Favorite Shows to Binge on Netflix

best shows to binge on netflix

I love television. Love it. If I want to be basic female who blames any of her weaknesses on her parents, I would say maybe my love of television is deep rooted in my upbringing.

I was allowed to watch 30 minutes of TV a day growing up, and we weren’t allowed to have in TV’s in our bedrooms.  Apparently my Dad had one in his room growing up and said he didn’t really hang out with his  brothers at home because everyone just retreated to their rooms.  So in an effort to get their kids to hang out with each other, learn to share and play outside… I was graciously turned down when I asked for my own TV every year for Christmas.

Cut to college where I got to have a TV in my dorm room.  I was like… THIS IS LIVING. Lying in my bed and watching The OC was one of my greatest pleasures in life. So now I’m basically a complete addict.  Maybe I’m making up for lost time?

I also work from home now which means I typically have a show on while I edit photos, answer emails, write copy (literally watching Parenthood while I’m typing this right now), etc.

Because I’ve been open with you guys about this addiction, I get a lot of questions about my favorite shows to binge and do I have a list for you!  I thought I would dedicate a whole post to my Netflix faves.  So let’s get into it!

FEEL GOOD:

Parenthood | Love it. Love it so hard I wish I was a Braverman.

Friends | I mean… who doesn’t like Friends!? I watched several seasons while painting our breakfast room table (post here).  I don’t even feel like this one needs an explanation.

Master of None | Christian and I love Aziz Ansari. His stand-up specials are also on Netflix and they’re hilarious.  We’ve seen him live and he was incredible.  So yeah… we’re obsessed.

Friday Night Lights | I was slow to accept that this show is amazing. I was like… let me just dip my toe in it. And after like… 4 episodes I was all, “this is the best show regarding sports of all time.”

Friends From College | We just kind of stumbled upon this one weekend and loved it. I think Keegan-Michael Key is beyond hilarious. He can say basically anything and I’ll laugh (we love this skit of his).

DRAMA:

Mindhunter | If you’re a true-crime lover, this show is for you.  It dives deeper into the history of several serial killers and tries to connect the dots of behavioral patterns. A fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes of capturing what is truly evil.

The Five |  I was basically advertising this show all over social media because I stumbled upon it, saw it was based on a novel by Harlan Coben (an amazing mystery author). It was SO good, and I felt the need to share a PSA! I’ve since received 92374384343 direct messages with “what was that show that you recommended?” so I need to share it somewhere permanently!

Ozark |  We love Jason Bateman and really hope this show has a second season. So good!

The Keepers |  A disturbing docu-series that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The Crown | A fabulous show!  I think this is a must-see for anyone who liked Downton Abbey. If you’re a Downton fan, I think you’ll love this show.

House of Cards |  I had a hard time listening to Kevin Spacey’s terrible Southern accent (it’s actually why I initially ditched it and later revisited the series), so selfishly I’m not sad to see him axed from the show. Looking forward to the final season and the stunning #bosslady that is Robin Wright.

Orange is the New Black |  I’ve been hooked on this show from the beginning. I love the complexity of the characters and you have to credit the writing of a show that completely takes place inside a female prison and is still completely captivating.

Stranger Things | I’m the opposite of a Sci-Fi person (still haven’t seen Star Wars and probably never will), but I had to witness the return of Winona Ryder with my own eyes. I’ll always root for her! More than anything, I’m amazed by the kids starring in this show and their talent. A++!

Other Netflix specials I really loved were Lady Gaga’s Documentary (Five Foot Two), the Amanda Knox special and any stand-up by Jim Gaffigan, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer or Sebastian Maniscalco (this guy is a riot, snippet here).

Christian really liked Narcos. I watched the first season and then was like… I think this is too much violence for me so you can watch it on your own. And he did!

I’m considering watching Mad Men, Black Mirror or The Fall.  I’d love to hear your favorite shows to binge on Netflix!  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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49 thoughts on “Favorite Shows to Binge on Netflix”

  1. Totally watch the fall! My fiancé and I did last year and loved it. It is violent but not like Narcos (which we also loved!). If you need a suggestion try Atypical, we devoured that one weekend and also The Sinner (soooo good!!!) and both on Netflix.

  4. I LOVED The Five! Thanks for that rec! I wish there were a Season 2 but I guess that wouldn’t make sense since the ending doesn’t call for it, right?

    While sick with the flu over the weekend, I binged on The Crown after watching The King’s Speech. Halfway through Season 2 now. I’ve never really cared for The Queen. But when I started watching The Crown, I started liking her. But as I got towards the end of Season 1, I realized I was right about not liking her. But I absolutely LOVE her sister Margaret and just feel SOOO bad for her.

