Like it or hate it, you can’t deny that Netflix is one of the biggest forces in the world of entertainment today. The streaming service has effectively redefined the landscape of the field over the last decade or so, and that’s largely thanks to its impressive collection of extremely bingeable shows. Of course, not all of the streamer’s many offerings are really worth your time, but the service is home to a handful of truly amazing shows that rank among the greatest ever made.

These are the shows that have successfully entertained legions of fans around the world and raised the bar for TV shows everywhere with their quality storytelling, compelling performances, and original narratives. And they’re not restricted to any one genre either, running the gamut from gritty dramas and true crime shows to comedies, adventure, and everything in between. Read on to discover our handpicked selection of the greatest Netflix shows that everyone should watch at least once in their lives, including several that have been hailed as modern classics.

1

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

Image via Netflix

Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, Narcos reimagines the true story of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, chronicling his rise to the top of the cocaine trade in 1980s Colombia and eventual fall. Starring Wagner Moura as the notorious drug lord, the crime drama focuses on how Escobar grew the drug trade and expanded his empire, while lawmakers and justice seekers attempt to bring him down. Other major characters are played by Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Damián Alcázar, Alberto Ammann, and Maurice Compte.

A fast-paced crime drama full of twists and turns, Narcos is a compelling dramatization of dark and unsettling historical events, presented in a raw and grungy style, that stays largely true to actual people, entities, and events while providing endless thrills. During its run, the series was highly acclaimed for its grounded perspective on real-life events and characters, but also criticized for romanticizing violence. Since its premiere, Narcos has become a true television legacy and one of the most successful crime shows ever, thanks to its remarkable cinematography, art design, and performances.

2

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Adapted by Jenji Kohan from Piper Kerman’s memoir, Orange Is the New Black is a fictionalized retelling of Kerman’s personal experience told as a black comedy-drama. The series follows Piper (Taylor Schilling) as she serves her sentence at Litchfield Penitentiary for aiding and abetting her friend in drug smuggling, navigating various hardships and heartbreaks while forging new connections. Laura Prepon, Uzo Aduba, Michael Harney, Kate Mulgrew, Laverne Cox, and Natasha Lyonne star in other main roles.

One of the first 10 original shows on Netflix, Orange Is the New Black became one of the streamer’s longest-running original series, earning several Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe nominations. During its original run, Orange Is the New Black quickly rose to popularity by addressing hard-hitting social topics, feminist issues, and the harsh realities of prison life. Though billed as a comedy-drama, the show’s construction is very dramatic, with great helpings of dark humor, tragedy, loss, and pathos that make this series a truly satisfying and engaging watch.

3

‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

Following the success of his Haunting anthology series, master of horror and slow-burn scares Mike Flanagan surprised and thrilled audiences with The Fall of the House of Usher, an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous stories, poems, and novels, including the 1839 short story. The Netflix original series follows twin siblings, Roderick (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell), the ruthless and corrupt owners of a pharma empire whose past returns to brutally haunt them, exposing their most horrible secrets. Carla Gugino, Carl Lumbly, Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Mark Hamill, and more star in other main roles.

The Fall of the House of Usher is a fantastic horror miniseries that combines Flanagan’s signature storytelling style with a classically gothic horror atmosphere, reinventing the legendary source material into a dark, modern-day tale of retribution, reckoning, and redemption. The show does complete justice to the spirit of Poe’s works, connecting its original narrative to his most famous creations through numerous references, motifs, and characters. The series premiered at the 2023 Fantastic Fest to a very positive reception and garnered massive viewership numbers during its run, earning praise from fans and critics alike for its rich production values, direction, writing, and the performances by Gugino, Greenwood, and Hamill.

4

‘Ripley’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ripley is a neo-noir psychological thriller series created, written, and directed by Steven Zaillian. The second adaptation of the book after the 1999 film, the show is set in the 1960s and stars Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, a grifter hired by a wealthy businessman to bring his prodigal son back home from Italy, unwittingly setting him on a diabolical path full of cunning, deceit, and murder. Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Dakota Fanning, Margherita Buy, and Maurizio Lombardi play other main characters, with Bokeem Woodbine and John Malkovich in supporting roles.

Sleek, stylish, and elegantly artful, Ripley is a visually rich and conceptually intense story of love, lust, and betrayal that’s sure to leave any viewer in a state of pure awe. Zaillian delightfully combines subtle Hitchcockian elements with Giallo motifs and classic noir elements to create a suspenseful narrative, propelled by nuanced characters, which makes this thriller an immersive watch. On its release, Ripley earned widespread acclaim with several awards and nominations for the distinguished cinematography and acting, especially Andrew Scott’s terrific performance as the titular antihero.

5

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

Image via Netflix

A British historical drama created by Peter Morgan, inspired by his 2006 film The Queen and the 2013 stage play The Audience, The Crown presents a dramatized look at the current ruling British royal family, the Windsors, focusing on the life and reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Starring Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton as the Queen at different life stages, the series follows her journey from her marriage to Philip Mountbatten to the wedding of Prince (now King) Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. The Crown’s massive ensemble cast also stars Elizabeth Debicki, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson, Matt Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jonathan Pryce in major roles.

