The Best Netflix Shows to Binge Watch (August 2024) (2024)

Looking for the best shows to binge-watch on Netflix? Never fear. We've compiled a list of the best shows on the platform ready for you to peruse, from the funniest comedies to the most devastating dramas to crime and sci-fi series that'll have you on the edge of your seat. There are quite literally thousands of good shows to watch on Netflix — this article will help you choose which to dive into next.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best movies on Netflix, best sci-fi shows on Netflix, and best fantasy shows on Netflix.

Editor's note: This article was updated August 2024 to include A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ (2024 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 6.8/10

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024)

Mystery

Thriller

Release Date

August 1, 2024

Cast

Emma Myers , Asha Banks , Raiko Gohara , Zain Iqbal , Jude Morgan-Collie , Yali Topol Margalith , Yasmin Al-Khudhairi , Carla Woodco*ck

Based on Holly Jackson’s eponymous bestselling YA novel series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is adapted by Poppy Cogan and directed by Dolly Wells. Set in the fictional town of Little Kilton, this British murder mystery series follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, a 17-year-old high school student who begins to investigate the murder-suicide of a local schoolgirl who died five years ago. Wednesday star Emma Myers plays the role of the smart and determined teenage sleuth Pip, leading an ensemble cast that includes Zain Iqbal, Anna Maxwell Martin, Gary Beadle, and Mathew Baynton. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder originally premiered in the UK on BBC Three in July 2024, receiving highly positive reviews from fans and critics alike. With a cozy small-town setting and characters that feel straight out of classic English mysteries, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder boasts all the elements of a good murder mystery, with Pip favorably compared to Nancy Drew.

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‘Vikings: Valhalla’ (2022 - 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Vikings: Valhalla

Adventure

Drama

Action

Release Date

February 25, 2022

Cast

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson , Bradley Freegard , David Oakes , Leo Suter , Laura Berlin , Frida Gustavsson , Caroline Henderson , Sam Corlett

This wild action-adventure series is set in the early 11th century and follows the brutal wars and fight for survival of some of the most well-documented Vikings to have ever lived. Set 100 years after the original Vikings series, the bloodthirsty legends of the historical warriors are infused with an even greater eye for detail, with some even declaring Vikings: Valhalla better than its predecessor. For those who like their historical dramas to be accurate, this may not be the right show for you, but for those who love their drama to be bathed in the whispers of history, this is a wild ride full of excitement and tension. - Jake Hodges

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‘Simone Biles: Rising’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Simone Biles: Rising

Follow gymnast Simone Biles as she balances her personal life, mental health journey and training ahead of a highly anticipated return to the Olympics.

Genre

Documentary

Debut Date

July 17, 2024

Studio

Netflix

There is arguably no more famous athlete at the current Paris Olympic Games than Simone Biles. An unquestionable dominant force in the world of gymnastics, Biles’ trip to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo was meant to end in a routine grab of gold. However, after issues with her mental health, she withdrew and began a painstaking road towards a triumphant return. Biles’ journey has been well-documented in the media, but Netflix is no stranger to taking well-known stories and applying a fresh spin, with this documentary well worth a watch for even the most well-versed Biles supporters. Told on her own terms, Simone Biles: Rising feels like a celebration of her talents as well as a look at the effects of mental health on top athletes — a topic certainly under-discussed. - Jake Hodges

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‘The Decameron’ (2024 - Present)

The Decameron (2024)

Drama

Comedy

Release Date

July 25, 2024

Cast

Amar Chadha-Patel , Lelia Farzad , Lou Gala , Karan Gill , Tony Hale , Saoirse-Monica Jackson , Zosia Mamet , Douggie McMeekin

Not to be confused with the 1971 film of the same name, The Decameron is a Netflix Original period black comedy series created by Kathleen Jordan, who is best known for previously creating Teenage Bounty Hunters. Set against the backdrop of the bubonic plague of 1348, the series follows a group of nobles and their aides and servants who retreat to Villa Santa in the quiet Tuscan countryside to shelter from the raging epidemic engulfing the city. While at the villa, the oddball bunch drown themselves into bottomless lavishness and incessant depravity, which quickly ends up in chaos and a serious struggle for survival. The series boasts a diverse cast with Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Lou Gala, Leila Farzad, Tanya Reynolds, Amar Chadha-Patel, Jessica Plummer, and Karan Gill playing key roles. Billed as a medieval comedy series set on the theme of “class struggles in the season of a pandemic,” the all-new period comedy is inspired by the eponymous 14th-century short story collection by Giovanni Boccaccio, exploring satire, sex, nudity, and slapstick humor within the socio-cultural climate of the time.

