Let’s be honest, finding something new to watch (or binge) on Netflix can be a challenge at times, especially if you have children and/or a significant other to consider. With new streaming services like Disney+, HBO Now, and Apple TV + gaining popularity by the day, even deciding what service to watch can be a challenge. That being said, when it comes to binge-worthy programs, Netflix is still the top dog… and it’s not even close. As of publication, the streaming giant has roughly 167 million paid subscribers worldwide and with an evergrowing library of original and licensed content available at the touch of a button, Netflix is still the number one option. With that in mind, here is a list of 10 binge-worthy tv shows available on Netflix right now (that are actually worth you’re time).
10. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a genuinely outstanding crime drama that follows a notorious gangster family loosely based on a 19th-century gang of the same name. Set in Birmingham, England, during the aftermath of World War I, the series follows the gang – led by the cunning and ambitious Tommy Shelby (Murphy) – as they aim to control the city with their criminal empire. The series also features appearances from Sam Neill, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Tom Hardy.
The fifth season concluded in 2019, and although nothing has been officially confirmed, the show’s creator, Steven Knight, told Birmingham Press Club in 2018 that “we are definitely doing [series] six and we will probably do seven.” Knight didn’t elaborate on exactly when the show would return, but just knowing the award-winning historical drama will continue is music to our ears and more than enough of a reason to binge the show in preparation.
Source: Screenshot via BBC9. The Magicians
The Magicians is an underrated fantasy television series based on Lev Grossman’s novel of the same name, about a group of students who are recruited to study magic at a secret academy in New York. The show does feel a lot like the Harry Potter series at times, but the storyline was written and intended for a more mature audience. Essentially, it’s Harry Potter but with booze, sex, and drugs. The Magicians premiered in 2015 and stars Jason Ralph, Stella Maeve, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Hale Appleman, Arjun Gupta, and Summer Bishil.
The first season had its ups and downs, but every season since has been excellent. Sadly, earlier this year, Syfy revealed the fifth season would be the show’s last, making the series finale April 1. Despite the cancelation, The Magicians features an entertaining and creative story, an excellent cast and characters, and is an absolute must-watch for all Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narina fans looking for something to binge.
Source: Screenshot via Syfy8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Anime isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for something new to binge, we’d highly recommend giving Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a chance. We’ll be the first ones to admit the show’s intro music isn’t great, but luckily for us, Netflix has the option to skip all that. Brotherhood follows the heroic journey of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, alchemists in search of the philosopher’s stone so that they may restore their bodies and bring their mother back to life. The series features incredible action scenes, well-conveyed moral messages, plenty of humor, and a fulfilling conclusion.
Brotherhood is based on the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by renowned artist Hiromu Arakawa, although unlike the first adaptation of the same name, which had more of an original story, Brotherhood follows Arakawa’s manga more accurately. The series premiered in Japan in 2009, and a year later, an English dubbed version made its debut on Adult Swim.
Source: Screenshot via Aniplex of America7. Into the Badlands
Into the Badlands is a martial arts drama that chronicles the journey of a highly-trained warrior and a young boy on their through dangerous feudal lands in search of enlightenment. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, Into the Badlands premiered in 2015 and stars Daniel Wu, Orla Brady, Emily Beecham, Aramis Knight, Ally Ioannides, and Nick Frost.
Sadly, AMC canceled the martial arts drama following the release of the third season, which is a shame considering how remarkably well-choreographed the action sequences were. Despite being a little predictable at times, if you’re a fan of the martial arts genre and have no problem with blood (there is a lot), we’d highly recommend checking out Into the Badlands – it’s totally binge-worthy and all three seasons are available on Netflix.
Source: Screenshot via AMC6. iZombie
The thought of watching another zombie series might sound exhausting, but iZombie is nothing like the other post-apocalyptic shows on television. Based on a comic book series by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, iZombie is a crime drama that tells the story of doctor-turned-zombie Olivia “Liv” Moore (Rose McIver), a Seattle Police medical examiner who uses her unique abilities to help the police solve murder cases.
