Finding binge-worthy shows can be tricky, especially if I’m having one of my indecisive days. I mean, with all of the choices we have and all of the streaming services available, it should be easier, right? I often think about the olden days when I was growing up, with only four channels to pick from. Life was easier. Less exciting, but easier.
Some shows, though, keep me glued straight away, and when I strike one of these, I know I’m set for a good run. Here are a few gems I have found lately, and I’ve grouped them by mood, because that’s usually how I decide what to watch.
Binge Worthy Shows
Dark and Twisty
These binge-worthy shows are for when I’m feeling brave and want suspense, jump scares, secrets, and my heart can cope with the sense that something is about to go wrong.
Stranger Things
I don’t love horror, but I sure loved this show so very much, and I’m sad it’s over. The biggest appeal for me was the 80s nostalgia. That was my time, my fashion and my music. The nods and subtle references to my favourite movies from the best decade ever were genius.
Harlan Coben series
I haven’t watched a single one that I didn’t enjoy, so I would confidently say that they are truly reliable binge material.
They all have great plot twists I never see coming. The endings are wrapped up nicely, which is so important because I can’t stand it when I invest time and emotional energy into a show that ends vaguely. I hate having to make up an ending in my mind just so I can sleep at night and not lie there wondering.
So far, I’ve watched Safe, The Stranger, Stay Close, Fool Me Once, Hold Tight, Run Away, and Caught. I’ve just started Innocent, which is in Spanish, and I want to watch the rest of the international ones too.
The Serial Killer’s Wife
This was kind of unsettling, but I watched it while I was painting the living room in the daytime. I don’t think I would have liked watching it at night by myself. It kind of gave me the ick, but I couldn’t stop watching and painting. If you can’t stop watching, I guess it makes it binge-worthy, right?
Hostage
I loved this one! It has a great mix of personal and political drama that really pulled me in. The lead was very likeable. A likeable lead is a must because then you feel all the feels. Ha, at least I do! The five-episode series is about a British Prime Minister whose husband is kidnapped and how she manages her personal life alongside all the political drama. This one is very binge-worthy.
European and Foreign Dramadies
Borgen
I didn’t think I’d enjoy this one as much as I am (I’m still in season one), but again it has a likeable lead. The politics are a bit complex, and since it’s in Danish, I sometimes have to rewind to make sure I understand the English subtitles.
Interestingly, the show discusses Greenland and the US interest in it. I didn’t realise this was even an issue back then, and sadly, it’s now a major real-life threat.
Baby Fever
I love Swedish dramadies, and they’re so hard to find. I nearly skipped this one because the title sounded a bit cheesy. But I’m glad I gave it a go because it’s funny, awkward, and dramatic without being over the top.
Pernille
Another one with an unusual title, but Pernille, the main character, is so relatable and down-to-earth. You really feel like you’re there with her through her awkward life moments. There’s a lot of major swearing, though!
Comfort and Funny Binge-Worthy Shows
Watching these is a guaranteed laugh.
Seinfeld
It doesn’t matter how many times I have watched these episodes, they are still hilarious. I’ve been binge-watching this show since 1993!
The Nanny
An old, new-to-me show that I’ve been talking about non-stop.
Adventure / Reality Fun
The Amazing Race
Every time I watch a season, I think I’d love to be on this show, and then I remember I can’t swim, I’m scared of flying, and I don’t do heights. I’ll just keep binge-watching it like a champ.
Survivor
I’m excited for the 50th season!
Light, Easy-to-Watch Drama / Gap Fillers
These are perfect for my indecisive nights. I like them enough to keep watching, and I guess they’re good binge-watching gap fillers for when my favourite shows are finished, or I’m waiting for a new season of something.
The Rookie
It’s entertaining and easy to follow
Boston Blue
I don’t love it like I loved Blue Bloods, but it’s still good, and I like it enough to keep watching.
Most Binge-Worthy Shows
Shows I absolutely love and could marathon any time.
The Gilded Age
I love the costumes, the scheming, and Aunt Agnes’s cheeky one-liners.
Better Call Saul
Brilliant, binge-worthy show that makes me rethink Jimmy every few minutes. One minute I think he’s such a great guy, and then I think, oh no, he really isn’t. A fascinating look at human nature and the sad downward spiral of bad choices.
These are my favourite binge-worthy shows lately. What are some of yours? I’d love to hear what you’ve been watching.
Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Joanne and Jen
I haven’t watched any from your dark and twisty list (I rarely am in the mood to be scared or watch suspenseful shows), but there are many others on your list we’ve binged.
Oh thank you so much for sharing these- love binging series and will be referring back here!
I loved Gilded Age!
I loved Amazing Race and Survivor. We watched Amazing Race with our kids and it was so educational – all the countries and cultural challenges!
I usually don’t pick dark and twisty but Tom likes them and sometimes I get sucked in.
Oooh I love a good binge worthy series. I’ve been re-watching Stranger things with my son, who was a bit young when it started. It’s even better on second watching. We have just the last season to go. I’m very good at no spoilers. I like watching European dramas with subtitles or dubbed, but I tend to go for sci-fi ones. They do have a strange way of conversing though, often leaving long gaps before replying. (I think some us Brits could learn a thing or too about thinking before speaking!) I like Harlen Coben but I think he gets a bit samey, even with the actors. I’ve not finished Better Call Saul but I was really late watching Breaking Bad too.
I loved Stranger Things and I have just discovered all the Harlan Coben series on Netflix! Wow! I am working my way through them and love them, every one I have seen so far has had me shocked at the endings that I didn’t see coming!
I never got into Seinfeld but did love The Nanny and I need to start watching The Rookie, my youngest has just watched it all and loves it!
Seinfeld is a good one! We often bring up various scenes and then have to youtube them for the kids.
I found a couple new ones to consider, thanks!
Love your take on Stranger Things, the 80’s nostalgia was excellent! Loved that one!
I’m not into dark or twisted shows and am not familiar with the beginning of your list. I tend to avoid Scandinavian as their mysteries are so dark. I like show that make me laugh or smile. #MMBC