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 April 2024 to include Sex and the City.

'Sex and the City' (1998 - 2004)

Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 7.3/10

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

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 Peacock 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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'Ripley' (2024 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley novels, Steven Zaillian’s Ripley is an eight-episode miniseries that stars Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, and Eliot Sumner, with Andrew Scott in the lead role. Ripley (Scott) is a grifter from New York who is hired to travel to Italy and convince the son of a shipping magnate to return home. What his employers and new acquaintances don’t realize is that Ripley is a darkly ambitious man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Ripley is, without a doubt, one of the single most stunning productions that Netflix has ever brought to its audiences. Part of the reason for that is its ensemble cast and their nuanced performances, with Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning delivering some of their best work ever. But the real highlight of the show is its breathtaking cinematography. The series is entirely in black and white, taking inspiration from classic cinema and Renaissance art to craft a beautifully composed visual experience that’s so beautiful you just can’t look away.

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'3 Body Problem' (2024 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.4/10

Read Our Review3 Body Problem is an epic sci-fi series from the minds that brought you Game of Thrones. In it, five young scientists try to understand why the laws of the universe are suddenly failing, while a series of suicides by brilliant scientists baffles a tough-as-nails investigator. The answers to both quests lie in 1960s China, stemming from a young woman making a fateful decision. Created by David Benioff, D. B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, the series stars Benedict Wong, Jess Hong, Jovan Adepo, Eiza González, John Bradley, Alex Sharp, Rosalind Chao, Jonathan Pryce, and Liam Cunningham. The show is based on Liu Cixin’s 2008 Chinese novel of the same name.

With a complex story and a star-studded cast, 3 Body Problem has received critical acclaim. The series made its world premiere at the SXSW Festival and arrived on Netflix on March 21st, 2024. A cerebral tale of science fiction with an international perspective, 3 Body Problem operates on the same scale as the works of Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick, with sophisticated concepts expressed through glorious visuals.

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'One Day' (2024 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Read Our ReviewAmbika Mod and Leo Woodall co-star as Emma and Dex in One Day, the latest adaptation of David Nicholls’ global best-selling novel. Featuring performances from Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Amber Grappy, and Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck), One Day is a limited series bursting with passion, heartbreak, and romance.

Exploring a decades-long love story, One Day follows as the couple’s lives evolve both together and apart when they reunite every year on the same day. Although the story was previously attempted in a feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, One Day expands over 14 episodes, diving deeper into the layers of Dex and Em’s 20-year relationship.

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'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' (2013 - 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.4/10

Co-created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur (The Good Place), Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a hilariously clever police procedural that shines through its ensemble cast, with stories revolving around Andy Samberg’s Detective Jake Peralta. Brooklyn Nine-Nine also stars Stephanie Beatriz (Encanto), Terry Crews, and Melissa Fumero, as well as the late Andre Braugher, who charmed as the squad’s Captain Holt.

With a simple premise layered beneath a tight-knit found-family aesthetic, Brooklyn Nine-Nine brings levity to an often dark and gritty genre, breaking away from crime and legal series expectations. The series proves its worth by resurrecting itself from cancellation, earning new fans and accolades along with its new network. - Yael Tygiel

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'Grace and Frankie' (2015 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin continue to prove that they’re a perfect pairing in Grace and Frankie, a hilarious sitcom that showcases their comedic timing and genuine talent. Fonda and Tomlin are undeniably charismatic as a couple of frenemies whose individual husbands (Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston) leave them when they reveal their decades-long relationship with each other. Over seven seasons, Grace and Frankie explores the realities of relationships, aging, and family through outrageous situations.

Grace and Frankie was guaranteed to thrive, as it was created by legendary producer Marta Kauffman, who is best known for Friends, and Howard J. Morris. Although highlighting two characters in the title, Grace and Frankie resulted in an ensemble of uproarious actors supporting Fonda, Tomlin, Sheen, and Waterston, including June Diane Raphael, Brooklyn Decker (Just Go With It), Ethan Embry (Sweet Home Alabama), and Baron Vaughn (Superstore). - Yael Tygiel

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'Grey's Anatomy' (2005 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy debuted in 2005 and has since become one of the longest-running and highly acclaimed medical dramas. The show is set in the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington, and primarily focuses on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, attendings, and other medical professionals at the hospital through the narration of the titular Grey, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo).