    I may check out a couple of these shows you have listed. But I ‘REALLY’ need to jump on the podcast wagon. I’ve never listened to one! #closeyourmouth

    Candy Rachelle
    http://www.keepingupwithcandy.com

  5. You need to watch Riverdale. I’m currently obsessed with it. It’s really easy to watch, not very thought provoking or deep (like Mindhunters). But sometimes you just need an easy show to watch and enjoy. This one is it.

  6. I loved Gilmore Girls and have just started re watching the fantastic Nurse Jackie – Edie Falco is AMAZING! Strict parents are the BEST – you are so very welcome. 🙂

    xox,
    Mom

  7. Yes! my dad was all no T.V.’s in rooms growing up and when I went to college I thought I had died and gone to Heaven!! which was state by the way! ; ) watch Mad Men Im still literally obsessed with it and wish it was still going on!!!

  8. You have to watch Mad Men. Still one of my favorite to this day. You’ll love the clothes! I also loved The Black List.

  10. I LOVED The Five! I felt like I was watching a good movie. I also recommend Riverdale and How To Get Away With Murder! ♡♡♡

  11. Great post! I’m not a huge TV person myself. If I watch tv it’s with family or friends. One show I love is House Hunters or anything on HGTV really. If you’re into dry humor I would suggest Bob’s Burgers. The show is hilarious and not raunchy like Family Guy. Oh! If you love haunting series or ghost stories I would suggest Ghost Hunters or Haunted House.

    Tabitha
    https://shopsiloe.com/

  13. If you haven’t, please watch Happy Endings! It’s worth the Hulu subscription, I promise.

  14. I am so addicted to TV too! I binged The Five over the holidays & loved it! The Keepers & The Fall are both on my list, but I recently started watching Blacklist from the beginning & am hooked on it.

    ~Amy

  15. Girl, Parenthood is EVERYTHING! When it was running on NBC, not many of my friends watched it, and I used to avoid telling anyone that I watched the show cause the title kind of sounds like some terrible “Teen Mom” reality show (LOL); but OMG I fell so in love with the Braverman family. The writing on that show is outstanding!

    And the dialogue between each character mirrors exactly how people have real-life conversations.

    I cried in almost every season. Glad you love it just as much I do! Have you seen This Is Us?

  16. Mad Men is so good you should definitely watch that!! I know this is dedicated to Netflix but Seinfeld is on hulu and I’m legit obsessed I love all of them! I always love your recommendations I binged 3 of your recommended podcasts in two weeks hahaha! Up and Vanished was so good!

  17. Oh yes, definitely watch Black Mirror. I have season 4 to watch in “My List” along with Mad Men. Also have Gilmore Girls in there too on repeat – it’s my F.R.I.E.N.D.S, which I don’t think is available on the UK Netflix. Will give Parenthood a go as it has a Lorelai Gilmore!

  18. I could not for the life of me get into ‘House of Cards’ but I’m inspired to try again. ALSO LOVE FRIENDS FROM COLLEGE. ‘New Girl’ is a similar kind of humor but it takes longer to get into. If you’re willing to give it a season you should! It’s LOL funny.

    xx,
    Mez
    http://www.mezonthemove.com

  19. The first episode (S1 E1) of Black Mirror seriously scarred me for life. Be Careful LOL. The rest of them are hit or miss for me. Most of the time, it ends and I feel like I have to Google what really happened 🙂

    Going to check out The Five this weekend based on your rec!!

  20. Black mirror for sure, Scandal (YOU HAVE TO!!), This Is Us, Bob’s Burger’s (you’ll die laughing I promise…you will love Lynne and Louise), Mind Hunters (if you’re down with forensic psychology…it’s a creepy one…but good)

    http://www.luellapearl.com
    Caitlin

  21. GIRL. I was (am) the same way. My husband and I loved Ozark as well. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen somewhere that there is for sure going to be a 2nd season!

    Mad Men is really good! It took me a couple of times to get into it at first but totally worth it! We just started Black Mirror and it’s a little iffy for us. It’s good but definitely leaves you feeling kind of icky once you’re done watching an episode. I need to get back into OITNB and The Crown is on my list too!

    Give me all the Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, Friends, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Narcos & Stranger Things! I loved Desperate Housewives, How I Met Your Mother and 30 Rock when they were on Netflix too!

  24. Ah I love this post – I’m such a TV addict as well since I worked in the industry for about 3 years. I LOVE Netflix and their shows are always top notch. Two that I have been completely obsessed with lately were Wormwood (a guy’s journey to find out how his father really died, all wrapped up in the CIA and secret LSD tests in the 50’s) and Dark (it’s German but made by Netflix and is like Stranger Things meets dark Scandinavian drama, it’s captivating!).

