Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix; Ken Woroner/Netflix
When drama's at the door, invite it in so you can curl up on your couch and watch it unfold. The characters in the series on this list are questionable friends, neighbors, and community members, but we live vicariously through their bad decision-making. We applaud their road rage incidents that escalate to unpredictable levels. We support them in their affairs gone wrong, and cheer for them to succeed in their illegal drug ventures and contracted murders.
These antiheroes might not make great role models, but their stories sure make for excellent entertainment. Read on for the 25 best drama series on Netflix.
Adolescence(2025)
Courtesy of Ben Blackall/Netflix
One of the most talked-about pieces of television to emerge in 2025 isAdolescence.A British crime drama about a 13-year-old boy named Jamie Miller who is accused of murdering his classmate, the miniseries offers four episodes, all of which were shot in one continuous take apiece. The technical execution of the project is thrilling, and so is the show's depiction of how modern media affects the minds and actions of teenage boys.
Young actor Owen Cooper makes a brilliant Emmy-winning debut as Jamie, and the scenes between him and his therapist (Erin Doherty) in episode 3 are some of the most affecting examples of storytelling in recent history. A series that feels especially relevant,Adolescencegets deep about what teenage boyhood looks like today.—Ilana Gordon
Where to watchAdolescence: Netflix
Cast:Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, Faye Marsay
Beef(2023–present)
This Emmy winner could be categorized in multiple ways — drama, comedy, miniseries — but we would classify it as one the best Netflix shows yet. After working-class contractor Danny (Steven Yeun) nearly plows his vehicle into affluent business owner Amy's (Ali Wong) SUV, their road rage incident soon escalates into a full-on feud. Their antics include sabotage, catfishing, and even kidnapping, all while viewers slowly see how this animosity stems from unresolved issues in the characters' lives.
As EW's critic writes, "Beefis not afraid to plumb some very disagreeable depths to tell the story of two damaged people fighting their way back to the light." A second season is in the works, following different characters who we can only hope have a beef as delicious as the first. —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watchBeef: Netflix
Cast:Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe
Breaking Bad(2008–2013)
Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC
The five seasons that make upBreaking Badrepresent some of the best premium television has to offer. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is a chemistry teacher based in Albuquerque, N.M., who has just been diagnosed with cancer. Determined to make enough money to set his family up in the event of his death, Walter turns his skills as a chemist into a lucrative part-time job making meth.
After partnering with a local drug dealer — who also happens to be one of Walter's former students — Walter finds himself pulled into the seedy underworld that is breaking bad in the southwestern United States. Acclaimed by critics, audiences, and awards shows,Breaking Badspawned a television spinoff (Better Call Saul) and a movie (El Camino).—I.G.
Where to watchBreaking Bad: Netflix
Cast:Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt
Bridgerton(2020–present)
Liam Daniel/Netflix
This ravishing historical drama became a sensation upon its release in 2020. Based on the beloved book series by Julia Quinn,Bridgertontakes the refined elegance of Regency-era London and combines it with a contemporary flair for sex and passion (or what's known to romance novel lovers as "bodice rippers").
The series, narrated by the legendaryJulie Andrews, revolves around the noble Bridgerton family, focusing primarily on a new sibling each season as they experience the highs and lows of love within the strict rules of their society.EW's critic calls the series"a wonderful diversion for those who lovePride & Prejudicebut wish it had more stairway sex." Catch up before season 4 drops on Jan. 29! —K.J.
Where to watchBridgerton: Netflix
EW grade:B+
Cast:Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie
The Crown(2016–2023)
What screams drama more than the British royal family? Going back to the beginning of her reign,The Crowntells the story of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 until the events of the early 21st century, changing casts every two seasons as the characters age.
But the show doesn't just cover Queen Elizabeth II — it also follows Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and more monarchs. The real royal family has taken umbrage with some of the portrayals in the show, andthe writers certainly had creative liberties, but that's what makes it the drama it is. —Sarah Perchikoff
Where to watchThe Crown: Netflix
Cast:Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Olivia Colman
The Diplomat(2023–present)
Alex Bailey/Netflix
FormerThe West Wingwriter Debora Cahn reenters the political sphere withThe Diplomat. Five years afterThe Americansended,Keri Russellsheds her Russian spy gear and lands a new job as career diplomat Kate Wyler, the newly appointed and ill-prepared U.S. ambassador to the U.K., who is dropped squarely into an international crisis.
