Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines August 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET Over the course of its eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries' mythology changed every now and then to fit a certain story.

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

By Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

Over the course of its eight seasons, *The Vampire Diaries*' mythology changed every now and then to fit a certain story. But in its seventh season, the show delivered its biggest change from its established mythology when, suddenly, Caroline (Candice King) became pregnant via a magical transfer. Even though she was a vampire, she was somehow carrying Alaric (Matthew Davis) and Jo's (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe) twins.

The twist was something the writers thought up as a way to soften the tragedy at the end of season 6 when Kai (Chris Wood) killed Jo and her unborn children—on her wedding day, no less. "We had always left that [story thread] hanging on instinct," writer Neil Reynolds says during episode 7 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*.

Executive producer Julie Plec adds, "Because of the tragedy of the twins and Jo dying and looking for story for Alaric for the season, we had separately come up with the story of the woman who knocks on his door and is like, 'I think I'm pregnant with your babies.'" But the writers weren't sure if that twist was *too* crazy, so they didn't originally plan to go there. Until star Candice King called to let them know she was pregnant. "I was very nervous to make that call," King says on the podcast.

Candice King on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Bob Mahoney/The CW

Ultimately, the writers decided to work in King's pregnancy and use the aforementioned story, only instead of a random woman showing up pregnant, Caroline would carry Ric's kids. Plec remembers warning CW president Mark Pedowitz about "the most bananas thing" she was ever going to pitch him at the time, but surprisingly, he wasn't fazed. And thus Caroline's pregnancy became part of the series and will always go down as one of the show's most unexpected turns.

For more about season 7, listen to the full episode of the podcast below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

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Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

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Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. The 40 best TV shows to bingewatch right now Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. By Robert English and Kevin Jacobsen on February 5, 2026 6:27 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Showstobingewatch050225d3ca16cb7bba4d01bfa2c83003d5d92f.jpg) Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch on 'The Pitt'; Phoebe WallerBridge as Fleabag on 'Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in 'Over the Garden Wall'.

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

The 40 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

By Robert English

and Kevin Jacobsen

on February 5, 2026 6:27 a.m. ET

Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch on 'The Pitt'; Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag on 'Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in 'Over the Garden Wall'. Credit:

John Johnson/Max; BBC/Amazon; Cartoon Network

Even amid uncertainty in other forms of media, television continues to thrive. Streaming has only exacerbated the number of TV shows produced every year, with services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu perfectly calibrated for binge-viewing.

Some of the best TV can hook the viewer for hours on end, from addictive reality shows like *Survivor* and *The Traitors* to Emmy-winning favorites like *The Pitt* and *Baby Reindeer*. Through bold characters and suspenseful editing, these are the shows of which we simply cannot get enough and make us eager to chat about them with friends.

Ahead, we've put together a watchlist of the 40 best binge-worthy TV shows — and where you can stream all of them.**

Abbott Elementary (2021–present)

Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues on 'Abbott Elementary'. ABC/Scott Everett White

ABC struck awards season gold with *Abbott Elementary*, the fantastic workplace comedy about public school teachers trying to do their best for their Philadelphia students. Creator Quinta Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, an optimistic teacher at Abbott, in which every day is a new, hilarious challenge. She works alongside the awkward but well-meaning Jacob (Chris Perfetti), the tough-loving Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), the no-nonsense Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the devoted Gregory (Tyler James Williams), the underqualified principal Ava (Janelle James), and the quirky janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

If you haven't started watching this Emmy-winning series, now is the time to catch up on four full seasons of antics, the laughs, the romances, and the touching ode to American teachers. *—Robert English*

Where to watch *Abbott Elementary*: Hulu and HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph

Adolescence (2025)

Mark Stanley as Paulie Barlow, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, and Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This whopper of a four-part miniseries tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Jamie (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a female classmate. But, rather than focus on whether he did it, the British series delves into *why* he did it, deftly exploring issues plaguing teens today while also showing how Jamie's family is left in shambles following his detention. Winner of eight Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, *Adolescence* is necessary viewing that will give you a lot to think about, long after you've finished the final episode. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Christine Tremarco

Arcane (2021–2024)

Vi (voice: Hailee Steinfeld) on 'Arcane'.

This animated series brings the video game *League of Legends* to a wider audience in a moving tale about two sisters, Vi and Jinx, who find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict between the rich and oppressed. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell give emotional weight to this story that was well-received by both longtime fans of the game and casual viewers who found their next binge-watch.

*Arcane* takes viewers into a complex fantasy world full of expressive animation and intriguing characters, setting records at Netflix as the most-watched show in the first week it was released, making it a global phenomenon. For fans of science fiction, animation, and drama in general, *Arcane* is well worth your time. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Arcane*: Netflix

**Cast:** Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Jason Spisak

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny and Jessica Gunning as Martha in 'Baby Reindeer'.

Ed Miller/Netflix

This Netflix sensation isn't quite like anything you've seen before. Based on his one-man show, Richard Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalized version of himself, whose life is disrupted when a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) takes a dangerously obsessive liking to him. As the limited series goes on, we see how Donny also lives with the trauma of a past event, informing his behavior in the present. Raw yet bleakly comedic, *Baby Reindeer* is an unforgettable watch with riveting, Emmy-winning performances by Gadd and Gunning. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*:* *Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau

The Bear (2022–present)

Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus Brooks, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie Jerimovich on 'The Bear'. FX

"It would be weird to work in a restaurant and not completely lose your mind." Created by Christopher Storer, *The Bear* stars *Shameless'* Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a fine-dining NYC chef who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after his brother dies by suicide. With the added pressure of massive debt, Carmy works to keep the restaurant going with manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), new sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), passionate baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and defiant line cook Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas). The Emmy-winning series is often funny, very tense, and an incredibly detailed look into the back door of the restaurant business, anxiety and all. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Bear*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas**

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are a match made in spy heaven on this gripping British thriller series. Knightley stars as Helen, a spy for a private organization, secretly gathering intel within her role as the Secretary of State of Defence's wife. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes on the hunt for the killer as her hitman friend Sam (Whishaw) helps her uncover a vast conspiracy. EW's critic calls *Black Doves* "a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper, driven by a sharp comedic sensibility and wildly entertaining performances." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd on 'Bodyguard'. Sophie Mutevelian/World Productions/Netflix

In this British political drama, Richard Madden portrays David Budd, a war veteran suffering from PTSD and serving as the security detail of conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), but their political differences are difficult to reconcile. *Bodyguard* is an absorbing series, particularly due to Madden's powerhouse, Golden Globe-winning performance. His face is a canvas of emotions that make us care deeply for him, whether he's grieving, trying to save friends and strangers, or making decisions that put his own life at risk. It's a show that's hard to turn off, and the six episodes fly by as we delve deeper into the world of domestic terrorism and political misgivings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Chernobyl (2019)

Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina in 'Chernobyl'. Liam Daniel/HBO

Winner of 10 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series, *Chernobyl* is a striking retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster told through the lens of the scientists, government officials, and everyday people affected by the fallout. The show follows a stellar main cast headed by Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, a chemist who leads the response to the disaster.