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‘Receiver’ (2024 - Present)

IMDb: 8.1/10

Receiver

Genre

Documentary, Reality, Sports

Debut Date

July 10, 2024

This stylish sports documentary shines a spotlight on the NFL — in particular, five of the best teams’ wide receivers. The documentary follows the elite athletes during the 2023-2024 season. An eye-opening insight into the life of high-performance sport, Receiver is much more than just a recap. Although it is true that NFL fans will adore this series, there is plenty to be uncovered for non-fans, too, with the intricate and often challenging journeys of each of the wide receivers easy to resonate with on an emotional level. To have a sport so often reduced to statistics reframed from a human perspective makes for refreshing viewing. - Jake Hodges

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'Supacell' (2024 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.9/10

Supacell

When five ordinary South Londoners discover they have extraordinary powers, it's down to one man to bring them together to save the woman he loves.

Genre

Superhero

Debut Date

June 27, 2024

Supacell is a sci-fi superhero drama series created by Andrew Onwubolu, aka Rapman, a British rapper, record producer, and filmmaker who made his directorial debut with 2019’s Blue Story. The show follows a group of ordinary Black people from South London who inexplicably develop superpowers. Unified by a family history of sickle cell disease, they discover each other and try to navigate the impact of their powers in daily life — while also fending off a secret organization trying to control them and their special abilities. Supacel’s ensemble cast includes Tosin Cole, Josh Tedeku, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Nadine Mills, Calvin Demba, and Giacomo Mancini. Supacell premiered in June 2024 to glowing reviews, receiving a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with special praise for the striking performances by its talented cast. Featuring a fresh storyline, innovative narrative, and well-crafted characters, this six-episode sci-fi series is perfect for fans of shows like The Umbrella Academy, Travelers, and Doom Patrol.

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'Sweet Tooth' (2021 - 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Sweet Tooth

Action

Adventure

Drama

Release Date

June 4, 2022

Cast

Nonso Anozie , Christian Convery , Adeel Akhtar , Stefania LaVie Owen

This critically acclaimed series follows Gus (Christian Convery), a half-human, half-deer boy who is one of many such hybrids following an apocalyptic mystery that hit the world. With a fearing society hell-bent on removing the hybrids, Gus has spent his life in hiding, only for a chance meeting with the wandering Jepperd (Nonso Anozie) ready to open up a world of adventure. In its first two seasons, Sweet Tooth has captured the imagination of all generations with a story that feels both fantastical and grounded. Convery is a breakout star with his neat and nuanced portrayal of Gus, who stands out among a plethora of child performers. With a third season now closer than ever, the announcement has been made that it will be the last, so viewers should endeavor to enjoy this winding, wonderful, BAFTA-nominated show whilst they still can. - Jake Hodges

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'Dexter' (2006 - 2013)

Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 8.6/10

Dexter

Crime

Drama

Mystery

Release Date

October 1, 2006

Cast

Michael C. Hall , Jennifer Carpenter , Geoff Pierson , David Zayas , James Remar , Aimee Garcia , Desmond Harrington , C.S. Lee

James Manons Jr.’s critically acclaimed Dexter follows the endearing titular serial killer, played by Michael C. Hall, as he splits his time between solving crimes as a Miami forensics expert and perpetrating them as a cold-blooded criminal. A wonderful spin on the crime genre, Dexter is a show that is confident in its ability to deceive, with its greatest deception coming from making a morally questionable central character frustratingly loveable. Based initially on Darkly Dreaming Dexter, the first in a line of novels by Jeff Lindsay, the show pays homage to the creepy atmosphere of the source material, managing to maintain an air of uncertainty throughout. Visually gripping and narratively delicious, Dexter’s four Primetime Emmy wins are well-deserved. - Jake Hodges