Work is made more stressful thanks to the contributions of her husband, Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), a former diplomat to Lebanon whose current unemployment leaves him a lot of time to mess up Kate's job. Featuring a few cameos fromWest Wingalums,The Diplomatis a great political thriller to distract you from real-life politics.—I.G.
Where to watchThe Diplomat: Netflix
Cast:Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
Gilmore Girls(2000–2007)
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the Gilmore Girls are always there when you need them. Created by the sharp-witted Amy Sherman-Palladino,Gilmore Girlsis a cozy comedy-drama that centers on the close-knit relationship between fast-talking single mother Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her gifted daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel).
Both deal with tumultuous relationships, aspire to bigger and better things in their professional lives, and make plenty of mistakes along the way. It's all set within an idyllic small town in Connecticut, we desperately wish we could visit, if only to experience some of its quirky traditions and even quirkier residents. —K.J.
Where to watchGilmore Girls: Netflix
Cast:Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson
GLOW(2017–2019)
We still haven't forgiven Netflix for canceling this dramedy too soon, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the three seasons of excellence left in its wake. Based loosely on the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling TV series from the '80s,GLOWcenters on a group of young women assembled for the wrestling promotion as they form their colorful personas and find a sense of purpose.
At the heart of the show is the tumultuous relationship between frenemies Ruth (Alison Brie) and Debbie (Betty Gilpin), as they try (and sometimes fail) to set aside their differences for the benefit of the show. "Part sports drama, part showbiz satire, part birth-of-the-modern-woman allegory,"EW's critic callsGLOW"all heartbreaking glitter-blasted humanity." —K.J.
Where to watchGLOW: Netflix
Cast:Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron
Killing Eve(2018–2022)
This BBC America spy thriller was practically designed for the Netflix binge model.Sandra Ohplays Eve Polastri, an MI6 investigator whose attempt to track down an international assassin known as Villanelle (Jodie Comer) becomes an obsession.
Villanelle develops her own fascination with Eve, leading to a unique cat-and-mouse game. The addictive fun of the first few seasons (plus the sizzling chemistry between Oh and Comer) was enough to make this must-see TV, even through the shakier final season. —K.J.
Where to watchKilling Eve: Netflix
EW grade:B+
Cast:Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Owen McDonnell
The Lincoln Lawyer(2022–present)
This legal drama, based on the book series of the same name byMichael Connelly, centers on Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a criminal defense lawyer who takes cases while working from the back of his Lincoln Navigator in Los Angeles. In the first season, he finds himself representing the billionaire video game developer Trevor Elliott (Christopher Gorham), who is charged with double murder.
Haller works on Elliott's case with his second ex-wife, Lorna Crane, and her fiancé, Cisco, while also maintaining a friendly relationship with his first wife, Maggie McPherson (Neve Campbell). To say his life is complicated would be an understatement; he gets into danger pretty quickly, and his new client might be the reason why. The fourth season premieres on Feb. 5. —S.P.
Where to watchThe Lincoln Lawyer: Netflix
Cast:Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson
Midnight Mass(2021)
Eike Schroter/Netflix
Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford) returns to his highly religious hometown on Crockett Island just as a new charismatic priest, Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), has taken over the church. Since they both arrived, strange things are happening on the island and the new priest is anything but what he seems.
Midnight Masscomes from a master of the horror genre,Mike Flanagan, and it's one of his best. But Flanagan is also great at providing drama along with his jump scares. What starts as the ominous return of Riley — who went to prison for killing a woman while drunk driving — turns into a supernatural nightmare that even the biggest horror buff couldn't have seen coming. —S.P.
Where to watchMidnight Mass: Netflix
EW grade:A–
Cast:Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan
Mindhunter(2017–2019)
Mindhunterrevolves around FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they spearhead the Behavioral Science Unit in Quantico circa 1977. Together, they begin the taboo task of interviewing serial killers to understand their psychology better so they can catch criminals who are still at large.
Mindhunteris one ofDavid Fincher's absolute masterpieces, a pinnacle of true crime television aided by excellent performances all around. The actors playing America's famous murderers, in particular, are almosttoogood (see: Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper). —S.P.
