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It seems like Netflix's presence at award shows gets bigger every year, and now that the 2026 Academy Award nominations are out, that presence continues to grow. Six Netflix original films earned 18 nominations this year, including nods for Train Dreams and Frankenstein in the Best Picture category, Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for KPop Demon Hunters, and Best Documentary Feature for The Perfect Neighbor. The streaming giant's combination of original films and a diverse library of films from other production houses is a reliable source for non-stop entertainment, although it can sometimes be hard to narrow down what to watch.
On top of these Oscar nominees, Netflix is also home to the mockumentary Best in Show, starring the legendary Catherine O'Hara (as well as Eugene Levy, Christopher Guest, Jennifer Coolidge and so many others). We recommend a watch in honor of O'Hara, who passed away in January.
If you'd rather go with a series, peruse our picks for the best TV shows to watch on Netflix.
Read more: Where to Watch All the 2024 Oscar Winners
Best in Show (2000)
Christopher Guest directed Best in Show, a mockumentary about people entering the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. The largely improvised movie features an ensemble of actors who appear often in Guest's films: Eugene Levy, Parker Posey, Michael McKean and, of course, Catherine O'Hara. (The movie is so beloved that O'Hara, who died on Jan. 30, was actually honored with a tribute at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 3.)
Casino Royale (2006)
The debate over which actor is the best James Bond has existed for decades but you can decide for yourself who's the superior 007 now that Netflix has dropped 25 James Bond movies from every era, including Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, No Time To Die and Casino Royale. (We've suggested Casino Royale here because if you like a modern action film, Daniel Craig's version of Bond, especially in Casino Royale, has it all: excitement, romance, glamour, high stakes card games... The film truly revived the franchise. Hot take alert!)
The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
Directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor is a harrowing documentary about the killing of Ajike Owens, a Florida woman who was shot to death on June 2, 2023, by her neighbor, Susan Louise Lorincz. The film's use of police body camera footage and 911 calls lay out the neighborhood disputes stemming from Lorincz's erratic and unsettling behavior and the escalating tension that led to the killing.
KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
The Netflix original animated film KPop Demon Hunters premiered in June and quickly rose through the ranks to become the platform's most-watched original film of all time. The film, about a KPop group that performs by day and hunts demons in their downtime, has a soundtrack that's already been certified Platinum thanks to hits like "Golden" and "Soda Pop." The film stars Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji Young Yoo as the titular girl group tasked with fighting off a demonic boy band. (Can't get enough of the movie? Check out the theatrical sing-along version and lyric videos that are also available to stream.) The film was also honored with two Golden Globes this year for Best Original Song and Best Animated Motion Picture and nabbed two Oscar nods.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the first animated Spider-Man feature in the Marvel canon, and the film follows Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he becomes the new Spider-Man and teams up with other Spider-People from various parallel universes to save his universe from the Kingpin (voiced by Liev Schreiber). The film's other Spider-Men are played by Jake Johnson, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn and Nicolas Cage. Tthe rest of the cast is top-notch, too.
Stand By Me (1986)
Stand By Me, based on a novella by Stephen King and directed by Rob Reiner, is a coming-of-age story about four 12-year-old boys (played by River Phoenix, Wil Wheaton, Jerry O'Connell and Corey Feldman) who hear about a dead body on the outskirts of town and go on an adventure to find it. The film earned an Academy Award nomination and has often been lauded as a classic, timeless coming-of-age story. The film will be available to stream on Netflix until Feb. 28.
Jay Kelly (2025)
George Clooney and Adam Sandler received Golden Globe nominations for their performances in Noah Baumbach's Jay Kelly, which arrived on Netflix this December. Clooney stars as the title character, a movie star grappling with his age, career and relationships during a trip to Europe.
The Sting (1973)
The 1973 Oscar-winner The Sting stars Robert Redford and Paul Newman, who reunite with director George Roy Hill, with whom they previously collaborated on the wildly successful Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In The Sting, Redford and Newman are two grifters who plot to con a mob boss, played by Robert Shaw. Set amid the Great Depression, with a ragtime score from Marvin Hamlisch, the film is a memorable classic.
Train To Busan (2016)
In the great horror thriller Train to Busan, a father finds himself trapped on a train from Seoul to Busan that's filled with zombies. As he tries to protect his daughter and escape from the infected, the film delivers pulse-pounding thrills and has been lauded as one of the best zombie movies of the past few years.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
A couple of years ago, Netflix had a huge hit with its stylish series Ripley, which starred Andrew Scott as suave con artist Tom Ripley. Before that series, there was the critically acclaimed 1999 film version, The Talented Mr. Ripley, also based on Patricia Highsmith's story. In the film, also out on Netflix now (so you can compare and contrast the performances!), Matt Damon plays the amoral, ruthless Ripley, who cons his way into the lives of a wealthy group of friends using fake identities. The ruse eventually turns deadly once they catch on to his crime.
Frankenstein (2025)
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein received five Golden Globe nominations this year and nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi. The film, a reimagining of the Mary Shelley classic, is pure del Toro, filled with the dark, fantastical style the director is known for.
Priscilla (2023)
Sofia Coppola directed the 2023 biopic Priscilla, which is about the life of a young Priscilla Presley who was just a teen when she met her future husband, Elvis Presley. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi portray the volatile couple in this Golden Globe-nominated film. If you're a fan of their performances, they also appear in two other Netflix originals on our list -- Spaeny co-stars in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and Elordi plays the creature in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
Daniel Craig returns for a third time as Benoit Blanc in the newest film in the Knives Out mystery series, Wake Up Dead Man. This time around, the charming detective has been summoned to a small town in New York to investigate the death of a monsignor at a small church, and everyone in the sprawling A-list ensemble is a suspect. The film co-stars Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Josh O'Connor, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington and others. Why not make it a double feature and watch 2022's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, also on Netflix, while you're at it?
Train Dreams (2025)
Joel Edgerton stars in Train Dreams, an Oscar-nominated drama that made the rounds at film festivals recently and has received near-universal acclaim. The film takes place roughly a century ago; Edgerton stars as Robert Grainier, a logger in the Pacific Northwest struggling to build a life for himself and his family. The story is adapted from the novella of the same name by Denis Johnson and costars Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon and William H. Macy.
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Godzilla Minus One is an Academy Award-winning Japanese-language movie written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Set in 1945, the story centers around Kōichi Shikishima, a young pilot dealing with PTSD in a post-World War II era. After surviving an encounter with Godzilla, he and others realize the kaiju is gearing up to attack Tokyo. A sequel to the Sony film has also just been announced; Godzilla Minus Zero is expected in theaters in late 2026.