The first episode painstakingly recreates the explosion and immediate devastation with such dramatic flair that you'll hold your breath as if you were a part of the historic day. The rest of the series explores the aftermath with carefully constructed scenes depicting often-overlooked pockets of the disaster, from the doomed workers stripped down to their skin burying radioactive materials to the men assigned to execute pets left in the quarantine zone. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Chernobyl*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson

Death Note (2006–2007)

Ryuk (voice: Shidô Nakamura) and Light Yagami (voice: Mamoru Miyano) on 'Death Note'. Viz Media

For those curious about getting into anime, *Death Note* is an ideal starting point for the medium. Based on the popular manga, *Death Note* centers on Light Yagami, a studious high schooler who discovers a mysterious notebook that presents him with a moral dilemma: By simply writing the name of anyone he knows in the book, he can cause their death. Light decides to use his newfound power to rid the world of dangerous criminals, but the subsequent deaths catch the attention of a detective, who becomes hellbent on tracking Light down. The series deftly balances its cat-and-mouse conceit with thought-provoking themes of morality, justice, and corrupting power. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Death Note*: Netflix

**Cast:** Mamoru Miyano, Kappei Yamaguchi, Shidô Nakamura, Aya Hirano, Noriko Hidaka

Dying for Sex (2025)

Michelle Williams as Molly and Jay Duplass as Steve in 'Dying for Sex'.

Too often, stories about living with cancer dwell too much on the misery of the situation, depicting the character(s) as suffering in silence or fearing the end. This eight-episode dramedy offers a refreshing, well-balanced depiction of a woman who uses her scary diagnosis as an opportunity to satisfy her deepest fantasies. The series stars Michelle Williams, turning in yet another multilayered performance as Molly, who has Stage IV breast cancer and leaves her husband to explore her sexuality. EW's critic calls *Dying for Sex* "a heartbreaking (and at times, very horny) story about female friendship, self-actualization, and the realization that it's never too late to heal." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dying for Sex*: Hulu

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate

Enlightened (2011–2013)

Mike White as Tyler and Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe on 'Enlightened'. Everett Collection

Another two-season gem that was canceled due to low ratings, *Enlightened* is an underrated and short-lived series from HBO following Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), a self-destructive woman who is trying to make amends with her past relationships while finding passion in her work and life. Dern teamed up with future *White Lotus* creator Mike White to craft this dark comedy that is utterly hilarious and effectively moving. Her mental breakdowns and failed attempts at being a good person don't just play for laughs, but also serve as illuminating looks at the human condition. In her argument for why it's "the best show nobody is watching," EW's critic writes, "the more maniacal Amy's antics, the funnier and more poignant *Enlightened* gets." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Enlightened*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Laura Dern, Luke Wilson, Mike White, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns, Timm Sharp

Firefly (2002–2003)

Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb, Jewel Staite as Kaylee Frye, Ron Glass as Shepherd Derrial Book, Sean Maher as Dr. Simon Tam, Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra, Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds, Gina Torres as Zoë Washburne, Alan Tudyk as Wash Washburne, and Summer Glau as River Tam on 'Firefly'. Everett Collection

This highly underappreciated, single-season series has since found a large following. Starring Nathan Fillion as Mal Reynolds, captain of the *Serenity*, *Firefly* is a brilliant Western-style sci-fi story following a crew of independent rebels on the run from the totalitarian Alliance in a fully realized and unique future world.

Due to poor advertising and a lack of faith in this series, *Firefly* was too late in proving itself as an engaging, thought-provoking program with a great cast. But, even from the beginning, fans of the series saw something special in Joss Whedon's vision. While the show is easily one of the most bingeable seasons of television, fans are also able to see their favorite crew in the high-budget, emotional sequel film, *Serenity* (2005). *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Firefly*: Hulu

**Cast:** Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin

Fleabag (2016–2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag and Andrew Scott as the Priest in season 2 of 'Fleabag'. Steve Schofield/Amazon Studios

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's *Fleabag* is a hilarious and poignant series about a young woman just trying to get by in London while coping with the loss of her best friend, tensions with her family, and her own inability to not be completely inappropriate in any given situation. Writer Waller-Bridge doubles as our nameless star, the fourth-wall-breaking, sexually deviating, guinea pig cafe-owning main character who is the master of her own undoing, but not without garnering every ounce of our sympathies. Though it only spans 12 short episodes, these gut-punch chapters are more than enough to bring you to your knees, possibly in prayer, but more likely in tears. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Fleabag*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

(Front row, from left to right): Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, and Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis; (Center row, from left): Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber and James Franco as Daniel Desario; (Back row): Seth Rogen as Ken Miller on 'Freaks and Geeks'. Chris Haston/NBC

Fans of *Freaks and Geeks* still can't believe they only got one season of this cult classic from Paul Feig and Judd Apatow about teenage life in the early-'80s Detroit suburbs. Following burnout "freaks" and their smoke-clouded misadventures in contrast to the underclassmen "geeks" who are just trying to survive school between D&D sessions, the show has all the heart of an after-school special while tossing the moralizing out with the disco records.

Since it hit streaming, new generations of fans have discovered this earnest comedy series that touts big 21st-century stars in some of their earliest roles, launching the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and more. As Segel told EW, "It was this really amazing cast before we really knew anything." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Freaks and Geeks*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen

The Girlfriend (2025)

Robin Wright as Laura Sanderson in 'The Girlfriend'.