With each episode featuring various medical cases, surgeries, and emergencies, Grey’s Anatomy explores the challenges and triumphs of the medical profession, highlighting ethical dilemmas, patient care, and advancements in medicine. One notable achievement of the series lies in its intricate array of characters, each navigating complex story arcs and motivations. This complexity fosters a strong desire among viewers to form connections throughout the show's impressive 20 seasons. Grey’s Anatomy is also praised for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, featuring characters from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations, contributing to a rich tapestry of representation. Moreover, while dealing with intense medical cases and personal dramas, the show skillfully weaves in humor. The lighthearted moments and witty dialogue provide a balance to the more serious aspects of the show. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Peaky Blinders' (2013 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.8/10

Set in Birmingham, England, after World War I, Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama created by Steven Knight. The show follows the Shelby crime family, led by the cunning and ambitious Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The Shelby family is involved in organized crime, particularly in illegal betting, racketeering, and various illicit activities. The family earned their nickname from sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps.

The undeniable success of the series hinges on the central character, Thomas Shelby, a war veteran endowed with a strategic mind and an unyielding thirst for power. His captivating charm, ruthless demeanor, and deep love for his family are the qualities that render him irresistibly appealing and beloved. Moreover, beyond Thomas, the characters in Peaky Blinders are intricate and multi-faceted, each harboring their own motivations and struggles. Despite their involvement in illegal activities, fans find themselves compelled to root for them. From the vibrant colors to the meticulously designed sets, gorgeous costumes, precise editing, and captivating cinematography, every element in Peaky Blinders is utterly enchanting. The series embraces a mystical, lyrical quality, delivering a visual feast for its audience. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Dark' (2017 - 2020)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Read Our Review

Dark is a German sci-fi thriller TV series created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. The show begins in the small German town of Winden, where two children go missing under mysterious circumstances. The series follows four interconnected families – the Nielsen, Tiedemann, Doppler, and Kahnwald families – as they uncover a time travel conspiracy that spans several generations.

Dark is a mind-bending series that seamlessly blends internal family drama with the complexities of time travel. It stands out as a rare gem, maintaining a consistently high quality throughout its entirety. The series delves into the idea of time loops and paradoxes, constructing an intricate narrative where the actions of characters in one time period have repercussions in others. Additionally, it may prove challenging for individuals who struggle with facial recognition, as the complex web of characters necessitates viewers to recall details in order to comprehend the full plot. Despite that, each character is intricately developed with profound character arcs and emotions. This depth enables viewers to form connections with the characters and comprehend their motivations. Furthermore, Dark explores philosophical and existential themes surrounding determinism, free will, and the repercussions of actions. It encourages viewers to contemplate the essence of time and human decision-making. - Jessie Nguyen

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'I Think You Should Leave' (2019 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

I Think You Should Leave is a sketch comedy series starring co-creator Tim Robinson. A former Saturday Night Live writer, Robinson has recruited SNL veterans, including Andy Samberg, Will Forte (The Great North), Vanessa Bayer (I Love That For You), and Cecily Strong (Schmigadoon!), to appear as guest stars on his series. With each sketch, Robinson leans heavily into cringe comedy, focusing on societal or professional faux pas followed by refusal to concede the mistake. Incorporating potty humor, surreal elements, and surprising quips, I Think You Should Leave often subverts expectations.

Reigniting the flame of sketch-comedy outside of SNL or political-leaning shows, I Think You Should Leave doesn’t take itself too seriously, welcoming escapism for audiences with bizarre (and often demented) yet undeniably humorous scenarios. - Yael Tygiel

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'Derry Girls' (2018 - 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.5/10

A fast-paced sitcom from creator Lisa McGee, Derry Girls centers on a very specific time and place in history. Set in Derry, Northern Ireland, during the final years of the Troubles, Derry Girls follows a group of teen girls attending a fictional girls' Catholic secondary school. Derry Girls stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn, as well as Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan.

