As long as there have been nerds and a means of recording, people have been mass-consuming their favorite TV shows, whether on DVD or self-recorded VHS. But more recently, binge-watching has become not only something people do but a driving factor that shapes the way some entertainment is formed on a core level. Whether you've been binge-watching your whole life or recently slid into the habit, there are some shows that are just perfect to mainline as quickly as possible. If you're scrolling through streaming and wondering "What show should I watch?", the Collider staff has put together a handy list of our favorite shows to binge-watch below on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and Prime Video.

Editor's note: This article was updated December 8th to include Friends.

Friends

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78% | IMDb: 8.9/10

Friends TV show Poster
Friends

Release Date
September 22, 1994
Cast
Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer
Main Genre
Sitcom
Seasons
10

Friends, a 10-season sitcom, was brought to life by the creative minds of David Crane and Marta Kauffman. The show centers on a group of six friends in their 20s and early 30s, all residing in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, New York City. Viewers embark on a shared journey with the characters through a vast array of life experiences, including love, marriage, divorce, parenthood, heartbreaks, conflicts, career changes, and various dramatic events.

Friends has earned a reputation for being a timeless and heartwarming show that continues to resonate with multiple generations of viewers. This enduring appeal is not only because of its humor, which is marked by numerous iconic quotes as well as consistent relatability and the valuable life lessons it imparts through the characters’ impulsive decisions. Furthermore, the distinct personalities of the characters, like Chandler's (Matthew Perry) sarcasm, Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) eccentricity, and Monica's (Courteney Cox) perfectionism, are what make the show truly iconic. Also, Friends often evokes nostalgia and a journey back in time for people who came of age in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its iconic fashion choices and music continue to influence viewers even in the present day. - Jessie Nguyen

Watch on HBO Max

Succession

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDB: 8.9/10

succession-poster
Succession
Release Date
June 3, 2018
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Creator
Jesse Armstrong

Read Our Review

Spanning five years and four very successful seasons, Succession follows the now-famous Roy family, heads of the biggest media conglomerate in the world. Devoid of all redeeming qualities, the family will use anything within their reach to not just keep their names at the top but extend their lead. By fighting, cheating, and out-witting their opposition, can the Roy family ever be stopped in their malevolent pursuit to conquer?

Through tight scripts and superb ensemble acting, the heights of global business are scrutinized for all their worst values through a family thriving thanks to their lack of morals. With the likes of Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong excelling, the true charm of Succession arguably comes from just how morally bankrupt and unlikeable almost everyone is in the same sort of sadistic way horror movies keep you glued despite the terror. - Jake Hodges

Watch on HBO Max

Beckham

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 8.2/10

Beckham Netflix Poster
Beckham
Release Date
October 4, 2023
Cast
Fisher Stevens , David Beckham , victoria beckham , Eric Cantona
Genres
Documentary , Biography , Sports
Seasons
1

One of Netflix’s most successful sports documentaries to date, Beckham documents the titular global icon’s rise to fame, from his childhood in East End London poverty to his success as a footballer all the way through his turbulent but ultimately loving marriage to one member of, at one point in time, the world’s most talked-about girl group.

Using archive footage and straight-talking interviews with some of Beckham’s family, friends, and former teammates, Beckham leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of both uncovering the secret to his success and revealing some of the sad truths behind his most infamous controversies. Despite being a household name, many will finish Beckham and suddenly feel like they had never really known of the man behind the fame until now. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

The Fall of the House of Usher

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDB: 8.0/10

The Fall of the House of Usher Netflix Poster
The Fall of the House of Usher

Release Date
October 12, 2023
Cast
Carla Gugino , Willa Fitzgerald , Mary McDonnell , Kate Siegel
Genres
Drama , Horror
Seasons
1

Read Our Review

Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and named after one of his famous short stories, The Fall of the House of Usher follows the uncovering of a dark secret as the CEO of a pharmaceutical company faces his deepest regrets head-on after the deaths of children are linked directly back to him. In typical gothic horror fashion, the children are dying mysteriously, with sinister discoveries revealed at every turn.