Christopher Raphael/Amazon Conent Services LLC

The power struggle between a mother and his son's girlfriend is a tale as old as time, and this Golden Globe-nominated miniseries explores the full soapy potential of that dynamic. Robin Wright stars as Laura Sanderson, a rich gallerist who meets her son Daniel's (Laurie Davidson) new girlfriend, Cherry Laine (Olivia Cooke), and finds inconsistencies in her story. From there, a passive-aggressive battle of wills is waged, and let's just say, once you watch one episode, you'll find you won't be able to stop. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Girlfriend*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

(From left to right) Mckenna Grace as Young Theo, Lulu Wilson as Young Shirley, Paxton Singleton as Young Steven, Violet McGraw as Young Nell, Julian Hillard as Young Luke, and Henry Thomas as Young Hugh Crain in 'The Haunting of Hill House'. Steve Dietl/Netflix

Told over the course of many years, *The Haunting of Hill House* is an intimate drama about a fractured family left to reconcile with the supernatural terrors that drove them from their home. Creator Mike Flanagan (*Midnight Mass*) dutifully adapts this Shirley Jackson classic for the modern era, making it as eerie for audiences as it is for the fictional Crain children.

Beyond the scares, the series is also a spine-tingling look into human psychology, adeptly drawing on Jackson's themes of trauma in the original novel. As Flanagan told EW, "I find myself drawn to human stories, often stories of family, because the ghosts we get to explore really are extensions of very relatable relationships and dynamics in our lives." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Haunting of Hill House*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Timothy Hutton

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on 'Heartstopper'.

Rob Youngson/Netflix

Adapted from a webcomic by Alice Oseman, *Heartstopper* is a joyous comedy-drama series about young love as Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) explore their ever-deepening relationship. Serving as the showrunner, Oseman has brought her series to a global audience that celebrates its story and LGBTQ+ representation.

Locke spoke with EW in 2022 about *Heartstopper*'s themes of mental health and acceptance, saying, "I think what our show has really done well so far is tackling issues, but from an optimistic lens. I think it'd be really great to look at that more." Until then, you can join the millions of fans who can't ignore *Heartstopper*'s charm. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Heartstopper*: Netflix

**Cast:** Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Heated Rivalry (2025–present)

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov on 'Heated Rivalry'.

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Few could've predicted just how big this Canadian romantic drama would become. In a way, it's fitting, given the nature of how rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) fall in love so unexpectedly, complicating their lives as they grapple with homophobia and mounting societal pressures. Come for the spicy romance, stay for the show's earnest exploration of masculinity and sexuality — and its two stars' deeply felt performances. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Heated Rivalry*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang

I May Destroy You (2020)

Michaela Coel as Arabella in 'I May Destroy You'. HBO

Michaela Coel created and stars in this can't-miss drama about modern dating and the distinction between liberation and exploitation. The miniseries begins with Arabella (Coel), a young writer spending an evening in London, who is, at one moment, out drinking with friends, and the next, back to worrying about a deadline while experiencing memories of sexual violence.

Partially based on Coel's lived experiences, *I May Destroy You* is an engaging, personal series that holds up a mirror to the nuances of our modern world. As EW's critic praises, "Coel lets her characters grapple with knotty questions of consent and responsibility without ever judging their actions or promoting answers that don't actually exist." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *I May Destroy You*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu

The 31 best shows to watch on Netflix right now

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Mare of Easttown (2021)

Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in 'Mare of Easttown'. Michele K. Short/HBO

By the time *Mare of Easttown* debuted on HBO, there were already many high-profile crime dramas starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood (See: *True Detective* and *Fargo*). Yet, *Easttown* showcases enough acting prowess and surprising mystery to suck viewers in. Kate Winslet portrays Mare, a tired, emotionally spent detective who becomes consumed by the murder of a young teenage mother in their small Pennsylvania town. Everyone becomes a suspect, and answers are few and far between, though Mare already has plenty on her personal plate. The bleak atmosphere and experienced ensemble cast immerse the audience in moments both beautifully human and totally tragic. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Mare of Easttown*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Kate Winslet, Angourie Rice, Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart

The Night Of (2016)

Riz Ahmed as Naz Khan in 'The Night Of'. Craig Blankenhorn/HBO

Riz Ahmed stars in *The Night Of* as Naz, a young man who wakes up after a night of partying to find himself charged with the murder of a woman (Sofia Black-D'Elia) whom he met the previous evening. As crime dramas are increasingly common these days, each TV series must attempt the daunting task of standing out from the herd. And *The Night Of* is one that announces its power outright and only revs up from there, grabbing viewers and not letting them go until the finale.

Between the acting of the main cast — which includes John Turturro and Bill Camp — and the complexities of modern-day law and order, *The Night Of* is, as EW's review puts it, a "spectacle of people wrestling with their consciences and overcoming their weaknesses and their stories to serve true justice and do the right thing." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Night Of*: HBO Max

**Cast:** John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Michael Kenneth Williams, Bill Camp, Jeannie Berlin

Normal People (2020)

Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan in 'Normal People'. Enda Bowe/Element Pictures/Hulu

Sally Rooney's best-selling novel received a smash-hit small-screen adaptation in this affecting romance drama. *Normal People* follows Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), two lovers who meet in secondary school, as they navigate relationships and their own emotions throughout their teens and 20s.

The miniseries owes much of its success to the chemistry between the two leads, as viewers see them fall in and out and back in love, multiple times over, all while helping each other through the seasons of their young lives. Beyond the perfectly cast magnetism between Mescal and Edgar-Jones, the script is finely tuned in its exploration of sex, depression, and relationships while never loosening its grip on your heartstrings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Normal People*: Hulu

**Cast:** Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Sarah Greene

Over the Garden Wall (2014)

(Center): Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) on 'Over the Garden Wall'. Cartoon Network

When creator Patrick McHale adapted *Over the Garden Wall* from his short film *Tome of the Unknown*, he gifted Cartoon Network one of the greatest hidden gems of the 2010s. The beloved animated adventure sees two brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Gregory (Collin Dean), as they embark on a journey across a fantastical forest realm to return to their home.

Over the course of 10 brief episodes, viewers are treated to world-building that's both charming and frightful, often at the same time — pumpkin-head cults, trees as soul prisons, a familial bluebird curse — between meeting whimsical creatures voiced by the likes of Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, John Cleese, and more. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Over the Garden Wall*: Hulu

**Cast:** Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry

Overcompensating (2025–present)

Corteon Moore as Gabe and Benito Skinner as Benny on 'Overcompensating'.

Jackie Brown/Prime

Shows set in college don't always get it right, but this outrageous yet sweet comedy is looking to be one of the good ones. *Overcompensating* centers on Benny (Benito Skinner, who also created the series), a jock who's beginning his first year at university. Benny also happens to be gay, a secret he's hoping to keep hidden but struggling to do so. He soon befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), who also feels like an outsider, and the pair explores the brave new world of college and tries to figure out their true selves. Full of sharp observational humor and bolstered by a charismatic cast, this is a show that will resonate most with millennials in the audience (trust us). —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Overcompensating*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, Rish Shah

Paradise (2025–present)

Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins on 'Paradise'.