The Crown is unarguably one of the most opulent and cinematic British period dramas on television. Though based on real history, the series is heavily fictionalized in several places, making it as dramatic and entertaining as period dramas can get. During its run, most seasons of The Crown were highly praised for their direction, writing, and performances. The series won a whopping 135 awards, including several Emmys and Golden Globes.

6

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Image via Netflix

Created by The Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things follows a group of young boys in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, where the sudden disappearance of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) triggers a series of uncanny and terrifying events. As his friends and family begin investigating, they discover secret government experiments involving an apocalyptic alternate dimension and a strange young girl with telekinetic abilities. Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, and Joe Keery star in key roles.

Rife with ’80s nostalgia, Stranger Things is not only a fantastic showcase of period-apt art design, music, and settings, but it also succeeds in its meta-reference to the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons, which is used as a narrative framework. A heady mix of sci-fi, supernatural, horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age adventure genres, the series is as thrilling and action-packed in every chapter as a sci-fi adventure can be. Since its release, Stranger Things has evolved into a modern pop culture landmark, winning several Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe Awards, and it’s widely considered to be one of the best teen shows of the last 10 years.

7

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, Adolescence is a psychological crime drama that follows the story of Jamie (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy accused of killing a girl at his school. As the investigation begins, it upends the entire family’s lives, making Jamie’s parents come face-to-face with every parent’s worst nightmare. Graham stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie, with Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, Faye Marsay, Mark Stanley, and Hannah Walters in supporting roles.

Adolescence is an emotionally devastating story of teenage crime and the resulting trauma, told with a gut-wrenching narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Arguably one of the best crime drama miniseries of all time, Adolescence is also notable for its brilliant cinematography, where each episode is shot in one continuous take, making it an intense, artful, and bold show that is visually fascinating and tonally heartbreaking. The series premiered in 2025 to critical acclaim, earning praise for its writing, direction, and performances, especially that of Cooper, which made him the youngest male actor to win an Emmy Award and the youngest actor to ever be nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category.

8

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

Image via Netflix

Created by English writer-producer and satirist Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror is a British anthology series that follows different stories set in an indefinite future, where various characters navigate state-of-the-art technology and struggle with its dangerous consequences. The series adopts various narrative styles in each episode, like black comedy, political satire, surrealism, psychological thriller, crime, and mystery, to explore the impact of technology on human behavior. The series stars a massive ensemble cast every season, with Miley Cyrus, Salma Hayek, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Peter Capaldi, Awkwafina, and Benedict Wong appearing in major roles.

Often described as a modern reimagining of The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror takes the best elements of the television classic and combines them with a sharper, more contemporary speculative fiction narrative. Since its debut in 2011, the series has evolved into one of the most innovative sci-fi shows ever made, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling and defying genre constraints. It has also been credited with reviving interest in the anthology format. The series has earned multiple accolades, including several Emmy Awards, and is widely hailed as one of the best sci-fi TV shows of the century so far.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

December 4, 2011

Network

Advertisement

Channel 4, Netflix

Directors

Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh

Advertisement

Writers

Jesse Armstrong

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Chelsea Handler has come under scrutiny for her Hollywood ties after building a brand off of mocking the industry and its toxic culture.

Insiders are calling out the comedian for condemning the system after seemingly benefiting from it by allegedly wining and dining with bigwigs, including disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.

Interest in Chelsea Handler’s Hollywood past intensified after her appearance at a roast where fellow comedian Shane Gillis mentioned her dinner with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to a new report, Handler is facing criticism for once hobnobbing with Hollywood’s biggest and most powerful while building a brand based on mocking and exposing the toxic power players in the industry.

Sources from the comedy world speaking to journalist Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice” Substack claim that she was a frequent guest at high-profile dinners, Oscar parties, and other major events hosted by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein during the peak of his Hollywood power.

“Chelsea now acts disgusted by Hollywood culture, but she absolutely benefited from it when it suited her,” a source said. “She was playing the exact same game as everyone else.”

The comedian’s motive for attending such events was allegedly to better her career and gain access to new opportunities.

“Nobody went to Harvey’s dinners because they thought he was charming,” another insider noted. “People went because they wanted something. Chelsea included.”

The Comedian Was Slammed For Positioning Herself As A ‘Fearless Outsider’

The scrutiny Handler is facing intensified after she made an appearance on Netflix’s “Roast of Kevin Hart,” special, and her dinner with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein was brought up.

Comedian Shane Gillis made the remark while taking aim at Handler as part of the comedy show.

“Chelsea is a Zionist. Not saying that’s a good or bad thing,” Gillis said. “Speaking of dead kids, she’s a big fan of abortions. Chelsea’s been scraped more times than the grill at Benihana.”

“Speaking of tossing tiny shrimp into a child’s mouth, Chelsea Handler went to dinner at Jeffrey Epstein’s house in 2010. Look it up, there are articles,” he added.