Ip Man (2008)
Ip Man is one of the most iconic martial arts film franchises of the past two decades. Starring Hong Kong martial arts master Donnie Yen (maybe you recognize him as Caine, the blind assassin in John Wick: Chapter 4), Ip Man and its sequels are the biographical films about the life of Yip Man, the kung fu master who famously taught Bruce Lee. Blending biography, drama and action all together, Ip Man and its three sequels have been critically acclaimed and are beloved entries to Hong Kong cinema. All four films arrived to Netflix in October.
28 Years Later (2025)
28 Years Later is the third film in the zombie series about a viral outbreak that has ravaged England and placed it under quarantine with almost no contact with the rest of the world. Though the first film, 2002's 28 Days Later, just left Netflix, you can still catch 28 Years Later, about a young boy who ventures away from the safety of his village and has his first encounter with "the infected." It's expected that the fourth film in the franchise, the recently released 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, will drop on the platform at some point this year, too.
The Hurt Locker (2008)
Released in 2008, The Hurt Locker won six Academy Awards, including those for Best Picture and Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow was the first woman ever to receive the award). The film, which co-stars Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty and Ralph Fiennes, follows a team of soldiers who defuse and dispose of explosives while deployed in Iraq. The film was critically lauded for its depiction of the stress and psychological toll of war.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
Netflix original Rebel Ridge snagged an Emmy this year for Best Television Movie. The action film stars Aaron Pierre as an ex-Marine who, in an attempt to post bail for his cousin, has the bail money stolen by corrupt cops, and the ordeal turns into an action-packed, thrilling showdown. Don Johnson has evolved from playing suave cops like Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice to morally compromised officers of the law these days, and in Rebel Ridge, he's earned accolades for playing a wickedly corrupt Louisiana police chief at the heart of the film.
The Old Guard (2020)
Based on the comic book by Greg Rucka, the action-fantasy The Old Guard stars Charlize Theron as one of a group of immortal mercenaries who are able to regenerate even after being killed. When they're tracked down and hunted by a pharmaceutical company that intends to study them, they fight back in an effort to protect themselves. The first film, released in 2020, was such a success that a sequel, The Old Guard 2, premiered in 2025 with Uma Thurman cast as Theron's newest adversary.
One of Them Days (2025)
One of Them Days is pure comedy gold. It's the perfect (R-rated) film when you're looking for something silly and fun and packed with great jokes and performances. The movie is part of the "desperate best friends embark on a mission with a deadline" genre (see also: Booksmart, Plan B) as best friends Dreux (Kiki Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA in her film debut) try to track down the rent money that was stolen by Alyssa's boyfriend before the end of the day. When they realize the money is gone, they desperately try to make all the money they need in one day, leading them to sell a pair of stolen Jordans and stage an art show to sell some of Alyssa's paintings. The film, which arrived on Netflix in March, features hilarious cameos from Katt Williams, Janelle James and Lil Rel Howery. Rumor has it a sequel is in the works.
Ballerina (2023)
Netflix's K-drama collection has a few hidden gems, including Ballerina, a 2023 revenge story about a former bodyguard seeking justice for her friend. Jang Ok-ju stops at nothing to make the offenders pay in this action-packed thriller. (Just don't get this Ballerina confused with the recent release of the same name starring Ana de Armas, which is also an action-packed revenge story -- that one's not on Netflix, at least not yet.)
Rez Ball (2024)
A powerful story about a high school basketball team in New Mexico, Rez Ball takes viewers on a journey with the Chuska Warriors. When a tragic event strikes the team, it faces challenges on and off the court -- but still aims for a championship title. Co-written by Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo (co-creator of Reservation Dogs), the movie is based on the novel Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation.
Hit Man (2024)
The 2024 action comedy was one of several movies starring Glen Powell that helped cement his leading-man status. The film, co-written by Powell and director Richard Linklater, stars Powell as a nerdy professor drawn into an undercover investigation. Disguising himself as a hitman, he adopts a new persona for each client -- until he falls for a woman (Adria Arjona) who hires him to kill her abusive husband.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
2020's My Octopus Teacher won an Oscar for best documentary feature for telling a personal and poignant story of the friendship between a man and an octopus he meets while diving. Filmed over the course of a year, Craig Foster documented the kinship he formed with the octopus who would repeatedly and playfully approach him. The film explores the often unseen personality of a creature found in the wild who ends up giving Foster insight into nature and his own relationships. If you're inspired by the natural world, the film's director Pippa Ehrlich's follow-up feature, Pangolin: Kulu's Journey, is on Netflix now, too.
The Only Girl In The Orchestra (2024)
The Only Girl in the Orchestra won an Oscar this year for best documentary short and you can catch the 35-minute film exclusively on Netflix. The film is the story of Orin O'Brien, the first woman hired to perform in the New York Philharmonic (by Leonard Bernstein, no less). Often ogled for her looks and singled out for attention because of her gender, she rose above it all, staying true to her creative principles to become one of the orchestra's most renowned musicians for decades.
1917 (2019)
The critically lauded Oscar-winning film, 1917, directed by Sam Mendes about World War I, was remarkable for the fact that it was filmed with the intent of making it appear as though the entire movie was shot as two long, continuous takes. The movie stars George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman playing British soldiers traveling across a dangerous battle zone rigged by Germans in an effort to deliver a message to their superiors warning them of an impending attack. The film's stellar supporting cast includes Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong and Richard Madden.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is dedicated to the memory of Chadwick Boseman, who made his final screen appearance in the film before his death in 2020. The film stars Boseman as Levee Green, a member of blues singer Ma Rainey's band (Viola Davis), and takes place amid one of the band's conflict-ridden and turbulent recording sessions in 1920s Chicago. Taylour Paige, Colman Domingo and Glynn Turman co-star in the film that was adapted from August Wilson's 1982 play.
His Three Daughters (2024)
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
In His Three Daughters, Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen star as three estranged sisters who come together in their dying father's small New York apartment to care for him in his last days. Writer-director Azazel Jacobs coaxes some incredible performances out of each actress for this intimate, emotional and often funny study of family dynamics.
Rustin (2023)
Colman Domingo earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in this film about a man whose legacy has often been overlooked in civil rights history. Bayard Rustin fought alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and helped organize the 1963 March on Washington and the Freedom Rides, among other major historic events.