Brian Roedel/Disney

Much like Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise," which is featured heavily in the pilot, there's a lot more going on beneath the surface of this Hulu thriller series. *Paradise* centers on Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he tries to find the person responsible for assassinating the President of the United States. But this is only one element of the story that's better left unspoiled; much like *This Is Us*, series creator Dan Fogelman's previous show, the end of the pilot pulls off a spectacular twist, setting up a riveting story that provokes thought about our own world. Season 2 is set to premiere on Feb. 23. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Paradise*: Hulu

**Cast:** Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom

The Pitt (2025–present)

Patrick Ball as Dr. Frank Langdon and Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans on 'The Pitt'.

Warrick Page/Max

The medical drama has been one of the staples of television for decades now, likely because of the universality of its life-or-death stakes. One would imagine the difficulty in making the genre fresh after all this time, but *The Pitt* proves how engrossing it can be to watch doctors simply be good at their jobs. This addictive Emmy-winning HBO Max series follows a chaotic day in the lives of emergency room doctors and nurses as they struggle to treat various patients, overseen by senior attending physician Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (Noah Wyle). Bolstered by charismatic performances and refreshing realism, *The Pitt* is an essential watch about essential workers. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Pitt*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden

Pluribus (2025–present)

Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka on 'Pluribus'.

What if a misanthrope became the key to saving the world? This engrossing sci-fi drama stars Golden Globe winner Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a cynical novelist who is alarmed to discover that a virus has seemingly infected the entire planet, with humanity transformed into a placid, people-pleasing hive mind. Carol is one of the only people on Earth not affected, while everyone around her is desperate to recruit her to join the Others. The series marks another successful collaboration between Seehorn and creator Vince Gilligan, having previously worked together on *Better Call Saul*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Pluribus*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos Manuel Vesga

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

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

Phil Bray/Netflix

*The Queen's Gambit*, based on the novel by Walter Tevis, stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, an introverted chess prodigy who becomes a world-renowned player while struggling to deal with fame and addiction throughout the '50s and '60s. While "star deals with substance abuse" is a tired trope, *The Queen's Gambit* works so well because of director Scott Frank's eye for the era and Taylor-Joy's multifaceted performance. She's a wonder as a young teen discovering her escape in the game while trumping overconfident men, and as an actualized woman facing the consequences of celebrity status.

The Emmy-winning miniseries also wowed audiences with its dramatization of the game of chess. As EW's critic writes, "It's an environment of cerebral swagger, diffident competitiveness, and geek love." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Queen's Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling

The Residence (2025)

Nathan Lovejoy as Ambassador Alden Tamridge, Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger, and Brett Tucker as David Rylance on 'The Residence'.

Jessica Brooks/Netflix

Murder mysteries make for a perfect binge, as demonstrated by this lighthearted yet compelling Netflix dramedy. Emmy winner Uzo Aduba is our resident sleuth, Cordelia Cupp, a detective/avid bird watcher investigating a shocking death at the White House. With the incident happening during a state dinner, there are numerous suspects on the table as Cordelia tries to put together the pieces of a complicated puzzle. "There are a lot of suspects and clues, and the careful viewer will be rewarded by paying attention to these things," series creator Paul William Davies told EW, and we tend to agree. Happy sleuthing! —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Residence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino

Sense8 (2015–2018)

Bae Doona as Sun Bak on 'Sense8'. Murray Close/Netflix

Many of the shows on this list fell unjustly on the network chopping block, and one of the more devastated fanbases is that of *Sense8*, a sci-fi series about a group of people whose minds are inexplicably connected, causing them to be hunted by those who see them as a threat.

Created by the Wachowski sisters (*The Matrix*) and J. Michael Straczynski, *Sense8* is prime binge material, having enchanted viewers with a diverse cast and an intricate, imaginative plot. The show's subsequent cancellation was indicative of the diversity problem in mainstream streaming platforms, leaving dedicated fans angry and heartbroken. Regardless of its rushed goodbye, *Sense8* is a groundbreaking, inclusive, and engaging series that needs to be viewed in its entirety. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Sense8*: Netflix

**Cast:** Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton

Severance (2022–present)

Adam Scott as Mark S. on 'Severance'. Atsushi Nishijima/Apple TV +

Adam Scott leads a stellar ensemble cast in this inventive sci-fi drama about a group of co-workers whose brains have been surgically split between their work lives and their personal lives. From the first episode, *Severance* sets up a chilly atmosphere of gray sparsity in the workplace as Mark (Scott) and his colleagues careen toward unknown truths about the nature of their jobs.

Executive producer Ben Stiller, who directed many of the episodes, perfectly sets up the world and mystery, leading to a season 1 finale that is full of, as EW's critic writes, "cloak-and-dagger intrigue and artful weirdness as Mark's parallel lives careen toward intersection." *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Severance*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Patricia Arquette

Shōgun (2024–present)

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko (center) on 'Shōgun'.

This impeccably crafted adaptation of the James Clavell novel of the same name is a Shakespearean-esque saga of war and political intrigue. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, the series begins with the arrival by ship of an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis), who is soon thrust into an ongoing battle for power among Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and rival regents. With Toranaga's ally Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) serving as a translator between the men, a metaphorical chess game ensues as the warlord makes a series of big plays for control.

The first season of *Shōgun* won a record-breaking 18 Emmys, the most ever for a single season of television, with EW's critic calling the series "a stunning epic." Originally envisioned as a miniseries, the show's popularity with fans, critics, and awards bodies led to renewals for a second and third season. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shōgun*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira

Shrinking (2023–present)

Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades and Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird on 'Shrinking'.

Beth Dubber/Apple

TV producer Bill Lawrence has a strong portfolio of shows where you wish you could hang out with their characters, from *Scrubs* to *Cougar Town* to *Ted Lasso*. *Shrinking* is no exception, centering on a therapist named Jimmy (Jason Segel) who is struggling to raise his teenage daughter while grieving the death of his wife. He opts for a more direct approach at work, leading to deeper (and sometimes messy) relationships with his patients and fellow therapists. EW's critic calls *Shrinking* "a funny, brainy grief-com about the power — and dangers — of radical honesty." Season 3 premiered on Jan. 28. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shrinking*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'. Noh Juhan/Netflix

In the age of social media, TV show fandoms can spread like wildfire. *Squid Game* lit the fuse better than any show before it, uniting the internet in favor of this unique South Korean thriller series. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, *Squid Game* is a global phenomenon about a group of debt-ridden people who compete in deadly games for an absurd cash prize.