Derry Girls blends light political satire with multi-generational family shenanigans and frenzied teenage girl energy, resulting in a clever and sometimes touching laugh-out-loud series. Regardless of background, or even knowledge of the political climate in 1990s Ireland, Derry Girls is undeniably funny, charming, and worth a binge. - Yael Tygiel

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'Our Planet' (2019 - 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 9.3/10

Our Planet is a British nature documentary series created for Netflix. The show highlights the wildlife and natural marvels across eight distinct ecosystems. Notably, it stands out for its increased emphasis on the human impact on the environment compared to conventional nature documentaries. The narrative revolves around the profound effects of climate change on all living creatures. Our Planet is narrated by David Attenborough. The show consists of two seasons and 12 episodes in total, with a special one-hour behind-the-scene episode.

Enriched with breathtaking landscapes, captivating visuals, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, Our Planet is undeniably a visual marvel. However, it also holds a somber note as it presents viewers with the most unfiltered footage of nature, exposing its harsh realities and cruelties. Furthermore, Attenborough's voice complements the show seamlessly, transporting us directly into the heart of nature as we navigate the wilderness through his narration. Even in his 90s, he continues to be one of the most prominent voices cautioning against the impending ecological crisis. Additionally, although the series doesn't explicitly provide a blueprint for addressing this catastrophic issue, it does offer reassurance that the planet has the potential to recover, provided we are willing to collaborate. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Big Mouth' (2017 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Read Our Review

Created by Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett for Netflix, Big Mouth is an American adult animated coming-of-age sitcom that centers on a group of middle school students in the Westchester County suburbs of New York, featuring best friends Nick Birch (voiced by Kroll) and Andrew Glouberman (voiced by John Mulaney) as they struggle with issues related to sexual arousal and masturbation during puberty.

Big Mouth astonished viewers by surpassing mere crass humor, demonstrating its depth as a delicately crafted contemplation on the experience of growing up. Leveraging the creative liberty afforded by Netflix, the series delves into the initial stages of puberty, examining the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that boys and girls encounter during this transformative period. Furthermore, the voice performances exhibit strength and inspiration, while the depicted friendships feel authentic, and the risqué elements are largely executed with cleverness. Big Mouth is poised to evoke memories in adult viewers, whether they be pleasant or cringe-worthy. Regardless, the show provides a compelling journey down memory lane, offering parents an opportunity to gain insight into their children's experiences, given its clear unsuitability for younger audiences. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Orange is the New Black' (2013 - 2019)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Based on Piper Kerman's 2010 memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison, Orange is the New Black is a Netflix show that follows Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) a woman in her thirties living in New York City who is sentenced to prison for her involvement in a drug trafficking crime that occurred a decade earlier. The series centers on Chapman, alongside her fellow inmates and prison guards’ lives and challenges, within the confines of Litchfield Penitentiary.

Orange is the New Black can be risqué and occasionally embellished, yet it paints a captivating picture of a group of imperfect characters grappling with the consequences of either their unfortunate circumstances or the poor decisions they've made. The series has received acclaim for showcasing a diverse ensemble cast, with characters hailing from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses. It delves into their individual stories, offering a nuanced portrayal of women within a prison setting. Orange is the New Black also doesn't shy away from addressing relevant social issues such as racial inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, gender dynamics, and the flaws within the criminal justice system. In addition, while it addresses serious and thought-provoking issues, it also incorporates humor, creating a show with emotional depth and moments of levity. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos' (2018 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.3/10

For thousands of years, the elves and dragons of Xadia have loathed humanity, whom they banished to the West for inventing dark magic, which drains the magic from living things. Now, war is brewing when the humans kill the Dragon King and his only egg. In retaliation, Moonshadow Elves are sent to kill King Harrow (Luc Roderique) and Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen) in retribution. One of the assassins, Rayla (Paula Burrows), discovers that the egg is still alive. With Prince Ezran and his older half-sibling, Callum (Jack DeSena), she ventures east in order to return the egg to the Dragon Queen and hopefully avert the war.