Rustin's outspoken activism and homosexuality made him a target -- not just for political adversaries but sometimes even among his allies. The film explores the life of a man whose legacy has long been overlooked.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Always Be My Maybe stars Ali Wong and Randall Park as Sasha and Marcus, childhood best friends who grew up next door to one another in San Francisco. The two fall out after attempting the whole "friends with benefits" thing as teens, but 15 years later, they reunite -- uncomfortably -- when Sasha returns to her hometown for work.
As Marcus struggles with his feelings for Sasha, she goes off and dates Keanu Reeves (playing a hilariously over-the-top version of himself) as she tries to figure out how she feels about her old friend. Charming and sweet, the film is a rom-com that's reliably funny thanks to its leads and excellent supporting performances from Michelle Buteau, Vivian Bang and Reeves.
Maestro (2023)
This biographical film nabbed seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Picture. Maestro tells the story of conductor Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and his relationship with actor Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). In addition to starring in the romance drama, Cooper also directed and co-wrote the film and produced it alongside Hollywood legends Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter stars Olivia Colman as a woman traveling alone to a seaside resort where she observes a mother and daughter. They send her into a bit of a spiral, recalling her own experiences as a young mother. The screenplay was adapted and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal in her directorial debut.
Society of the Snow (2023)
The award-winning film, Society of the Snow, is based on true events and adapted from the book of the same name. In 1972, a rugby team from Uruguay boarded a plane to Chile for a game. The plane crashed in the Andes mountains, leaving survivors to contend with injuries, illness, cold temperatures and death. Not everyone makes it and those facing death make agonizing choices to live.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
If you weren't around at the time, it's hard to explain just how huge We Are the World was. Recorded by a supergroup of popular musicians -- assembled on the fly on the night of the 1985 American Music Awards -- the charity single benefiting Ethiopian famine victims sold more than 20 million copies and featured the likes of Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross. (It feels impossible to imagine so many megastars assembling in one room for something like this today.)
Luckily for us, there were cameras rolling the entire time as dozens of the world's most famous musicians pulled the epic all-night recording session. The recently departed Quincy Jones proves to be the night's true star, wrangling a studio full of nerves, egos and a little too much wine to produce something genuinely special.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
An absorbingly unsettling psychological thriller, Leave the World Behind chronicles the strange events that arise during a family's getaway at an opulent rental home. A blackout renders their phones, TVs and other electronics useless and two strangers show up at the door. TikTok has been flooded with clips and analyses of this apocalypse movie, with people reflecting on potential "hidden messages" and real-life parallels. Check it out and see what you make of it.
Nimona (2023)
This animated drama, based on the graphic novel of the same name, is set in a futuristic medieval world, in which a knight (Riz Ahmed) is framed for a crime. A shapeshifting teenager named Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) -- whom he's been trained to destroy -- may be his only hope for proving his innocence.
The Swimmers (2022)
This biographical film tells the story of two sisters, Yusra (Nathalie Issa) and Sarah Mardini (Manal Issa), who escape war-torn Syria. Amid all the strife and upheaval, Yusra works toward her dream of swimming in the Olympics. It's a touching narrative of hope and survival.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
A World War I drama based on the classic novel of the same name, this epic depicts the horrors of war through the eyes of 17-year-old German soldier Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer). At first enthused about joining the army, in spite of his parents' wishes, Bäumer gets a violent wake-up call. All Quiet on the Western Front was a dominating force at the 95th Annual Academy Awards, as it was nominated for nine Oscars and ultimately walked away with four, including best international feature film.
Roma (2018)
Alfonso Cuarón's Roma nabbed him the best director Oscar in 2018 (the film earned two other Oscars that year, too), a first for a foreign-language film. Its inclusion in the award show marked the first time a film distributed by a streaming platform was eligible for major awards. The film, set in the early 1970s, stars Yalitza Aparicio as the live-in housekeeper for a wealthy Mexico City family as she deals with her own pregnancy, the troubles within the family she works for and the escalating political turmoil in the city around her.
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55 of the Best TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You Entertained
Yes, you should absolutely marathon them.
22 min read
We've all done the infinite scroll on the Netflix app, spending an hour looking for something before giving up. Sometimes there are just too many shows to choose from, and the last thing anyone wants is to get a few hours into something that's not worth finishing. To save your precious time, we've compiled a list of our favorite shows on Netflix, from some of the streamer's most iconic flagship series like Stranger Things and The Crown to reliable classics like Gilmore Girls and Scandal and underrated or critically acclaimed originals you can't find anywhere else. We'll let you know about series that have just arrived or are about to leave, too, so you can prioritize your watch list.
The newest season of Bridgerton, which is currently in the Netflix Top 10, has proven pretty addictive with its Cinderella-like fairy tale romance between Benedict Bridgerton and the mystery woman he knows only as the Lady in Silver. Check out the first few episodes of Season 4 now before Part 2 arrives on Feb. 26. Another fan favorite show returning this month is The Night Agent -- season 3 will arrive on Feb. 19.
If you're looking for your next favorite series, here's our roundup of some of the best shows you can stream on Netflix. And if you'd rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best movies on Netflix.
Read more: Best Streaming Services
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-)
Adapted from Michael Connelly's novels,The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a lawyer who uses clever ways to defend his clients (or get around defending them). Riding around in a Lincoln only contributes to his charm, but this series isn't a lighthearted comedy; you also get crime, action, mystery, humor and loads of drama. Season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer just premiered on Netflix on Feb 5.
Veronica Mars (2004-2007)
Originally a CW series, Veronica Mars stars Kristen Bell in her breakout role as the titular character, a high school student who dabbles in private investigation. Aided by her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), an actual P.I., she investigates the murder of her best friend, Lilly Kane (Amanda Seyfried). At the same time, she's ostracized from her former friend group, who have all turned on her. Each season has an ongoing investigation and highlights the tension between the haves and have-nots in Veronica's town. It's one of the great shows of the early aughts.
Bridgerton (2020-)
Bridgerton is one of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list. It's set in Regency-era England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while navigating high society -- and being the subject of a gossip newsletter written by one of their closest friends. The latest season features a love story between the second-oldest Bridgerton, Benedict, who no one thought would settle down, and a mystery woman he meets at a masquerade ball. Part 1 of season 4 has held strong at No. 1 on the platform this week. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.
The Night Agent (2023-)
Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show's first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top secret Night Agent program, where he gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government. A new season of the addictive thriller will be out on Feb. 19.
Adolescence (2025)
Adolescence, the story of a young boy accused of killing a classmate, has gripped viewers since its release in 2025. The series earned 13 Emmy nominations and won eight, including best limited series and acting awards for Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. It also picked up four Golden Globe wins this week. The series became a phenomenon for its unique filming style: Each of its four episodes is shot in a single continuous take, giving the show a live-theater feel.