Viewers couldn't help but binge the series as fast as possible to talk about it with friends who were just as mesmerized by the engaging plot and moving acting, with turns from Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, and more. The hype even spawned a reality series (which may have missed the underlying themes), but nonetheless kept the *Squid Game* craze going. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

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

The Studio (2025–present)

(From left to right): Ike Barinholtz as Sal Saperstein, Kathryn Hahn as Maya Mason, Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, and Chase Sui Wonders as Quinn Hackett on 'The Studio'.

Movies are so much more difficult to produce than you can even imagine. A million small decisions need to be made, any one of which could tank the project. This frenetic, Emmy-winning comedy from the dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg satirizes the modern-day struggles of doing business in Hollywood, starring Rogen as the newly promoted head of a legacy studio. As he tries to balance his artistic integrity with the ever-growing demands of needing to generate revenue for the studio, anything that can go wrong does go wrong.

*The Studio* may be a bit too inside-baseball for some viewers, but it's a special treat for those of us consumed by the latest entertainment news. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Studio*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn

Survivor (2000–present)

Jeff Probst hosting 'Survivor'.

Robert Voets/CBS

Don't be alarmed by the fact that *Survivor* is celebrating its 50th season this year. (*Survivor 50* officially premieres on Feb. 25.) Because so many seasons of the reality juggernaut have entirely new casts, you can pick and choose which ones you want to watch (though it's certainly fun to watch the series evolve over 25 years!). *Survivor* strands 16 to 20 people in a remote location — typically an island — where they are forced to work together as tribes, and then vote each other off until only one remains to claim the title of Sole Survivor. Social politics, tests of physical strength, and game theory combine to create one of the greatest competitions in the world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Survivor*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Jeff Probst

Ted Lasso (2020–present)

Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso on 'Ted Lasso'.

Based on a brief promotional campaign for NBC's coverage of the English Premier League, the character Ted Lasso evolved from a marketing pawn to the center of a 13-time Emmy-winning series that has stolen viewers' hearts everywhere. Jason Sudeikis is fantastic as the mustachioed, metaphor-making poster of positive masculinity who agrees to take a head coaching job for AFC Richmond in London despite not knowing anything about soccer. *Ted Lasso* follows his exploits to make a difference not only on the sidelines but off the field as well, roping the rest of the lovable cast into his genuine world.

If you still don't know what all the fuss is about, it's not too late to hop on the bandwagon (the fourth season is set to air this summer, after a three-year hiatus) — you'll laugh until you cry, or cry until you're smiling. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Ted Lasso*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple

The Traitors (2023–present)

Alan Cumming hosting 'The Traitors'.

Euan Cherry/Peacock

Who doesn't love a good murder mystery? Combine that with the appeal of seeing divisive reality stars get humbled, and you have the perfect, Emmy-winning concoction, with Alan Cumming as the acid-tongued master of ceremonies. The reality competition is set at a Scottish castle, where the goal is to identify which of the contestants' fellow castmates are "traitors," a select group of three or four people who have been secretly tasked with eliminating players from the game in the dead of night. Each season thus far is a delectable binge, chock-full of intrigue and duplicity. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Traitors*: Peacock

**Cast:** Alan Cumming

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper on 'Twin Peaks'. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Television viewers in 1990 had never seen anything like *Twin Peaks* before — and there hasn't been anything like it since. David Lynch and Mark Frost's crime mystery series begins with a familiar setup: A teenage girl washes up on shore in a small Pacific Northwest town, and the police try to figure out who killed her. But, as the series goes on, we bear witness to the surreal darkness lying beneath the surface, haunting our collective subconscious forever.

Eccentric Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) states at one point in the series, "I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange." And as you binge *Twin Peaks*, you'll find yourself agreeing. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Twin Peaks*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Sherilyn Fenn, Ray Wise, Piper Laurie

The White Lotus (2021–present)

Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt on 'The White Lotus'. Fabio Lovino/HBO

Writer-director Mike White has become one of our great satirists with this brilliant comedy-drama anthology. Each season centers on a mostly new group of characters staying at a high-end White Lotus resort. But, despite their best intentions, many of these vacationers find that their problems have followed them — from relationship issues to personal anxieties — and staying in paradise won't solve anything. If you love sharp, observational humor and character studies, you'll certainly enjoy your stay at *The White Lotus*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The White Lotus*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Rothwell, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW TV"

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Source: TV

Published: February 20, 2026 at 03:19PM on Source: RED MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byRed Roads Media

in

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The 40 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting. The 40 best TV shows to bingewat...

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Overwhelmed at the thought of committing to multiple seasons of television? Let EW introduce you to some miniseries. The 25 best miniseries ready to bingewatch this weekend Overwhelmed at the thought of committing to multiple seasons of television? Let EW introduce you to some miniseries. By Declan Gallagher and Ilana Gordon :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ILANAGORDONHEADSHOT80577598f8ed442cacff5de184ceb9f5.jpg) Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles. EW's editorial guidelines on January 21, 2026 7:11 a.m.

Overwhelmed at the thought of committing to multiple seasons of television? Let EW introduce you to some miniseries.

The 25 best miniseries ready to binge-watch this weekend

Overwhelmed at the thought of committing to multiple seasons of television? Let EW introduce you to some miniseries.

By Declan Gallagher

and Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

on January 21, 2026 7:11 a.m. ET

Michaela Coel as Arabella in 'I May Destroy You'; Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga on 'Shōgun'; Cast of 'Band of Brothers'. Credit:

Welcome to the Golden Era of miniseries: 2025 treated audiences to gems like Netflix's *Adolescence *and *Black Rabbit, *and we're still catching up on 2024's standouts. (See: Apple TV's *Lady in the Lake* and FX's *Shōgun*, which was so popular, it's expanding into a multi-season show.) This year is still so new, but EW is tracking announcements for *Blade Runner 2099* and *The Good Daughter, *two of 2026's most anticipated limited series*.*

For those who can't commit to dozens of 20-plus-episode seasons, miniseries are a major solution. Read on as ** runs down the 25 best streaming options.**

Adolescence (2025)

Mark Stanley as Paulie Barlow, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, and Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in 'Adolescence'.

