- - The 25 best drama series on Netflix to get hooked on

Kevin Jacobsen, Kevin Jacobsen, Ilana Gordon, and Sarah PerchikoffJanuary 3, 2026 at 12:00 AM

0

Liam Daniel/Netflix; Netflix; Ken Woroner/Netflix

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset on 'Bridgerton'; Steven Yeun as Danny Cho in 'Beef'; Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'

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.

01 of 25

Adolescence (2025)

Courtesy of Ben Blackall/Netflix

Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller and Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston in 'Adolescence'

One of the most talked-about pieces of television to emerge in 2025 is Adolescence. 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, Adolescence gets deep about what teenage boyhood looks like today. —Ilana Gordon

Where to watch Adolescence: Netflix

Cast: Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, Faye Marsay

02 of 25

Beef (2023–present)

Andrew Cooper/Netflix Ali Wong as Amy Lau and Steven Yeun as Danny Cho in 'Beef'

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, “Beef is 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 watch Beef: Netflix

EW grade: B

Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe

03 of 25

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman on 'Breaking Bad'

The five seasons that make up Breaking Bad represent 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 Bad spawned a television spinoff (Better Call Saul) and a movie (El Camino). —I.G.

Where to watch Breaking Bad: Netflix

EW grade: A

Cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt

04 of 25

Bridgerton (2020–present)

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton on 'Bridgerton'

This ravishing historical drama became a sensation upon its release in 2020. Based on the beloved book series by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton takes 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 legendary Julie 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 love Pride & Prejudice but wish it had more stairway sex.” Catch up before season 4 drops on Jan. 29! —K.J.

Where to watch Bridgerton: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Jonathan Bailey, Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie

05 of 25

The Crown (2016–2023)

Des Willie/Netflix Emma Corrin as Princess Diana and Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles on 'The Crown'

What screams drama more than the British royal family? Going back to the beginning of her reign, The Crown tells 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, and the writers certainly had creative liberties, but that’s what makes it the drama it is. —Sarah Perchikoff

Where to watch The Crown: Netflix

Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, John Lithgow, Olivia Colman

06 of 25

The Diplomat (2023–present)

Alex Bailey/Netflix

Kenichiro Thomson as Martin, Ato Essandoh as Stuart Heyford, Keri Russell as Kate Wyler on 'The Diplomat'

Former The West Wing writer Debora Cahn reenters the political sphere with The Diplomat. Five years after The Americans ended, Keri Russell sheds 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 from West Wing alums, The Diplomat is a great political thriller to distract you from real-life politics. —I.G.

Where to watch The Diplomat: Netflix

Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

07 of 25

Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

Everett Collection Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore and Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore on 'Gilmore Girls'

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the Gilmore Girls are always there when you need them. Created by the sharp-witted Amy Sherman-Palladino, Gilmore Girls is 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 watch Gilmore Girls: Netflix

Cast: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Scott Patterson

08 of 25

GLOW (2017–2019)

Beth Dubber/Netflix Kia Stevens as Tammé Dawson and Betty Gilpin as Debbie Eagan on 'GLOW'

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, GLOW centers 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 calls GLOW “all heartbreaking glitter-blasted humanity.” —K.J.

Where to watch GLOW: Netflix

EW grade: A

Cast: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron

09 of 25

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Gareth Gatrell/BBCAmerica Sandra Oh as Eve Polastri on 'Killing Eve'

This BBC America spy thriller was practically designed for the Netflix binge model. Sandra Oh plays 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 watch Killing Eve: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia, Owen McDonnell

10 of 25

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022–present)

Lara Solanki/Netflix Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson on 'The Lincoln Lawyer'

This legal drama, based on the book series of the same name by Michael 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 watch The Lincoln Lawyer: Netflix

Cast: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson

11 of 25

Midnight Mass (2021)

Eike Schroter/Netflix

Annabeth Gish as Dr. Sarah Gunning, Alex Essoe as Mildred Gunning, and Kate Siegel as Erin Greene in 'Midnight Mass'

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 Mass comes 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 watch Midnight Mass: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Cast: Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Samantha Sloyan

12 of 25

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Merrick Morton/Netflix Cameron Britton as Edmund Kemper and Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford on 'Mindhunter'

Mindhunter revolves 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.

