TV Series
12 Best TV Series to Binge-Watch, and Where to Stream Them in the US
By ReelsMasala Editorial · · 5 min read
A great binge-watch needs more than good episodes. It needs momentum, characters you want to spend hours with, and ideally a story that has a satisfying shape. We picked twelve of the best TV series to binge-watch across drama, comedy, animation and international TV. Each is highly rated by audiences on TMDB, and we note where to stream it in the US at the time of writing, based on TMDB and JustWatch data.
To help you plan, each entry notes how big a commitment it is and whether the story is complete.
Binge-watching, which means watching several episodes of a series in one sitting, became mainstream when Netflix began releasing entire seasons at once in the early 2010s. As the Wikipedia article on binge-watching notes, the habit has changed how shows are written and released. Some services now drop all episodes at once, while others release weekly to keep conversation going. Either way, the shows below reward watching in big chunks.
The 12 best TV series to binge-watch
1. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Genre: crime drama · Seasons: 5 (complete) · Where: Netflix
A high school chemistry teacher, played by Bryan Cranston, turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after a cancer diagnosis, and gradually transforms into a ruthless criminal. Vince Gilligan's series is one of the most acclaimed dramas ever made. TMDB users rate Breaking Bad 9.0/10 from more than 18,000 votes. It is rated TV-MA.
2. Arcane (2021–2024)
Genre: animated fantasy · Seasons: 2 (complete) · Where: Netflix
Two sisters are torn apart on opposite sides of a conflict between the gleaming city of Piltover and its oppressed undercity. Based on the video game League of Legends but requiring no gaming knowledge, Arcane features a painterly animation style that won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. With only two seasons, it is a perfect weekend binge.
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
Genre: animated adventure · Seasons: 3 (complete) · Where: Netflix, Paramount+
In a world where some people can "bend" the elements, a young monk who is the last of his people must master all four to end a century of war. Created for Nickelodeon, Avatar: The Last Airbender is beloved by kids and adults alike for its humor, rich world-building and one of TV's great redemption arcs.
4. The Pitt (2025–)
Genre: medical drama · Where: HBO Max
Each episode covers one hour of a single grueling shift in a Pittsburgh emergency department, led by Noah Wyle's Dr. Robby. Realistic, intense and humane, The Pitt won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for its first season and has become one of HBO Max's biggest hits.
5. Severance (2022–)
Genre: psychological thriller · Where: Apple TV
Employees of the mysterious Lumon Industries undergo a procedure that separates their work memories from their personal lives. Adam Scott leads this eerie, darkly funny workplace mystery. Each season ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared.
6. Shōgun (2024)
Genre: historical drama · Where: Hulu, Disney+
In feudal Japan in 1600, an English navigator is shipwrecked and drawn into the power struggles of a warlord, played by Hiroyuki Sanada. Adapted from James Clavell's novel, Shōgun won a record 18 Emmy Awards for a single season, including Outstanding Drama Series.
7. The Bear (2022–)
Genre: comedy-drama · Where: Hulu, Disney+
A fine-dining chef, played by Jeremy Allen White, returns to Chicago to run his late brother's chaotic sandwich shop. Episodes are short, about 30 minutes, but the tension and emotion are huge. It is great if you want something you can watch a few episodes of at a time.
8. Stranger Things (2016–2025)
Genre: sci-fi, horror, coming-of-age · Seasons: 5 (complete) · Where: Netflix
When a boy vanishes in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, his friends uncover secret experiments and a terrifying alternate dimension. The Duffer Brothers' series concluded with its fifth season, so you can now binge the whole story start to finish.
9. The Last of Us (2023–)
Genre: post-apocalyptic drama · Where: HBO Max
Based on the acclaimed video game, the series follows a smuggler, played by Pedro Pascal, escorting a teenage girl, played by Bella Ramsey, across a United States devastated by a fungal pandemic. Its third episode is often cited as one of the best hours of TV in years.
10. Ted Lasso (2020–)
Genre: comedy · Where: Apple TV
An optimistic American college football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, is hired to manage an English Premier League soccer team despite knowing nothing about the sport. It is warm, witty and the ultimate comfort binge.
11. Reply 1988 (2015–2016)
Genre: Korean family comedy-drama · Seasons: 1 (complete) · Where: Netflix
Five families share a small Seoul alley in the late 1980s. Gentle, funny and deeply nostalgic, Reply 1988 is one of the best-loved Korean dramas. Episodes are long, so pace yourself. Find more Korean series in our K-drama guide for beginners.
12. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023–)
Genre: fantasy anime · Where: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
An elf mage who outlives her adventuring companions sets out to understand the humans she barely knew. Meditative, beautiful and surprisingly emotional, it is one of the highest-rated anime series on TMDB. New to anime? Read our anime guide for beginners.
Binge planner
| Series | Commitment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Arcane | Light (2 seasons) | Complete |
| Shōgun | Light (1 season) | Continuing |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | Medium (3 seasons) | Complete |
| Breaking Bad | Heavy (5 seasons) | Complete |
| Stranger Things | Heavy (5 seasons) | Complete |
| The Pitt | Medium, real-time episodes | Ongoing |
| Severance | Medium | Ongoing |
| The Bear | Medium, short episodes | Ongoing |
How to binge smarter
- Pick complete stories for long weekends. Breaking Bad, Arcane and Stranger Things won't leave you hanging.
- Use the "three-episode rule." Most great series hook you by episode three. If not, move on.
- Mix in short episodes. Half-hour shows like The Bear and Ted Lasso make good palate cleansers between heavy dramas.
- Check content ratings. Many prestige dramas are rated TV-MA. Our ratings explainer explains the labels.
- Rotate subscriptions. Binge one service's best shows, then switch. Our guide to choosing a streaming service explains how.
The Television Academy's Emmy Awards site lists past winners if you want more acclaimed series. Browse our TV Shows collection for what's popular right now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best TV series of all time to binge?
*Breaking Bad* is one of the most commonly cited, with a 9.0/10 TMDB user rating from more than 18,000 votes and a complete five-season story. *Avatar: The Last Airbender* and *Arcane* are also among the highest-rated series on TMDB.
What is a good short series to binge in a weekend?
*Arcane* (two seasons), *Shōgun* (one season so far) and the first season of *The Pitt* are excellent shorter binges. *The Bear* has short episodes of about 30 minutes.
Where can I watch Breaking Bad in the US?
At the time of writing, all five seasons of *Breaking Bad* stream on Netflix in the US, including the ad-supported plan.
Has Stranger Things ended?
Yes. *Stranger Things* concluded with its fifth season, so the complete series is available on Netflix.
What is a good family-friendly series to binge?
*Avatar: The Last Airbender* is a great family choice, rated TV-Y7, with humor, adventure and strong storytelling that appeals to adults too.
Availability and release dates are based on TMDB/JustWatch data for the United States at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm on the provider's site. Read our editorial policy.