Pretty much anyone with a Netflix subscription has found themselves getting lost watching way too many episodes of a great show in a single sitting. The service has an almost endless amount of content to watch and the app makes it way too easy to sit through “just one more episode…”
We’ve sorted through all the TV series Netflix currently has streaming and have found the ones that will get you most hooked. It should be noted that these aren’t necessarily the best shows on Netflix, but are simply the ones that lend themselves most to rapid viewing. Here’s our ranking of the most binge-worthy shows you can watch on Netflix.
‘Wild Wild Country’ (2018)
Currently on Netflix: Six episodes (One season)
Anyone who has flipped through Netflix’s documentary section knows it’s loaded with titles that sound really interesting — if you could just find the time to watch them!
The 2018 Netflix original documentary series “Wild Wild Country” is one you’ll find yourself quickly addicted to and quickly finished with, given its six-episode length. The show tells the strange story of an Indian cult leader who tried to build a utopian city in Oregon in the 1980s. The series is loaded with archival footage and, in a glowing review, Kotaku said it’s perfect for people who like “documentaries about things that are so bizarre they couldn’t possibly be real.”
‘The Tudors’ (2007)
Currently on Netflix: 38 episodes (Four seasons)
If sex, secrets, lush costumes and Britain’s royal history are more your speed, “The Tudors” is a great candidate for a binge. This former Showtime series is streaming in its entirety and follows the infamous reign of King Henry VIII in 16th-century England. The series is full of sordid affairs and backstabbing but, if you’re a history buff, just know it takes significant liberties with the facts. The show has a stellar cast that includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sam Neill, Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer.
‘Mindhunter’ (2017)
Currently on Netflix: 10 episodes (One season)
Fans of crime dramas and serial-killer investigations will love this Netflix original. “Mindhunter” is set in the 1970s and follows the pioneering efforts of the FBI’s first criminal profilers. The show is based on true investigations into infamous killers like Ed Kemper and Richard Speck, who appear as chilling characters. “Mindhunter” is definitely not for the easily disturbed and four episodes of its first season were directed by David Fincher, who was responsible for similar movies like “Seven” and “Gone Girl.” A second season is on its way.
‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013)
Currently on Netflix: 24 episodes (Four seasons)
Another gritty crime story, this BBC series is set mostly in 1920s England and is about a ruthless gang and the police officers tasked with stopping them. Cillian Murphy leads the cast as the gang’s leader and other big-name actors include Tom Hardy and Adrian Brody. “Peaky Blinders” has been acclaimed for its acting and its styling, especially the trend-setting hairstyle worn by Murphy’s character, Tommy Shelby.
‘Riverdale’ (2017)
Currently on Netflix: 35 episodes (Two seasons)
This popular CW series is based on the classic “Archie” comics but “Riverdale” is anything but old-fashioned. Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica are among the many characters in the series, which explores the dark truths hidden in the idyllic town of Riverdale. While it’s been aimed at teens, “Riverdale” has been praised as stylish, sexy and addictive. The first two seasons of the series are currently on Netflix and CNN described it as a teen show “worthy of obsession.”
‘The Blacklist’ (2013)
Currently on Netflix: 111 episodes (Five seasons)
The always-intriguing James Spader leads this binge-worthy NBC series that currently has more than 100 episodes on Netflix. “The Blacklist” stars Spader as an elusive criminal who starts working with the FBI, helping them locate some of the world’s most dangerous evildoers. The self-contained episode plots of this show make it easy to jump in and out of without feeling too lost and make bingeing sessions feel less overwhelming. “The Blacklist” has a sixth season currently in the works at NBC so you can expect more episodes to appear on Netflix in the future.
‘Dexter’ (2006)
Currently on Netflix: 96 episodes (Eight seasons)
Speaking of shows that feature morally questionable main characters, Showtime’s “Dexter” has its entire run on Netflix. The series follows a serial killer who hunts and slays murderers who’ve gotten away with their crimes, unbeknownst to his co-workers at the Miami Metro Police Department. “Six Feet Under” star Michael C. Hall plays Dexter with intensity and the cast also includes memorable turns from John Lithgow, Julia Stiles and Yvonne Strahovski. “Dexter” is packed with suspense but it’s definitely not for anyone who is easily grossed out by gore.
