The 15 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because the advent of streaming made binging shows possible for those without complete seasons on DVD, fans have been devouring content like it’s their second job. But with the sheer excess of TV shows coming out every week, it can be difficult to filter through all the titles and find something that’s actually worth watching.

Whether it makes us laugh, gives us an inside look into history, scares our pants off, or hooks us to the point that we forgo sleep to watch it, a good series is truly something special. So kick back, order some food, and get ready to watch a new favorite or a reliable classic in a single sitting or over a weekend. Here are the 40 best shows for your next binge.

Abbott Elementary (2021–present)

ABC struck awards season gold with Abbott Elementary, the fantastic workplace comedy about public school teachers trying to do their best for their Philadelphia students. Creator Quinta Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, an optimistic second-year teacher at Abbott in which every day is a new, hilarious challenge. She works alongside the awkward but well-meaning Jacob (Chris Perfetti), the tough-loving Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), the no-nonsense Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the devoted Gregory (Tyler James Williams), the underqualified principal Ava (Janelle James), and the quirky janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

If you haven’t started watching this Emmy-winning series, now is the time to catch up on all four seasons (thus far) of antics, the laughs, the romances, and the touching ode to American teachers. —Robert English

Where to watch Abbott Elementary: Hulu and HBO Max

Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis

Adolescence (2025)

This whopper of a four-part miniseries tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Jamie (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a female classmate. But, rather than focus on whether he did it, the British series delves into why he did it, deftly exploring issues plaguing teens today while also showing how Jamie’s family is left in shambles following his detention. Smartly written and performed, Adolescence is necessary viewing that will give you a lot to think about, long after you’ve finished the final episode. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Adolescence: Netflix

Cast: Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley, Amélie Pease

Mare of Easttown (2021)

By the time Mare of Easttown debuted on HBO Max, there were already many high-profile crime dramas starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood (See: True Detective and Fargo). Yet, Easttown showcases enough acting prowess and surprising mystery to suck viewers in. Kate Winslet portrays Mare, a tired, emotionally spent detective who becomes consumed by the murder of a young teenage mother in their small Pennsylvania town. Everyone becomes a suspect and answers are few and far between, though Mare already has plenty on her personal plate as she and her mother (Jean Smart) care for her grandson after her son’s death, attempt to connect with her teenage daughter (Angourie Rice), and deal with her ex-husband (David Denman)living next door.

The bleak atmosphere and experienced ensemble cast immerse the audience in moments both beautifully human and totally tragic. As EW’s critic writes, “Winslet plus Smart equals a megazord of intimidating acting talent,” which makes the supporting cast’s standout performances all the more impressive. Also joining Mare is the hot professor who sees something great in her (Guy Pearce), and the eager Det. Colin Zabel, played by Evan Peters, who won his first Emmy for the role. —R.E.

Where to watch Mare of Easttown: HBO Max

Cast: Kate Winslet, Angourie Rice, Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart

Baby Reindeer (2024)

This Netflix sensation isn’t quite like anything you’ve seen before. Based on his one-man show, Richard Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalized version of himself, whose life is disrupted when a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) takes a dangerously obsessive liking to him. As the limited series goes on, we see how Donny also lives with the trauma of a past event, informing his behavior in the present. Raw yet bleakly comedic, Baby Reindeer is an unforgettable watch with riveting, Emmy-winning performances by Gadd and Gunning. —K.J.

Where to watch Baby Reindeer:Netflix

Cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau

The Bear (2022–present)

“It would be weird to work in a restaurant and not completely lose your mind.” Created by Christopher Storer, The Bear is one of the hottest shows out right now. It stars Shameless’ Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a fine-dining NYC chef who returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after his brother dies by suicide. With the added pressure of massive debt, Carmy works to keep the restaurant going with manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), new sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), passionate baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and defiant line cook Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas). The Emmy-winning series is often funny, very tense, and an incredibly detailed look into the back door of the restaurant business, anxiety and all. Season 4 dropped in full in June. —R.E.

Where to watch The Bear: Hulu

Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson

Black Doves (2024–present)

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are a match made in spy heaven on this gripping British thriller series. Knightley stars as Helen, a spy for a private organization, secretly gathering intel within her role as the Secretary of State of Defence’s wife. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes on the hunt for the killer as her hitman friend Sam (Whishaw) helps her uncover a vast conspiracy. EW’s critic calls Black Doves “a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper, driven by a sharp comedic sensibility and wildly entertaining performances.” —K.J.

Where to watch Black Doves: Netflix

Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Bodyguard (2018)

In this British political drama, Richard Madden portrays David Budd, a war veteran suffering from PTSD and serving as the security detail of conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), but their political differences are difficult to reconcile. Bodyguard is an absorbing series, particularly due to Madden’s powerhouse, Golden Globe-winning performance. His face is a canvas of emotions that make us care deeply for him, whether he’s grieving, trying to save friends and strangers, or making decisions that put his own life at risk.

The show was an immediate success in Britain, which grew to a worldwide following of viewers drawn in by themes of governmental oversight, mental health, and flawed leadership. It’s a show that’s hard to turn off, and the six episodes fly by as we delve deeper into the world of domestic terrorism and political misgivings. —R.E.

Where to watch Bodyguard: Netflix

Cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Firefly (2002–2003)

This highly underappreciated, single-season series has since found a large following. Starring Nathan Fillion as Mal Reynolds, captain of the Serenity, Firefly is a brilliant Western-style sci-fi story following a crew of independent rebels on the run from the totalitarian Alliance in a fully realized and unique future world.

