Step into an alluring world of mystery, suspense, comedy, and drama with these 15 must-watch television series. These compelling narratives are sure to captivate you, taking you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. From laugh-out-loud moments to edge-of-your-seat thrills, these TV shows are guaranteed to be your next binge-watch.
1. 100 Years of Solitude
Ever heard of Gabriel García Márquez? His amazing novel, 100 Years of Solitude, is one of the greatest literary creations of our time. Netflix has turned it into an amazing TV series! It’s literally like teleporting straight into the heart of Macondo, Colombia.
If you’re into the whole multi-generational family drama shows set in a fictional town, this one is for you! Critics, fans, literary buffs, and TV junkies have gone crazy over it, praising everything from the acting to the cinematography and its faithfulness to the original novel. Netflix has dropped the first eight episodes, and there’s another eight on the way.
Cast: Claudio Cataño, Diego Vásquez, Marleyda Soto, Viña Machado, Loren Sofía, Janer Villarreal, Akima, Moreno Borja, Ruggero Pasquarelli
2. American Nightmare
Get ready to watch this jaw-dropping true crime docuseries featuring Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn. It’s a real-life horror story that will stick with you! This docu-drama places Denise and Aaron, victims of a horrifying home invasion, front and center. They were shockingly accused of faking Huskins’ abduction, assault, and return. But this isn’t just their horror story – it’s America’s too. You’ll find yourself seething as you witness police publicly label them as con artists and watch the media happily spread these baseless rumors.
True crime as a genre is going through a bit of soul-searching, and it’s about time, too. But this three-episode series really shows off the potential of the genre. It offers a hard-hitting look at how the system often lets down victims, but it does so with an empathetic and sensitive approach.
Cast: Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn
3. Blue Eye Samurai
Hey there! Get ready to experience the 1600s Edo Japan like never before with our kickass adult animation series. Watch Mizu’s compelling story unfold! Blue Spirit Studios, thanks to the dynamic duo – Michael Green (from Logan fame) and Amber Noizumi, have brilliantly brought to life a whirlwind of violence, especially in the hair-raising fight sequences. And boy, there are plenty of ’em in this stunning series!
Our main girl, Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine), is a fierce, blue-eyed, mixed-race woman who conceals her feminine identity to become a fearless fighter despite the harsh reactions her diverse heritage brings her. She’s out on a mission to hunt down and take out the last four white men in her closed-border nation, one being her father. Talk about intense, right? The stellar cast (including Brenda Song, Randall Park, George Takei, and Kenneth Branagh) bring their A-game to this series but give it up for Masi Oka (from Heroes) as Mizu’s hopeful, aspiring apprentice.
The first eight episodes absolutely nailed it, and folks loved ’em, so much so that a second season is in the offing. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this!
Cast: Maya Erskine, Brenda Song, Randall Park, George Takei, Kenneth Branagh, Masi Oka
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Got a thing for comedy and high-speed chases? Dive into the day-to-day craziness of detectives in New York City’s 99th Precinct. Brooklyn Nine-Nine!, guided by the stern yet loveable Capt. Raymond Holt (played by Andre Braugher), this team of quirky detectives, is on a mission to clean up Brooklyn’s streets while cracking jokes and causing a ruckus.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine isn’t just about the laughs, though.
It smartly braids comedy and cop drama, offering insightful commentary on the big issues that law enforcement grapples with today. As you binge through the seasons, you’ll see the sitcom get bolder, brainier, and even more nuanced. Still need a reason to watch? Just check out this killer rendition of a classic Backstreet Boys tune. You’re about to fall head over heels for this goofy, gutsy precinct.
Cast: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Andre Braugher, Dirk Blocker, Joel McKinnon Miller
5. Call the Midwife
If you’re into heartwarming British dramas, we’ve got just the thing for you! Picture this: it’s late 1950s London, and you’re getting all the feels. This beloved series about young midwives in London started in 1957 and is now in 1969. Yes, you’ve read right! 13 binge-worthy seasons await you, rooting for these young nurses and the amazing nuns at Nonnatus House, who are providing essential healthcare services in the less affluent East End.