‘The Fall’ (2013)
Currently on Netflix: 17 episodes (Three seasons)
You’ve probably noticed that, because of their short number of episodes per season, British shows are great for binge-watching. The BBC series “The Fall” is no different, packing a ton of thrills and shocking moments into just 17 episodes. The show follows a no-nonsense British detective as she hunts a serial killer that preys on women. Gillian Anderson expertly plays the detective and “Fifty Shades of Grey” star Jamie Dornan plays the killer, who also lives a double life as a devoted father and husband. You can easily tear through “The Fall” in a weekend — and you’ll want to once you start it.
‘Rectify’ (2013)
Currently on Netflix: 30 episodes (Four seasons)
This acclaimed series originally ran on SundanceTV, where you may have missed it, but is now streaming entirely on Netflix. “Rectify” is about a man who is released from prison after serving 20 years on death row for a terrible crime he didn’t commit, before returning to his hometown and trying to get on with his life. This series got mostly lost in the conversation about great shows of the past few years but has been described as an addictive watch.
‘The Sinner’ (2017)
Currently on Netflix: Eight episodes (One season)
This USA Network series is another perfect bingeing candidate for people who love dark mysteries. The first season, the only one currently on Netflix, is about a detective who tries to unravel why a young mother stabbed a man to death, although she has no memory of doing it. Bill Pullman and Jessica Biel star in the first season, with Biel earning an Emmy nomination for her work. The second season, which follows Pullman’s detective investigating another strange crime, recently wrapped on USA Network and should be coming to Netflix soon.
‘The Staircase’ (2004)
Currently on Netflix: 13 episodes (One season)
This pioneering documentary series was one of the first deep dives ever taken into a true-crime story and Netflix recently bought the rights and produced three new episodes for 2018. In incredible detail, “The Staircase” examines the murder case against author Michael Peterson, whose wife was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home in 2001. The show uses hours of courtroom footage and original interviews to tell its story and is sure to divide audiences along the way. With as many twists and turns as the case takes during the series, you’ll swear it can’t be a documentary.
‘American Horror Story’ (2011)
Currently on Netflix: 84 episodes (Seven seasons)
FX’s “American Horror Story” is perfect for bingeing because each season follows a totally new story and characters, meaning you can skip entire seasons if you don’t like the premise. The series always has an interesting premise and setting, though, ranging from a 1950s Florida freak show to a New Orleans school for young witches to a terrifying hotel in Los Angeles. Among the talented actors who’ve graced the show’s casts are Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange and Connie Britton.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005)
Currently on Netflix: 317 episodes (14 seasons)
Yes, more than 300 episodes (and counting) make “Grey’s Anatomy” an intimidating binge but once you start it, you’ll want to keep watching all night. This ABC hit follows the steamy personal lives and high-pressure professional lives of employees at a Seattle hospital. The cast is massive and has changed plenty over the years, meaning there is no shortage of juicy storylines to follow. It’s a bit of a soap opera, but that just makes it all the more binge-worthy!
‘Arrested Development’ (2003)
Currently on Netflix: 69 episodes (Five seasons)
This acclaimed and outrageous comedy series is great for binge-watching because of its many interweaving storylines that can be easy to forget if you take long breaks between episodes. It follows a family of truly awful people, including a son who tries to save the family business while the other members seem bent on ruining it. The jokes come virtually nonstop and the characters and situation in “Arrested Development” are among the most ridiculous and memorable to ever appear on TV. Once you watch it, you’ll understand why Netflix brought it back for new episodes seven years after Fox first canceled it.
‘Making A Murderer’ (2015)
Currently on Netflix: 20 episodes (Two seasons)
True-crime docuseries are all the rage these days and Netflix’s massive hit “Making a Murderer” is one of the major reasons why. This eye-opening series follows the criminal cases against Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey and the controversial tactics used against them by law enforcement in Wisconsin. When the show debuted in 2015, The Guardian called it “frighteningly addictive” and claimed it was “made for binge-watching.”
‘Queer Eye’ (2018)
Currently on Netflix: 17 episodes (Two seasons)
Although it only debuted on Netflix in 2018, it feels like the guys from “Queer Eye” have been in our lives much longer. This updated version of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” sees a charming quintet of gay men help transform the lives of people who need their help. The show is often hilarious and fun, but it also packs an emotional wallop and is genuinely enlightening at times, separating it from other reality-makeover shows. You’ll binge the first 17 episodes in no time and will be eager for more, which are expected to come in 2019.
