As one of the earliest successful streaming services, Netflix has played a significant part in creating “binge-watch” culture, particularly as a result of how the streaming service releases its shows all at once. While the platform has plenty of long-running shows that can keep you entertained for weeks at a time, its catalog also features several great series that are practically designed for a weekend watch, including some true modern masterpieces.
Whether you’re looking for a short and sweet miniseries or an ongoing show that’s still entertaining enough to keep you engaged through multiple seasons, Netflix’s library boasts an abundance of titles to choose from, which can honestly make it a little difficult to zero in on your next weekend binge. But fret not — here’s our handpicked selection of the very best Netflix series that are so good, you’ll want to binge them in one weekend.
1
‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)
Created by Scottish actor and comedian Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is a black comedy thriller inspired by his semi-autobiographical one-man show, starring Gadd as a fictionalized interpretation of himself named Donny Dunn. A struggling comedian and bartender, Donny tries to extend some goodwill and support to a distressed customer named Martha, but his life is upended when she becomes increasingly obsessed with him, forcing him to face his personal demons. Besides Gadd, the series also stars Jessica Gunning as Martha, with Nava Mau, Tom Goodman-Hill, Nina Sosanya, Michael Wildman, and Shalom Brune-Franklin in supporting roles.
Baby Reindeer was an instant success when it was first released in 2024, garnering critical acclaim for Gadd’s writing and acting and for Gunning’s breakout performance. Darkly funny, highly thrilling, and intelligently crafted, the series is so engaging that you would want to watch all seven of its episodes in one go. The miniseries stands out with its gripping and complex take on themes of dangerous obsession, and it has been widely hailed as one of the best miniseries of the 2020s.
2
‘Bodies’ (2023)
Adapted from Si Spencer’s DC Vertigo graphic novel, Bodies is a British sci-fi mystery thriller created by Paul Tomalin that revolves around the discovery of an anonymous dead body in the same London neighborhood at different times between 1890 and 2053. When detectives in their respective timelines begin an investigation, each of them finds puzzling clues, all connecting to a time and space-bending conspiracy that threatens the existence of mankind. The show stars Stephen Graham, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Shira Haas, Amaka Okafor, Kyle Soller, Greta Scacchi, and more in key roles.
A high-concept sci-fi thriller, Bodies is a fantastic combination of murder mystery, time travel, historical conspiracies, and period drama that would instantly appeal to hard sci-fi fans. Even though the story unfolds slowly and gradually, the narrative successfully maintains high tension and unpredictability throughout, making it a highly addictive thriller that demands non-stop viewing. Bodies has been critically acclaimed for its elevated narrative, anchored by compelling performances, and it’s often compared to other confoundingly complex sci-fi shows like Dark and 3 Body Problem.
3
‘The Residence’ (2025)
Inspired by Kate Anderson Brower’s non-fiction book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, The Residence is a mystery comedy-drama created by Paul William Davies that centers on the scandalous murder of White House Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter. The entire White House staff and their schedule are thrown into disarray, and eccentric detective Cordelia Cupp is called in to investigate, uncovering all their sinister internal conflicts and backdoor politics. Uzo Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp and Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, with Randall Park, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Susan Kelechi Watson, Edwina Findley, and Ken Marino in lead roles.
An investigative exploration of the “upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs” of the world’s most prestigious house, The Residence delivers a refreshingly different whodunit story where every episode leaves you wanting to watch more. Aduba’s stoic birder-sleuth Cordelia Cupp is an inventive reimagination of the conventional “oddball detective” trope, translated brilliantly through the actor’s performance. Come for the murder mystery, stay for the quirky characters, dark satire, and strong visual aesthetics.
4
‘The Gentlemen’ (2023–Present)
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A dark comedy anthology series created by Lee Sung Jin explores stories involving different characters that share common themes of rage existential crises pressing psychosocial issues contemporary world. The first season centers on road rage incident between man woman leads deadly outcomes while second season follows young couple who blackmail older couple compromising video. The show features new ensemble cast each season as well featuring Steven Yeun Ali Wong Oscar Isaac Carey Mulligan more.
A perfect double feature weekend binge exceptional social thriller expertly shifts between black comedy crime thriller personal drama first season earned universal praise terrific performances Steven Yeun Ali Wong fiery chemistry second season followed April both seasons highly incisive intriguing going beyond exploring “what” diving deeper into “why” human condition seeing past chaos characters pathos within.
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