Aesthetically striking, which comes as no surprise to fans of creator Mike Flanagan, the show manages to balance genuine terror with stylish storytelling, successfully pulling off a constant unwavering sense of unease. A fresh spin on the gothic genre, The Fall of the House of Usher still has time to respect its roots and pay homage to one of horror's most influential writers. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

Sex Education

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDB: 8.3/10

Sex Education TV Show Poster
Sex Education
Release Date
January 11, 2019
Cast
Asa Butterfield , Gillian Anderson , Kedar Williams-Stirling , Alistair Petrie
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Seasons
4

Read Our ReviewOne of Netflix’s flagship shows, Sex Education follows teenager Otis (Asa Butterfield), who, following in the footsteps of his sex therapist mother (Gillian Anderson), sets up a sexual health help clinic at his school, putting him into first contact with the potential love of his life, the rebellious Maeve (Emma Mackey). Over four seasons, Otis and his friends navigate the trials and tribulations often associated with adolescent life as they go from anxious teens to full-fledged adults, culminating in their final year at school.

Over the course of four seasons, what was once a relatively unknown cast became household names thanks to incredible performances. Oozing with angst and bursting at the seams with comedy, Sex Education thrives by not just being a stand-out example of why teen dramas are so successful but also breaking boundaries in the discussion of sexuality, proving itself to be a trailblazer in modern media. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

The Other Black Girl

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDB: 6.8/10

The Other Black Girl Hulu Poster
The Other Black Girl
Release Date
September 13, 2023
Cast
Sinclair Daniel , Ashleigh Murray , Kate Owens , Karina Willis
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Mystery
Seasons
1
Creator
Zakiya Dalila Harris, Rashida Jones

Read Our ReviewThe Other Black Girl is a Hulu original show that stars Sinclair Daniel as Nella Rogers, an ambitious editorial assistant at NYC publishing firm Wagner Books. After, as the title suggests, another black woman arrives at the company in the form of Ashleigh Murray’s Hazel-May McCall, Nella’s suspicion as to whether Hazel-May is a friend or enemy leads to the uncovering of a dark underbelly lurking beneath the business she works for.

Funny, twisted, and packed full of mystery, The Other Black Girl is one of Hulu’s freshest shows and is guaranteed to keep you hooked. From a great, relatively unknown cast to a superb script, the show has all the makings of top-tier television, which is why it has understandably drawn so much public and critical acclaim. With only one season currently available, the terrific cliffhanger ending is sure to bring more. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Hulu

Suits

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 8.4/10

Suits TV Show Poster
Suits
Release Date
June 23, 2011
Cast
Gabriel Macht , Amanda Schull , Rick Hoffman , Dule Hill , Katherine Heigl
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Seasons
9
Creator
Aaron Korsh

Widely regarded as some of the 21st century’s best television, Suits follows college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, after a drug deal goes horribly wrong, ends up accidentally landing a job interview with one of New York City's best lawyers, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). Throughout the course of nine gripping seasons, Mike and Harvey’s unlikely winning formula shoots them to the very top of their game, with their newfound partnership not just bettering them professionally but as people. However, with success comes jealousy from other top-class businessmen intent on bringing them to the ground.

Oozing charm and wit, Suits made a name for itself as addictive at a time when binge-viewing wasn’t as mainstream as it is today. The chemistry between the main characters, particularly Mike and Harvey, is captivating, making every scene they’re in (which is a lot) absolute gold. Created by Aaron Korsh, Suits is quite simply must-watch television. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDB: 7.3/10

The Summer I Turned Pretty Poster
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Release Date
July 17, 2022
Cast
Lola Tung , Christopher Briney , Jackie Chung , Rachel Blanchard
Genres
Romance , Drama
Seasons
2
Creator
Jenny Han

Read Our ReviewTold from teenager Belly's (Lola Tung) point of view, The Summer I Turned Pretty is initially a teen drama about two families who, over the course of a summer, experience a rollercoaster of drama that often centers on a love triangle at its core. As all good teen shows do, the highs and lows of adolescent firsts are presented in all their glory, as Belly has her first love, kiss, and, of course, heartbreak in one tumultuous season.