‘How To Get Away With Murder’ (2014)
Currently on Netflix: 60 episodes (Four seasons)
The great Viola Davis leads this thrilling legal drama, which packs each episode with the types of gasp-worthy moments you’d expect from producer Shonda Rhimes. Davis plays a ruthless attorney who takes a group of law students under her wing and helps them get into — and out of — many questionable situations. The twists are virtually nonstop in “How to Get Away with Murder,” and each season throws in a couple slow-burning mysteries to go with the personal drama that constantly pops up between the characters. The fifth season is currently airing on ABC and should appear on Netflix in 2019.
‘The Office’ (2005)
Currently on Netflix: 201 episodes (Nine seasons)
Anyone who has ever watched NBC’s “The Office” will tell you it’s very easy to rip through a dozen episodes in one sitting. The 22-minute runtimes and virtually endless laughs make it difficult to say no when Netflix asks if you want to keep watching. “The Office” is a faux-documentary set inside a paper company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, led by the impulsive regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Once you get into the glory days of seasons two through six, you’ll probably count the show among your favorites. It’s definitely one of Netflix’s most crowd-pleasing series.
‘Parks And Recreation’ (2009)
Currently on Netflix: 123 episodes (Seven seasons)
It might be a controversial take but we’ll give “Parks and Recreation” the nod over “The Office” as the more binge-worthy comedy, simply because it’s shorter and it never had any bad seasons once it took off. This faux-documentary sitcom follows a team of government employees inside the parks department of a small city in Indiana. “Parks and Recreation” is hilarious and touching in equal measure and is easy to get lost in, thanks to the unforgettable characters that fill each episode.
‘The Haunting Of Hill House’ (2018)
Currently on Netflix: 10 episodes (One season)
This recent Netflix original is great for anyone who doesn’t mind losing a little sleep — both because they are binge-watching it all night and because it’s terrifying. “The Haunting of Hill House” tells the complex story of a large family, including five adult siblings, who were partly raised in a haunted house. The acting in the series is well done, the characters are all memorable in their own way and the images are seriously creepy. You’ll want to race through the first 10 episodes, but you’ll probably want to leave the lights on while you do it!
‘House of Cards’ (2013)
Currently on Netflix: 73 episodes (Six seasons)
When Netflix debuted every episode of the first season of “House of Cards” at once in 2013, it was unheard of and was described as an “experiment in bingeing.” The series follows a ruthless politician and his equally shrewd wife as they accumulate power in Washington. Now that the pioneering show has wrapped its final season, everyone is used to that model of releasing a full season of a show and many viewers prefer the power it gives them. “House of Cards” remains one of Netflix’s most binge-worthy shows, combining dirty politics, sex, violence, high production values and great acting into a nice package.
‘Friends’ (1994)
Currently on Netflix: 236 episodes (10 seasons)
The oldest show on this list is also the most binge-worthy comedy now streaming on Netflix, in our humble opinion. “Friends” is so easy to binge because its characters are virtually impossible not to love. The smash NBC sitcom follows a tight-knit group of six friends as they navigate adult life in New York City. Is it perfect? Definitely not. But “Friends” is still a blast to sit down with all these years later, especially the stellar early seasons.
‘Bodyguard’ (2018)
Currently on Netflix: Six episodes (One season)
This BBC series just hit Netflix a few weeks ago, but we’re already ready to call it one of the most binge-worthy shows now streaming. It tells the story of a British police officer and ex-soldier who is tasked with acting as the bodyguard for a tough politician whose political decisions had a harsh effect on his life. The show is dark, steamy and loaded with twists and turns as its thrilling mystery unfolds. “Bodyguard” earned record ratings in Britain and it’s easy to see why people were so hooked on it. Given its brisk, six-episode length, this one was made for bingeing.
‘Breaking Bad’ (2008)
Currently on Netflix: 62 episodes (Five seasons)
If you ask us, there’s simply is no better binge-watch on Netflix than AMC’s classic “Breaking Bad.” The storytelling is so tight that every episode is essential, and you’ll want to keep pressing play to see the next thrilling chapter. The Emmy-winning series tells the story of a straight-laced high school chemistry teacher who decides to start making crystal meth after he’s diagnosed with cancer. Bryan Cranston’s lead performance will keep you glued to your screen, but it’s the unique world of the show and its cast of memorable supporting characters that make “Breaking Bad” so rich.
