cast Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max Mittelman

Seasons: 2

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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.

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Love, Death + Robots (2019)

80%

65%

8.5/10

Genre Sci-fi, Animation, Short

Created by Tim Miller

Cast Scott Whyte, Nolan North, Steven Pacey

Seasons: 2

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In this sci-fi series on Netflix short story format, you never know what you’re going to get. With every episode ranging from 6 to 18 minutes, all the storytelling efforts are compacted into one visual and mind-bending spectacle. Each episode is created by a completely different team from a number of countries around the world, all provided with three words of inspiration for their short-lived sci-fi story: Love, Death + Robots.

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The Great British Bake Off/The Great British Baking Show (2010)

89%

8.5/10

Genre Reality-TV

Created by Andy Devonshire

Cast Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Sandi Toksvig, Noel Fielding, Matt Lucas

Seasons: 8

tv-pg

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.

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The Crown (2016)

90%

84%

8.6/10

Genre Biography, Drama, History

Created by Peter Morgan

Cast Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton

Seasons: 4

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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.

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Clickbait (2021) new

47%

7.3/10

Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery

Created by Tony Ayers, Christian White

Cast Zoe Kazan, Betty Gabriel, Phoenix Raei

Seasons: 1

tv-ma

In a brand new original Netflix drama series, Clickbait maneuvers themes of crime and conspiracy contrasted by the most modern sense of a broken society. Nick Brewer (Adrian Grenier) is suddenly abducted and used in a twisted online experiment, causing his family unending trauma and the critically crippling gaze of the entire online community invading their everyday activities.

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Sword Art Online (2012)

7.6/10

Genre Animation, Action, Adventure

Created by Reki Kawahara

Cast Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu, Bryce Papenbrook

Seasons: 3

tv-14

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 kick-ass anime shows? Check out our list of the best anime on Netflix for 2021.

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The Last Dance (2020)

97%

90%

9.1/10

Genre Documentary, Biography, History

Created by Jason Hehir

Cast Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen

Seasons: 1

tv-ma

Following the rise of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s 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.

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Umbrella Academy (2019)

83%

63%

8.0/10

Genre Action, Adventure, Comedy

Created by Steve Blackman, Jeremy Slater, Gerard Way

Cast Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda

Seasons: 2

tv-14

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 30s. But when their adoptive father Sir Reginald Hargreeves dies, they realize they must reunite to save the world.

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Disenchantment (2018)

65%

56%

7.2/10

Genre Adult Animation, Fantasy, Comedy

Created by Matt Groening

Cast Abbi Jacobson, Eric Andre, Nat Faxon

Seasons: 3

tv-14

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.

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Norsemen (2016)

7.8/10

Genre Comedy

Created by Jon Iver Helgaker, Jonas Torgersen

Cast Kåre Conradi, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Jon Øigarden

Seasons: 3

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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.

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Stranger Things (2016)

93%

75%

8.7/10

Genre Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Created by Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer

Cast Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder

Seasons: 3

tv-14

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.

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Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)

97%

9.3/10

Genre Animation, Action, Adventure

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko

Cast Zach Tyler Eisen, Mako Iwamatsu, Mae Whitman

Seasons: 3

tv-y7

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.

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Queer Eye (2018)

93%

76%

8.5/10

Genre Reality-tv

Created by David Collins

Cast Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness

Seasons: 5

tv-14

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.

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The Legend of Korra (2012)

89%

8.4/10

Genre Animation, Action, Adventure

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko

Cast Janet Varne, J.K. Simmons, P.J. Byrne, David Faustino

Seasons: 4

tv-pg

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.

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Ozark (2017)

81%

67%

8.4/10

Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller

Created by Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams

Cast Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz

Seasons: 3

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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.

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BoJack Horseman (2014)

93%

82%

8.7/10

Genre Animation, Comedy, Drama

Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

Cast Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie

Seasons: 6

tv-ma

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 1980s and 1990s. Bojack (Will Arnett) struggles with depression, addiction, and maintaining relationships in this witty but dark comedy.

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The Chef Show (2019)

8.2/10

Genre Documentary

Created by Jon Favreau

Cast Jon Favreau, Roy Choi

Seasons: 2

tv-14

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.

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Mindhunter (2017)

97%

80%

8.6/10

Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller

Created by Joe Penhall

Cast Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

Seasons: 2

tv-ma

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.

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Altered Carbon (2018)

75%

64%

8.0/10

Genre Sci-fi, Cyberpunk, Drama

Created by Laeta Kalogridis

Cast Joel Kinnaman, Anthony Mackie, Chris Conner, Renée Elise Goldsberry,

Seasons: 2

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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.

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The Punisher (2017)

64%

55%

8.5/10

Genre Action, Crime, Drama

Created by Steve Lightfoot

Cast Jon Bernthal, Amber Rose Revah, Ben Barnes

Seasons: 2

tv-ma

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.

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The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

93%

79%

8.6/10

Genre Drama, Horror, Mystery

Created by Mike Flanagan

Cast Henry Thomas, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel

Seasons: 1

tv-ma

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.

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Schitt’s Creek (2015)

93%

8.5/10

Genre Comedy

Created by Eugene Levy, Dan Levy

Cast Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy

Seasons: 6

tv-14

This nine-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.

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GLOW

92%

82%

8.0/10

Genre Comedy, Drama, Sport

Created by Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch

Cast Alison Brie, Marc Maron, Betty Gilpin

Seasons: 4

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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-1980s.

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Black Mirror (2011)

84%

8.8/10

Genre Sci-fi, Psychological Thriller, Dystopia

Created by Charlie Brooker

Cast Daniel Kaluuya, Wyatt Russell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Daniel Lapaine

Seasons: 5

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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.

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