The Dragon Prince is one of Netflix’s flagship animated shows, written by Aaron Ehasz, the head writer of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It does a good job serving as a successor to Avatar’s unique blend of humor and rich worldbuilding, though it doesn’t do as good of a job with its pacing and subplots. Where it does excel is with its character writing. Every character goes through a highly personal and dark bit of development with exciting payoffs. The best scenes involve the villains, who are some of the best-written and most compelling characters. - Tyler B. Searle

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'Lupin' (2021 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Read Our ReviewDrawing inspiration from the exploits of master thief Arsène Lupin, a character crafted by Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s, Lupin follows Assane Diop (Omar Sy), a skilled thief and the sole offspring of an immigrant from Senegal who had migrated to France in pursuit of a brighter future for himself and his child. Unfortunately, Assane's father is falsely accused of stealing a valuable diamond necklace from his employer. 25 years later, motivated by a book on the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin that his father had gifted him, Assane embarks on a quest for vengeance against the Pellegrini family.

Lupin is a captivating and clever series with a delightfully unique plot that is suitable for fans who have a penchant for action, adventure, mystery, and heist genres. The show is also a comedy-drama that skillfully weaves themes of French attitudes towards immigration and racism, all the while celebrating the allure of literary legacy. In addition, Omar Sy is magnetic as a multi-dimensional hero, exuding both style and heart. He effortlessly charms viewers, drawing them into the storyline with his captivating performance. Lupin is also lauded for its faithful adaptation, standing out as nearly flawless when compared to its source material in the realm of typical adaptations. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Arcane' (2021 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 9/10

Arcane is a League of Legends animated television series created by Riot Games for Netflix. It serves as an origin story for several characters from the League of Legends universe, exploring the city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun. The series centers on the two orphaned sisters, Jinx (voiced by Ella Purnell) and Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), exploring their pasts and the events that shaped them.

Arcane not only rises above the challenges typically associated with video game adaptations but also, through its daring visual aesthetics, intricately developed characters, compelling narrative, and distinctive world-building, establishes itself as essential viewing for fans of fantasy and television alike. Furthermore, Arcane manages to captivate not only casual viewers unfamiliar with League of Legends but also long-time fans of the game, thanks to its solid writing and plenty of room in the narration. Additionally, the show's music stands out as a strength, enhancing the narrative while offering viewers a unique experience through solo music videos featuring unseen footage from the show. This showcases the filmmakers' dedication and creativity. Given the immense success of season one, the swift approval and subsequent production of season two come as no surprise. Anticipated to hit the streaming platform in 2024, Arcane continues to build on its popularity. - Jessie Nguyen

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'One Piece' (2023 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 8.4/10

Read Our ReviewBased on Eiichiro Oda’s immensely popular manga series of the same name, One Piece is set on an alternative version of Earth amongst a population dominated by pirates. As all good pirates do, each of the crews seeks only the legendary ‘One Piece,' a mythical reward left behind by Gold Roger. One such budding pirate who dreams of finding the treasure is young Monkey D. Luffy (Inaki Godoy), who, after consuming a devil fruit, receives extraordinary powers of both strength and agility. Will Luffy’s powers be enough to stand him above the rest and declare him the Pirate King?

For many, live-action adaptations of manga are rarely worthwhile; however, One Piece broke that mold, becoming an instant hit on Netflix. Thanks to a sense of epic scope that captures the captivating world built in the source material, the series ebbs and flows between high-octane action and fantasy drama, with the young cast headed by a fantastic Inaki Godoy thriving thanks to a fast-paced script. A humorous tale full of heart, the choice was made to not simply remake the original manga but take several creative liberties, thrusting this series into making a name for itself. - Jake Hodges

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'Neon' (2023 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 5.1/10

Executive produced by “King of Reggaeton” Daddy Yankee, Neon is set against the backdrop of a cutthroat music industry as three friends, Santi (Tyler Dean Flores), Vanessa (Emma Ferreira), and Felix (Jordan Mendoza), with the former the star, travel to Miami with nothing but hope to keep them sane. With dreams of becoming the next great reggaeton act, will the trio find what they are looking for, or will the realities of the modern music industry prove too cruel?

Gripping from minute one, Neon is a fast ride through the trials and tribulations of modern commercial life. The story of Santi, in particular, is enough to warrant viewing, with his rise from zero to hero and battles with a seemingly endless amount of obstacles making him impossible to not root for. Each of the central characters is humanely flawed, showcasing not just loveable heroes but a representation of ourselves. Created by Max Searle and Shea Serrano, the series doesn’t just depict the music industry from a voyeuristic point of view — it, with the help of its producers who all work in the industry, thrusts the audience right into the dense and difficult world itself, making for captivating viewing. - Jake Hodges

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