Whether the week has flown by or it went at a snail’s pace, you can now relax knowing it’s the weekend. To help keep you entertained over the next couple of days, I’ve rounded up some amazingNetflixshows that are worthy of binging.
These series all tell a complete story within a single season, meaning you won’t be left dangling with a cliffhanger. Kick back and enjoy!
2018
1
10
6 hours 23 minutes
Status
Ended
Maniacwas well received when it debuted on Netflix in 2018, but people have often never heard of it when I recommend it to them—perhaps because it was a limited series, so it didn’t have an opportunity to build up a mega following. Whatever the case, I urge you to watch it because it’s incredibly fun and surreal, with stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill at the top of their game.
The pair play Annie and Owen respectively, two strangers who join a group pharmaceutical trial for a new pill that can supposedly address any mental trauma without any side effects. It’s no spoiler to say that things don’t go smoothly.Maniacis a high-concept rollercoaster, pulling you through the mind-bending hallucinations that the participants experience, all the while being overseen by the unusual Dr. James K. Mantleray (Justin Theroux, clearly having a ball).
The visuals are spectacular, with every episode directed byNo Time to Die’s Cary Joji Fukunaga, and the retro-futuristic aesthetic is charming. But the show is so much more than that—it’s darkly comedic, clever, personal, and moving. It might take you a little while to warm up toManiac, but stick with it and you’ll be rewarded.
2025
4
3 hours 48 minutes
Unconfirmed
Adolescenceis essential, though certainly not easy, viewing. It’s a story pertinent for our modern times, about a young boy called Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) who has become radicalized by toxic masculinity online and is arrested on suspicion of murdering his female classmate. Through four tight and tense episodes, we see Jamie being questioned, the impact it has on his family and community, and understand what led to the horrific crime.
This is Cooper’s first professional role and he’s utterly fantastic, as are the entire cast, including Stephen Graham as Jamie’s father, Ashley Walters as a police inspector, and Erin Doherty as a psychologist. Their performances feel real, which is intensified by the fact that each episode was shot continuously and there are no hidden cuts. It’s technically impressive, but more importantly it’s immersive and puts you on the edge of your seat, whether it’s a scene packed with extras or just two characters talking.
Jack Thorne, one of the show’s creators, has said that Jamie’s story is finished, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a second season. It seems inevitable considering it quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular shows, and indeed production company Plan B is apparently hoping to make that a reality. Whether it happens or not,Adolescenceremains mesmerizing television.
2001
10 hours
Band of Brothersis a war series created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. If that’s not enough to entice you, especially if you’ve seenSaving Private Ryan(which the pair also collaborated on), then I’m not sure what will. The show is based on a historical book by Stephen E. Ambrose and originally aired on HBO in 2001. It very much holds up today as outstanding prestige television—it won a Golden Globe and seven Emmys for a reason.
It’s set during World War II and revolves around the Easy Company in the Airborne Division of the US Army. We see their entire journey, from training through to the end of the war. It features a large ensemble cast, many of whom were early in their careers but are now big stars, all doing outstanding work; every character feels genuine. These are young men who forged camaraderie in the face of horror, which the show doesn’t shy away from. It’s confronting and enthralling, with well-written dialogue, great production design, and a perfect pace. It’s difficult to find any flaws.
You should also check outThe Pacific(Netflix) andMasters of the Air(Apple TV+), which are two gripping companion series produced by the same team asBand of Brothers. The former follows three US Marines during the Pacific War, while the latter is about the airmen of the 100th Bomb Group. LikeBand of Brothers, they are uncompromising portrayals of war, so you may want to take a break before watching them, but they’re essential additions to your watchlist.
Netflix unfortunately doesn’t have a native watch party feature, but there arethird-party solutions to stream Netflix simultaneously with others. They’re worth trying out if you want to share your binge with friends and family.
Netflix
Stream all of these brilliant shows, along with plenty more licensed and original programming, with a monthly Netflix subscription.
