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From Succession and Barry to Stranger Things and Breaking Bad, here are the best shows to binge — and where to watch them.
As long as there have been nerds and a means of recording, people have been mass-consuming their favorite TV shows, whether on DVD or self-recorded VHS. But more recently, binge-watching has become not only something people do but a driving factor that shapes the way some entertainment is formed on a core level. Whether you’ve been binge-watching your whole life or recently slid into the habit, there are some shows that are just perfect to mainline as quickly as possible. If you’re scrolling through streaming and wondering “What show should I watch?”, the Collider staff has put together a handy list of our favorite shows to binge-watch below on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated June 2023 to include Barry.
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Succession (2018-present)
Creator: Jesse Armstrong
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook
Succession somehow manages to exist both in the present day and in its own bubble universe. This duality exists because of the world that the Roy family has created for themselves. This leading family is in charge of a multinational media and entertainment company and is therefore obscenely wealthy. They have an incredible amount of influence on the outside world, and yet so much of the series centers on their family dynamics and dysfunction that it’s hard to believe that such a world exists. The characters of Succession are chaotic, messy, and selfish, but that’s what makes the show so captivating. The Roy siblings all want to run the company when their father, Logan (Brian Cox), inevitably steps down one day. As their allegiances to each other and their father change each season, it’s hard to know who to root for and who to root against because they are really not good (or serious) people. It’s almost impossible to stop watching once you’ve been sucked in. — Brynna Arens
Barry (2018–2023)
Creator: Alec Berg, Bill Hader
Cast: Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan
Now that the final season of Barry has aired, it’s the perfect time to watch the whole story from start to finish. Starring Bill Hader (Trainwreck), the series follows a hitman who takes an acting class during a hit, which changes the course of his life, inspiring him to try getting out of the death game – even though it won’t let him go. While this dark comedy is immensely funny, it also dives into deeper themes surrounding the difficulties veterans can have reintegrating into society, toxic masculinity, and abuse. The award-winning series is massively bingeable, as the compelling story, masterful cinematography, and complex characters suck you in with each episode.
The Last Thing He Told Me (2023)
Creators: Laura Dave, Josh Singer
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Angourie Rice, Aisha Tyler
The Last Thing He Told Me is a limited series that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. Based on the bestselling novel by Laura Dave, the show follows Hannah (Jennifer Garner), who must take drastic measures to protect her teenage stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) when her husband (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears. The central mystery gets more complex and dangerous as it unfolds, taking viewers through an intriguing journey. In addition to the compelling plot, Garner and Rice’s excellent chemistry is a highlight as well.
The Power (2023-present)
Creators: Sarah Quintrell, Claire Wilson, Naomi Alderman
Cast: Toni Collette, Toheeb Jimoh, Halle Bush, Auli’i Cravalho, John Leguizamo
Based on the best-selling (and award-winning) novel by Naomi Alderman, The Power explores what would happen if teen girls suddenly developed the power to discharge electricity with their hands. A truly global show, The Power takes place all over the world, including Seattle, Alabama, Southeast Europe, Nigeria, England, and more. The series tackles complex issues in an entertaining fashion and features an all-star cast of famous faces like Toni Collette, Toheeb Jimoh, Auli’i Cravalho, and John Leguizamo, as well as talented newcomers like Halle Bush and Ria Zmitrowicz. With smart writing, gorgeous cinematography, and stylish direction, The Power makes for a great binge. – Taylor Gates
Jury Duty (2023)
Creators: Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky
Cast: James Marsden, Alan Barinholtz, Ronald Gladden, Susan Berger
Jury Duty is a brilliantly crafted social experiment reality show from Lee Eisenberg (The Office) and Gene Stupnitsky (Trophy Wife). Taking place inside a real courthouse, Jury Duty builds a workplace comedy within a true crime documentary that is actually a hidden camera show. Focusing on civilian Ronald Gladden, Jury Duty follows as the unsuspecting juror is immersed in the fictional case, surrounded by incredible up-and-coming actors, as well as famous face James Marsden (Dead to Me). Jury Duty is undeniably an impressively ambitious concept and succeeds almost exclusively due to the earnest nature of Gladden. – Yael Tygiel
Tiny Beautiful Things (2023)
Creator: Liz Tigelaar
Cast: Kathryn Hahn, Merritt Wever, Sarah Pidgeon, Quentin Plair, Michaela Watkins
Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things is a hilarious and heartbreaking dramedy about a woman named Clare who reluctantly becomes an advice columnist despite her own life falling apart. Spanning two distinct timelines, Clare is played by Kathryn Hahn in the present-day and Sarah Pidgeon in flashbacks, and each give a phenomenal performance. Tiny Beautiful Things tackles subjects like grief and strained family dynamics in a refreshingly honest way. If you’re looking to laugh and cry — sometimes simultaneously — make this your next binge. — Taylor Gates