Based on the beloved books by Jenny Han, this series oozes the exact tone and style one would want from a teen drama. The ‘will they/won’t they’ triangle at the heart of the story is gripping enough on its own to keep you hooked, and that’s without mentioning the terrific and often heartbreaking family drama. Perfect for binging, the show is a great ode to coming-of-age stories that have come before it, with the young main cast growing in front of your very eyes. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

Yellowstone

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDB: 8.7/10

Yellowstone TV Show Poster
Yellowstone
Release Date
June 20, 2018
Genres
Drama , Western
Seasons
5
Creator
John Linson, Taylor Sheridan

Read Our ReviewSparking somewhat of a renaissance in the Western genre, Yellowstone follows the now-famous Dutton family, who own the largest contiguous ranch in the US. Consequently, their land is always under threat from pillagers. With this society one that builds the foundation of its success on land ownership — whether it be politicians or oil corporations — everyone wants a slice of rich real estate. With murders and mysteries aplenty, almost nothing can surprise the Dutton family as they attempt to survive living on the new frontier.

Packed full of action and spectacle, Yellowstone excels thanks to its constant bombardment of drama, with a stellar leading cast working wonders with a jam-packed script. Led by Kevin Costner as a powerful patriarch paying homage to famous cowboys of a bygone era, Yellowstone has achieved so much success that it’s triggered one of the largest television franchises on air today, with its growth seemingly exponential. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Paramount+

Never Have I Ever

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDB: 7.9/10

Never Have I Ever Netflix Poster
Never Have I Ever
Release Date
April 27, 2020
Cast
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan , Darren Barnet , Poorna Jagannathan , Jaren Lewison
Genres
Comedy , Drama
Seasons
4
Creator
Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling

Read Our ReviewA story inspired by creator Mindy Kaling’s own childhood, Never Have I Ever follows the pivotal years of high school for first-generation Indian-American Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who, with four seasons depicting four years of her adolescence, tries to navigate the tricky teenage tasks of falling in love, falling out with friends, and dealing with the loss of her father.

A touching ode to life’s most confusing time, Never Have I Ever shines as a beacon of representation not just for young Indian-American girls but also for every teen. Despite dealing with some terribly sad topics, the show never fails to put a smile on your face and finds comedy in the face of tragedy. Always endearing, Never Have I Ever is both a sweet tale of love and friendship as well as an honest depiction of teenage life, choosing not to fear some of adolescence's most difficult challenges but instead face them head-on. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

Silo

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDB: 8.1/10

Silo Apple TV Poster
Silo
Release Date
May 5, 2023
Cast
Rebecca Ferguson , Iain Glen , Tim Robbins , Shane McRae , Henry Garrett
Genres
Drama , Sci-Fi
Seasons
1
Creator
Graham Yost

Read Our Review

Based on Hugh Howey’s novel Wool, Silo follows a terrifying future in which humanity survives underground within the claustrophobic titular silo. Set through the perspective of protagonist Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), her innocuous investigation into the death of a colleague uncovers the frightening truth about the world in which they live, with Juliette suddenly having to face the consequences of being privy to such world-altering information.

Dystopian sci-fi with all the trimmings, Silo is a rollercoaster ride that doesn’t bog itself down with fantasy lore, instead thriving thanks to its drive for drama. A fascinating analysis of humans' sometimes ignorant desperation to survive, Silo is impressive in its storytelling and its CGI, with the show a perfect feast for the suspicious mind. - Jake Hodges

Watch on AppleTV+

Black Bird

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDB: 8.1/10

Black Bird Apple TV Poster
Black Bird

As Jimmy Keene begins a 10-year prison sentence, he gets an incredible offer: if he can elicit a confession from suspected killer Larry Hall, he will be freed; completing this mission becomes the challenge of a lifetime.

Release Date
July 8, 2022
Genres
Biography , Crime , Drama
Seasons
1

Read Our ReviewThis miniseries from creator Dennis Lehane follows Taron Egerton’s Jimmy Keene, a man who makes a bargain to exchange his 10-year minimum security prison sentence for one in maximum security, with the task of eliciting a confession from suspected murderer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser). With the location of as many as 18 bodies on the line, Keene must work out whether Hall’s stories and the man himself can be trusted.

Moody and mysterious, throughout six gripping episodes, every grain of detail in the plot is meticulously designed, with the overarching narrative hugely impressive. Taron Egerton is at his very best in the lead role, with the weaving tale accompanied by an incredible score from composer Mogwai. Black Bird is, at its core, a shining example of the power of heightening tension in storytelling. - Jake Hodges

Watch on AppleTV+

Barry

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDB: 8.4/10

Barry HBO Poster
Barry
Release Date
March 25, 2018
Seasons
4
Creator
Alec Berg, Bill Hader

Read Our ReviewBill Hader like you’ve never seen him before, Barry sees the talented comic take on the role of the titular Barry, a hitman who has lost the love of his criminal life. During one particular job, Barry is accidentally flung into the world of acting, where he falls in love with not just the art but a woman, too. Life and outlook changed, only Barry’s handler, Fuches (Stephen Root), remains as the last gripped claw pulling him into his previous life of hell.