Courtesy of Netflix

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. 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 as talk of incels and loneliness epidemics becomes more mainstream, *Adolescence *gets deep about what teenage boyhood really looks like today. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

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

American Crime Story (2016–present)

Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson and Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: An American Crime Story'.

Ryan Murphy more or less does away with his signature campy trappings for this riveting fact-based anthology series profiling some of the most notorious crimes in American history. Each of the three seasons so far — concerning O.J. Simpson's trial; the murder of Gianni Versace; and the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal — are accomplished pieces of television, but the first two installments are particularly well done.

Coming from Murphy's stable, the miniseries are nothing if not soapy. However, *American Crime Story* takes a much more serious approach to its material, allowing a murderer's row of talent to dramatize the most notorious period in the lives of those chronicled. *—Declan Gallagher*

Where to watch *American Crime Story*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast: **Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, John Travolta, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance

Angels in America (2003)

Meryl Streep as the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg in 'Angels in America'. HBO/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

Tony Kushner adapted his own Pulitzer Prize-winning two-part play into a six-part HBO miniseries. For the uninitiated, *Angels in America* is a fever dream collision of historical figures and events (Republican lawyer Ray Cohn's closeted homophobia, the AIDS crisis, the execution of Ethel Rosenberg) and everyday New Yorkers of Kushner's own design. Director Mike Nichols' televised version breaks the story into six chapters and adds a dash more humor and coherence to appeal to HBO's audience.

The finished product is an achievement in both acting and writing. EW's review compliments "Kushner's language, arias of desire and fury and lamentation," and gives special praise to Al Pacino's work as Ray Cohn, and Meryl Streep's performances. (She plays multiple roles — blink and you'll miss her as the Rabbi.) *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Angels in America*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Patrick Wilson, Mary-Louise Parker, Emma Thompson

Angelyne (2022)

Charlie Rowe as Freddy Messina, Emmy Rossum as Angelyne, Martin Freeman as Harold Wallach, and Tonatiuh as Andre Casiano in 'Angelyne'. Isabella Vosmikova/Peacock

Emmy Rossum gave an astonishing performance in this sweet-natured but pleasantly barbed look at the life of Los Angeles' No. 1 celebrity, Angelyne. Through a fascinating grass-roots campaign, Angelyne rose to fame simply on the merits of being famous decades before the Kardashians dreamt of such things.

Peacock's lithe five-part series is a fictionalized version of Angelyne's rise, but it's emotionally truthful in its exploration of pre-internet fame (and infamy). Rossum is spectacular here, disappearing into the role in a way she's not been afforded to do before. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Angelyne*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Emmy Rossum, Molly Ephraim, Alex Karpovsky, Lukas Gage

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn in 'Baby Reindeer'.

This Netflix hit is as controversial as it is buzzy, but there's no denying a terrific miniseries when you see it. Making splendid use of both the short-form medium and the tragi-comedy genre, Richard Gadd's seven-episode, semi-autobiographical work follows a struggling comedian (Gadd) who can't shake an increasingly deranged stalker (Jessica Gunning) who inserts herself into all aspects of his life.

*Baby Reindeer* is an excellent example of juggling tone and allegedly true events with dramatizations. That's caused quite a stir, including a lawsuit, but the combination makes for one of the most daring and bingeable miniseries in recent memory. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau, Nina Sosanya, Hugh Coles

Band of Brothers (2001)

Cast of 'Band of Brothers'. Everett Collection

HBO's groundbreaking dramatization of WWII takes an ensemble approach to the mayhem, showing many different facets of the American men who served and their disparate experiences fighting abroad.

Created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who are well-heeled in authentic WWII productions, *Band of Brothers* positions itself as overtly emotional and realistic. This is an incredibly harrowing, at times hard-to-watch miniseries, but it's one of the finest stories ever told about war. The heartbreaking moments feel authentic and well-earned, while the brilliant writing rarely relies on the easy way out. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Band of Brothers*: HBO Max

**Cast:** David Schwimmer, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Peter O'Meara, Matthew Settle

Beef (2023–present)

Ali Wong as Amy Lau and Steven Yeun as Danny Cho in 'Beef'.

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

The first season of Netflix's astonishing anthology series stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun as Amy and Danny, two strangers who get into a fender bender and proceed to disrupt each other's lives to the nth degree. To say any more would ruin *Beef*'s terrific surprises. This is both one of the funniest and most tragic shows in recent memory, one which conveys with unmistakable clarity the low-level anxiety, and perhaps anger, that many people harbor in the modern age. The second season (starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny) premieres on April 16. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Beef*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, Young Mazino, David Choe, Ashley Park

Black Rabbit (2025)

Jude Law as Jake in 'Black Rabbit'.

Combine*The Bear'*s subject matter with the stress of *Uncut Gems* and you get *Black Rabbit*. Netflix's thriller miniseries tells the story of the Friedkin brothers, Jude Law's Jake and Jason Bateman's Vince, whose restaurant business is threatened by debt, accusations of sexual harassment, and other criminal activity. As their family, friends, and co-workers get pulled into the madness, Jake and Vince must confront their history and look for a way to save themselves and their restaurant, The Black Rabbit.

The series unfolds over eight fast-paced episodes — New York City culinary and scandal nerds may recognize elements of the story as being similar to those that precipitated the closing of the West Village's beloved gastropub, The Spotted Pig. And while no one would describe this miniseries as uplifting, it does give Bateman a chance to reunite with former *Ozarks* costar Laura Linney, who directs two *Black Rabbit* episodes. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Black Rabbit: *Netflix

**Cast:** Jude Law, Jason Bateman, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Amaka Okafor

Chernobyl (2019)

Jared Harris as Valery Legasov and Emily Watson as Ulana Khomyuk in 'Chernobyl'.

The 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine was a situation unlike anything ever experienced on planet Earth. Millions of Europeans were exposed to low levels of radiation, and doctors later linked thousands of cancer cases to the nuclear contamination. Even after four decades, the city of Chernobyl and the surrounding Exclusion Zone remain restricted.

