Friday is here, and with it comes the promise of a whole weekend to relax, put your feet up and, of course, immerse yourself in a good story. But then comes the question that everyone has had: with so many options on streaming services, which series should you choose? Sometimes, we spend more time looking for what to watch than actually watching it.
If you identify with this situation, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve prepared a list of the best series to binge-watch that are simply perfect for zoning out on the couch and only getting up when the credits of the last episode roll. There’s drama, there’s science fiction, there’s sports with a good dose of optimism. The idea is that you’ll find your next obsession here.
So, get your popcorn ready and find the most comfortable spot in the house. We’ve done the hard work and selected 5 incredible productions that are worth every minute of your precious free time. Let’s go!
1. Severance: a suspense that will bug your mind
Imagine if you could completely separate your memories of your personal life and work. That’s the premise of Severance . At the mysterious Lumon Industries, employees undergo a surgical procedure that divides their consciousness. The “work me” has no idea what happens outside, and the “outside me” has no idea what he does during work hours. Sounds practical, right? But the series shows that the problem goes much deeper.
The protagonist, Mark, leads a team of four people whose lives begin to spiral out of control when a former colleague mysteriously reappears. What makes Severance one of the best series to binge-watch is its pace. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next one, building a complex puzzle full of theories. But the series’ visual style, which is all symmetrical and minimalist, creates an atmosphere that is both beautiful and disturbing. It’s the ideal choice for those who love a good psychological thriller that strays from the obvious.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
2. Ted Lasso: a hug in the form of a series
If your weekend is calling for something lighter and more optimistic, your choice needs to be Ted Lasso . The series tells the story of an American football coach, Ted himself, who is hired to coach a football team (ours, the British one) in England, even though he knows absolutely nothing about the sport. The team owner hires him with the secret intention of sinking the club, which was the only thing her ex-husband loved.
What no one expected is that Ted’s super optimistic, kind and funny way would start to win over everyone around him. The series is a lesson in leadership, empathy and, above all, hope. The episodes are short and the humor is clever, but what really captivates you is the characters’ huge hearts. It’s impossible not to fall in love with them and root for everything to work out. One of those series tips that improves your mood and renews your energy for the coming week.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
3. Arcane: an animation that is a work of art
Don’t make the mistake of skipping Arcane just because it’s an animation. Based on the universe of the game League of Legends, the series transcends the gamer audience and delivers one of the best written and visually stunning stories in recent years. The plot explores the origin of the sisters Vi and Jinx, who grow up on opposite sides of a divided city: the rich and utopian Piltover and the oppressed and dark Zaun.
Social tension explodes when the discovery of a magical technology, Hextech, threatens the balance of power. The series is mature, full of action, political drama and characters that are extremely complex, so you understand the motivations of each of them. The quality of the animation is jaw-dropping, with a unique style that looks like a painting in motion. With a season of 9 episodes, it is perfect to devour over the weekend and be eager for more.
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. The Queen’s Gambit: Chess has never been so fascinating
A limited series is a great choice for the weekend, since you can watch the entire story, from beginning to end. And The Queen’s Gambit is one of the best ever made. The plot follows the life of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy who, in the 1950s, fights to become the greatest player in the world while dealing with her addictions and personal demons.
You don’t need to know anything about chess to be hooked by this story. The games are filmed in such an electrifying way that they look like action scenes. Beth’s journey is lonely, but full of moments of overcoming that make you root for her with every move on the board. Plus, the production design and costumes are impeccable, transporting us straight to the time. It’s a story about genius, obsession, and the price of success that keeps you hooked from the first minute to the last.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Breaking Bad: the classic that everyone needs to see
Ok, this is nothing new, but if for some reason you are part of the small group of people who have never seen Breaking Bad , your next free weekend has a mission. The series is considered by many (fans and critics) to be one of the best of all time , and its fame is no coincidence. The story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer who decides to produce methamphetamine to secure his family’s future, is a lesson in character development.
Over the course of five seasons, we see the transformation of an ordinary man into a crime boss. It’s fascinating and terrifying in equal measure. The series has a script that is not a bit fattening; each scene, each dialogue, is important to the plot. It’s the kind of series that the more you watch, the more you want to watch, with twists and turns that leave you breathless. It’s a big commitment, but one that’s totally worth it.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Where to Watch: Netflix
Choosing what to watch on streaming can be a task, but with this list, your marathon weekend is guaranteed. Whether you’re diving into a complex thriller, laughing at a high-spirited comedy or getting emotional with a powerful drama, the important thing is to allow yourself this break and enjoy a good story.
Do you like Korean series? Click here and see our list of series to binge-watch.