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'Friday Night Lights' (2006 - 2011)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Editor's Choice

Friday Night Lights

Drama

Sport

Release Date

October 3, 2006

Cast

Kyle Chandler , Connie Britton , Zach Gilford , Aimee Teegarden , Brad Leland , Taylor Kitsch , Jesse Plemons , Derek Phillips

Lasting for an impressive five seasons, this sports drama series follows the titular Friday nights — the most important time in the community of Dillon, Texas. The local Dillon High School Panthers have landed themselves a new head coach, Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler), with the hopes and dreams of their players and community resting on his shoulders. As all good sports dramas should do, Friday Night Lights burns a fire inside the bellies of its audience, turning us into raving Panthers fans. An intricate and often honest portrayal of the high school football system and the community it impacts, the show has been both publicly and critically acclaimed, even picking up a remarkable three Primetime Emmys. - Jake Hodges

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'Rita' (2012 - 2020)

IMDb: 8.1/10

Rita

Drama

Family

Release Date

January 30, 2014

Cast

Mille Dinesen , Sara Hjort Ditlevsen , Ellen Hillingsø

Seasons

0

This Danish comedy series from creator Christian Torpe follows unconventional school teacher Rita Madsen (Mille Dinesen), who, despite acting as more of an agony aunt than a teacher to many of her pupils, is, in fact, dealing with a maelstrom of dramatic difficulty in her personal life. From struggling to deal with her children’s modern problems to trying to balance a “will-they/won’t-they” relationship, Rita follows the trials and tribulations of a 21st-century caregiver who can barely take care of herself.

Honest, touching, and hugely relatable, Rita neatly toes the line between hilarious comedy and endearing drama thanks to top-notch scripts by head writers Christian Torpe and Marie Østerbye. Mille Dinesen puts on a magnificently complex lead performance, carrying a high-performing ensemble through five seasons and 40 episodes. Never shying from a touch of biting social commentary, Rita is equal parts an easy-viewing laugh-a-thon and a thought-provoking look at modern life. - Jake Hodges

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'This Is Us' (2016 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.7/10

This Is Us

Drama

Release Date

September 20, 2016

Cast

Milo Ventimiglia , Mandy Moore , Sterling K. Brown , Justin Hartley , Susan Kelechi Watson , Jon Huertas

Created by Don Fogelman, This is Us follows mother Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore) and her set of triplets, all of whom were born on the same day as her husband’s birthday. The series moves between different pivotal times in their lives, all joined by the bonds of family and of that same celebratory date. A winner of four Primetime Emmys, This is Us has been widely celebrated by both the public and critics. A show with one eye on drama and another on touching hearts, each of their stories feels wrapped in a hug and reminds us of the precious relationships we should all cherish. This is Us is truly a wonderful viewing experience, with the world a better place thanks to its existence. - Jake Hodges

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'Your Honor' (2020 - 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Your Honor

Drama

Crime

Release Date

December 6, 2020

Cast

Bryan Cranston , Michael Stuhlbarg , Hope Davis , Isiah Whitlock Jr. , Tony Curran , Carmen Ejogo

This BAFTA-nominated series from creator Peter Moffat follows Oscar-nominated Bryan Cranston as judge Michael Desiato. After the well-respected man of the law suddenly finds his own son in trouble following a hit-and-run, his first instinct is to encourage him to hand himself over. However, after learning that the victim in the incident is the son of a notorious mob boss, he changes his mind and swiftly becomes embroiled in a life of crime. A story of the lengths one will go to protect their own, Your Honor is a powerful and gritty drama showcasing Cranston at his very best. Each episode is brimming with twists and turns, with the unending tension likely to leave you breathless. First intended to be a limited series, the positive reviews demanded a renewal, with the show, after two impressive seasons, finally making its way to Netflix in 2024. - Jake Hodges

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'Eric' (2024)

Eric (2024)

Drama

Thriller

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch , Gaby Hoffman , Jeff Hephner , McKinley Belcher III , Amy Louise Pemberton , Donald Sage Mackay , Erika Soto , John Doman

