With so much exceptional television available right now, choosing what to watch can be overwhelming. Once you finally settle on a series, there’s nothing worse than investing time only to discover it has only three seasons. Fortunately, Netflix offers numerous long-running series that can keep you entertained for days and nights.
From comedies to dramas, lighthearted shows to award-winning masterpieces, there is no shortage of must-watch series that can keep viewers engaged for weeks. Among the best long shows on Netflix, there truly is something for everyone, allowing audiences to cheer for their favorite characters, witness intricate storylines unfold, and binge-watch for extended periods.
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‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)
No. of Seasons: 6
Serving as a sequel to the beloved 80s Kung Fu films, Cobra Kai expands the universe of Karate Kid by reexamining the original film’s antagonist, Johnny Lawrence. Years after his defeat by Daniel at the film’s conclusion, Johnny struggles with alcoholism and depression while grappling with his past failures. However, after defending his teenage neighbor from bullies, he decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo to teach him and other bullied kids self-defense.
Cobra Kai transforms what was once seen as a one-dimensional villain into a relatable and complex protagonist, further enhanced by an outstanding performance from William Zabka. The series honors the classic films while evolving their themes for a contemporary audience, delivering an exhilarating nostalgia that resonates with viewers today.
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‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
No. of Seasons: 6
The Crown is one of Netflix’s most iconic historical dramas. Spanning six decades, the six-season series chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her wedding to Prince Phillip in 1947 and concluding in the early 21st century. Each season covers a significant era in her life, often featuring new cast members to reflect the passage of time. The series not only portrays Elizabeth’s character evolution but also captures the transformation of British culture throughout the 20th century and beyond.
The enduring appeal of The Crown lies in its ability to reinvent itself with each season, making it an excellent choice for rewatching. While it functions beautifully as a cohesive narrative, each season also feels distinct enough that new viewers can jump into any season without needing prior context.
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‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)
No. of Seasons: 6
An iconic cornerstone of HBO’s original programming, Sex and the City became a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with modern audiences. The series follows four female best friends navigating their lives in New York City, each with their own stories revolving around sex, relationships, friendship, and femininity.
The impact of Sex and the City on contemporary television is immeasurable as it revolutionized storytelling through its bold narratives and risk-taking approaches. The series captures both the glamour and chaos of city life like never before on television, seamlessly blending comedy and drama to serve its characters’ journeys. Even two decades after its finale, Sex and the City remains one of the finest television series available.
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‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)
No. of Seasons: 6
Based on the DC character by the same name, Lucifer is among the most binge-worthy shows with multiple seasons on Netflix. The urban fantasy crime drama stars Tom Ellis as Lucifer himself. Over six seasons, it follows Lucifer as he retires from his role in Hell and relocates to Los Angeles to manage a luxurious nightclub.
Losing his friend to murder leads Lucifer to meet Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German). Fascinated by Chloe and intrigued by solving crimes, he becomes a consultant using his powers to help resolve cases involving supernatural beings. While it diverges from its source material, fans of shows like Supernatural, Charmed, Angel, or simply procedural dramas will appreciate Lucifer.
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‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024)
No. of Seasons: 6
The infamous prequel series to one of the most successful sitcoms of the 21st century,Young Sheldon, was initially seen as inferior compared toThe Big Bang Theory, but eventually carved out its own identity and even surpassed its predecessor in many aspects. This coming-of-age story explores young Sheldon Cooper’s life during late ’80s through mid-’90s while showcasing his unique perspective clashing with his more conventional family environment.
The initial skepticism surrounding Sheldon’s origin story quickly dissipated asYoung Sheldon‘s quality improved with each season. As time passes,The Big Bang Theory’s‘s flaws become more apparent whileYoung Sheldon‘s narrative becomes definitive within this sitcom franchise. The series culminates beautifully with an iconic finale that serves as a heartfelt tribute to loyal fans.
