TV may not be peaking quite the way it was a few years back, but there are still more than enough shows out there to keep you busy. After Netflix emerged on the scene and revolutionized how we all watched TV, it was joined by a huge swath of competitors determined to take advantage of the streaming boom. All of those competitors have great stuff to watch, but Netflix is still many people’s hub for all things TV. Even within the streamer, though, it can be difficult to figure out what the best shows on Netflix are.
Thankfully, that’s where this list comes in. We’ve compiled a rundown of what to watch on Netflix, and these Netflix shows should add up to days and days of endless binging. You can also check out our list of the best Hulu series, best Amazon Prime series, best Disney Plus series, and best Netflix movies after you’ve made it through the series listed below.
Band of Brothers (2001)
1 Season
Genre
Drama, War & Politics
Cast
Damian Lewis, Donnie Wahlberg, David Schwimmer
Another HBO classic that’s making its Netflix debut, Band of Brothers chronicles the history of World War II from the perspective of a single American company. The show follows these soldiers through training camp and into the trenches, and it’s a riveting look at what it meant to be a soldier at that time. Thanks to Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’s work producing the series, the show feels epic in scope and deeply emotional. On top of all that, the show’s cast features a number of future stars.
Better Call Saul (2015)
6 Seasons
Genre
Crime, Drama
Cast
Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn
Created by
Peter Gould, Vince Gilligan
On paper, there are few TV shows that seem like worse ideas than Better Call Saul. Designed as a prequel series to Breaking Bad, and focused on Walter White’s attorney Saul Goodman, the show seemed like it would undoubtedly mar the legacy of its predecessor. Instead, Better Call Saul was so brilliantly written, performed, and directed, that there are some who think it actually eclipses Breaking Bad. Wherever you rank each show, Saul is undoubtedly worthy of its predecessor and also managed to run for one more episode than Breaking Bad did.
BEEF (2023)
1 Season
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Cast
Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee
Created by
Lee Sung-jin
Telling the story of two angry thirty-somethings who, fueled by their rage, have an ongoing battle with one another, BEEF is one of the more original series you’re likely to see on Netflix or any other streaming service. Featuring stellar lead performances from Stephen Yeun and Ali Wong, the show is about how hard it can be to find happiness, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. Thanks to sharp writing and a solid supporting cast, BEEF is both funny and deeply moving, a reminder that battling your own rage can be exhausting in and of itself.
You (2018)
4 Seasons
Genre
Mystery, Crime, Drama
Cast
Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper
Created by
Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
Although You didn’t originally air on Netflix, the show became a phenomenon after it was ported to the streamer after airing its first season on Lifetime. From there, it became genuinely beloved thanks to its demented combination of morbidity and humor. Penn Badgley’s central performance as Joe Goldberg has kept us anchored the entire time, and even as the show has gotten more deranged with each passing season, it’s hard to deny that it’s also deeply effective.
Breaking Bad (2008)
5 Seasons
Genre
Crime, Drama
Cast
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Created by
Vince Gilligan
After Albuquerque high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides that the best way to use his remaining time is to try and earn as much money as possible for his family. Breaking Bad follows this teacher as he’s driven by his talents as a chemist to become one of the most powerful players in the underground methamphetamine trade, and it also deals with the toll this decision takes on those around him.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
1 Season
Genre
Drama
Cast
Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram
Created by
Scott Frank, Allan Scott
One of the most popular limited series to hit Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit is also one of the streamer’s best. The show follows introvert Beth Harmon, an orphan from the age of 9, (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she discovers her love for and mastery over chess thanks to her relationship with the chess-loving janitor at her school. After becoming a child prodigy, she goes on to break gender norms and defeat grandmasters. Child stardom comes at a price, though, as she struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse on her way to the top.