11.22.63 (2016)
11.22.63 is one of Stephen King's most brilliant books. The novel is a fantasy – not a horror like so many of his other works – about a man named Jake Epping who, in 2011, discovers a portal that allows him to travel back in time to 1960. Knowing what he knows about history, Jake hatches a plan to stay and live in the past so he can try to thwart the assassination of JFK and perhaps change the outcome of history as we know it. The book is a gripping story, and it was brought to the small screen in 2016 as an 8-part series, with James Franco as Epping, and co-starring Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Lucy Fry, Cherry Jones and Josh Duhamel. When the series first came out it was on Hulu, and it arrived on Netflix last month.
Stranger Things (2016-)
Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. Seven episodes of the final season have already dropped in the past month, and the final episode, which is really feature-length, arrived on New Year's Eve. Will the world ever be right side up again?
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set his sights beyond the streets as he aims to move up in the world. What sells this show is not only its compelling storyline, but also its stellar casting. If you've never seen the show or want to refresh your memory, now is the perfect time – a Peaky Blinders movie starring Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, and Barry Keoghan, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, will be streaming on Netflix Mar. 20, 2026.
Beef (2023-)
A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a drawn-out feud, setting the stage for an enthralling comedic drama made all the better by stellar casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, nabbing eight wins, and won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. The show will become an anthology series; a second season starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny is arriving on April 16.
The Diplomat (2023-)
Political drama The Diplomat, starring Keri Russell as American diplomat Kate Wyler in London, first premiered in 2023 and has proven to be an addictive hit. The show blends international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama, and now's the perfect time to catch up on its first two seasons. Season 3, which features Bradley Whitford as a new addition to the cast, premiered in October. Keri Russell earned a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for her role as Kate Wyler, and the show was also nominated for best drama series.
Nobody Wants This (2024-)
In the Netflix original comedy series Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell stars as Joanne, an LA podcaster with no religious ties who falls for a rabbi, Noah, whose family struggles to accept their interfaith relationship. The show is hilarious and works especially well thanks to Bell and Brody's romantic chemistry -- both were nominated for Golden Globes, and the show was nominated for best television series - musical or comedy. Both seasons are available to stream now.
The West Wing (1999-2006)
During its seven-year run on NBC, The West Wing was showered with Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and Peabody Awards. The series, created by Aaron Sorkin, was a political drama about the goings-on in a fictional, but highly idealized version of the White House. Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Martin Sheen and Janel Moloney all co-starred. All seven seasons of the show arrived to Netflix in December.
Death By Lightning (2025)
Death By Lightning is Netflix's new historical drama series, and at the beginning of the first episode, it states that it's the "true story about two men the world forgot. One was the 20th President of the United States. The other shot him." The show follows two parallel stories, one about the ascent of James Garfield from congressman to president of the United States, and the other about the life of a failed lawyer, Charles Guiteau, who developed an infatuation with the president and eventually became Garfield's assassin. The series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, with Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman and Shea Whigham rounding out the cast.
A Man on the Inside (2024-)
A Man on the Inside, created by Mike Schur, is essentially a comedy blended with meditations on loss, grief and adult child and parent relationships, all wrapped up in a private investigation over some mysteriously missing jewels. Ted Danson stars as Charles, a lonely widower whose wife died the year before after living with Alzheimer's disease. When his daughter (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) encourages him to find a hobby, he finds a job assisting a private investigator who is looking into a jewel theft at a local nursing home. Charles moves into the facility, hence the "man on the inside," to look into potential suspects, but he finds himself getting too close to the suspects he's supposed to be investigating. A second season, costarring Danson's wife Mary Steenburgen, Max Greenfield and Gary Cole, arrived last year and the show was just picked up for season 3.
Envious (2024-)
Envious (Envidiosa) is an Argentinian comedy starring Griselda Siciliani as Vicky, a 40-year-old woman who is depressed and jealous that all of her friends are getting married and she's not. After abruptly breaking up with her long-term boyfriend Dani, things for Vicky fall apart even more when Dani immediately marries a hot, younger woman. An under-the-radar gem, Envious is buoyed by Siciliani's terrific comedic presence. There are currently three seasons available on the platform.
The Great British Baking Show (2010-)
The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. Host Alison Hammond, who joined two seasons ago, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, who just announced her retirement. Leith will be replaced by Nigella Lawson. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and there are nine total seasons on the streamer, a junior competition and several holiday specials.
Minx (2022-2023)
Minx first premiered on HBO Max in 2022 before getting shuffled over to Starz (and eventually getting canceled), and it's a shame that it suffered such an annoying fate, because it was truly a deeply funny series full of great relationships and storylines... and a lot of nudity. Ophelia Lovibond stars as Joyce Prigger, a journalist tired of traditional women's magazines who wants to create a truly feminist publication. But the only financial backing she can get is from a sleazy porn publisher (Jake Johnson), so she has to find a balance between the Feminine Mystique and Playgirl. The show features some great performances from the supporting cast, which includes Lennon Parham, Jessica Lowe and Oscar Montoya. Both seasons are available now on Netflix.
Broadchurch (2013-2017)
Broadchurch originally ran on ITV in the UK for three seasons between 2013 and 2017, and now it's come to Netflix. The series stars Olivia Colman and David Tennant as Detective Ellie Miller and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, police officers investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy in the coastal town of Broadchurch. The show is riveting for it's addictive story and incredible performances (and for the way Tennant says the name "Miller"), you'll binge the whole thing as quickly as possible once you start.
Dark Winds (2022 - present)
Set in the American Southwest during the 1970s, Dark Winds stars Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, the lieutenant of the Navajo Police, as he and his team solve a series of crimes. The show is adapted from the Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman is produced for AMC Plus. All three seasons are now available on the platform; keep an eye out for Robert Redford, who produced the series, in an uncredited cameo in the Season 3 premiere, it's his final appearance onscreen before his death this past September.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are one of the most iconic mother-daughter duos in TV history thanks to Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino's sharp, pop culture-filled scripts and vivid cast of characters inhabiting the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The show's cozy New England setting adds to its autumn vibe, even though the series takes place throughout the year. Its four-episode reboot, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, is also on Netflix, so now's the perfect time for a rewatch.
Love on the Spectrum (2022-)
If you're looking for the antidote to a stressful day, look no further than Love on the Spectrum. The show, now in its third season, is a docuseries about young adults on the autism spectrum who are looking for love, and it is just about as heartwarming and generally wonderful as you can imagine. Each of the show's three seasons contains either six or seven episodes, making it the perfect binge if you need a rush of dopamine. The newest season also took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program.