The series features a superb cast and character development, witty dialogue, an exceptional antagonist, and plenty of comedy and pop culture references to lighten the mood. The series ran for five seasons, all of which are available on Netflix right now. As of publication, the series holds an average Tomatometer score of 91% and an audience score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros. Television Distribution5. Parks and Recreation
When it comes to comedies, it doesn’t get much better than Parks and Recreation. The mockumentary-style series started slow, but by season two, the Parks and Rec had become an absolute hit and one of the most iconic programs of the 2010s. The series stars Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, an overly energetic and waffle-loving Deputy Director of the Pawnee’s Parks and Recreation Department. The series made it’s debut in 2009 and features Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe, and breakout star Chris Pratt. The actor’s goofy and lovable portrayal of Andy Dwyer made the rising star a household name, which led to Pratt landing leading roles in The Lego Movie (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and Jurassic World (2015).
Luckily for us, all seven seasons can be found on Netflix, so if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted comedy, we’d highly recommend kicking back with some popcorn, you’re go-to drink, and watching some Parks and Rec.
Source: Screenshot via NBCUniversal Television Distribution4. Breaking Bad
Some would argue Breaking Bad is one of the greatest and most influential television shows ever made, and we couldn’t agree more. Created by Vince Gilligan, the award-winning drama tells the twisted story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime to help secure the financial future of his family before he dies. With the help of former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), Walter becomes one of the biggest meth producers in New Mexico and begins going by the name “Heisenberg.”
Breaking Bad made its debut on AMC in 2008 and co-stars Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito, and Bob Odenkirk. The five-season series became so popular, a spin-off series starring Odenkirk’s Saul Goodman called Better Call Saul was released in 2015 and a sequel film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie in 2019 – both of which are also available on Netflix.
Source: Screenshot via AMC3. The Flash
As fans of the DC Comics and the superhero genre in general, including The Flash on a list of Netflix’s most binge-worthy shows, was a no brainer. The series premiered in October 2014 and stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen/Flash; a crime scene investigator turned superhero. As far as comic book series are concerned, The Flash is without a doubt of the best of the bunch, and with a seventh season on the horizon, the popular CW series is showing no signs of slowing down. The Flash also stars Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Jesse L. Martin, Carlos Valdes, and Tom Cavanagh.
We’ll be the first to admit that much like Arrow, The Flash started strong, but as the show progressed viewership dipped, and though we still enjoy turning every week and will continue to do so, it’s obvious the show’s Speed Force is beginning to fade. Having said that, the show does a fantastic job of paying homage to the source material, features plenty of baddies, makes good use of the expanded universe, and maintains its tone and identity throughout.
Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros. Television Distribution2. Supernatural
Supernatural initially premiered on the WB back in ’05 before joining the CW for the start of season two (where it has been ever since). The dark fantasy series follows the ongoing trails of the Winchester brothers, Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki), as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters, and any other supernatural being you can think of. Supernatural is currently amid its fifteenth and final season, which will officially come to an end on May 18, 2020.
The show has one of the most loyal and spirited fan bases as they come, which explains how it became the longest-running American live-action fantasy series of all time. The 38-45 minute episodes are ideal for anyone looking to binge something new and seeing as it been on the air for over 15 years; they must be doing something right. The series also stars Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard, Jim Beaver, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros. Television Distribution1. The Office (US)
The Office is one of the funniest comedy series of all time, and until Netflix loses the rights, we’d be crazy not to include it. For the most part, remakes are usually a bust, but the US version of The Office does its UK predecessor proud. From Steve Carell’s hilarious and often cringe-worthy portrayal of Michael Scott to Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert’s love-hate relationship to Kevin spilling his famous chili, The Office truly is one of the greats.
The mockumentary premiered on NBC in March 2005 and ran for nine seasons before coming to an end in May 2013. The series primarily stars Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and B. J. Novak, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, and Craig Robinson. As mentioned above, all nine seasons are available on Netflix, so if you’re looking for a good laugh, The Office would be our first suggestion.
Source: Screenshot via NBCUniversal Television Distribution