Your next bingewatch is waiting below. The 23 best drama series on Netflix to get hooked on

Your next binge-watch is waiting below.

The 23 best drama series on Netflix to get hooked on

Your next binge-watch is waiting below.

By Kevin Jacobsen, Ilana Gordon, and Sarah Perchikoff

on October 8, 2025 7:59 a.m. ET

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset on 'Bridgerton'; Steven Yeun as Danny Cho in 'Beef'; Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'. Credit:

Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix; Ken Woroner/Netflix

Fans of tea — both the beverage and gossip varieties — will find much to enjoy while scrolling through Netflix's dramatic television section. Featuring everything from true crime capers to family sagas to historical epics that reflect what life was like decades (or even centuries) ago, the shows on this list are sure to teach your brain and titillate your senses. Whether you're looking to catch up on the latest hits everyone is talking about (*Bridgerton*, *Ripley*) or are seeking some hidden gems (*The Diplomat*, *Shadow and Bone*), these shows are sure to please.

Here are the 23 best drama series on Netflix.

Adolescence (2025)

Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller and Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Ben Blackall/Netflix

One of the most talked-about pieces of television to emerge in 2025 is *Adolescence. *A British crime drama about a 13-year-old boy named Jamie Miller who is accused of murdering his classmate, the miniseries offers four episodes, all of which were shot in one continuous take apiece. The technical execution of the project is thrilling, and so is the show's depiction of how modern media affects the minds and actions of teenage boys.

Young actor Owen Cooper makes a brilliant Emmy-winning debut as Jamie, and the scenes between him and his therapist (Erin Doherty) in episode 3 are some of the most affecting examples of storytelling in recent history. A series that feels especially relevant as talk of incels and loneliness epidemics becomes more mainstream, *Adolescence *gets deep about what teenage boyhood really looks like today. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

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

Beef (2023–present)

Ali Wong as Amy Lau and Steven Yeun as Danny Cho in 'Beef'. Andrew Cooper/Netflix

This Emmy winner could be categorized in multiple ways — drama, comedy, miniseries — but we would classify it as one the best Netflix shows yet. After working-class contractor Danny (Steven Yeun) nearly plows his vehicle into affluent business owner Amy's (Ali Wong) SUV, their road rage incident soon escalates into a full-on feud. Their antics include sabotage, catfishing, and even kidnapping, all while viewers slowly see how this animosity stems from unresolved issues in the characters' lives.

As EW's critic writes, "*Beef* is not afraid to plumb some very disagreeable depths to tell the story of two damaged people fighting their way back to the light." A second season is in the works, following different characters who we can only hope have a beef as delicious as the first. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Beef*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman on 'Breaking Bad'.

Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

The five seasons that make up *Breaking Bad *represent some of the best premium television has to offer. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is a chemistry teacher based in Albuquerque, N.M., who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Determined to make enough money to set his family up in the event of his death, Walter turns his skills as a chemist into a lucrative part-time job making meth.

After partnering with a local drug dealer — who also happens to be one of Walter's former students — Walter finds himself pulled into the seedy underworld that is breaking bad in the southwestern United States. Acclaimed by critics, audiences, and awards shows, *Breaking Bad *spawned a television spinoff (*Better Call Saul*) and a movie (*El Camino*), but among fans, it will always be known as the show that delivered the iconic pizza on the roof scene. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Breaking Bad*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A

**Cast: **Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Giancarlo Esposito, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Laura Fraser, Jesse Plemons**

Bridgerton (2020–present)

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton on 'Bridgerton'.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

This ravishing historical drama became a sensation upon its release in 2020. Based on the beloved book series by Julia Quinn, *Bridgerton* takes the refined elegance of Regency-era London and combines it with a contemporary flair for sex and passion (or what's known to romance novel lovers as "bodice rippers").

The series, narrated by the legendary Julie Andrews, revolves around the noble Bridgerton family, focusing primarily on a new sibling each season as they experience the highs and lows of love within the strict rules of their society. EW's critic calls the series "a wonderful diversion for those who love *Pride & Prejudice* but wish it had more stairway sex." Catch up before season 4 drops in 2026! —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Bridgerton*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Florence Hunt, Will Tilston, Ruth Gemmell, Regé-Jean Page, Nicola Coughlan, Julie Andrews

The Crown (2016–2023)

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana and Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles on 'The Crown'. Des Willie/Netflix

What screams drama more than the British royal family? Going back to the beginning of her reign, *The Crown* tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 until the events of the early 21st century, changing casts every two seasons as the characters age.