Arcane (2021-)
Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters' journeys. The critically lauded show took home the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.
Orphan Black (2013-2017)
Originally broadcast on BBC America, Orphan Black is a Canadian sci-fi series about a woman named Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) who witnesses the suicide of a woman who appears to be her exact clone. As Sarah digs into the other woman's past, she learns that they're two of many clones who were part of a secret experiment, and now the lives of her and her "sisters" are in danger. The show, which lasted for five seasons, is a solid mystery, but Maslany is truly a marvel as she toggles between her multiple roles.
Wednesday (2022-)
Jenna Ortega stars in Netflix's Wednesday, a modern take on the life of one of the most morbid teens in pop culture history, Wednesday Addams. The series, executive produced and occasionally directed by Tim Burton, quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix when it premiered in 2022 and both parts of season 2 are out now.
The Four Seasons (2025)
The new Netflix original series The Four Seasons turns the 1981 Alan Alda film into a heartfelt cozy dramedy series reimagined by Tina Fey. Fey not only co-stars in the show but co-wrote it with 30 Rock writer Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher to offer a modern take on the story of three couples whose friendships are turned upside down when one of the couples announces their separation. The show is filled with great performances, including from Colman Domingo, who earned an Emmy nod for his role.
Dept. Q (2025)
In Dept. Q, Matthew Goode stars as DCI Carl Morck, a detective in Edinburgh, Scotland, whose been assigned to a newly formed task force that investigates cold cases. Morck is your typical "doesn't play by the rules" cop who has just returned to the force after an incident where he was seriously wounded and his partner was paralyzed, and he's a loose cannon now more than ever. As the reluctant leader of this new department, he and his team look into a case involving a female prosecutor who mysteriously disappeared, with no real leads to go on. Scott Frank, the co-creator of The Queen's Gambit, is also responsible for this series. The show, which was nominated for an Emmy this year, has also been renewed for a second season, so hopefully we'll finally get to the bottom of who shot Morck.
Love, Death + Robots (2019-)
The adult animation anthology series Love, Death + Robots was developed by filmmaker Tim Miller (who also directed Deadpool) and is co-produced by David Fincher. There are currently 45 episodes which range from 6 to 21 minutes each, and most are helmed by a different director and animation team, giving them all a distinct style and visual approach as they bring to life adaptations of short stories. (Over the show's four seasons, it has consistently won Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its design and artistry, including four awards this year.)
Black Mirror (2011-)
Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern "advancements." A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling -- and often unsettling -- imagining of the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to consume television in the age of binge-watching.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways. Season 7, which arrived in 2025, received nine Emmy nominations.
Ozark (2017-2022)
At this point, Ozark might be most remembered as the vehicle that made Julia Garner a star. The actress won three Emmys for her role as criminal Ruth Langmore, who faced off against Marty and Wendy Byrde (Jason Bateman and Laura Linney), a Chicago couple who relocate to the Ozarks and find themselves laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. The crime drama ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2022, loading up on awards and critical acclaim in the process.
I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson (2019-2023)
Tim Robinson is having a moment now that his first feature film, Friendship, debuted this year, and if you loved that movie, you definitely need to catch up on his absurdist sketch comedy show I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson. The often cringey comedy might not be for everyone but for a certain subset of comedy fans it's a gem. The show features a who's who of notable talent -- stars from Saturday Night Live including Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer and Will Forte appear, along with Ayo Edebiri, Fred Willard, Sam Richardson and more. The premises are usually bonkers, often humiliating situations and Robinson has perfected his awkward persona in each of them. If you're a fan of Robinson's humor, definitely try the other Netflix series he stars in alongside Richardson, Detroiters, after you've finished this one.
Squid Game (2021-2025)
This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it's an enthralling watch. The third and final season arrived in June so now is a great time to watch the complete series.
Sex and the City (1998-2004)
If you're craving some late '90s nostalgia, you can find all six seasons of Sex and the City on Netflix. The series follows sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her friends in New York City. It was a cultural touchstone for a minute, so whether you've never watched or want to be reminded of a different era when Louboutins became a whole thing and everyone still smoked in bars, you won't want to miss the original show that begat the (less satisfying) reboot, And Just Like That.
Lupin (2021-)
French mystery-thriller Lupin first premiered in 2021 and stars Omar Sy as Assane Diop, a robber inspired by fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Diop seeks revenge for his father's death by targeting the family he holds responsible. The acclaimed series has already released three batches of episodes, and Part 4 is currently in production in Paris and is confirmed to premiere in the fall of 2026.
Mo (2022-)
Comedian Mo Amer is the namesake of the Netflix original series Mo, which has run for two seasons (so far) on the streamer. The Peabody-winning series follows Mo Najjar (played by Amer), a Palestinian-American living in Houston, Texas, on his quest for citizenship in the United States. The show is co-created and co-written by fellow comedian Ramy Youssef.
Sweet Tooth (2021-2024)
Sweet Tooth is a fantasy series based on a comic book of the same name set in a dystopian world where much of the world's population has died off, and babies are born as animal-human hybrids. The story, which is geared toward a more youthful teen audience, follows Gus (Christian Convery), half boy-half deer, who is joined by a man named Tommy as they travel in search of Gus' father (played by Will Forte). Despite the show's post-apocalyptic setting, it's less foreboding than many dystopian shows, with moments of lightness that keep it from getting too heavy.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
Even though Andy Samberg was the face of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which first aired on Fox and then NBC, the police sitcom is truly an ensemble filled with incredible comedic performances. (The late, great Andre Braugher, who was best known for his dramatic roles, was especially brilliant as the 99's Captain Ray Holt.) Currently, you can catch seasons 3-6 on Netflix, and seasons 7 and 8 are arriving in February 2026.
The Residence (2025)
Get caught up in Shonda Rhimes' new original, The Residence, a mystery series set in the White House. When a staff member is murdered on the grounds, the list of suspects includes more than 150 people, and there's seemingly only one person who's fit to investigate -- and solve -- the crime. Enter Uzo Aduba's Cordelia Cupp, a quirky detective with the skills to peer into the murkiest clues, examine the 100-plus mansion rooms, and question the plethora of oddball employees. Although the show was canceled after just one season, Aduba received an Emmy nomination for her role.