With a brilliantly innovative premise, it can be easy to enter Barry expecting a gimmick, but alas, you would be wrong. Wonderfully toeing the line between desperately dramatic and hilariously funny, Barry is a masterpiece in storytelling that immediately gets you rooting for the murderer. With so much going for it, it is perhaps Bill Hader’s leading role that stands out as one of the most morally ambiguous and strangely relatable characters in modern television, making for gripping viewing. - Jake Hodges

Watch on HBO Max

The Great

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDB: 8.2/10

The Great Hulu Poster
The Great
Release Date
May 15, 2020
Cast
Elle Fanning , Nicholas Hoult , Phoebe Fox , Sacha Dhawan
Genres
Biography , Comedy , Drama
Seasons
3
Creator
Tony McNamara

Read Our ReviewSet in 18th-century Russia, The Great follows a satirized version of Catherine the Great’s (Elle Fanning) rise to power, from her childhood to her eventual triumph. As Catherine settles into her role after marrying Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult), an evil plot arises to kill the sadistic man and claim his title.

A black comedy that oozes style, The Great excels by not taking itself too seriously, even going as far as to title itself ‘An Almost Entirely Untrue Story’. Backed by a stellar cast, Elle Fanning is incredible as Catherine, with her powerful performance leading to a nomination for Best Actress at the Primetime Emmys. Quirky and clever, The Great does well to avoid trying to be historically accurate in favor of delivering spade-loads of entertainment. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Hulu

The Power

Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDB: 6.6/10

The Power TV Show Poster
The Power
Release Date
March 31, 2023
Cast
Toni Collette , Toheeb Jimoh , Halle Bush , Ria Zmitrowicz
Genres
Drama , Fantasy
Seasons
1
Creator
Naomi Alderman, Sarah Quintrell, Raelle Tucker

Read Our ReviewBased on Naomi Alderman’s New York Times Bestseller of the same name, The Power sets itself in a world where all teenage girls suddenly and mysteriously gain the power of electrocution. After realizing they also have the power to unlock the skill inside older women, the potential their fingertips hold becomes all too real. With this newfound ability, the patriarchal shape of the modern world is suddenly flipped.

Unapologetically bringing a powerful message about modern-day gender roles, The Power thrives thanks to its strong female cast, including the likes of Toni Collette and Halle Bush. A forceful story of revolution drives the narrative forward with rarely a moment to breathe as this exhilarating story takes hold and never lets go. Certainly doing justice to its source material, The Power is both action-packed and tear-jerking. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

Jury Duty

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDB: 8.3/10

Jury Duty TV Show Poster
Jury Duty
Release Date
April 7, 2023
Cast
James Marsden , David Brown , Kirk Fox , Mekki Leeper
Genres
Comedy
Seasons
1
Creator
Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky

Read Our ReviewIn a story similar to The Truman Show, Jury Duty follows the genuinely unsuspecting Ronald Gladden, who, after being called up for jury duty on a civil trial in Los Angeles, finds himself working through the mundane routine he had anticipated. However, in a wonderful twist, everything around him is a lie. The foundations on which this jury duty is built are falsehoods, with everyone from fellow jury members to the plaintiff and defendant being actors.

A stellar cast led by James Marsden as himself, Jury Duty breathes fresh air into a packed media landscape. Co-created by The Office producers Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, the show thrives thanks to the audience being privy to the knowledge that it is all an act, allowing for the crescendoing drama on-screen to have a sense of playfulness. Laugh-out-loud fun, Jury Duty is one of the most unique series available to watch right now. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

Tiny Beautiful Things

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDB: 7.2/10

Tiny Beautiful Things Poster
Tiny Beautiful Things
Release Date
April 7, 2023
Cast
Kathryn Hahn , Sarah Pidgeon , Merritt Wever , Tanzyn Crawford , Quentin Plair , Aneasa Yacoub
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Seasons
1
Creator
Liz Tigelaar

Read Our ReviewTiny Beautiful Things, told through the eyes of Clare (Kathryn Hahn), begins as her life crumbles before her very eyes. A marriage at breaking point, a failing relationship with her daughter, and low self-esteem make her laugh in the face of the opportunity to lead the vacant position of advice columnist Dear Sugar. However, in the face of her troubles, it turns out her hurt provides the gateway for successful advice. A hit, Clare finally finds her passion for writing again as the revisiting of her trauma doesn’t just help her readers but also herself.

