After Life is a surprisingly profound story from Ricky Gervais about a man shattered by the death of his wife. His only reason to get up each morning is his dog, leading him to push away the friends trying to help him. It's a raw and honest portrayal of grief that gives a voice to those dark, difficult feelings. | © Netflix
Fool Me Once is a far-fetched but completely addictive thriller that moves at a breakneck pace. Sure, it has its plot holes, but the show is so entertaining and easy to binge, you probably won't care. It's the perfect watch if you just want to be captured by a mystery and enjoy the ride without overthinking it. | © Netflix
A Very English Scandal showcases a brilliantly transformed Hugh Grant, who delivers a performance packed with wit and effortless charm. The writing is exceptionally sharp, balancing this bizarre true story with a darkly comedic tone. It results in a clever and thoroughly entertaining slice of British political history. | © Amazon Prime Video
Gunpowder shifts the focus from Guy Fawkes to the plot's real leader, Robert Catesby, played by his own descendant Kit Harington. But the most compelling characters are the Cecils, a father-son duo who ran England as a ruthless police state. Their network of spies and propagandists set the template for modern authoritarian regimes, making this history feel startlingly relevant today. | © HBO
Maniac drops two strangers into a bizarre drug trial that sends their minds into a series of strange fantasy worlds. The show's unique, slightly-off reality mixes advanced tech with clunky 90s computers, creating a cool and distinctive vibe. It’s a weird, funny, and ultimately moving trip that really sticks with you. | © Netflix
The Haunting of Hill House is a masterful horror series that will reignite childhood fears you forgot you had. It expertly balances fast-paced scares with slow, chilling scenes that leave you with goosebumps. The astounding cast, including incredibly believable child actors, brings a devastating family story to life, creating moments that will stick with you long after the final episode. | © Netflix
The Cry takes you on an intense psychological journey, masterfully unraveling its mystery through a clever non-linear narrative. Jenna Coleman delivers a powerful performance, brilliantly depicting her character's devastating transformation. This is a show that truly rewards a second watch, as you can fully appreciate how every piece of its heartbreaking puzzle was placed. | © Sundance Now
Bodyguard is a relentlessly tense thriller that's so gripping you might just binge all six hours in a single day. Richard Madden brilliantly carries the series as a war veteran-turned-bodyguard, assigned to protect a politician he despises. The show masterfully weaves his personal PTSD into a complex web of political intrigue and action, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. | © Netflix
The End of the F*ing World is a refreshingly genuine take on teenage life, avoiding clichés to explore real issues of attachment and abandonment – oh, and both main characters are kind of insane, so there's that. Still, they experience gradual, believable growth, and the show's sharp, comedic writing never feels condescending. This is a unique romance without the usual drama, leaving you deeply satisfied by its thoughtful conclusion and its killer soundtrack. | © Netflix
Ripley is an utterly engrossing story, but its most memorable feature is its stunning black-and-white cinematography that feels like a work of art. The deliberate pace is essential, pulling you deep into the mind of the detestable yet fascinating Tom Ripley. This brilliant writing and Andrew Scott's performance make you an uneasy accomplice, anxiously hoping he gets away with it all. | © Netflix
Chernobyl is a masterpiece that is even more horrifying than the reality for those who lived through it, capturing the surreal terror of a disaster you cannot see. The show's power is so consuming that you stop noticing what language the actors speak, as it perfectly portrays the human cost of the event. It stands as an essential reminder of the devastating price of lies. | © HBO
Modern Love delivers a special collection of unique and heartfelt stories, each exploring love in a different, relatable form. Its mature and nuanced take on relationships will likely resonate most if you've experienced a good amount of life yourself. This series has a universal charm that can even move a self-proclaimed Texas redneck to write his first IMDb review. | © Amazon Prime Video
Normal People charts the on-again-off-again connection between Marianne and Connell from their school days into early adulthood. While their initial dynamic is emotionally fraught, the series patiently lets their complex characters and hidden vulnerabilities unfold. It’s a beautifully acted and deeply engrossing exploration of how two people can shape each other over time. | © Hulu
Baby Reindeer is a raw and haunting show that will likely stay with you long after the credits roll. Based on Richard Gadd's own experiences, it offers a painfully honest portrayal of his stalking ordeal. This isn't an easy watch, but its brave storytelling and psychological depth make it an unmissable, if challenging, piece of television. | © Netflix
Adolescence became a word-of-mouth phenomenon and one of the most-watched Netflix series, despite having no major stars. Its raw power comes from brilliant acting, sharp writing, and confident direction. The show's award-winning run, including Emmys for Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, proves it's an unmissable, complete package. | © Netflix
Great stories don't always require a huge time commitment. We've found the best TV shows you can completely lose yourself in, all watchable in under ten hours. Get ready for your next perfect binge.