This Netflix series is inspired by Jenny Lee’s memoirs, and with every season, you’ll see England’s evolving culture from the perspective of motherhood – discussing everything from birth control and self-managed abortion to sex work, intersex births, and more. The real heart-tugger in Call the Midwife? It’s the midwives whose lives are transformed by their jobs. Get ready to be hooked!
Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann
6. Cobra Kai
If you’re a fan of the classic Karate Kid movie, then Cobra Kai is for you! It’s crazy to think, but it’s been 40 YEARS since the original movie hit the screens. But the saga continues with an exciting sequel series. We’re already gearing up for the 6th season! This is a real Netflix gem.
Meet Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence once more as they gear up their protégés for the international karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai. And you bet some familiar foes are geared up to stir the pot. Cobra Kai, the sequel series, is a rare gem that’s loved by Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z alike. You can dive into the first two parts of the final season right now and be all set before the climax hits your screen on February 13, 2025.
Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Yuji Okumoto, Peyton List, Mary Mouser
7. Crashing
Who doesn’t love a good Netflix laugh? Especially if it involves a crazy setting like an abandoned hospital, an awesome comedy series, and the genius talent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge! Yup, sounds like a crazy fun ride, right? Absolutely! This is something you wouldn’t want to skip! Before she took the world by storm as Fleabag, Phoebe was dishing out laughs in another brilliantly chaotic lead role.
The comedy Crashing revolves around the quirky life of young adults living in a deserted hospital just to save on rent (and yes, it’s a real thing in England!). Waller-Bridge’s infamous sharp wit and warm, vulnerable heart detail every hilarious moment in the series. To top it off, you’ll get to see a pre-Bridgerton Jonathan Bailey rocking some strikingly bleached blond hair!
Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jonathan Bailey, Julie Dray, Louise Ford
8. Cunk on Earth
Get ready to see history in a whole new light with the side-splitting series featuring the one and only Philomena Cunk. Dive into the journey of mankind like you’ve never done before! Our host, the funny and charming Philomena Cunk (played by comic genius Diane Morgan), has her sights set on reaching “all the corners of the world that her budget and pesky travel restrictions will let her.”
What makes this Netflix five-episode mockumentary a laugh riot? The host of real-world experts who bear with Cunk’s epic bumbling with a patience that’s just hilarious. Watch as British historian Martin Kemp deadpans his way through answering, “Which was more important: the Renaissance, or ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyoncé?” Trust us, you won’t stop laughing.
Cast: Diane Morgan
9. Derry Girls
Wanna watch something genuinely funny and relatable? Check out this Netflix gem of a show about typical teenagers right in the heart of Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Get ready for a dose of that unique Irish sense of humor in Lisa McGee’s semi-autobiographical series, “Derry Girls.” It could have been just another mushy and sentimental coming-of-age show, but oh boy! It’s so much more than that.
Our Derry girls are an absolute riot, a group of hilariously clueless teenagers constantly stirring up their own troubles. Throw in a quirky Irish family, a classmate who always craves attention (played by Leah O’Rourke), and a school headmistress who has had enough (brought to life by the superb Siobhán McSweeney), and what you get is “Derry Girls,” a Netflix show that’s a total blast.
Cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Nicola Coughlan, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn, Siobhán McSweeney
10. The Diplomat
Welcome to the wild ride of diplomacy! Dive into the compelling political dramedy that follows the life of U.S. ambassador Kate Wyler in the U.K., aptly titled The Diplomat. You’ll notice the signature rapid-fire dialogue, a nod to master writer Debora Cahn’s West Wing roots (trust us, it’s a good thing!).
Keri Russell steps into the role of Kate Wyler, giving her the chance to tap into her lighter side. She’s the brand new U.S. ambassador to the U.K., and she’s not exactly thrilled about it. But hey, life’s a roller coaster, right? And just when Kate thinks things might settle down, there’s her on-again, off-again schemer of a husband (charming troublemaker Rufus Sewell), a team who loves to play dress-up with her in high-end fashion, this super-hot British intelligence guy (David Gyasi), and, oh yeah, a global incident that might just trigger World War III. But who said diplomacy was easy, eh?