Where to watchMindhunter: Netflix
Cast:Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith
Mo(2022–2025)
For one of the best dramedies of the decade so far, look no further thanMo. Stand-up comic Mo Amer stars as the titular character, Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee born in Kuwait and living in Houston as he and his family seek asylum and citizenship.
Released more than a year before the war in Gaza became front page news,Moreceived critical acclaim for its portrayal of Palestinian culture and the refugee experience. Amer co-created the series with fellow comicRamy Youssef, and for a while, the biggest critique one could offer was that there was too long of a delay between the two seasons. Now that all 16 episodes of the series are available to stream,Mois a fast, funny, and fiercely important watch.—I.G.
Where to watchMo: Netflix
Cast:Mo Amer, Farah Busies, Teresa Ruiz, Tobe Nwigwe, Omar Elba
Narcos(2015–2017)
A serialized crime drama,Narcosfollows the rise and fall of Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), whose aptitude for cocaine distribution transformed him into a billionaire.Pedro Pascalstars as real-life DEA agent Javier Peña, who, along with his partner, agent Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook), is tasked with bringing down Escobar, the Medellín Cartel, and later the Cali Cartel.
During the show's three-season arc, viewers get a crash course in the creation and growth of the cocaine cartels that dominated the '80s. Representing one of Netflix's premium series and serving a surprising amount of humor among the history and violence,Narcosoffers a front-row look at Pascal's acting talents.—I.G.
Where to watchNarcos: Netflix
EW grade:B+
Cast:Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Joanna Christie, Maurice Compte
One Day(2024)
"Imagine one selected day struck out of your life," says Emma (Ambika Mod), quoting Charles Dickens in this romantic limited series, "and think how different its course would have been."One Daycharts 20 years in the lives of two people, working-class Emma and privileged Dexter (Leo Woodall), whom we see on the same day every year.
As they age into adulthood, their unique relationship changes as they take different career paths while finding themselves inexorably drawn back to each other. The bittersweet series captures life's complications and love over time, with charming lead performances that bring the characters from David Nicholls' 2009 novel (and the lackluster 2011 movie) to life. —K.J.
Where to watchOne Day: Netflix
Cast:Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall
One Hundred Years of Solitude(2024–present)
Considered one of the foremost literary achievements of the last century, Gabriel García Márquez's magical realism novel,One Hundred Years of Solitude, has finally been adapted for television. The series, which premiered on Netflix at the end of 2024, tells the story of the Buendía family over multiple generations and is set in the fictitious town of Macondo, Colombia, which the family founded.
Critics and fans have commended the adaptation for its acting, cinematography, and adherence to the original source material. A TV series with the spirit of the novel, Netflix has released the show's first eight episodes, with another eight to come in August 2026. A must-watch for literary lovers and TV nerds alike, treat yourself toOne Hundred Years of Solitude.—I.G.
Where to watchOne Hundred Years of Solitude: Netflix
Cast:Claudio Cataño, Diego Vásquez, Marleyda Soto, Viña Machado, Loren Sofía
Orphan Black(2013–2017)
Kena Woroner/BBC America
Tatiana Maslanyisn't the only reason to watch this gripping sci-fi series, but she's certainly the main attraction. The actress, who won an Emmy for her multifaceted work, plays five genetic clones, each with their own distinct personality and lifestyle. As one of the clones discovers the existence of the others, she soon finds herself on the run from various factions intent on capturing and/or killing her and her sisters. The five-season series delves into potent themes of identity, corruption, and ethics as we hurdle toward a future dominated by technology. —K.J.
Where to watchOrphan Black: Netflix
EW grade:B+
Cast:Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando
Peaky Blinders(2013–2022)
Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) leads the Peaky Blinders, a street gang based in Birmingham, England, that he runs with the help of his brothers Arthur (Paul Anderson) and Johnny (Joe Cole) and his aunt Polly (Helen McCrory). While struggling with PTSD from his time in World War I, Tommy must keep the group together and satisfy his ever-growing ambition.
Peaky Blindersis one of the most well-written historical dramas streaming on Netflix (or anywhere, for that matter), bringing to mind classic mob movies likeThe GodfatherandGoodFellas. The story continues when the filmPeaky Blinders: Immortal Manarrives on the platform on March 20. —S.P.