Younger (2015-2021)
Younger was critically acclaimed but flew under the radar when it first aired on TV Land but it's gotten a major bump in popularity since it arrived on Netflix. The show stars Sutton Foster as 40-year-old Liza Miller, who relocates to Brooklyn from New Jersey to start over after her husband leaves her and her daughter heads to college. When she has no luck landing a job in publishing by being honest about her age and the fact that she took time off to raise a child, she pretends she's 26 and gets a job right away. Though the lie helps her land a job and a new boyfriend, she's often conflicted. As the seasons pass, she slowly has to let the people in her life know the truth. Despite the sometimes goofy premise, the show -- created by Sex and the City and Emily in Paris creator Darren Star -- is hilarious, silly and often raunchy in the best way. Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella and Peter Hermann co-star.
Russian Doll (2019-2022)
For two seasons, Natasha Lyonne starred in Russian Doll, a New York-set fantasy about a woman who's caught in a time loop and experiences her own death every night, only to wake up very much alive the next day. Lyonne played Nadia, a video game developer who attempts to figure out why this keeps happening to her, when she eventually meets a man named Alan (Charlie Barnett) who's experiencing the same thing. A little bit of a mystery blended with comedy and sci-fi, the show was co-created by Lyonne, SNL's Amy Poehler and writer Leslye Headland and features memorable performances from Greta Lee and Chloe Sevigny.
Hellbound (2021-2024)
South Korean horror-fantasy Hellbound was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho with Choi Gyu-seok and is based on their short of the same name. The series takes place in a dark, futuristic version of South Korea where spiritual beings materialize to condemn people to certain death at some point in the future, and eventually the condemned are dragged off to hell. The episodes shift in tone, with some coming off more like a police procedural and others offering social commentary on religion, the media and sin, often blending genres into a spooky, smart thriller full of plot twists. The show's creators are also responsible for writing and directing the Netflix original film Revelations, which was released in March 2025.
Cunk on Earth (2023)
Cunk on Earth is peak absurdist comedy, and it's undeniably hilarious watching Diane Morgan play the oblivious and under-informed reporter Philomena Cunk. Cunk travels the globe interviewing people who are experts in the fields of history, theology and more. But this isn't a show that truly wants to teach so much as dare you not to laugh when Cunk deadpans her way through serious conversations with her inane commentary.
The Recruit (2022-)
The second season of Netflix's The Recruit has just arrived, making now the perfect time to binge this political thriller starring Noah Centineo as CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks. When the show began, Hendricks found himself negotiating with a former CIA asset who was attempting to extort the agency. In season two, the drama heads to Seoul when Hendricks finds himself working on a mission with Korean intelligence.
Heartstopper (2022-2024)
Kit Connor and Joe Locke star in Heartstopper, a Netflix original coming-of-age drama, as high school students navigating their sexuality and social norms. In the show's first season, Charlie (Locke) comes out of the closet and realizes his feelings for his friend, the rugged and athletic Nick (Connor). Eventually Nick also starts to embrace his own bisexuality. Throughout the show, the two, along with the rest of their friends, explore this ever-changing era in their lives. The beloved show includes some notable guest appearances from Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey and Hayley Atwell.
Dead to Me (2019-2022)
Dead to Me packs laughter, tears, grief and mystery into every one of its perfectly balanced 30 minute episodes, and the worst thing about the show is that we only got three seasons of it. The show's first season begins as Christina Applegate's character, the recently widowed Jen, is befriended by a woman named Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a grief support group, not realizing that Judy is responsible for Jen's husband's death. The relationship between the two women evolves over time, especially after Jen finds out the truth about Judy, but eventually the women's love-hate relationship becomes more love than hate and they come to depend on each other more than they ever expected.
Is She the Wolf? (2023)
Netflix has become a reliable platform for dating shows with a twist, like Love Is Blind, the one where you have to get engaged immediately, or Too Hot to Handle, the one where everyone has to be celibate. On the Japanese series Is She the Wolf? the big twist is more along the lines of The Traitors or The Mole: Planted among all of the legitimate contestants searching for love is a decoy. In the first episode, you learn that one woman brought on the show is not allowed to fall in love, and if someone does fall for her, it's game over. It's an emotional roller coaster as the wolf tries not to actually fall in love herself, while trying to keep her identity and motives under wraps. And just to add to the fun, the challenges each couple has to participate in are unlike anything else we're used to, with many of them requiring the contestants to use an old film camera to capture scenic shots of Japanese landmarks (it's hard to explain but it works, trust me).
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Inspired by real events from writer-actor Richard Gadd's own life, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is bartending. The bar is where he extends kindness to a stranger named Martha played by Jessica Gunning, setting off a months-long chain ordeal of stalking. Donny's experience being stalked triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for best limited series and best supporting actress for Gunning.
GIrls5Eva (2021-2024)
Though Girls5Eva only lasted three seasons, it remains a source of incredible comedy thanks to its wild performances and hilarious songs. (New York Lonely Boy and I'm Afraid (Dawn's Song of Fears) hit especially close to home.) The show was originally a Peacock original, but was picked up (and canceled just as quickly) by Netflix. Created by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt writer Meredith Scardino, the show is about a reunited '90s girl group played by Sara Bareilles, who proved that her comedic timing was as good as her musical talent, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renee Elise Goldsberry, whose truly unhinged performance as self-obsessed has-been Wickie Roy is one of the great comedic performances of late.
Ripley (2024)
Praised by CNET's Aaron Pruner as a "brilliant new take on the anti-hero story," Netflix's Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants -- even murder. Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian.
Black Doves (2024)
When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and was quickly renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly -- who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role -- as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen's friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor.
The Crown (2016-2023)
A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages -- namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy.
Sex Education (2019-2023)
Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It also served as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother's profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists -- many of which are not for the faint of heart. It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when he's diagnosed with cancer and worries about providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. You can also find all six seasons of Better Call Saul on Netflix, too.
Blue Eye Samurai (2023-)
Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race female warrior who is seeking revenge against four men -- one of whom is her father. Set during the Edo period in Japan, the show features Maya Erskine as Mizu with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Mark Dacascos among the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy winner is streaming now.
Suits (2011-2019)
This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal background who somehow lands a job at a prestigious New York law firm working for top attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team but have to keep Mike's lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits' brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform.
Asura (2025)
Netflix's new Japanese drama Asura has a seemingly straightforward premise: in 1979, four sisters discover that their aging father has had an affair and fathered a boy outside of his marriage to their mother. That's the starting point, but over the course of the show's seven episodes, the show layers this family drama with humor and warmth. As the sisters grapple with how to confront their father (and withhold the information from their mother), their own lives change course and new secrets emerge. Despite the sisters' drastically different personalities, they maintain their own bond that's loving and occasionally contentious, but always remains honest and real.
Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Before it landed at Netflix, Derry Girls aired on Channel 4 in the UK and was the most-watched show ever in Northern Ireland. Set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the series was inspired by creator Lisa McGee's experiences growing up. The show centers around five teens attending Catholic school amid the political turmoil of the time, set to a soundtrack of perfectly selected mid-1990s needle drops from the likes of The Cranberries, Salt-N-Pepa and Take That. It also made celebrities of its young stars including Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Nicola Coughlan, who stars in another show on our list, Bridgerton.
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HBO Max: The 30 Absolute Best TV Shows to Watch
Here are the highly rated series you should watch on HBO Max, plus new additions in February.
10 min read
Season 2 of The Pitt premiered on Jan. 8. New episodes debut on Thursdays.
HBO Max is home to favorites like Succession and Game of Thrones, but you may not be as familiar with newer options on the service that deliver to the streaming masses.
The medical series The Pitt returned for season 2 last month, following its 2025 launch and best drama win at the Emmys. Other recently released shows include Tim Robinson's The Chair Company and J.J. Abrams' Duster. It isn't too late to check out the exceptional fare you've missed.
Here are the highly rated series you shouldn't wait to watch on HBO Max, plus this month's new releases.
What's new on HBO Max in February
Note: These descriptions are taken from news releases and lightly edited for style.
Feb. 13
Feb. 15
Best HBO and HBO Max original TV series
This list focuses on shows that have premiered a new season since 2023 (or are currently renewed for more seasons).
Watch this: What We Lost: The 'Star Is Born' We Will Never See
Drama
The Pitt (2025- )
A lot can happen in one day on the job in a hospital's emergency department. This modern-day medical drama fills its 15-hour first season with what transpires during a single shift. Created by ER executive producer R. Scott Gemmill and starring ER's Noah Wyle as chief attendant Michael Robinavitch, this compelling and realistic series is worth checking out.
The White Lotus (2021- )
What was initially a limited series was so good HBO renewed it for a second season. The satire about guests at a fancy resort gradually unveils the darker edges of its picture-perfect postcard. The White Lotus features an ensemble cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Steve Zahn, Molly Shannon and more hilarious people, who make this series soar. If that wasn't enough, a murder mystery with the big reveal waiting till the very end will keep you thoroughly entertained.
Industry (2020- )
If you're missing the competition and drama on display in Succession, you should pay attention to this HBO series. The first season follows young graduates, including Harper Stern (Myha'la from Netflix's Leave the World Behind), as they step foot into London's Pierpoint & Co. The early 20-somethings hope for permanent jobs at the leading international bank.
Euphoria (2019- )
Euphoria's second installment is on HBO Max now. This visually stunning series has garnered its fair share of fans and it's not hard to see why -- the absorbing performances, cinematography and exploration of mature topics make this show shine. If nothing else, stick around to see Dune star Zendaya, who plays teenager Rue.
Julia (2022-23)
Following the life of television chef and cookbook writer Julia Child, this drama doles out a generous serving of humor and charm (and delicious-looking food, of course). Sarah Lancashire is endlessly watchable as the famed American cook, who paved the way for future cooking shows with her long-running series The French Chef. Two seasons are available on the streamer now.
Comedy
The Chair Company (2025- )
A project manager's unexpected, comical wipeout in front of his colleagues at work leads to an obsessive quest in this new HBO comedy series co-created by Tim Robinson. Robinson -- whose credits include the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave and Saturday Night Live -- stars as the peeved victim of faulty furniture in this hilarious and unpredictable conspiracy thriller.
Fantasmas (2024- )
Viewers have former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres to thank for this quirky and captivating HBO comedy. In episode 1 of the surreal series, an Alf-like sitcom takes a turn for the awkward and the letter "Q" gets a life story. Torres, also known for the HBO show Los Espookys and A24 film Problemista, stars as a version of himself, and guest actors include Steve Buscemi, Julia Fox, Emma Stone, Aidy Bryant and Bowen Yang.
The Rehearsal (2022- )
Nathan Fielder, best known for his Comedy Central show, Nathan For You (and cringe comedy), writes, directs and stars in this new HBO series. In the show, the comedian goes to extraordinary lengths to let people rehearse moments before they happen. In the first episode, Fielder helps a man prepare for a confession to a friend, and builds an exact replica of the bar they're planning to meet at (the attention to detail is incredible). After planning for any outlandish thing that might happen, we see how the real exchange between the two friends plays out. Bizarre and truly fascinating, The Rehearsal should get some time on your screen.
Hacks (2021- )
The great Jean Smart rightfully takes the spotlight in this acclaimed comedy-drama series. Throwing iPads into swimming pools and delivering withering looks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedy diva who must face the prospect of appealing to a younger audience or disappearing into obscurity. She's partnered with Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young and equally snarky comedy writer, to freshen up her material. Perfectly balancing its biting insight into how the comedy business treats women, with the warmth of an odd couple buddy comedy, Hacks is one of the best original series to come out of HBO Max.
The Righteous Gemstones (2019-25)
This outrageous series highlights a highly dysfunctional family of famous televangelists called the Gemstones. In the show's first season, a member of the family is blackmailed and ridiculous antics ensue. John Goodman stars as the family patriarch, Eli, and Danny McBride, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine also commit to the bit, pulling off an absurd and addictive black comedy. All four seasons of the show are now available to stream.
Somebody Somewhere (2022-24)
Like feel-good shows? Somebody Somewhere is a great option you may have skipped over. In the first episode, 40-something Sam, living in her Kansas hometown and dealing with a recent loss, strikes up a friendship with a co-worker. Authentic, funny, with glowing performances, the half-hour series is the perfect thing to wind down to.
Rap Sh!t (2022-23)
A half-hour comedy series from Issa Rae (the star and creator of HBO's acclaimed series Insecure), Rap Sh!t introduces two former friends from high school. Shawna is an aspiring, socially conscious rapper, and Mia is a make-up artist and single mother who works multiple jobs. By the end of the first episode, the young women (now in their 20s) have reconnected and filmed a mesmerizing rap video that takes off on the internet. The show's protagonists are phone-obsessed, constantly checking up on social media and recording videos, and it affects the viewing experience in interesting ways.
Our Flag Means Death (2022-23)
In this comedy set on the high seas, Rhys Darby plays Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who abandons his cushy life and family to become the captain of a pirate ship. Spoiler: He hilariously bumbles through the gig. Game of Thrones fans may spot Hodor actor Kristian Nairn hanging out among the crew, and the series also stars Taika Waititi as Blackbeard.