But the show doesn't just cover Queen Elizabeth II — it also follows Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and more monarchs. The real royal family has taken umbrage with some of the portrayals in the show, and the writers certainly had creative liberties, but that's what makes it the drama it is. —*Sarah Perchikoff*

Where to watch *The Crown*: Netflix

**Cast:** Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Josh O'Connor, Emma Corrin, Gillian Anderson

The Diplomat (2023–present)

Kenichiro Thomson as Martin, Ato Essandoh as Stuart Heyford, Keri Russell as Kate Wyler on 'The Diplomat'.

Alex Bailey/Netflix

Former *The West Wing* writer Debora Cahn re-enters the political sphere with *The Diplomat*. Five years after *The Americans *ended, Keri Russell sheds her Russian spy gear and lands a new job as career diplomat Kate Wyler, the newly appointed and ill-prepared U.S. ambassador to the U.K., who is dropped squarely into an international crisis.

Work is made more stressful thanks to the contributions of her husband, Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), a former diplomat to Lebanon whose current unemployment leaves him a lot of time to mess up Kate's job. With her career, marriage, and a possible global conflict hanging in the balance, does Kate have what it takes to survive diplomacy? Featuring a few cameos from *The West Wing* alums, *The Diplomat* is a great political thriller to distract you from real-life politics. Season 3 premieres on Oct. 16. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Diplomat*: Netflix

**Cast: **Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore and Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore on 'Gilmore Girls'. Everett Collection

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the Gilmore Girls are always there when you need them. Created by the sharp-witted Amy Sherman-Palladino, *Gilmore Girls* is a cozy comedy-drama that centers on the close-knit relationship between fast-talking single mother Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her gifted daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel).

Both deal with tumultuous love lives, aspire to bigger and better things in their professional lives, and make plenty of mistakes along the way. It's all set within an idyllic small town in Connecticut we desperately wish we could visit, if only to experience some of its quirky traditions and even quirkier residents. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Gilmore Girls*: Netflix

**Cast:** Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann

GLOW (2017–2019)

Kia Stevens as Tammé Dawson and Betty Gilpin as Debbie Eagan on 'GLOW'. Beth Dubber/Netflix

We still haven't forgiven Netflix for canceling this dramedy too soon, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the three seasons of excellence left in its wake. Based loosely on the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling TV series from the '80s, *GLOW* centers on a group of young women assembled for the wrestling promotion as they form their colorful personas and find a sense of purpose.

At the heart of the show is the tumultuous relationship between frenemies Ruth (Alison Brie) and Debbie (Betty Gilpin), as they try (and sometimes fail) to set aside their differences for the benefit of the show. "Part sports drama, part showbiz satire, part birth-of-the-modern-woman allegory," EW's critic calls *GLOW* "all heartbreaking glitter-blasted humanity." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *GLOW*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron, Britt Baron, Kate Nash, Gayle Rankin, Kia Stevens, Jackie Tohn, Chris Lowell

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri on 'Killing Eve'. Gareth Gatrell/BBCAmerica

This BBC America spy thriller was practically designed for the Netflix binge model. Sandra Oh plays Eve Polastri, an MI6 investigator whose attempt to track down an international assassin known as Villanelle (Jodie Comer) becomes an obsession.

Villanelle develops her own fascination with Eve, leading to a unique cat-and-mouse game. The addictive fun of the first few seasons (plus the sizzling chemistry between Oh and Comer) was enough to make this must-see TV, even through the shakier final season. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Killing Eve*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Owen McDonnell, Sean Delaney

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022–present)

Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson on 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. Lara Solanki/Netflix

This legal drama, based on the book series of the same name by Michael Connelly, centers on Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a criminal defense lawyer who takes cases while working from the back of his Lincoln Navigator in Los Angeles. In the first season, he finds himself representing the billionaire video game developer Trevor Elliott (Christopher Gorham), who is charged with double murder.

Haller works on Elliott's case with his second ex-wife, Lorna Crane, and her fiance, Cisco, while also maintaining a friendly relationship with his first wife, Maggie McPherson (Neve Campbell). To say his life is complicated would be an understatement; he gets into danger pretty quickly, and his new client might be the reason why. The series has been renewed for a fourth season. —*S.P.*

Where to watch *The Lincoln Lawyer*: Netflix

**Cast:** Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, Christopher Gorham

Midnight Mass (2021)

Annabeth Gish as Dr. Sarah Gunning, Alex Essoe as Mildred Gunning, and Kate Siegel as Erin Greene in 'Midnight Mass'.