History lovers will be pleased to learn the story of what occurred that April night is available to watch as a five-part miniseries on HBO Max. Craig Mazin (*The Last of Us*) focuses *Chernobyl* on the scientists and government officials tasked with cleaning up after the disaster, and the everyday people who lost their lives and loved ones. Jessie Buckley is a particular standout in her role as Lyudmilla Ignatenko, the wife of one of the first responders. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Chernobyl*: HBO Max

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast: **Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley, Adam Nagaitis

Dopesick (2021)

Michael Keaton as Dr. Samuel Finnix in 'Dopesick'. Antony Platt/Hulu

Hulu's distressing miniseries spotlights America's opioid epidemic, from the Purdue Pharma headquarters to a small middle-American community ravaged by drug abuse. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Richard Sackler, a modern-day villain if there ever was one, while Michael Keaton plays a well-intentioned GP who is suckered into prescribing OxyContin to a young coal miner (Kaitlyn Dever) with a back injury.

Charting the crisis from the early 1990s to the present day, *Dopesick* lays out in tragic and unambiguous detail how pharmaceutical companies have been allowed to prey upon hapless victims for decades. The series, created by writer Danny Strong, is one of the most compelling and credible modern dramas. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Dopesick*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Michael Keaton, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kaitlyn Dever, Will Poulter, Phillipa Soo

Dr. Death (2021–2023)

Joshua Jackson as Dr. Christopher Duntsch on 'Dr. Death'. Scott McDermott/Peacock

The first season of NBC's haunting true-crime procedural, based on the Wondery podcast of the same name, stars Joshua Jackson as real-life spinal surgeon Christopher Duntsch, who was eventually found guilty and sentenced to life in prison after maiming 31 of his patients and killing two.

*Dr. Death*'s terrifically satisfying structure pivots around Duntsch's co-workers, Dr. Robert Henderson (Alec Baldwin) and Dr. Randall Kirby (Christian Slater), slowly putting the pieces together which implicate the twisted surgeon in a series of increasingly botched procedures. The miniseries is "part medical drama, part mystery, part *Catch Me If You Can* thriller," EW's critic noted in a glowing review. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Dr. Death*: Peacock

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Joshua Jackson, Grace Gummer, Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater, AnnaSophia Robb

The 22 best bingeable miniseries streaming on Netflix

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Five Days at a Memorial (2022)

Vera Farmiga as Dr. Anna Pou in 'Five Days at Memorial'.

Russ Martin/Apple TV+

Among the best shows Apple TV has produced thus far, John Ridley and Carlton Cuse's eight-episode miniseries is an adaptation of Sheri Fink's non-fiction book, which chronicled a New Orleans hospital left devastated after Hurricane Katrina.

If "agonizing" and "deeply anxiety-inducing" are things you avoid in your entertainment, *Five Days at Memorial* is probably not for you. The title itself is almost a taunt — can you make it through another? However, despite the challenging material, the series is a compelling dissection of the U.S. government's beyond-blundered response to the natural disaster and an inspiring ode to the first responders who attempted to fill the gaps. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Five Days at Memorial*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Molly Hager, Julie Ann Emery, Cornelius Smith Jr.

Feud: Bette vs. Joan (2017)

Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis in 'Feud: Bette vs. Joan'.

The polar opposite of *American Crime Story*'s (relatively) austere presentation, this is likely the closest Ryan Murphy will ever come to producing an out-and-out WWE battle. Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange play the titular divas, respectively, in this dramatization of their infamous (though largely invented) feud.

Less baroque than its title suggests but just as campy as it needs to be,* Bette vs. Joan* relies less on extended sequences of Sarandon and Lange berating one another (though there are plenty) in favor of more nuanced stories about how hard it was, and still is, to be a woman in a man's world. There are also fun Easter eggs for film buffs — like John Waters playing schlock-meister William Castle, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland, doing her best *Lady in a Cage* impression. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Feud: Bette vs. Joan*: Hulu

**EW grade:** B

**Cast: **Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon, Jackie Hoffman, Stanley Tucci, Kathy Bates

Griselda (2024)

Sofía Vergara as Griselda in 'Griselda'.

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix

Sofía Vergara reinvented her largely comedic persona (and earned a much-deserved dramatic Emmy nomination) for this kaleidoscopic, perfectly calibrated dramatization of the life and crimes of Griselda Blanco — the "Cocaine Godmother" of Miami.

The miniseries is as splashy and fun as you'd want something of that description to be, but through Vergara's keen performance, it's also a portrait of a frayed mother, wife, and business owner that wouldn't feel completely out of place in a John Cassavetes picture. Unlike some Netflix series, *Griselda* skillfully paces its six episodes so that they are constantly moving, unpredictable, and filled with incident. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Griselda*: Netflix

**Cast:** Sofía Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito, Karol G, Alberto Guerra, Martín Rodríguez

I May Destroy You (2020)

Michaela Coel as Arabella in 'I May Destroy You'. HBO

Writer-director-actor Michaela Coel's devastating, terrifically smart miniseries follows a young writer (Coel) who attempts to remount her life after a sexual assault lingers as such a fleeting, dim memory she's not entirely sure what happened.

Coel's exceptional, largely autobiographical 12-part series upends the clichés about processing unspeakable trauma. *I May Destroy You* is a vicious satire of modern social mores and a deeply authentic, heartbreaking examination of a life undone just as it was taking flight. Coel has just lined up her next series with Max and the BBC, *First Day on Earth*, and we can't wait to see what she has in store. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *I May Destroy You*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, Paapa Essiedu, Weruche Opia, Marouane Zotti

Lady in the Lake (2024)

Mikey Madison as Judith Weinstein and Natalie Portman as Maddie Schwartz in 'Lady in the Lake'.

Apple TV+/Everett Collection

Clear your weekend and find a cozy comforter. Once you begin this magnificently drawn Apple TV miniseries, based on the novel of the same name by Laura Lippman (not Raymond Chandler), you'll be hooked until its final moments.

*Lady in the Lake *concerns Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), a journalist in 1960s Baltimore who comes up against a community activist (Moses Ingram, in a role originally intended for Lupita Nyong'o) while trying to uncover the culprit responsible for murdering a young girl. As Maddie finds herself drawn deeper into the case, she's taken further from her domineering husband (an astonishingly repellent Brett Gelman) and her young son (Noah Jupe). *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Lady in the Lake*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Natalie Portman, Moses Ingram, Noah Jupe, Brett Gelman, David Corenswet

Midnight Mass (2021)

Hamish Linklater as Father Paul in 'Midnight Mass'.

Courtesy of Netflix

Mike Flanagan's stunning Netflix miniseries stars Zach Gilford as a former finance bro who returns to his hometown following a tragedy. His arrival coincides with that of Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), a charismatic priest who is to replace the church's ailing monsignor. As you may have guessed, Father Hill isn't exactly who (or what) he appears to be, and his presence has shocking ramifications throughout the close-knit community.