If you’re a fan of political dramedies, you’re gonna love this one. It’s got all the right ingredients! The good news is Netflix has officially confirmed that another season is coming your way.
Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
11. GLOW
Ever heard of that awesome show from the 80s, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling? Don’t worry; Netflix has you covered. Meet Bash (played by Chris Lowell), an out-of-the-box thinker with a love for sports who decided to back a women’s wrestling show. This ain’t your ordinary wrestling, and it’s led by a quirky, has-been director (the ever-lovable Marc Maron).
In the spotlight, we have Ruth (Alison Brie) and Debbie (Betty Gilpin), who rock the stage as Zoya the Destroya and Liberty Belle, the perfect mix of Cold War rivals. These fierce ladies soon figured out that they could very well pull the strings behind the scenes. Even though GLOW didn’t get the long run it deserved, there’s a ton to savor in its unforgettable three seasons. Ready to go on a binge-watching spree?
Cast: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, Chris Lowell, Kate Nash
12. Girls5eva
Tina Fey’s done some amazing stuff again, and this time, she’s giving us a musical comedy about a ’90s one-hit wonder group making a comeback. Thank Netflix for saving us from boredom and presenting this hilarious gem! Their third season? Oh, it’s a total laugh riot with the band on the road again for more crazy fun.
Let me introduce you to the leading ladies: We have Dawn (Sara Bareilles), a hardworking songwriter juggling dreams and family; Summer (Busy Philipps), braving through a divorce and embracing independence; Gloria (Paula Pell), a cool lesbian dentist who’s ecstatic about giving her creativity another go; and, Wickie (Renee Elise Goldsberry), the diva who’s got her eyes set on success. The songs are catchy, the one-liners come faster than a clapback, and trust me, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of fun.
Cast: Sara Bareilles, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell
13. A Killer Paradox
Ever had one of those days when you just wish you could get back at a mean customer? Enter our underdog hero, Lee Tang (played by Choi Woo-shik). He went ahead and did just that, with a hammer, no less! But whoa, hold up, turns out he accidentally offed a serial killer. How’s that for a plot twist? Brought to life from a highly celebrated webtoon, dive into this wildly imaginative Korean thriller that tracks Lee’s plunge into the world of vigilante justice. And don’t forget our tenacious detective (Son Suk-ku), who’s hot on his trail. Expect the unexpected, folks! This one’s a real Netflix nail-biter.
Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon
14. Peaky Blinders
You’re in for a wild ride with the Shelby family from Birmingham! Enter the thrilling world of Peaky Blinders, an all-out, adrenaline-fueled roller coaster of a crime show. At the heart of it all is Tommy Shelby, played by the incredibly talented Cillian Murphy, a World War I veteran trying to keep his crime empire afloat. Oh, and did we mention all the fiery-tempered characters in his life, like Aunt Polly (played by the late, amazing Helen McCrory), his temperamental brother Arthur, and no-nonsense little sister Ada, just to name a few?
And things just heat up when he stumbles upon Grace (Annabelle Wallis) – a relationship that takes us through a whirlwind of emotions. And when you’re done with your binge-watching spree, get ready for a movie finale that’ll unravel Tommy Shelby’s destiny. Netflix hit a homerun with this one.
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole, Joe Cole, Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy
15. Six Feet Under
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a funeral home in Los Angeles? Well, meet the Fisher family. They’re at the heart of this heart-wrenching drama created by Alan Ball and brought to you by HBO. It’s gonna take you on an emotional ride, trust me! There’s more to it than just the stunning series finale (which is often hailed as one of the greatest ever).
There are 62 straight-up brilliant episodes on Netflix before you even get there. The show’s main focus is the Fishers – Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Lauren Ambrose, and Frances Conroy – dealing with life, death, and everything in between after they suddenly lose their father. Each episode starts with someone’s death, leading them to the Fisher’s funeral home. Sometimes, it’s tragic, like a baby passing away from SIDS.
Sometimes, it’s bizarrely funny, like when a chunk of airplane waste falls out of the sky and squashes a woman. But every time, it’s a stark reminder to the Fishers (and to us) that the end is never too far away.
Cast: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Jeremy Sisto, Rachel Griffiths, James Cromwell, Justina Machado
