The Best Shows to Binge-Watch on Netflix Right Now

With an endless selection of shows spanning every genre, picking what to watch on Netflix can feel like an impossible task. The platform is renowned for its sprawling dramas, addictive reality series, and top-tier original comedies.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most engaging shows available to stream right now. From the Golden Globe-winning Baby Reindeer and the Emmy-winning Ripley to all-time fan favorites like Breaking Bad, Squid Games and Stranger Things, here’s a list of the best series to binge.

If you're in the mood for a movie instead, check out our picks for the best Netflix originals.

Squid Game (2021 - Present)

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This South Korean thriller became a global sensation upon release. The gripping survival drama follows desperate contestants who enter a deadly competition for a life-changing cash prize. If you can stomach the brutal, gory elements, this is an unmissable watch. Season 2, which arrived in December, sees Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) return in an effort to dismantle the sinister game. A third and final season is officially in the works.

Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)

Often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad delivers an unmatched mix of suspense, intense character arcs, and jaw-dropping plot twists. The story follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, as his descent into the criminal underworld takes increasingly dark turns.

Ripley (2024)

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Netflix’s latest adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel puts a fresh spin on the anti-hero trope. Andrew Scott portrays Tom Ripley, a suave con artist who uses deception—and murder—to manipulate his way into high society. Shot entirely in striking black and white, Ripley won four Emmys, including awards for cinematography, visual effects, and directing by Steven Zaillian.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

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Based on the real-life experiences of writer-actor Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is a chilling drama about an aspiring comedian, Donny Dunn, whose act of kindness towards a stranger spirals into a terrifying ordeal of obsession and stalking. The seven-episode miniseries dominated awards season, winning multiple Emmys and two Golden Globes, including Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Gunning.

Arcane (2021 - Present)

This animated fantasy series, set in the League of Legends universe, is a visual and storytelling masterpiece. Arcane explores the socio-political divide between Piltover and Zaun through stunning animation and gripping character arcs. Season 1 is already a must-watch, while Season 2 rolled out in three parts starting in November.

Peaky Blinders (2013 - 2022)

A stylish and gripping crime drama set in post-World War I England, Peaky Blinders follows the ruthless Shelby family, led by the charismatic Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The show masterfully blends historical drama with crime, politics, and power struggles, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas.

Beef (2023 - Present)

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This darkly comedic drama centers on a road rage incident that escalates into an all-consuming feud between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong). The show dominated the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards with eight wins and swept its three categories at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. A second season has been confirmed, featuring a brand-new cast including Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny.

The Night Agent (2023 - Present)

Gabriel Basso leads this political thriller based on Matthew Quirk’s novel. The show follows Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent working in the White House's secretive Night Agent program, who finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. Season 2 arrives in January 2025.

Griselda (2024)

Inspired by the real-life exploits of Griselda Blanco, a fearsome Colombian drug lord, Griselda chronicles her rise and fall in the ‘70s and ‘80s drug trade. Starring Sofia Vergara in a transformative role, the series is a gripping crime drama from the creators of Narcos. Vergara’s performance has been widely praised, even earning her an Emmy nomination.

One Day (2024)

This romantic drama, based on David Nicholls' novel, has been dominating TikTok conversations. The story follows Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall), who reconnect on the same date across 20 years, offering a poignant meditation on time, relationships, and fate.

A Man On The Inside (2024)

Comedy legend Ted Danson teams up with The Good Place creator Mike Schur for this heartfelt comedy about a widowed retiree who stumbles into an unexpected career as a private investigator. His mission: infiltrate a San Francisco retirement home to expose a series of thefts. However, Charles (Danson) struggles to stay objective as he befriends the very suspects he's supposed to be investigating. This warm, hilarious series is a perfect comfort watch.

Sakamoto Days (New Episodes)

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This anime adaptation of the hit manga follows Taro Sakamoto, once the world’s deadliest hitman, now a devoted husband, father, and convenience store owner. Although he’s retired, the assassin world refuses to leave him alone. With the help of his mind-reading ally Shin, Sakamoto navigates his past while staying true to his promise to never kill again.

From gripping thrillers and crime dramas to heartwarming comedies and epic fantasy sagas, Netflix has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush, a thought-provoking drama, or just a fun binge, this list should help you find your next favorite show.