Squid Game (2021)
1 Season
Genre
Action, Adventure, Drama
Cast
Lee Jung-jae, Greg Chun, Stephen Fu
Created by
Hwang Dong-hyuk
A true international phenomenon, Squid Game is a dark story that is originally in Korean but also available with English dubs. The show follows a group of strangers who participate in a series of kids games with a deadly twist, and discover that only one of them is going to make it out alive.
Arrested Development (2003)
5 Seasons
Genre
Comedy
Cast
Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia De Rossi
Created by
Mitchell Hurwitz
Following the largely despicable Bluths, a very wealthy family who finally discover that their wealth has been founded on lies and deceit after their patriarch is arrested, Arrested Development is one of the best comedies in TV history. Seemingly the only sane one in the family, Michael Bluth must attempt to keep everyone else above water as their way of life crumbles around them. This shows features some of the most quotable lines in comedy history, and Netflix even revived it for a more recent, albeit less successful, run.
The Diplomat (2023)
1 Season
Genre
Drama
Cast
Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
Created by
Debora Cahn
Following a career diplomat who suddenly finds herself in the spotlight, The Diplomat is a zippy show that combines everything you loved about The West Wing with the soapiness of Grey’s Anatomy. It’s not high art, exactly, but thanks to excellent central performances from Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, who plays her defiant, loose-cannon husband, everything comes together beautifully. Is this a great way to learn about how foreign policy actually works? No. Is it thoroughly absorbing in its own, slightly silly way? Absolutely.
Peaky Blinders (2013)
6 Seasons
Genre
Drama, Crime, Historical Fiction
Cast
Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
Created by
Steven Knight
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 infiltrated and uprooted high-class society during the peak of its riches and splendor. The show is focused primarily 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.
Love, Death + Robots (2019)
2 Seasons
Genre
Sci-fi, Animation, Short
Cast
Scott Whyte, Nolan North, Steven Pacey
Created by
Tim Miller
In this sci-fi anthology series on Netflix, you never know what you’re going to get. Episodes range from six to 18 minutes, and each is a totally distinct mind-bending spectacle. Every episode is created by a different team from a number of countries around the world, all provided with three words of inspiration for their short sci-fi story: Love, Death + Robots.
The Crown (2016)
6 Seasons
Genre
Biography, Drama, History
Cast
Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton
Created by
Peter Morgan
Chronicling a dramatized portrayal of the recent history of the British royal family, The Crown freely speculates about the way they may have handled the political and personal turmoil around them, with some real-life historical details added for emphasis. Wonderfully acted and dazzlingly realized, The Crown is ultimately about what it means to be the monarch in an age when that title is largely ceremonial. Queen Elizabeth’s power is in what she doesn’t do, and yet the show is somehow riveting anyway.
Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj (2018)
6 Seasons
Genre
Comedy, News, Talk-Show
Cast
Hasan Minhaj, Joyelle Johnson, Arnab Goswami
Created by
Hasan Minhaj, Prashanth Venkataramanujam
If you’ve seen and enjoyed Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj should be your next stop. The show is a bit more harshly pointed at the corporations and politicians of today’s world, but it’s often just as funny. Minhaj wanted to create a show that was “timely and timeless.” Unfortunately, this show seemed to bite a bit too hard as Netflix canceled it after six seasons, despite it winning an Emmy, a Peabody Award, and two Webby Awards.
Cobra Kai (2012)
5 Seasons
Genre
Action, Comedy, Drama
Cast
Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Xolo Maridueña
Created by
Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Picking up where the iconic ’80s trilogy that started with The Karate Kid left off, Cobra Kai revives all the old rivalries and fighting styles that made it so memorable. Plagued by his embarrassing loss in the All Valley Karate Tournament against Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) half-drunkenly revives the once-dead Cobra Kai karate studio in an attempt to take his life back.
The Last Dance (2020)
1 Season
Genre
Documentary, Biography, History
Cast
Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen
Created by
Jason Hehir
Following the rise of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s with unaired footage, The Last Dance is one of the best documentary series Netflix has to offer. With commentary from Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, and many others who lived through it, The Last Dance is full of new insight about what made the team so great. You can also check out our list of the best documentaries on Netflix for more options.