Created by Abi Morgan, this series tells the story of Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch), a kid TV series puppeteer whose life is turned upside down one unexpecting day when his son, Edgar, goes missing. In an attempt to find solace through his grief, Vincent befriends Eric, the monster that lives under his son’s bed, which lights a fire in Vincent and encourages him to go on the hunt for his son. This sends him deep into the belly of a 1980s Manhattan hampered by the AIDs epidemic, with a police detective helping him on his journey. Emotionally poignant and narratively unique, Eric features a core set of themes that speak to the innermost human aspects of us all. Equal parts thrilling and emotionally poignant, this is one you won't want to miss. - Jake Hodges

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'Reba' (2001 - 2007)

IMDb: 6.7/10

Reba (2001)

Comedy

Drama

Family

Release Date

October 5, 2001

Cast

Reba McEntire , Christopher Rich , Joanna García , Steve Howey , scarlett pomers , Mitch Holleman , Melissa Peterman

A classic 2000s sitcom created by Allison M. Gibson, Reba stars Reba McEntire as wisecracking middle-aged Texan Reba Hart, whose life takes a double-whammy when her husband of 20 years leaves her for his dental hygienist (whom he got pregnant) at the same time her 17-year old daughter reveals that she’s pregnant as well. Besides McEntire in the titular role, the show’s cast also features Christopher Rich, Joanna García, Steve Howey, Melissa Peterman, and more. The show also frequently brings in some iconic guest stars, including Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Nell Carter. Airing first on The WB and then on The CW, Reba was a hugely popular series that drew in millions of viewers every week during its six-season run. The show’s release on streaming services has further raised its popularity, and it continues to find new fans 20 years after its original run. A fun show full of relatable comedy and family dysfunction, Reba is a binge-able evergreen sitcom that never disappoints.

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'Young Sheldon' (2015 - 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Young Sheldon

Comedy

Release Date

September 25, 2017

Creator

Chuck Lorre & Steven Molaro

Cast

Annie Potts , Iain Armitage , Wallace Shawn , Jim Parsons

Created by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro for CBS, Young Sheldon is a coming-of-age sitcom that’s a prequel to Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory. Set between 1989 and 1994, the show follows child prodigy Sheldon Cooper, with Iain Armitage starring as young Sheldon. The series also stars Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Montana Jordan, and more, with Jim Parsons, who plays the adult Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, serving as the narrator. While sitcom spin-offs have largely been unsuccessful, Young Sheldon is an exception to the rule. Though built on the popularity of the adult Sheldon, the prequel show’s well-crafted story and delightful cast give it the legs it needs to stand on its own. With laughs and heart a-plenty, the show is a relatable and thoroughly enjoyable experience that’s been praised by critics and fans alike. Another spin-off, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, is already in the works.

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'A Man in Full' (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 43% | IMDb: 6.6/10

A Man in Full

Drama

Release Date

May 2, 2024

Cast

Jeff Daniels , Tom Pelphrey , Diane Lane , Lucy Liu , William Jackson Harper , Aml Ameen , Sarah Jones , Jon Michael Hill , Chanté Adams

A drama limited series starring Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane, A Man in Full was created by David E. Kelley and is based on the Tom Wolfe novel of the same name. Directed by Regina King and Thomas Schlamme, the six-episode series follows a real estate mogul facing bankruptcy who must defend what remains of his empire from political and business interests who want to capitalize on his misfortune. The series also stars Tom Pelphrey, Sarah Jones, Lucy Liu, and more. A Man in Full has received rather mixed reviews from critics. However, the show’s saving grace is its ensemble cast, who deliver characteristically brilliant performances even when the plot slips to mediocrity. Jeff Daniels is as charismatic as ever, playing a nuanced character with plenty of flaws who still tries as much as he can to be better. Is it as good as the book? Maybe not, but A Man in Full does make for an interesting, easily bingeable watch that’s well-directed and well-acted.

