18 Best TV Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now

A fascinating, artful retelling of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The Crown touches on many topics outside the monarchy, including politics, family and the turmoil of royal marriages – namely that of Charles and Diana. In addition to the spectacular casting throughout all six seasons, the series has been supported by strong scripts and compelling storylines that evoke emotions in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy.

Hailed as one of the best TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the makings of an outstanding series: a tense plot, dynamic characters, and shocking plot twists — many of which are not for the faint of heart. Follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when diagnosed with cancer and worried about providing for his family. But his knack for manufacturing the illegal substance leads him down paths he never imagined.

Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after the First World War. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set her sights beyond the streets as she strives to move into the World. What sells this show is not only its compelling plot, but also its stellar cast. For fans of historical dramas and crime series, Peaky Blinders is a must watch. A word of warning though: this violent series is not for the faint of heart.

Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagination of a world overwhelmed by technology and modern “advances”. A series of stand-alone episodes, each portrays its own fascinating – and often disturbing – take on the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to watch TV in an age of binge eating.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways.

This show is not only funny and witty, but will force you to reexamine deeper questions about life and what is inherently “good” or “bad.” In the show, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) finds herself in the afterlife and, surprisingly, in the Good Place. But, as it turns out, she learns that she’s actually there by mistake. This inspires Eleanor to embark on a mission to give up her old ways. The plot twists will throw you for a loop, and the fun, one-of-a-kind characters will keep you coming back for more.

This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal experience who manages to land a job at the law firm of one of New York’s top lawyers, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team, but must keep Mike’s lack of legal documents a secret. It’s a testament to Suits’ brilliance that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of current Duchess Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane on the show, was probably also a factor.) But beware: you’ll only find the first eight seasons on Netflix. For the ninth and final season, you’ll have to head to the Peacock.

If you’re on TikTok, you’ve probably seen this in your feed. One Day is a heart-wrenching adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel, which sees Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) reunited on the same day two decades later. It’s a unique storytelling device that will make you think about time and relationships and tug at your heartstrings throughout.

This thriller was all everyone was talking about when it debuted, and for good reason. Hundreds of people desperate for money compete in a series of games that turn into a battle for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes in this show, it’s a fascinating watch. Then you can look forward to it Season 2.

You’ll want to keep a box of tissues close by for this one. This Is Us follows the Pearson family, which includes Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and their three children (Chrissy Metz, Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley). In exploring the impact of their upbringing on each Pearson child, This Is Us masters the art of flashback and flashback and effectively explores issues surrounding race, adoption, alcoholism, family illness, and other important topics. Each episode will leave you feeling either moved, devastated or desperate to know what happens next.

A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Stephen Yeung) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a long-running feud, setting the stage for a gripping comedy-drama made all the better by a star-studded cast. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, picking up eight wins and winning all three categories in which it was nominated at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.

Monk does an excellent job combining crime, drama and comedy. It follows Adrian Monk (Tony Shaloub), a private investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder who works with the San Francisco police to solve unconventional cases. It’s impossible to watch this show without developing an affinity for the main character, and there’s smart writing throughout. Monk is perhaps best characterized as a comfort show, and sometimes that’s just what you need.

Some of the most impactful shows are those rooted in reality. Such is the case with Maid, which is based on Stephanie Land’s memoir of the same name (some character names have been changed). It tells the story of Alex Russell (Margaret Qualley), who gets a job as a house cleaner after leaving an abusive relationship. In her struggle to make ends meet for herself and her young daughter, the show paints a vivid picture of poverty in America and explores the deep divide between the haves and the have-nots.

Stranger Things is a fascinating mix of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in a fictional small town in Indiana, residents begin to experience a series of strange events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin searching for answers.

This miniseries feels like it’s based on a true story thanks to the authentic writing and realistic characters. An orphaned girl from the 1960s named Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers a knack for playing chess that takes her all the way to major tournaments and the world stage. But fame begins to take its toll as she is forced to reassess what she really wants in life.

In this gripping Spanish crime drama, a mastermind called “The Professor” assembles a group of eight men to pull off an ambitious heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. The show uses fascinating flashbacks and time jumps to keep you on your toes.

If you need a fun, lighthearted show that will make you laugh, Never Have I Ever could be your answer. Devi Vishwakumar (Maitrei Ramakrishnan) is a first-generation Indian-American teenager who struggles to reconcile her dual identity while dealing with the typical challenges of high school and climbing the social ladder. There are relatable themes whatever your age – or you may just find yourself having flashbacks to traumas from your adolescence. But in a fun way.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list. Bridgerton is set in Regency-era England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while moving in high society – and are the subject of anonymously written gossip pamphlets. There’s plenty of drama, beautiful costumes and lavish tea parties to keep you coming back for more. The first part of season 3 arrives on May 16, so catch up now.

One of Netflix’s funniest and most original shows, Grace and Frankie follows two longtime rivals who end up leaning on each other after learning their husbands have fallen for each other. Come for the star-studded cast – including Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston – and stay for the refreshingly unique plot.