Thrillers, dramas and comedies – these are some of the best shows to stream from the comfort of your own Netflix account.

23.08.23 | By Bed Threads | Entertainment

21 of the Best Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now

Thrillers, dramas and comedies – these are some of the best shows to stream from the comfort of your own Netflix account.

Remember the days before streaming services, when you had to swap your slippers for real shoes on a cold Wednesday night and schlep out to the local Blockbuster to hire something to watch? We don't either – who could be bothered wearing shoes?

Anyway, those days are long behind us. If you’re looking for the best shows to stream from the comfort of your own Netflix account, here are 21 binge-worthy suggestions. Not all of them are new, but they're all top-notch!

1. Beef

The brilliant new Netflix miniseries that is currently top of all the viewing charts, Beef is a drama about hard work – one character is trying to sell the business she has built so that she can finally take some time off; another is desperately trying to get his break – but it’s also about what hard work can do to a person. It’s a very smart series that has people binging for good reason.

2. Queen Charlotte

The ton is abuzz with news of a new Bridgerton show. Queen Charlotte is both a prequel and a sequel, following the young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) in her courtship with the young King George (Corey Mylchreest), while flashing forward to the present-day Queen reflecting on her family and their achievements. There’s plenty of the present-day Queen, Lady Danbury and even Violet Bridgerton for the fans, but the prequel stuff is fantastic and India Amarteifio is a star. Bridgerton fans will swoon.

3. The Crown

Is there a show more buzzy this month than The Crown? Because of the nature of this multi-Emmy award-winning franchise, which reboots its actors every two seasons, there’s been a long wait in between seasons of this show, as the new cast – which includes Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Imelda Staunton as the Queen and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret – film the new episodes.

4. When They See Us

Based on a true story (eek!), this emotional series chronicles five teens from Harlem as they battle the false accusation of a brutal attack in Central Park. Your heart will break as you step inside heated courtroom scenes and get a glimpse into the corruption and deceit of the police officials in charge of this case.

5. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

If the stack of Emmys and Golden Globes this thriller has won doesn't entice you to watch, then the 90s-inspired costumes and sunset-hued Miami scenes just might. Working its way backwards, this limited series tells the story of spree killer Andrew Cunanan who is responsible for the murder of illustrious Italian designer Gianni Versace, among others.

6. You

When the manager of a bookstore falls madly in love with one of his customers, the result is anything but a normal love story. Starring OG Gossip Girl heartthrob Penn Badgely, Joe will go to the extreme to remove obstacles (or should we say people) that stand between him and his crush, Guinevere. This psychological thriller has 4 seasons that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat.

7. Unbelievable

Perhaps the most unbelievable part of this incredible new Netflix series is that it’s based on a true story. Whilst the treatment of a young victim who is accused of lying about her rape will make your blood boil, the persistence of two female detectives to bring her rapist to justice makes the outrage worthwhile. All eight episodes are out, so there’s this weekend sorted.

8. The Spy

Though most of us are used to seeing Sacha Baron Cohen in comedic roles and fluorescent lime mankinis, it turns out he’s more than capable of nailing a dramatic role, too. The Spy recounts the wild true story of Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s. Also, speaking of conspiracies, does anyone else find it suspicious that Cohen shares the same last name as his character?

9. Terrace House

For something completely different, may we present to you one of our all-time favourite Netflix discoveries, Terrace House. It’s like the Japanese version of Big Brother, only the contestants are respectful and considerate of one another, and everyone can come and go, as they please. Honestly, it’s the most zen reality TV you’ll ever watch. If you’re a first-time viewer, there are quite a few seasons to catch up on, though we suggest skipping the Hawaii edition altogether and just bingeing on Japan.

10. American Factory

Did you know that the Obamas have a production company called Higher Ground? And with taste as good as Barack and Michelle’s, you just know everything they put out is going to be primo content. Their first documentary release, American Factory, offers an intriguing look at the culture clash between a Chinese-owned factory and its American employees. If you’re not hooked the first few minutes in, give this one a chance. It’s a slow burner that’s worth it in the end.

11. Schitt’s Creek

This one is for anybody a little late to the Rosebud Motel party. If you’re looking for some witty, mostly wholesome, truly lol-inducing light-hearted comedy, then it’s time to head up Schitt’s Creek without a paddle. The cast of characters is so endearing that it’s impossible to pick a favourite, and the only time this show has ever made us feel sad is when we found out the sixth season will be its last.

12. Happy Jail

Not only does Happy Jail deserve an award for the biggest oxymoron in a title, it also wins for uncovering a real life story much stranger than fiction. In this five-episode series, filmmakers are granted unprecedented access into the lives of inmates at CPDRC jail in the Philippines – the same jail that went viral for its ‘Thriller’ dance video in 2007.

13. Diagnosis

Based on her New York Times magazine column of the same name, Dr. Lisa Sanders crowdsources diagnoses for all kinds of rare conditions in this medical mystery docuseries. It’s like a real-life episode of House, but with much higher stakes because the patients are real and they’re racing against the clock.We probably wouldn’t recommend this one to any hypochondriacs out there, though, unless you want to spend the rest of the night frantically googling your common cold symptoms on WebMD.

14. The Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit, follows orphan, Beth Harmon, as she navigates sexism, addiction and isolation as a chess prodigy during the Cold War era. With its captivating characters, iconic beauty and fashion references and vivid cinematics, even if chess isn’t usually a topic that would pique your interest, this story of female empowerment is one to watch.

15. Sex Education

This is the kind of show you can binge-watch in a week, or a few days if you clear your schedule. This aesthetically-pleasing high school drama that ensues in this British smash hit is full of heartwarming moments, cringe-worthy, awkward scenes and all the lush countryside scenery to swoon over.

16. Sweet Magnolias

This popular romance series follows three best friends in a South Carolina town whose friendship is the steady part of their lives, against a backdrop of work, family, romance and life. If you’re in need of a comforting show that feels familiar to classics like Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, and Grace and Frankie, Sweet Magnolias is sure to hit the spot.

17. The Lincoln Lawyer

Adapted from the first of several novels featuring the character of Mickey Halle, a charismatic defence attorney who runs his business out of his Lincoln Continental sedan, after inheriting the practice from Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent. Mick takes on cases across Los Angeles, but nothing could ever prepare him for the case of a lifetime, which puts his practice and life at risk.

18. Heartstopper

19. Glamorous

She graced our screens through the 90s with Sex and the City, and we are oh so lucky to have her grace them again in the new American drama comedy series Glamorous – Kim Cattrall stars as legendary makeup mogul Madolyn Addison, who is trying to revolutionise the fashion industry with the help of her new intern: Marco Mejia – played by Ben J. Pierce. This show has had its fair share of criticism, but the style alone is enough for us to add it to the must-watch list.

20. Survival of the Thickest

You might recognise comedian Michelle Buteau – she was the scene-stealing best friend in Always Be My Maybe, and has starred in Someone Great and Russian Doll, as well as hosting her own comedy specials, podcasts, and reality series. She’s the star of this Netflix show, which is based on her own memoir with a few twists and changes, as it follows a young, plus size woman trying to make it in the world of fashion in New York. We love the trailer, and think this will be a perfect weekend binge.

21. Never Have I Ever

Fans of Heartbreak High will love Never Have I Ever, Mindy Kaling’s coming-of-age series that is in its third season on Netflix, with a fourth also in the works. Never Have I Ever’s casting is impeccable, introducing us to a diverse crew of talented young actors just like Heartbreak High, while also representing a modern Indian American family.