The Diplomat (2023-present)
Creator: Debora Cahn
Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
Keri Russell (The Americans) brilliantly stars in The Diplomat, an intense political thriller that follows the life of a new US Ambassador to the UK. The Diplomat cleverly blends the personal and political, allowing the tension to overlap through the eight-episode first season, where Russell captivates as Kate Wyler. At times overshadowing political matters, The Diplomat is equally fascinating as Kate faces her demanding husband, a fellow diplomat and rising political star played by Rufus Sewell. Created by Debora Cahn (Homeland), The Diplomat investigates a political climate through turbulent international situations, heightened crises, and astute conversations, ultimately resulting in riveting television. – Yael Tygiel
You (2018-present)
Creator: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
Cast: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti, Tati Gabrielle
From creators Greg Berlanti (Riverdale) and Sera Gamble (The Magicians), You stars Penn Badgley (Easy A) as a charming, well-read serial killer who is quick to develop an unhealthy obsession with the women he meets. With each season introducing a new object of his desire, You seamlessly adapts the story to new locations, from New York to Los Angeles to Europe, populated with interesting new characters played by unbelievably attractive actors. You deliciously weaves steamy soap threads, tying them uncomfortably to graphic violence and alluring an audience into an unsettling yet captivating viewing experience. – Yael Tygiel
Dead Ringers (2023)
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Emily Meade, Britne Oldford, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Chernus
Strap in for one of the wildest rides of your life. Based on the 1988 David Cronenberg film, Dead Ringers the series puts a modern female twist on the story of the codependent twin gynecologists. Rachel Weisz plays both Beverly and Elliot Mantle in a stunning performance, and her co-stars, including Britne Oldford as Beverly’s girlfriend and Jennifer Ehle as a deliciously corrupt billionaire investor, are just as impressive. Combining shocking horror, timely topics, and sharp dark comedy, Dead Ringers is a thrilling, one-of-a-kind experience. — Taylor Gates
Beef (2023-present)
Creator: Lee Sung Jin
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino
A brilliant dramedy grounded by excellent performances, Beef stars Ali Wong as Amy, an uptight entrepreneur, and Steven Yeun as Danny, a struggling contractor. When the two are involved in a particularly nasty road-range incident with each other, they spiral out of control. Outrageous — and outrageously funny — Beef will make you laugh out loud. However, it also deals with serious topics like class differences, mental health, and family issues, all of which make for a deeply affecting and emotional watch, too. — Taylor Gates
The Night Agent (2023-present)
Created by: Shawn Ryan
Cast: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Sarah Desjardins
Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, this thrilling action series follows Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent who works at the White House as a Night Action phone operator. When he finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy about a mole in the highest levels of the government, however, he must track down the traitor. The show is sure to have you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible not to binge. The excellent performances by Luciana Buchanan and Oscar nominee Hong Chau take this tense drama to the next level. — Taylor Gates
A League of Their Own (2022-2023)
Creators: Will Graham, Abbi Jacobson
Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Chanté Adams, D’Arcy Carden, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Kelly McCormack
Based on true historical events and inspired by the Penny Marshall movie, A League of Their Own is a beautifully queer comedy series co-created by Will Graham with star Abbi Jacobson. Shining a light on the World War II All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, A League of Their Own gingerly chronicles not only the formation of the iconic Rockford Peaches, revealing fictional storylines heavily influenced by the stories of real women, but also pointedly focuses on the Black ballplayers of the time. Starring an overwhelmingly talented cast, like Chanté Adams, D’Arcy Carden, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Kelly McCormack, A League of Their Own is a fantastic series worth watching again and again. – Yael Tygiel
Poker Face (2023-present)
Creator: Rian Johnson
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Barkin, Adrien Brody
A glorious love letter to murder mysteries in general — and Columbo in particular — Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll) as the charming Charlie, a savvy woman with a gift for sniffing out the truth. Created by modern mystery maestro Rian Johnson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Poker Face beautifully builds an anthology of sorts while maintaining a throughline for Charlie that keeps her moving from case to case. Filled with a slew of guest appearances from incredible actors, including Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Adrien Brody, and Ellen Barkin, Poker Face is more than a celebrity cameo machine — it’s a captivating journey in each episode so cleverly crafted viewers can’t help but come back for more. – Yael Tygiel