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'Killing Eve' (2018 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Killing Eve

Drama

Thriller

Release Date

April 8, 2018

Cast

Sandra Oh , Fiona Shaw , Kim Bodnia

Main Genre

Drama

A British spy thriller series based on the Villanelle novels by Luke Jennings, Killing Eve follows a British intelligence investigator (played by Sandra Oh) trying to catch murderous assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). The show’s supporting cast includes Fiona Shaw, Owen McDonnell, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, among others. Behind the camera, each season was led by a different female head writer, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Season 1, Emerald Fennell for Season 2, Suzanne Heathcote for Season 3, and Laura Neal for Season 4. Though the show’s reviews dipped a bit in its latter half, the first two seasons of Killing Eve were acclaimed by critics and earned a number of accolades. Both Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer deliver amazing performances in the lead roles, with Oh winning a Golden Globe and Comer receiving a Primetime Emmy. The series presents a unique spin on the spy thriller, taking the usual cat-and-mouse games of the genre and using them to explore two fascinating personalities through a story that holds grit and humor in equal measure.

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'Baby Reindeer' (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Baby Reindeer (2024)

910

Biography

Drama

Release Date

April 11, 2024

Cast

Richard Gadd , Jessica Gunning , Danny Kirrane , Nava Mau

Creator(s)

Richard Gadd

Read Our ReviewA gripping drama-thriller miniseries based on the autobiographical one-man show of the same name, Baby Reindeer is created by and stars Scottish comedian Richard Gadd. Gadd plays young comedian Donny, who finds himself being stalked by a mysterious woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning). The show’s cast also includes Nava Mau, Tom Goodman-Hill, Hugh Coles, Michael Wildman, Danny Kirrane, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Nina Sosanya, Thomas Coombes, and Laura Smyth. Inspired by Gadd’s real-life experiences, the seven-episode series has earned widespread acclaim from critics, with praise for the performances, writing, and emotional complexity. Though it’s primarily a dark thriller story, there’s an offbeat sense of humor to Baby Reindeer that highlights the humanity of its characters. The show has tonal similarities to another Netflix thriller, The End of the F***ing World (both series are produced by Clerkenwell Films), and if you enjoyed that show, then you’re going to really love Baby Reindeer.

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'Sex and the City' (1998 - 2004)

Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Sex and the City

Comedy

A group of four single women in New York City date all several eligible bachelors while forging strong friendships with one another.

Release Date

June 6, 1998

Cast

Sarah Jessica Parker , Kim Cattrall , Cynthia Nixon , Kristin Davis

A television classic, Sex and the City was created by Darren Star and adapted from Candace Bushnell's eponymous newspaper column. Set in New York City, the show follows four women who navigate love, sex, femininity, and friendship, sticking together through thick and thin despite their contrasting personalities. The series stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and Kim Cattrall. Over its six seasons on air, Sex and the City has been the subject of both acclaim and criticism. Its characters and storylines have earned the show legions of fans, and it is largely credited with making HBO the industry powerhouse it is today. The series has earned many accolades, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, eight Golden Globes, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Perhaps the most surprising thing of all is that the show still attracts new audiences, with its stories of female friendship continuing to inspire a new generation of fans. Sex and the City’s success has led to two feature films, a prequel television series, and a sequel show, And Just Like That, which is set to release its third season in 2025.

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'Girls5Eva' (2021 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Girls5eva

Musical

Comedy

Release Date

May 6, 2021

Creator

Meredith Scardino

Cast

sara bareilles , Paula Pell , Busy Philipps , Renee Elise Goldsberry

Meredith Scardino’s Girls5Eva is a musical sitcom that follows the surviving members of a washed-up 1990s girl group who get an unexpected second shot at stardom when a rising rapper samples their only hit song. The show stars Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, and Renée Elise Goldsberry as the titular girl group. Originally a Peaco*ck show, the series ran for two seasons on the NBC streamer before moving to Netflix for Season 3. A smartly written and extremely funny show, Girls5Eva is the perfect blend of comedy and music, with just a dash of nostalgia thrown in. The show’s four leads are endlessly entertaining and effortlessly funny, and they’ve only gotten better with each new season. Season 3, the show’s latest chapter, is easily the best of all, taking all the elements that made the first two seasons successful and kicking it up a notch. Whether you’re watching it with your own friend group or on your own, Girls5Eva is a delightful watch that will not let you down.

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