Flanagan is a clear-eyed auteur who rarely puts a foot wrong. With this darkly hilarious, genuinely quite frightening ode to Stephen King and '80s supernatural horror, *Midnight Mass** *is unabashedly an homage to the author, but it's also blessedly and entirely its own beast. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Midnight Mass*: Netflix

**EW grade: **A–

**Cast:** Zach Gilford, Hamish Linklater, Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan

Normal People (2020)

Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell in 'Normal People'. Enda Bowe/Element Pictures/Hulu

Sally Rooney writes novels "about what it feels like to be alive right now," and the miniseries adaptation of her book *Normal People *is bursting with youthful romance and struggle. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal star as Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron, two Irish high school seniors transitioning into college life and young adulthood.

At school, Marianne is the rich outcast and Connell is the working-class jock whose single mother cleans Marianne's family's home. In spite of their differences, the two connect emotionally and begin a complicated relationship that continues through their time at Trinity College Dublin. The story is told over 12 episodes, and while binging is definitely an option, *Normal People* is best enjoyed slowly, so you have time to process the show's vulnerability and nuance. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Normal People*: Hulu

**Cast:** Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Sarah Greene

One Day (2024)

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

This adaptation of David Nicholls' 2009 novel gets the source material completely right, unlike the anemic 2011 film of the same name starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. The Netflix miniseries sees Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) meet at their university graduation and proceed to fall in and out of love throughout the next two decades.

*One Day* takes the *Normal People* recipe of sex and tragedy and manages to do the most authentic, interesting version of it since. Nicholls' novel, and both of its screen adaptations, are upfront about their emotional manipulation. It's a testament to Woodall and Mod's undeniable chemistry and the sharp character writing that *One Day* makes those turns not only believable but deeply affecting. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *One Day*: Netflix

**Cast:** Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall, Essie Davis, Eleanor Tomlinson, Amber Grappy

One Hundred Years of Solitude (2024–present)

Claudio Cataño as Colonel Aureliano Buendía in '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 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 released the show's first eight episodes in December 2024, with another eight to come this August. 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

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

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

Ken Woroner/Netflix

One of the cultural highlights of the pandemic, *The Queen's Gambit* is a period drama about an orphan who becomes a chess prodigy in the 1950s and '60s. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Beth, a young woman who becomes addicted to tranquilizers during her time in an orphanage, and whose substance abuse and mental health issues threaten to undermine her rise through the competitive chess world.

Chess is an internalized and intellectual pursuit, but Taylor-Joy throws her body, face, and soul into it, and the result is a performance that makes a board game feel as exciting as an NBA championship. The show's success generated a renewed interest in chess, and Taylor-Joy's performance is almost universally acclaimed. EW's reviewer highlights the show's "luscious production design" and notes the "darkly fascinating lead performance duel against mawkish sentiment and a messy final act. It's always fun to watch, even when it's playing emotional checkers." *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Queen's Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

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

Sharp Objects (2018)

Patricia Clarkson as Adora Crellin in 'Sharp Objects'. Anne Marie Fox/HBO

Amy Adams stars as Camille Preaker, a big-city journalist who returns home to her small hometown in Missouri, where a spate of child murders has unsettled locals. In addition to outing the killer, Camille must deal with her icy, high-society mother (the always incredible Patricia Clarkson) and her creepy little sister (Eliza Scanlen), not to mention her own struggles with alcoholism.

The late, great Jean-Marc Vallée directed all eight episodes of this darkly comic, consistently suspenseful adaptation of former EW staffer Gillian Flynn's 2006 novel. It's a delight to watch actors like Adams and Clarkson go toe-to-toe, while Vallée, ever a master at capturing the near-imperceptible shifting loyalties amongst society's ranks, puts his sardonic eye to particularly good use here. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Sharp Objects*: HBO Max

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast:** Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Eliza Scanlen, Chris Messina, Sydney Sweeney

Shōgun (2024–present)

Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige on 'Shōgun'.

Set in 1600, this adaptation of James Clavell's blockbuster novel follows Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada​​), a Japanese lord who discovers an abandoned European vessel at the edge of his modest coastal village whilst laying siege to his enemies on the Council of Regents.

One of the buzziest network shows in recent memory — it's technically an FX miniseries (turned *series* — the show got picked up for two additional seasons) if you can wrap your head around the network's entanglement with Hulu and Disney+ — *Shōgun *rightfully earned praise for its properly novelistic approach to television, managing to be both dense and remarkably well-paced. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *Shogun*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Néstor Carbonell

The Thing About Pam (2022)

Renée Zellweger as Pam Hupp, Judy Greer as Leah Askey, and Josh Duhamel as Joel Schwartz in 'The Thing About Pam'. Frank Ockenfels 3/NBC

Renée Zellweger stars as real-life murderer Pam Hupp in this pleasantly campy six-part series. In 2011, Betsy Faria (​​Katy Mixon) was found slain in her suburban home. A bullish prosecutor (Judy Greer) comes after Betsy's husband, Russ (Glenn Fleshler), but it's Betsy's best friend Pam who was the last person to see her alive.

Much like Max's *The Staircase*, *The Thing About Pam* uses a star-studded assortment of actors to sketch a lightly fictionalized dramatization of a notorious murder. This miniseries isn't always beholden to the facts, but it's pretty close and is certainly one of the most delightfully odd entries in the true-crime television genre. *—D.G.*

Where to watch *The Thing About Pam*: Peacock

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Renée Zellweger, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon, Glenn Fleshler, Gideon Adlon

The White Lotus (2021–present)

Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett in season 3 of 'The White Lotus'.

The best way to travel these days is through HBO's *The White Lotus*. The anthology series is set at The White Lotus Resort and Spa, a fictional hotel chain with luxurious locations in Hawaii, Italy, and Thailand (so far). The staff at The White Lotus is on hand to provide a special experience to the resort's wealthy, if eccentric, guests, but the hotel is fast becoming known for the strange deaths that keep occurring.

Mike White has established himself as a character study artist, a keen observer of families, friend groups, and social dynamics. The characters on his show are fascinating, flawed people, and White knows exactly where to push to apply pressure and tension. The show is especially beloved for its ensemble casts, which are full of some of the best actors you forgot about. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The White Lotus*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast: **Jon Gries,** **Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Rothwell

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW TV"

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Source: TV

Published: February 20, 2026 at 03:20PM on Source: RED MAG

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