Whether you’re browsingNetflixat home, on your commute, or on vacation, one universal problem unites us all: finding something good to watch. Luckily, I’m here to suggest three shows that are perfect for a weekend binge.
None of these shows are seemingly endless beasts that require a considerable commitment. Instead, they are tight experiences that you can easily finish this weekend.
2018
1
10
3 hours 58 minutes
Status
Ended
For a sweet coming-of-age comedy-drama that will take you less than four hours to watch beginning to end, look no further thanEverything Sucks!. It’s set at Boring High School (yes, the jokes write themselves), about a group of young students from the A/V and drama clubs who come together to make a movie. With differing personalities and hormones running high, things don’t go smoothly.
Everything Sucks!is set in 1996 Oregon and perfectly nails the small town, nostalgic American vibe. While it’s nothing revolutionary, the show is charming, emotional, and funny. The central performances from Peyton Kennedy and Jahi Di’Allo Winston, as Luke and Kate respectively, are what really shine. Each is dealing with their own issues—Luke with his father’s abandonment, Kate with her sexuality—and it’s all handled sweetly.
Unfortunately, this is one of the manyshows that Netflix canceled too soon, which stings even more since the season ends on a cliffhanger. Considering the show debuted seven years ago and all the kids are no longer kids, there is no chance of a sudden second life; despite that, it’s still worth a watch.
2022 - present
8
6 hours 53 minutes
Ongoing
If you haven’t watchedWednesdayalready, you’re in the minority and it’s time to right that wrong. It’s one of the most popular Netflix series of all time, and deservedly so. Jenna Ortega leads as the titular Wednesday Addams, a girl with a thrill for the macabre and dangerous, who is transferred to Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts—home to werewolves, psychics, and more.
After a murder occurs near the school, Wednesday takes it upon herself to investigate, all the while being plagued by shocking visions. Ortega is perfect in the lead role, with a pitch-perfect deadpan performance, and is surrounded by equally enjoyable characters, like Gwendoline Christie’s mysterious principal and Emma Myers' bubbly schoolmate. And while other classicAddams Familymembers appear, like Morticia and Thing, it’s perfectly fine to watchWednesdayeven if you have no tie to the franchise because it acts as a standalone piece.
The show is suitably dark at times, but it’s also great fun; while targeted mainly at teens, there is plenty for adults to appreciate too. Considering Tim Burton is an executive producer and directed half of the episodes, that should give you an idea of what sort of tone to expect. So, what are you waiting for? With a second season on the way this August, now is the best time to get caught up.
2017
7
7 hours 32 minutes
I love any sort of Western, so whenGodlessdebuted on Netflix in 2017, I devoured it. Eight years later, it still stands up as one of Netflix’s best original productions. Even if you’re not typically a fan of the genre, I urge you to give this limited series a try. It’s gripping, looks beautiful, and has excellent performances from everyone.
It tells the story of Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), an outlaw who is trying to escape his former gang leader, the dangerous Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). Roy ends up in a town inhabited mostly by women and is taken in by Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), but Frank isn’t going to let Roy’s transgressions pass that easily. As you might imagine, violence is his answer, but these women are more than capable of defending themselves.
Godlessis a bit of a slow burn, perhaps in part because it was originally developed as a movie, but it gives plenty of room for everyone to shine. Plus it means you can bask in the mounting tension over the course of seven episodes. If you need any more convincing, know that it’s written by Scott Frank, who is responsible for the equally fantastic Netflix showThe Queen’s Gambit—and if you haven’t seen that, dive in afterward for something entirely different.
Consideringthe most-watched Netflix original movies are surprisingly bad, you’re better off spending your weekend with one of these great shows instead. You could even consume all three if you’re feeling wild!
Netflix
Stream all of these brilliant shows, along with plenty more licensed and original programming, with a monthly Netflix subscription.