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford) returns to his highly religious hometown on Crockett Island just as a new charismatic priest, Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), has taken over the church. Since they both arrived, strange things are happening on the island and the new priest is anything but what he seems.

*Midnight Mass* comes from a master of the horror genre, Mike Flanagan, and it's one of his best. But Flanagan is also great at providing drama along with his jump scares. What starts as the ominous return of Riley — who went to prison for killing a woman while drunk driving — turns into a supernatural nightmare that even the biggest horror buff couldn't have seen coming. —*S.P.*

Where to watch *Midnight Mass*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan, Igby Rigney, Rahul Kohli, Annabeth Gish, Alex Essoe, Michael Trucco, Henry Thomas

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Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Cameron Britton as Edmund Kemper and Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford on 'Mindhunter'. Merrick Morton/Netflix

*Mindhunter* revolves around FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they spearhead the Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico circa 1977. Together, they begin the taboo task of interviewing serial killers to understand their psychology better so they can catch criminals who are still at large.

*Mindhunter* is one of David Fincher's absolute masterpieces, a pinnacle of true crime television aided by excellent performances all around. The actors playing America's famous murderers, in particular, are almost *too* good (see: Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper). —*S.P.*

Where to watch *Mindhunter*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith, Stacey Roca, Cameron Britton, Michael Cerveris

Narcos (2015–2017)

Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña on 'Narcos'. Netflix

A serialized crime drama, *Narcos* follows the rise and fall of Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), whose aptitude for cocaine distribution transformed him into a billionaire. Pedro Pascal stars as real-life DEA agent Javier Peña, who, along with his partner, agent Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook), is tasked with bringing down Escobar, the Medellín Cartel, and later the Cali Cartel.

During the show's three-season arc, viewers get a crash course in the creation and growth of the cocaine cartels that dominated the '80s. Representing one of Netflix's premium series and serving a surprising amount of humor among the history and violence, *Narcos* offers a front-row look at Pascal's acting talents. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Narcos*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast: **Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Joanna Christie, Maurice Compte, André Mattos

One Day (2024)

Ambika Mod as Emma Morley and Leo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew in 'One Day'.

"Imagine one selected day struck out of your life," says Emma (Ambika Mod), quoting Charles Dickens in this romantic limited series, "and think how different its course would have been." *One Day* charts 20 years in the lives of two people, working-class Emma and privileged Dexter (Leo Woodall), whom we see on the same day every year.

As they age into adulthood, their unique relationship changes as they take different career paths while finding themselves inexorably drawn back to each other. The bittersweet series captures life's complications and love over time, with charming lead performances that bring the characters from David Nicholls' 2009 novel (and the lackluster 2011 movie) to life. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *One Day*: Netflix

**Cast:** Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall

One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024–present)

Claudio Cataño as Colonel Aureliano Buendía on 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'.

Considered one of the foremost literary achievements of the last century, Gabriel García Márquez's magical realism novel, *One Hundred Years of Solitude*, has finally been adapted for television. The series, which premiered on Netflix at the end of 2024, tells the story of the Buendía family over multiple generations and is set in the fictitious town of Macondo, Colombia, which the family founded.

Critics and fans have commended the adaptation for its acting, cinematography, and adherence to the original source material. A TV series with the spirit of the novel, Netflix has released the show's first eight episodes, with another eight still to come. A must-watch for literary lovers and TV nerds alike, treat yourself to *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *One Hundred Years of Solitude*: Netflix

**Cast: **Claudio Cataño, Diego Vásquez, Marleyda Soto, Viña Machado, Loren Sofía, Janer Villarreal, Akima, Moreno Borja, Ruggero Pasquarelli

Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby on 'Peaky Blinders'. Robert Viglasky/Netflix

Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) leads the Peaky Blinders, a street gang based in Birmingham, England, that he runs with the help of his brothers Arthur (Paul Anderson) and Johnny (Joe Cole) and his aunt Polly (Helen McCrory). While struggling with PTSD from his time in World War I, Tommy must keep the group together and satisfy his ever-growing ambition.

*Peaky Blinders* is one of the most well-written historical dramas streaming on Netflix (or anywhere, for that matter), bringing to mind classic mob movies like *The Godfather* and *GoodFellas*. —*S.P.*

Where to watch *Peaky Blinders*: Netflix

**Cast:** Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Annabelle Wallis, Iddo Goldberg, Sophie Rundle, Joe Cole, Ned Dennehy, Benjamin Zephaniah

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'.