Norsemen (2016)
3 Seasons
Genre
Comedy
Cast
Kåre Conradi, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Jon Øigarden
Created by
Jon Iver Helgaker, Jonas Torgersen
According to Viking experts, Norsemen is one of the most accurate depictions of what life might have been like in that time. On top of that, the show is absolutely hilarious. It’s a good series to watch even if it’s never cracked Netflix’s top 10.
Stranger Things (2016)
4 Seasons
Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Cast
Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder
Created by
Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi series takes place in a small town in the middle of Indiana that’s secretly a portal to another dimension. When a young boy goes missing, the town’s residents start to panic, and it’s up to his young friends to try to find him. Meanwhile, a seemingly mute girl appears in town, and is sheltered by a group of young boys who soon discover that she has special powers — and must fight off a dark force lingering in their town.
Ozark (2017)
4 Seasons
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Cast
Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz
Created by
Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
When Ozark starts, the Byrdes are just an ordinary family living in Chicago with nothing to hide. Quickly, though, we learn that the family patriarch, Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), is actually 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 and leave their old life behind.
BoJack Horseman (2014)
6 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Drama
Cast
Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie
Created by
Raphael Bob-Waksberg
If you’re looking for an adult cartoon comedy that does more than just make fun of itself, BoJack Horseman should scratch that itch. The story follows the life of a washed-up sitcom star who made his claim to fame on a Full House style show in the 1980s and 1990s. BoJack (Will Arnett) struggles with depression, addiction, and maintaining relationships in this witty but dark comedy.
The Chef Show (2019)
Genre
Documentary
Cast
Jon Favreau, Roy Choi
Created by
Jon Favreau
The idea for this wonderful show 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.
Mindhunter (2017)
2 Seasons
Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Cast
Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Created by
Joe Penhall
True-crime podcasts and true-crime shows are great, but crafting them into compelling dramas can be tricky. Mindhunter is a Netflix show based on the true story of the people at the forefront of the then-emerging science 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. Tragically, this great series was cut short after just two seasons on the air.
Dark (2017)
3 Seasons
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast
Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari
Created by
Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese
When a young boy in a small German town goes missing, his family and the people of the town start to notice some strange coincidences and patterns in the town’s history. Dark has some incredible performances and a well-written plot, but it requires a lot of attention to understand what is going because of its sprawling ensemble cast and its complicated narrative conceit.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
1 Season
Genre
Drama, Horror, Mystery
Cast
Henry Thomas, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel
Created by
Mike Flanagan
You can only watch classic horror movies so many times before your thirst for blood demands something fresh. Thankfully, Netflix is producing lots of great new horror. The Haunting of Hill House is a horror/mystery series that follows the lives of a family struggling with the memories of their time living in their haunted childhood home. The plot jumps between past and present, revealing more and more of the terrors that dwell inside Hill House as it goes on.
Black Mirror (2011)
6 Seasons
Genre
Sci-fi, Psychological Thriller, Dystopia
Cast
Daniel Kaluuya, Wyatt Russell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Daniel Lapaine
Created by
Charlie Brooker
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, which means you can watch them completely out of order and still enjoy a gripping short film with high-profile guest stars and terrifyingly real conceits. With each new season, Black Mirror continues to shine a light on the dystopic qualities behind our technology, qualities that are only feeling more and more real with each passing day.
Dead to Me (2019)
3 Seasons
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Crime
Cast
Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden
Created by
Liz Feldman
Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are both legends, and with good reason. The two teamed up for Dead to Me, which follows their characters as they become friends and decide to try to solve the hit-and-run death of one of their husbands. Over the course of its three seasons, Dead to Me takes a number of twists and turns, but the real reason to keep watching is because both Cardellini and Applegate remain excellent throughout, and especially so in the third and final season.