A poignant story that finds hope out of despair, Tiny Beautiful Things doesn’t shy away from the cruder points of life, knowing full well that their relatability is what makes this tale tick. At its core, Tiny Beautiful Things is meant to be a surrogate for the audience’s inner fears, much like an advice column, but that still doesn’t stop the writers from playing with narrative conventions, finding interesting and compelling ways to tell the sort of story everyone should listen to. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Hulu

You

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDB: 7.7/10

You TV Show Poster
You
Release Date
September 9, 2018
Cast
Penn Badgley , Victoria Pedretti , James Scully , Ambyr Childers , Carmela Zumbado
Genres
Drama
Seasons
5
Creator
Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble

Read Our ReviewOne of Netflix’s most-watched shows, You details the journey of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) as his fixations with specific people take him across the world in both the search for and escape from his obsessions. His pursuit of love becomes entangled with that of a stalker, with his extreme sideways look on life’s most intimate feelings exposed thanks to a chance encounter with an aspiring writer. Cunning and charming, Joe becomes a murderer because of the aforementioned obsessions but manages to convince both the audience and himself of his fair reasoning.

A triumph in storytelling, You masks itself as a cold-hearted tale but finds a balance thanks to warm moments of sometimes twisted humor. Successful in many ways, You is one of those rare stories that manages to convince the audience to find sympathy for even the most cruel of people. A terrific story told with wit and violent drama, You has become a cult phenomenon thanks to Penn Badgley’s lead performance, with his iconic voiceover now the stuff of legend. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix

Dead Ringers

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDB: 6.5/10

Dead Ringers TV Series Poster
Dead Ringers
Release Date
April 21, 2023
Cast
Rachel Weisz , Emily Meade , Britne Oldford , Kitty Hawthorne
Genres
Drama , Horror , Thriller
Seasons
1
Creator
Alice Birch

Read Our ReviewTold over six gripping episodes, Dead Ringers follows the mission of the Mantle twins Elliot and Beverley, both played by Rachel Weisz, as they aim to change the way people give birth forever. Identical in more ways than looks, both are successes in the field of gynecology; however, their personalities and ways in which both execute their plans differ drastically, with only their goal remaining the same. In order to obtain funding for their own independent birthing center, the two must first meet Rebecca Parker (Jennifer Ehle), the woman with whom the story unfolds.

A reboot of the famous David Cronenberg movie of the same name, this series stays true to the horror stylings of the original. Oozing the best of its genre, Dead Ringers is a triumph in more ways than one. Rachel Weisz’s double performance, in particular, arguably steals the show, with her accurately managing to portray two women with identical aspects that find their differences in both physical and emotional nuances that only the best of actors could realize. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Prime Video

Beef

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDB: 8.0/10

Beef Netflix Poster
Beef
Release Date
April 6, 2023
Cast
Steven Yeun , Ali Wong , Joseph Lee , Young Mazino
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Seasons
1
Creator
Lee Sung Jin

Read Our ReviewA story about the sickening depths of stubbornness in humanity, Beef directly follows an incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) in which road rage is sparked in both. What should be an average encounter escalates into a full-blown rivalry that neither can seemingly hold back from, as they both want to inflict maximum damage on the other. However, what begins as targeted attacks starts to affect each other’s families, with their malevolent, reckless feud becoming uncontrollable.

A watertight balance of comedy and drama, Beef spirals out of control as episodes continue, finally erupting into all-out chaos come the finale. Without a moment to take a breath, Beef flies along like a theme park ride, consuming the audience into its madness. Both Yeun and Wong are in top form, backed by a fantastic ensemble as their rage-inducing decision-making is both brilliantly funny and frustratingly understandable, with both characters equally likable and flawed. On top of all that, the gripping plot is punctuated by some of the year's best and most gruesome moments of horror. - Jake Hodges

Watch on Netflix