The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-25)
Mindy Kaling co-created this dramedy about four 18-year-old girls who start their freshman year of college together in Vermont. With distinct personalities, the college newcomers navigate love and sex in their own ways. The show is funny, easily bingeable and bolstered by the chemistry among its female leads. A contemporary teen comedy showcasing messy experiences, relatable characters and raunchy jokes.
Starstruck (2021-23)
Starstruck is a classic screwball comedy, starring the lovably goofy Rose Matafeo. She plays Jessie, a twentysomething Londoner who parties it up on New Year's Eve, then later discovers she had a one-night stand with Tom Kapoor, a celebrity played by Nikesh Patel. Follow Jessie as she juggles odd jobs, from cinema worker to nanny, and her blossoming relationship with a film star that involves no high jinks whatsoever. Watch out for scene-stealer Minnie Driver as Tom's agent in this witty, neatly crafted comedy package.
The Other Two (2019-23)
The sibling rivalry is strong and primed for hilarity in this comedy from a couple of Saturday Night Live writers. Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider tell the story of Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Heléne Yorker), siblings in their late 20s who struggle with the sudden rise to internet fame of their 13-year-old Justin Bieber-channeling brother. Molly Shannon is a treat as their mother, Pat, ushering her children through open doors to success. Once you get over the gimmicky premise, The Other Two's pop culture satire and surprisingly heartfelt storylines are a winning combination. Schitt's Creek fans should give this a look.
Succession (2018-23)
This satirical show follows the family controlling the world's biggest media and entertainment company, whose members become embroiled in a battle to take over as their father's health declines.
Barry (2018-23)
In Barry's opening scene, SNL alum Bill Hader casually leaves a hotel room that contains a dead body. The actor plays hitman Barry Berkman, who isn't happy with life or his unconventional profession, but his path is altered when he travels to Los Angeles and gets roped into performing in an acting class. Barry features plenty of violence and a deeply troubled protagonist, leaning into the "dark" part of its dark comedy designation. But it's also really funny, and there are four seasons to binge. At the very least, you'll want to tune in for truly great scenes between Hader and his acting teacher, played by Henry Winkler.
Crime
Task (2025- )
HBO Max adds great new shows every year, and Task is one of the highlights of 2025. The well-crafted crime drama from Mare of Easttown writer-creator Brad Ingelsby is a cat-and-mouse tale starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, who play an FBI agent investigating a string of robberies and an unassuming family man involved in them.
The Penguin (2024- )
Set between Matt Reeves' 2022 film The Batman and the upcoming sequel The Batman Part II, The Penguin stars Colin Farrell as the underestimated and ambitious Gotham gangster, Oz Cobb (although you'll barely recognize the Oscar-nominated actor). The eight-episode season chronicles Cobb's rise and introduces other complicated characters, such as Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone and Rhenzy Feliz's Victor Aguilar.
True Detective (2014- )
True Detective may be best known for its first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson but the anthology series continues to release intriguing new stories. The latest, which premiered in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, follows Jodie Foster and Kali Reis' characters as they tackle a chilling mystery in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska. It includes a new showrunner, Issa López, who will helm an upcoming fifth edition.
Duster (2025)
A hardworking young female FBI agent tries to take down a crime boss with help from his getaway driver in this thrilling crime drama set in Arizona in the '70s. Lost star Josh Holloway plays the smooth guy behind the wheel and Rachel Hilson's character is the first Black female FBI agent in the gripping, jam-packed series co-created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan.
Tokyo Vice (2022-24)
Season 2 of Tokyo Vice, a crime drama based on a book by journalist Jake Adelstein, has slickly stepped on to HBO Max. Set in Japan in the late 1990s, this noir follows an American journalist (Ansel Elgort) who nabs a job at a major Japanese newspaper. A world of grisly murders, neon nightclubs and powerful crime bosses awaits.
Superhero
Creature Commandos (2024- )
This engaging DC series from James Gunn examines the backstories of a ragtag team of monsters put together for dangerous missions. From Frankenstein's bride to a Nazi-targeting robot to a creature resembling a human and a furry animal, the Creature Commandos are a motley crew worth spending violent, unhinged time with. The series is the first in Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe and it's already renewed for season 2.
Peacemaker (2022- )
Following the events of 2021's The Suicide Squad, this DC spinoff catches up with Peacemaker (John Cena), our towering, costume-clad protagonist who's just been released from the hospital. Peacemaker believes he's a superhero, but with his oft-repeated phrase about attaining "peace, no matter how many people I have to kill to get it," the title doesn't really suit him. The show establishes Peacemaker's next steps -- he isn't returning to prison, instead taking part in a black ops mission that will (again) get his hands dirty. The show often lands its jokes and you'll especially enjoy its entertaining supporting cast.
Harley Quinn (2019- )
Harley Quinn is an adult-oriented animated series that centers on the baseball bat-wielding antihero. Kaley Cuoco voices the mayhem-prone Harley, who in the first episode breaks up with the Joker and tells him she's going to replace him as the top villain in Gotham. The hilarious, action-packed show also features characters like Poison Ivy and four seasons are available to binge. It premiered on the DC Universe streaming service before moving to HBO Max.
Sci-fi and fantasy
The Last of Us (2023- )
This TV adaptation of a popular video game follows hardened survivor Joel (The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal) and spunky teen Ellie (Game of Thrones' Bella Ramsey) as they face human and not-quite-human dangers in a postapocalyptic world.
House of the Dragon (2022- )
Creating a show as beloved as Game of Thrones is tough to pull off but HBO spin-off House of the Dragon soars to impressive heights. Set hundreds of years before fantasy series GoT, the prequel depicts how infighting and tragedy consume House Targaryen. Multiple players clamor for power, including Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).
Scavengers Reign (2023)
An unusual alien world and the humans stranded on it are the subject of this spectacular sci-fi series on HBO Max. The story follows characters marooned on a peculiar planet that's home to fascinating creatures and landscapes. The world is beautiful but also poses dangers to the human guests, who seek out their ship and fellow crew members. An expansion of a 2016 animated short film, Scavengers Reign is a compelling, 12-episode saga you won't be able to quit watching.
Documentary
Telemarketers (2023)
This docuseries provides an intriguing look at the world of telemarketing, starting the story in the early 2000s, when Sam Lipman-Stern began working at a New Jersey call center. Over the course of three hour-long episodes, Lipman-Stern and office buddy Pat Pespas learn the murky truth about the work they were doing and set out to uncover more about the industry -- a quest that eventually leads them to the halls of Congress. It's worth tuning into these amateur sleuth's unhinged, thought-provoking 20-year journey.
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