Mo (2022)
1 Season
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Cast
Mo Amer, Teresa Ruiz, Farah Bsieso
Created by
Mo Amer, Ramy Youssef
Telling the story of a Palestinian refugee who’s hoping to make America his permanent home, Mo is not nearly as heavy as that premise may make it sound. The series stars Mo Amer, a comedian whose life has plenty in common with the character he’s playing. Mo is light on its feet and incredibly funny, and gives non-Palestinian viewers a window into that culture that never feels overly broad or unspecific. Mo is a delight, and one that Netflix just debuted in 2022.
The Witcher (2019)
3 Seasons
Genre
Drama, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Cast
Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan
Created by
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Adapted from books and video games of the same name, The Witcher is the show that every fantasy lover has been waiting for. With excellent production values, a rock-solid cast, and a pre-established world filled with intrigue and compelling lore, the show has proven to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits throughout its time on the air. Although there’s been some behind-the-scenes drama around the show, it’s remained as compelling as ever on-screen through it all.
The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
1 Season
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Cast
Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell
Created by
Mike Flanagan
Adapting an Edgar Alan Poe story with a distinctly modern bent, The Fall of the House of Usher follows a powerful pharmaceutical dynasty that is forced to reckon with its past after members of the family start dying. The series comes from Mike Flanagan, perhaps the most famous horror mind working at Netflix. The Fall of the House of Usher features some of Flanagan’s usual players, and while it can be a bit talky at times, it remains thoroughly engaging and genuinely terrifying, from beginning to end.
Russian Doll (2019)
2 Seasons
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Cast
Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee
Created by
Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, Leslye Headland
Thanks in large part to the incredible charisma of Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll was one of the most captivating shows in the history of Netflix when it first debuted. The series tells the story of a computer programmer living in New York who finds herself reliving the same day over and over until she dies. This Groundhog Day twist allowed Lyonne to get plenty of laughs, but also found ways to get profound as it went along, exorcising the traumas at the heart of its central character without offering any easy answers.
Friday Night Lights (2006)
5 Seasons
Genre
Drama
Cast
Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Aimee Teegarden
Created by
Brian Grazer, Peter Berg
Adapted from a movie of the same name, Friday Night Lights follows a small Texas town that’s totally obsessed with their high school football team. Few shows have ever been this wholesome and earnest and also this hugely successful, but Friday Night Lights managed to be a show about family and community that didn’t make you want to tear your hair out because it was too sweet or earnest. Thanks to a raft of great performers, both teens and adults, the show lasted for a remarkable five-season run, and four of those seasons are genuinely great.
What shows are new on Netflix in May?
May 1
- Blue Mountain State: Season 1
- Blue Mountain State: Season 2
- Blue Mountain State: Season 3
- Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland
- Outlander: Season 6
May 3
- Selling the OC: Season 3
- The Unbroken Voice: Season 2
May 6
- 30 for 30: Broke
- 30 for 30: Deion’s Double Play
- 30 for 30: The Two Escobars
- Reba: Seasons 1-6
May 7
- Super Rich in Korea
May 8
- The Final: Attack on Wembley
May 10
- Blood of Zeus: Season 2
- Cooking Up Murder: Uncovering the Story of César Román
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series Part 2
- The Ultimatum: South Africa
May 11
- Mark Twain Prize Award: Kevin Hart
May 13
- Archer: Seasons 1-13
- Princess Power: Season 3
May 14
- Married at First Sight: Season 15
May 15
- Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal
- The Clovehitch Killer
May 16
- Bridgerton: Season 3 Part 1
- Maestro in Blue: Season 2
May 20
- The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties: Season 4
May 21
- Rachel Feinstein: Big Guy
- Wildfire: Seasons 1-4
May 22
- Act Your Age: Season 1
- Toughest Forces on Earth
May 31
- How to Ruin Love: The Proposal
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