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) starts life down on her luck, having lost her mother and been sent to an orphanage where they drug her daily. However, her circumstances begin to change, when she learns how to play chess and quickly becomes a prodigy. But she soon realizes that success does not equal happiness, even as her skill takes her to high places. Based on the book by Walter Tevis, *The Queen's Gambit* is one of the most riveting dramas Netflix has ever produced with 11 Emmy wins to prove it, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. —*S.P.*

Where to watch *The Queen's Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, Christiane Seidel, Rebecca Root, Chloe Pirrie, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling

Ripley (2024)

Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in 'Ripley'.

Ever since Patricia Highsmith invented him with her 1955 novel, Tom Ripley has been a character of great fascination. Twenty-five years after the release of 1999's *The Talented Mr. Ripley*,* *starring Matt Damon, Netflix produced this miniseries about the con artist/serial killer with Andrew Scott in the title role. *Ripley*, shot in striking black-and-white, follows the plot of the original novel, in which Tom is hired to track down a rich man's playboy son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn), in Italy, though his task soon morphs into a dangerous obsession. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Ripley*: Netflix

**Cast:** Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Margherita Buy, Maurizio Lombardi

Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)

Kit Young as Jesper Fahey, Amita Suman as Inej Ghafa, and Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker on 'Shadow and Bone'. Netflix

Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) is a mapmaker in the Ravkan army. When her best friend Mal (Archie Renaux) is sent on a ship heading into the Fold, she refuses to let him go without her. During their voyage, Alina realizes she's a magical Grisha and gets her world turned upside down by General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), a.k.a. the Darkling.

Based on the books by Leigh Bardugo, *Shadow and Bone* marries Alina's storyline with characters Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, and Jesper Fahey, who make up the Crows gang in Kerch. What follows is a riveting fantasy drama that inspires escapism and suspense in equal measure. —*S.P.*

Where to watch *Shadow and Bone*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, Ben Barnes, Zoë Wanamaker

The Sinner (2017–2021)

Jessica Biel as Cora Tannetti and Nadia Alexander as Phoebe Lacey in 'The Sinner'. Peter Kramer/USA Network

This gripping anthology drama follows police detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) as he investigates criminal incidents. Each season centers on a new case: a disturbed woman who kills a man on the beach out of the blue; a 13-year-old boy who poisons a couple; a car crash that proves to be no accident; and a young woman who mysteriously walks off a cliff's edge.

The series goes beyond the traditional whodunit nature of crime mysteries to explore the motivation beyond the acts, with Pullman's weary detective serving as a strong anchor through the show's many twists and turns. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Sinner*: Netflix

**Cast:** Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Dohn Norwood, Abby Miller

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

Michael C. Hall as David Fisher and Peter Krause as Nate Fisher on 'Six Feet Under'. Everett Collection

A show about a family of morticians could've been unrelentingly depressing. Instead, this HBO drama celebrates life in all its messiness and examines how death isn't something to fear. Following the untimely demise of their patriarch, the dysfunctional Fisher family tries to keep their lives together while running their Los Angeles funeral home.

Whether via impulsive eldest son Nate (Peter Krause), anxious middle son David (Michael C. Hall), artsy little sister Claire (Lauren Ambrose), or their repressed mother Ruth (Frances Conroy), the struggles the Fishers face are almost painfully relatable. And it all builds up to one of the best series finales in television history. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Six Feet Under*: Netflix through Oct. 31

**Cast:** Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, Jeremy Sisto, Rachel Griffiths

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun on 'Squid Game'.

No Ju-han/Netflix

Would you lay your life on the line for $45.6 billion? In *Squid Game*, one of the most original and bingeable drama series in recent years, 456 people in deep financial straits are invited to participate in a secret game made up of a series of children's competitions, and the punishment for the losers is death. The last person standing takes the money, and the only way to survive is to create alliances.

The show was so popular when it debuted in 2021 that it has since spawned an equally compelling competition series on Netflix called *Squid Game: The Challenge*. The entire series* *is available to stream, so now is the best time to brush up on your Red Light, Green Light skills. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast: **Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, Kim Joo-ryoung

Suits (2011–2019)

Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane on 'Suits'. Robert Ascroft/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

*Suits* may have ended in 2019, but it's arguably more popular now than ever after hitting Netflix last year. The legal drama's massive success on the streamer was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023, with viewers hooked on the dynamic between corporate attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a brilliant man with a photographic memory who persuaded Harvey to hire him at his firm despite not having a law degree.

It's easy to understand why the show took off on Netflix: In an era of lore-heavy dramas, here's a show with the right formula of light procedural entertainment with a killer cast. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Suits*: Netflix

**Cast:** Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres

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