Nowadays, it’s totally “normal” to spend a weekend watching every episode of a TV series that streams on Netflix. And in the last few years, a binge-watch-worthy pantheon of shows has been established that represents the best of television history, past and present. To save you the time of surveying the massive catalogue, we put together this list of the 15 best TV shows on Netflix that are perfect for binge watching.
Source: theverge.com
Stranger Things is the latest Netflix original to garner a legion of fans. Set in a small Indiana town in 1983, the plot centers on the locals’ search for Will, a 12-year boy who goes missing. Stranger Things pays homage to classic 80s movie favorites such as The Goonies, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Firestarter. It triggers nostalgia in viewers 30 and over while introducing a younger audience to smart, heartfelt storytelling. Look for amazing performances by the child actors and Winona Ryder who plays Will’s mother.
Seasons available: 1, production for season 2 was just announced
M*A*S*H
Source: mash.wikia.com
The legendary TV series M*A*S*H follows a team of doctors and their support staff stationed in an army surgical hospital in South Korea during the Korean War. A dynamic ensemble cast and great writing made M*A*S*H one of the highest-rated shows in U.S. television history. When its final episode “Good, Farewell and Amen” aired on February 28, 1983, it was the most-watched and highest rated television episode at the time.
Seasons available: 1-11
New Girl
Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Zooey Deschanel plays Jess, a quirky teacher trying to figure out her life. After finding her live-in boyfriend in bed with another woman, Jess must find a new place to live. She answers a Craigslist ad for a new roommate and ends up living in a loft of three guys with very strong personalities. With a set up like this, awkward situations and hijinks are soon to follow.
Seasons available: 1-4
SEE MORE: Netflix is Hiding Something from You: Hidden Categories?
Gilmore Girls
Source: variety.com
Lorelai is a single thirty-something mother raising her teenage daughter, Rory in a quant Connecticut town. Their relationship is one-of-a-kind and it’s hard to tell who is the parent at times. Praised for its witty, fast-paced dialogue, Gilmore Girls is loved by critics and fans alike.
Seasons available: 1-7
Freaks and Geeks
Source: filmlinc.com
The brilliance of Freaks and Geeks was realized after the fact – the show only aired for one season. From the minds of comedic geniuses Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, it captures what it’s like to be an awkward teenager trying to survive in the brutal social landscape of high school. The show introduced us to talented young cast that includes Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segal.
Seasons available: 1
Friends
Source: tvinsider.com
By now, Friends really doesn’t need an introduction. Follow the gang of young NYC dwellers as they navigate through their love lives, pursue careers, and hang out in the hip café Central Perk. One of the most popular TV shows for 10 years, Friends had our hearts thanks to an endearing cast of characters and hilarious story lines.
Seasons available: 1-10
SEE MORE: Netflix Reveals Shows You'll Most Likely Binge-Watch
Arrested Development
Source: tvguide.com
Arrested Development introduced us to the Bluths, one of TV history’s most dysfunctional and outrageous families. Offbeat or eccentric in some way, each character contributes to the show’s signature brand of comedy. Look for guest appearances by Liza Minelli, Henry Winkler, Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Charlize Theron.
Seasons available: 1-4
House of Cards
Source: screenrant.com
This political-thriller follows Frank and Claire Underwood (played brilliantly by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright), a husband-wife team who will stop at nothing until they have the most power in Washington. Full of twists and turns, the plot locks you in to see what will happen next.
Seasons available: 1-4
Orange is the New Black
Source: collider.com
Another critically acclaimed Netflix original, Orange is the New Black (OITNB) is based on Piper Kerman’s memoir about her experiences at a minimum-security federal prison in Connecticut. From the start, we are invested in watching Piper manage prison life alongside her inmates, all with bold personas and unique back-stories.
Seasons available: 1-4
SEE MORE: Amazon Prime vs. Hulu vs. Netflix: Which Service is Right for You?
Friday Night Lights
Source: variety.com
Friday Night Lights is a raw and honest portrait of a high school football team in a small Texas town. It centers on football coach Eric Taylor, his family and the relationships he has with his players and community. Spend a couple of hours with this one and you can expect a few tears.
Seasons available: 1-5
Cheers
Source: nydailynews.com
Hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Cheers introduced us to the beloved Boston bar “Where everybody knows your name.” Bar owner Sam Malone, waitresses Diane and Carla, bartender Woody Boyd and regulars Norm, Coach, Frasier Crane, and Lilith are now considered prime time’s most memorable characters.
Seasons available: 1-11
Parks and Recreation
Source: vulture.com
Amy Poehler plays Leslie Knope, an enthusiastic bureaucrat on a mission to invigorate her town of Pawnee, Indiana. Unfortunately, not everyone shares Leslie’s excitement and her efforts are ceaselessly challenged to hilarious effect. Parks and Recreations had a slow start, but thanks to a killer ensemble cast, it became one of the best comedies on network television.
Seasons available: 1-7
Breaking Bad
Source: abc.net.au
Breaking Bad introduced us to Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who, after learning he has terminal cancer, turns to a life of crime to secure a future for his family. Look for award-winning performances by Bryan Cranston as White and Aaron Paul who plays Jesse, his partner in crime. Fans of The Sopranos and The Wire will love Breaking Bad, which is esteemed as one of television history’s greatest shows.
Seasons available: 1-5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Source: geekandsundry.com
Long before Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and True Blood, there was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Created by Joss Whedon, the show follows Buffy Summers (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar), a slayer chosen by fate as she carries out her mission to kick the butts of any vampires, demons, or dark entities that cross her path. Naturally, Buffy ends up falling in love with a vampire and their doomed relationship became one of the show’s highlights.
Seasons available: 1-7
The X-Files
Source: ew.com
FBI Agents Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson) investigate the X-Files, marginalized, unsettled cases involving paranormal phenomena. The chemistry between Mulder, a profiler who believes in the supernatural and Scully, a skeptical doctor made for one of the most enthralling relationships to play out on the small screen.
Seasons available: 1-9
When you make it through this list and need further recommendations, start adding the following to your list of shows to binge watch on Netflix.