Swarm (2023-present)
Created by: Donald Glover, Janine Nabers
Cast: Mezi Atwood, Dominique Fishback, Damson Idris
Atlanta’s Donald Glover and Watchmen’s Janine Nabers team up as co-creators of Swarm, a new series that combines comedy, drama, and even some horror and suspense. Parodying the intensity of stan culture, Swarm follows a young woman named Dre (Dominique Fishback) as she does anything and everything to get close to her favorite popstar Ni’Jah, who has a huge following that’s not dissimilar to that of Beyoncé. The seven surreal episodes will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, cringing, and gasping all the while. – Taylor Gates
The Last of Us (2023-present)
Creator: Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv
Writer/director Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and original game director Neil Druckmann (The Last of Us) join forces to bring the iconic video game to life in a new medium. In a cinematic series exploring love and loss, The Last of Us takes place in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a voracious fungus that takes control of human hosts to spread. Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) take on the classic lone wolf and cub dynamic as Joel and Ellie, who must travel across the country together while trying to survive infected monsters, raiders, and the fascist military organization FEDRA. The Last of Us is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and terrifying story that expands the lore of the games to perfectly fit the long-form serialized TV format. – Tauri Miller
Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022-present)
Creator: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Brody, Josh Radnor
Jesse Eisenberg stars in Fleishman Is in Trouble as a divorced man suddenly abandoned, with his two children, by his ex-wife (Claire Danes). Adapted by Taffy Brodesser-Akner from her novel, Fleishman Is in Trouble is a blend of dark comedy and weird drama with a story that evolves from a mid-life crisis to a thoughtful spotlight on mental illness. Although hard to characterize the series, Fleishman Is in Trouble can be commended on the star-powered cast who supports Eisenberg, including Lizzy Caplan, whose character narrates the series, as well as Adam Brody and Josh Radnor (Hunters). – Yael Tygiel
Andor (2022-present)
Creator: Tony Gilroy
Cast: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Stellan Skarsgård
A wonderful addition to the Star Wars universe, Andor is a prequel to the action-packed movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Created by Rogue One writer Tony Gilroy, Andor takes place five years prior to the film, building a rich backstory for an ensemble of characters who would become the Rebel Alliance, including a thief named Cassian Andor, with Diego Luna reprising the role. Rounding out the cast are Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, and Stellan Skarsgård (Thor: Love and Thunder), who allow Andor to delve into the formation of the opposition group, as well as the intricacies of the Galactic Empire, thoroughly enriching the expansive Star Wars universe. – Yael Tygiel
Bad Sisters (2022-present)
Creators: Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, Sharon Horgan
Cast: Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, Sarah Greene, Eva Birthistle, Claes Bang
Surprisingly not created by a couple of sisters, Bad Sisters comes from the minds of Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, and Sharon Horgan (Housebroken), who also stars in the comedy series with Eve Hewson, Sarah Greene, and Eva Birthistle. In Bad Sisters, Horgan, Hewson, Greene, and Birthistle play the close-knit sisters who are suspected of murder when life insurance investigators suggest one of them might be responsible for their brother-in-law’s death. Finding humor in the macabre as well as ordinary, everyday situations allows Bad Sisters to shine as a charmingly uproarious female-fronted series. – Yael Tygiel
Tell Me Lies (2022-present)
Creator: Meaghan Oppenheimer
Cast: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, Catherine Missal, Spencer House
Stemming from the suspenseful book by author Carola Lovering, Tell Me Lies stars Grace Van Patten (Nine Perfect Strangers) as the complicated Lucy, whose life and secrets unravel through the series, which spans eight years. At the earliest moments of the series, Lucy is just your average beautiful young woman, but when she begins an intoxicating relationship with Stephen (Jackson White), their complex entanglement leads to twisted and messy secrets. Produced by Emma Roberts, Tell Me Lies is a romance exploring themes of infatuation, obsession, and codependency. With intriguing and dark characters reminiscent of You, Meaghan Oppenheimer (Queen America) creates an addictive mystery with Tell Me Lies. – Yael Tygiel
Wednesday (2022-present)
Created by: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane
The Addams Family has been through many iterations, from a TV show in the 60s to popular family films in the 90s to a musical in 2010. The newest take on this timeless kooky family is Wednesday, which centers on a teenage Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega). The show sees her attend her parents’ alma mater Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. Though Wednesday would rather be anywhere else, she soon finds herself on a mission to look into the mysterious murders happening around campus, using her wit, deadpan delivery, and new supernatural visions to solve the crimes. – Taylor Gates