Where to watchPeaky Blinders: Netflix
Cast:Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Annabelle Wallis
The Queen's Gambit(2020)
Ken Woroner/Netflix
Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) starts life down on her luck, having lost her mother and been sent to an orphanage where they drug her daily. However, her circumstances begin to change, when she learns how to play chess and quickly becomes a prodigy. But she soon realizes that success does not equal happiness, even as her skill takes her to high places. Based on the book by Walter Tevis,The Queen's Gambitis one of the most riveting dramas Netflix has ever produced with 11 Emmy wins to prove it, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. —S.P.
Where to watchThe Queen's Gambit: Netflix
Cast:Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, Christiane Seidel
Ripley(2024)
Ever since Patricia Highsmith invented him with her 1955 novel, Tom Ripley has been a character of great fascination. Twenty-five years after the release of 1999'sThe Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon, Netflix produced this miniseries about the con artist/serial killer withAndrew Scottin the title role.Ripley, shot in striking black-and-white, follows the plot of the original novel, in which Tom is hired to track down a rich man's playboy son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn), in Italy, though his task soon morphs into a dangerous obsession. —K.J.
Where to watchRipley: Netflix
Cast:Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Margherita Buy
Shadow and Bone(2021–2023)
Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) is a mapmaker in the Ravkan army. When her best friend, Mal (Archie Renaux), is sent on a ship heading into the Fold, she refuses to let him go without her. During their voyage, Alina realizes she's a magical Grisha and gets her world turned upside down by General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), a.k.a. the Darkling.
Based on the books by Leigh Bardugo,Shadow and Bonemarries Alina's storyline with characters Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, and Jesper Fahey, who make up the Crows gang in Kerch. What follows is a riveting fantasy drama that inspires escapism and suspense in equal measure. —S.P.
Where to watchShadow and Bone: Netflix
Cast:Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Ben Barnes
The Sinner(2017–2021)
This gripping anthology drama follows police detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) as he investigates criminal incidents. Each season centers on a new case: a disturbed woman who kills a man on the beach out of the blue; a 13-year-old boy who poisons a couple; a car crash that proves to be no accident; and a young woman who mysteriously walks off a cliff's edge.
The series goes beyond the traditional whodunit nature of crime mysteries to explore the motivation beyond the acts, with Pullman's weary detective serving as a strong anchor through the show's many twists and turns. —K.J.
Where to watchThe Sinner: Netflix
Cast:Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Dohn Norwood, Abby Miller
Squid Game(2021–2025)
No Ju-han/Netflix
Would you lay your life on the line for $45.6 billion? InSquid Game, one of the most original and bingeable drama series in recent years, 456 people in deep financial straits are invited to participate in a secret game made up of a series of children's competitions, and the punishment for the losers is death. The last person standing takes the money, and the only way to survive is to create alliances.
The show was so popular when it debuted in 2021 that it has since spawned an equally compelling reality series on Netflix calledSquid Game: The Challenge. The entire scripted series is available to stream, so now is the best time to brush up on your Red Light, Green Light skills.—I.G.
Where to watchSquid Game: Netflix
Cast:Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su,
The Staircase(2022)
Courtesy of HBO Max
Based on a true story,The Staircasewas first released in 2004 as a documentary, and the making of that documentary features heavily in the scripted version of events released in 2022.Colin Firthstars as Michael Peterson, a writer and war veteran who kicks things off in 2001 when he calls 911 to report finding his wife, Kathleen (Toni Collette), lying at the bottom of a staircase in their house in Durham, N.C.
The limited series chronicles the events that transpired after Kathleen's death, following the charges brought against Michael by the district attorney, the in-fighting that went down inside the Peterson family, and the media circus that follows the case — including the French documentary crew that shows up to capture it all. A true crime story that makes you examine the essence of truth,The Staircaseis a worthy companion piece to Jean-Xavier de Lestrade's original documentary.—I.G.
Where to watchThe Staircase: Netflix
Cast:Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dane DeHaan, Olivia DeJonge
Suits(2011–2019)
Suitsmay have ended in 2019, but it's arguably more popular now than ever. The legal drama's massive success on the streamer was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023, with viewers hooked on the dynamic between corporate attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a brilliant man with a photographic memory who persuaded Harvey to hire him at his firm despite not having a law degree.
It's easy to understand why the show took off on Netflix: In an era of lore-heavy dramas, here's a show with the right formula of light procedural entertainment with a killer cast. —K.J.
Where to watchSuits: Netflix
Cast:Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty
Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