Mindhunter is one of David 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 almost too good (see: Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper). —S.P.

Where to watch Mindhunter: Netflix

Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith

13 of 25

Mo (2022–2025)

Rebecca Brenneman/Netflix Mo Amer as Mo Najjar and Farah Bsieso as Yusra Najjar on 'Mo'

For one of the best dramedies of the decade so far, look no further than Mo. 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, Mo received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Palestinian culture and the refugee experience. Amer co-created the series with fellow comic Ramy 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, Mo is a fast, funny, and fiercely important watch. —I.G.

Where to watch Mo: Netflix

Cast: Mo Amer, Farah Busies, Teresa Ruiz, Tobe Nwigwe, Omar Elba

14 of 25

Narcos (2015–2017)

Netflix Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña on 'Narcos'

A serialized crime drama, Narcos follows the rise and fall of Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), whose aptitude for cocaine distribution transformed him into a billionaire. Pedro Pascal stars 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, Narcos offers a front-row look at Pascal's acting talents. —I.G.

Where to watch Narcos: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Joanna Christie, Maurice Compte

15 of 25

One Day (2024)

Netflix

Ambika Mod as Emma Morley and Leo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew in 'One Day'

“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 Day charts 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 watch One Day: Netflix

Cast: Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall

16 of 25

One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024–present)

Netflix

Claudio Cataño as Colonel Aureliano Buendía on 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'

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 to One Hundred Years of Solitude. —I.G.

Where to watch One Hundred Years of Solitude: Netflix

Cast: Claudio Cataño, Diego Vásquez, Marleyda Soto, Viña Machado, Loren Sofía

17 of 25

Orphan Black (2013–2017)

Kena Woroner/BBC America

Tatiana Maslany as both Helena and Sarah Manning on 'Orphan Black'

Tatiana Maslany isn'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 watch Orphan Black: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando

18 of 25

Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)

Robert Viglasky/Netflix Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby on 'Peaky Blinders'

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 Blinders is one of the most well-written historical dramas streaming on Netflix (or anywhere, for that matter), bringing to mind classic mob movies like The Godfather and GoodFellas. The story continues when the film Peaky Blinders: Immortal Man arrives on the platform on March 20. —S.P.

Where to watch Peaky Blinders: Netflix

Cast: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Annabelle Wallis

19 of 25

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in 'The Queen's Gambit'

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 Gambit is 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 watch The Queen’s Gambit: Netflix

EW grade: B

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, Christiane Seidel

20 of 25

Ripley (2024)

Netflix

Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in 'Ripley'

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’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon, Netflix produced this miniseries about the con artist/serial killer with Andrew Scott in 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 watch Ripley: Netflix

Cast: Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Margherita Buy

21 of 25

Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)

Netflix Kit Young as Jesper Fahey, Amita Suman as Inej Ghafa, and Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker on 'Shadow and Bone'

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 Bone marries 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 watch Shadow and Bone: Netflix

Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Ben Barnes

22 of 25

The Sinner (2017–2021)

Peter Kramer/USA Network Jessica Biel as Cora Tannetti and Nadia Alexander as Phoebe Lacey in 'The Sinner'

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 watch The Sinner: Netflix

Cast: Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Christopher Abbott, Dohn Norwood, Abby Miller

23 of 25

Squid Game (2021–2025)

No Ju-han/Netflix

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun on 'Squid Game'

Would you lay your life on the line for $45.6 billion? In Squid 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 called Squid 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 watch Squid Game: Netflix

EW grade: B

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su,

24 of 25

The Staircase (2022)

Courtesy of HBO Max

Tim Guinee as Bill Peterson, Sophie Turner as Margaret Ratliff, Colin Firth as Michael Peterson, Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin Atwater, and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Todd Peterson in 'The Staircase'

Based on a true story, The Staircase was 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 Firth stars 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 Staircase is a worthy companion piece to Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s original documentary. —I.G.

Where to watch The Staircase: Netflix

Cast: Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dane DeHaan, Olivia DeJonge

25 of 25

Suits (2011–2019)

Robert Ascroft/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane on 'Suits'

Suits may 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 watch Suits: Netflix

Cast: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”