Due to poor advertising and a lack of faith in this series, Firefly was too late in proving itself as an engaging, thought-provoking program with a great cast. But, even from the beginning, fans of the series saw something special in Joss Whedon’s vision, as EW’s critic noted in his original review, “Count me as being on board for this sucker.” While the show is easily one of the most bingeable seasons of television, fans are also able to see their favorite crew in the high-budget, emotional sequel film, Serenity (2005). —R.E.

Where to watch Firefly: Hulu

Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

Fans of Freaks and Geeks still can’t believe they only got one season of this cult classic from Paul Feig and Judd Apatow about teenage life in the early-’80s Detroit suburbs. Following burnout “freaks” and their smoke-clouded misadventures in contrast to the underclassmen “geeks” who are just trying to survive school between D&D sessions, the show has all the heart of an after-school special while tossing the moralizing out with the disco records.

Since it hit streaming, new generations of fans have discovered this earnest comedy series that touts big 21st-century stars in some of their earliest roles, launching the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and more. As Segel told EW, “It was this really amazing cast before we really knew anything.” —R.E.

Where to watch Freaks and Geeks: Hulu

Cast: Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Becky Ann Baker, Joe Flaherty, Busy Philipps

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Told over the course of many years, The Haunting of Hill House is an intimate drama about a fractured family left to reconcile with the supernatural terrors that drove them from their home. Creator Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass) dutifully adapts this Shirley Jackson classic for the modern era, making it as eerie for audiences as it is for the fictional Crain children.

Beyond the scares, the series is also a spine-tingling look into human psychology, adeptly drawing on Jackson’s themes of trauma in the original novel. As Flanagan told EW, “I find myself drawn to human stories, often stories of family, because the ghosts we get to explore really are extensions of very relatable relationships and dynamics in our lives.” —R.E.

Where to watch The Haunting of Hill House: Netflix

Cast: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Timothy Hutton

Love, Death & Robots (2019–present)

This anthology series from Tim Miller and David Fincher is a masterpiece of adult animation. Each episode comes from different animators, giving audiences an assortment of stories, themes, and styles that are all interconnected in some way to the titular big three: love, death, and/or robots. The project, initially pitched as a reboot of the film Heavy Metal, was in development hell for years before Miller was able to pitch it to Netflix as a series. And the show only gets better with each passing episode, finding a balance in tone and thematic material while also continuing to astound viewers with impressive visuals. Volume 4 just dropped in May. —R.E.

Where to watch Love, Death & Robots: Netflix

Cast: Various

Shōgun (2024–present)

This impeccably crafted adaptation of the James Clavell novel of the same name is a Shakespearean-esque saga of war and political intrigue. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, the series begins with the arrival by ship of an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis), who is soon thrust into an ongoing battle for power among Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and rival regents. With Toranaga’s ally Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) serving as a translator between the men, a metaphorical chess game ensues as the warlord makes a series of big plays for control.

The first season of Shōgun won a record-breaking 18 Emmys, the most ever for a single season of television, with EW’s critic calling the series “a stunning epic.” Originally envisioned as a miniseries, the show’s popularity with fans, critics, and awards bodies led to renewals for a second and third season. —K.J.

Where to watch Shōgun: Hulu

Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira, Tommy Bastow, Fumi Nikaido

Arcane (2021–2024)

This animated series brings the video game League of Legends to a wider audience in a moving tale about two sisters, Vi and Jinx, who find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict between the rich and oppressed. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell give emotional weight to this story that was well-received by both longtime fans of the game and casual viewers who found their next binge-watch.

Arcane takes viewers into a complex fantasy world full of expressive animation and intriguing characters, setting records at Netflix as the most-watched show in the first week it was released, making it a global phenomenon. For fans of science fiction, animation, and drama in general, Arcane is well worth your time. —R.E.

Where to watch Arcane: Netflix

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Jason Spisak, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, JB Blanc, Reed Shannon, Mick Wingert

The Studio (2025–present)

Movies are so much more difficult to produce than you can even imagine. A million small decisions need to be made, any one of which could tank the project. This frenetic, Emmy-nominated comedy from the dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg satirizes the modern-day struggles of doing business in Hollywood, starring Rogen as the newly promoted head of a legacy studio. As he tries to balance his artistic integrity with the ever-growing demands of needing to generate revenue for the studio, anything that can go wrong does go wrong. The Studio may be a bit too inside-baseball for some viewers, but it’s a special treat for those of us consumed by the latest entertainment news. —K.J.

Where to watch The Studio: Apple TV+

Cast: Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn

Severance (2022–present)

Adam Scott leads a stellar ensemble cast in this inventive sci-fi drama about a group of co-workers whose brains have been surgically split between their work lives and their personal lives. From the first episode, Severance sets up a chilly atmosphere of gray sparsity in the workplace as Mark (Scott) and his colleagues careen toward unknown truths about the nature of their jobs. Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, and John Turturro join Scott in this surprising series that was one of 2022’s best.

Executive producer Ben Stiller, who directed many of the episodes, perfectly sets up the world and mystery, leading to a season 1 finale that is full of, as EW’s critic writes, “cloak-and-dagger intrigue and artful weirdness as Mark’s parallel lives careen toward intersection.” —R.E.

Where to watch Severance: Apple TV+

Cast: Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette