When it comes to TV series, sometimes quality matters more than quantity. Many shows have written themselves into oblivion and fallen apart in their final seasons. Luckily, by chance or by design, these TV shows did not. With less than 20 episodes in total, they not only make excellent binge-watches, but also present definitive capsule narratives.

A sci-fi staple that was famously canceled before its time, a throwback series that crossed continents to find excellence, and two shows that feature perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes scores. This list has some of the absolute best TV shows with under 20 episodes that you can watch in a single weekend. Whether you’re pressed for time or you don’t want to press your luck and be disappointed by an overly involved and lengthy series, these TV shows are worthy of your watchlist.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman bring the classic literary characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to life in Sherlock. Cumberbatch is ideal as the methodical and meticulous sleuth, and Freeman’s chemistry with him as Watson is a recipe for success. Series creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat did a wonderful job of updating the IP for a new generation, having the characters utilize modern technology like smartphones and GPS.

With an hour or so of runtime, each episode of Sherlock feels like its own short film. The show is formatted to be mainly episodic in its storytelling, but there are some strong arcs that are woven throughout the series as a whole. Sherlock has won nine Primetime Emmys and several BAFTAs. It is endlessly engaging, and with so many details to pick up on, it makes a terrific rewatch, and viewers can catch something new with each subsequent viewing.

‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)

Created by Lisa McGee, Derry Girls is a glimpse into her childhood, growing up in Ireland in the early 1990s. During the political turmoil known as the Troubles, a group of friends tries to live their lives and navigate their way through teenage angst that feels universally relatable. Derry Girls is a hilarious coming-of-age story that mixes laugh-out-loud moments with brief pauses for recognition of the tension that occurred during a pivotal time in history.

At 19 episodes long, Derry Girls makes for a perfect binge-watch. It is endlessly entertaining, and viewers won’t want to miss any of the drama. Bridgerton fans will enjoy seeing Nicola Coughlan as the hyper and neurotic Clare. Derry Girls is an absolute triumph. It has a near-perfect 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is easy to see why.

‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)

The TV show so famous for being canceled after only one season that it has almost passed into sci-fi legend is Joss Whedon‘s Firefly. Whedon would go on to pilot several other long-running series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. However, some would argue that his magnum opus is the one-season wonder that is Firefly.

Combining the vibe of a Western with the drama of an intergalactic space opera, Firefly created something altogether new and precious. Its single-season arc lives on in cult classic infamy and remains a beloved canon for fans around the world. While many wonder what might have been, the series remains perfect as it is, and Firefly is undoubtedly one of the best TV shows under 20 episodes of all time.

‘Mr. Bean’ (1990–1995)

Some think he’s an alien ; some simply think he’s an oddball ; either way , Mr.Bean ( Rowan Atkinson ) is not a normal human being . Watching this unique and eccentric persona interact with everyday conundrums is brilliant . The choice to limit dialogue in Mr.Bean helps the show have international appeal ,and you don’t have to understand spoken lines to get humor .