    Your newest breakfast obsession is easy, delicious and gourmet! Check out my newest post now… Blush & Bordeaux

  25. I love kimmy schmidt. Narcos was ok for me and still decidiong if i want to stick w house of cards. Im in season 2

  27. “The Fall” is the absolute BEST!! Very dark but very good! And Jamie Dornan…..swoon.

  29. I just commented this on your Instagram post, but, one word: Outlander! I can’t believe it hasn’t been mentioned here already tbh! I only started watching it in the NY after I kept getting it recommended to me and I am now completely obsessed. Like, it’s unhealthy. It’s just a damn good drama.

    I don’t know exactly where you can watch it as I’m in Aus and we have it on Netflix here, but it’s a Scottish/ UK show if that helps!

  31. We just started Downton Abby and are already hooked! Binged Ozarks and stranger things. Loved house of cards~not sure how losing the president will affect the show~ as we think Kevin is so creepy good!The crown is great! Mind hunter was addictive. We watched Friday nights lights when on We need to get on The Five. And you weren’t the only one with limited TV watching growing up. Love your posts and instastories

  33. Shout out to all the kids who weren’t allowed to have a TV in their room & were limited to only 30 minutes a day!! I had the same thing happen to me in college & binging Netflix is STILL my go-to afterwork activity haha. As for Black Mirror, the first episode is really off-putting but they aren’t all like that. The first two seasons were done by the BBC and they are BLEAK. Like there is NO hope offered at the end of them. I personally loved it, but i’m a huge fan of psychological horror. After that Netflix took over and made them less bleak. Like some actually have hope, happy endings, and redemption. Honestly I think it kind of ruins the original intent of the show but I get that Netflix was trying to make them appeal to a wider audience and most people don’t like books/movies/shows/etc that take Leslie Knope’s “watch out people, it’s all bad” message so literally haha. SPEAKING OF LESLIE, all of parks & rec is on Netflix and it’s the GREATEST. I also second the Wormwood recommendation since like the Keepers!

    1. Son of a biscuit monster I really should have proof read my comment. Let’s try this again: Shout out to all the kids who weren’t allowed to have a TV in their room & were limited to only 30 minutes a day!! I had the same thing happen to me in college & binging Netflix is STILL my go-to afterwork activity haha. As for Black Mirror, the first episode is really off-putting but they aren’t all like that. The first two seasons were done by the BBC and they are BLEAK. Like there is NO hope offered at the end of them. I personally loved it, but i’m a huge fan of psychological horror. After that Netflix took over and made them less bleak. Like some actually have hope, happy endings, and redemption. Honestly I think it kind of ruins the original intent of the show but I get that Netflix was trying to make them appeal to a wider audience and most people don’t like books/movies/shows/etc that take Leslie Knope’s line “watch out people, it’s all bad” so literally haha. SPEAKING OF LESLIE, all of parks & rec is on Netflix and it’s the GREATEST. I also second the Wormwood recommendation since you liked The Keepers!

  34. Son of a biscuit monster I really should have proof read my comment. It should say Leslie Knope’s line, not message. It should also say since you liked The Keepers haha.

  35. You will love Mad Men. I watched the whole series on A&E and then watched the whole series on Netflix again AND watch it when it on TV whenever I can catch it. I love it for the nostalgia, fashion, and the good old reminder of how shitty women were treated back then. Regardless of that, the characters, storylines, and costumes will suck you in. I also LOVE Black Mirror. Don’t let Season 1, ep 1 turn you off (personally, I liked it). Each episode is completely stand alone and crazy good. And The Fall is the number one best show on Netflix for me. SOOOO Good. I didn’t preface this by saying I watch A LOT of TV, but thats my thing (and reading). I hope you watch these and report back

  37. I love The Crown, Stranger Things, The Keepers, and Ozark. I haven’t tried The Five or Mindhunter, but those sound right up my alley. Also, in reference to one of your older posts on podcasts, I just listened to Dirty John. Unbelievable!! And oh, so creepy!

    1. And I can join you in the no tv in your room until college club. I didn’t know anybody with that rule growing up!

  38. I’m about to start Mindhunter, it sounds incredibly cool! One of my favorite show is Smash, Jeremy Jordan in the second season is incredible! I was so sad they stopped it. Right now I’m watching This is us and it’s truly one of the best show i’ve ever seen, even if it makes me cry so much hahah

    xx Laëtitia

  39. Thank you for recommending The Five. I feel like I have seen everything and this new-to-me show was amazing!

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