Gillis further explained that it wasn’t “like a big party,” implying it was an intimate setting with other controversial individuals, “like Prince Andrew and Woody Allen,” present.

Reacting to Handler’s new turn mocking Hollywood, an insider told Shuter that it was a bit hypocritical, as the comedian is “part of” the system.

“It’s hard to position yourself as this fearless outsider exposing Hollywood hypocrisy when you were actively participating in the machine for years,” the source stated. “Chelsea wasn’t outside the system — she was part of it.”

Chelsea Handler Says ‘Something’s Wrong’ With Men When It Comes To Dating

While Handler has become known for poking fun at Hollywood’s toxic culture, she recently turned her attention to the dating world, particularly men.

During an appearance on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, the comedian claimed that “something’s wrong” with men as dating apps and social media have spoiled them into thinking women are abundant, hence the reason why many are unwilling to commit.

“It’s very hard in today’s world to meet straight guys that have their sh-t together. Something’s wrong. I don’t know what’s wrong,” Handler said.

She explained that she has been trying to connect straight men with women who are willing and ready to settle, but hasn’t had any luck due to the current terrain, adding that even the women she’s been meeting have experienced the same situation.

“So, I was initially trying to help straight women meet straight men,” Handler explained. “But I think with dating apps and social media, there’s just so much abundance and so much choice that nobody really feels like they have to … lock it in.”

According to her, the proliferation of dating apps has destroyed effort in modern romance.

“They can swipe through 50 women a day,” she said. “So they’re not making the effort that people used to make to date.”

She explained that the situation has seemingly taken a toll on women, especially the successful ones who are ready and willing to settle down but keep running into dead ends.

“I meet all these amazing, incredible women that are like bad-ss,” she said. “They have their own lives, they have their big jobs, and they’re all just like, ‘There’s no men out there.’”

Handler also spoke about her own situation, saying she’s more into casual dating and likes that she’s doing it in her own terms.

“I wouldn’t say I’m in a relationship,” she admitted. “I would say I’m dabbling in different areas of my life. I don’t like to be tethered to one person.”

Chelsea Handler Loves ‘Hooking Up With Guys’

Handler’s comments on men happen to be inconsistent with her personal view on relationships and marriage, as she previously said she doesn’t like to get serious with a partner and loves “hooking up with guys.”

While noting that she isn’t men-centered during an appearance on the “Angie Martinez IRL Podcast,” the 51-year-old slammed marriage as an “outdated” and “really silly” idea, while noting she prefers to be free and not tied down to one person. She added that she’s “not out seeking men,” because it is “not my agenda in life.”

“I’m here for women, and I’m here for myself,” she said, per Fox News Digital. “I’ve never been very thirsty for a man or a partner. You’ve got to really kind of get my attention for me to pay attention in a serious way because otherwise it’s a bunch of casual encounters.”

She added, “You know what I mean? I like that. I like traveling a lot. I like hooking up with guys. I don’t like to get too serious. I don’t want someone in my space all the time. I just am not interested in that.”

While John Logan didn’t walk away with the girl when season 1 of Off Campus came to an end — but there’s hints that his story will change.

Off Campus, adapted from Elle Kennedy’s bestselling hockey romance series of the same name, follows a group of collegiate athletes as they look to find love on campus. The debut season of the Prime Video series is based on the first book, The Deal, where hockey captain Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) enters a fake-turned-real relationship with Hannah Wells (Ella Bright).

Garrett’s three roommates, John Logan (Antonio Cipriano), Dean Heyward-Di Laurentis (Stephen Kalyn) and Tucker (Jalen Thomas Brooks), are the leads of Kennedy’s subsequent Off Campus novels. For Logan, he finds love with Grace Ivers (India Fowler) in book No. 2, The Mistake.

Throughout season 1 of the TV adaptation, Logan nursed a secret and unrequited crush on Hannah before he realized that the composer was Garrett’s endgame. Grace did not appear in any of the eight episodes, though that didn’t stop the show creators from dropping clues about her future.

Related: Which ‘Off Campus’ Couples End Up Together? Book Order Explained

Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]

Keep scrolling to unravel the biggest hints about Logan’s future love story:

He’s Making a List

As Logan prepares for the Briar U crew’s friendsgiving, fans get a glimpse of his to-do list for the occasion. The list included, “Make a to-do list,” “Pre-wash dishes,” “Fix oven handle” and “Get pie crusts from [the diner] Malone’s.”

The list in itself is a poignant clue to The Mistake, in which Grace gives Logan a variety of tasks to complete before she would agree to a date.

“I’m sorry but the hinting by giving him a list,” one fan tweeted. “GRACE AND LOGAN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS.”

Friends in High Places

In the season 1 finale, Logan’s sibling Jules (Julia Sarah Stone) tells Hannah that she has friends who work for the campus radio station. The Mistake book fans can’t forget that Grace did take a job at the radio station to make new pals during her first year at Briar University.

She’s a Winner

Perhaps the biggest clue was Grace’s name-drop. During the hockey team’s fundraiser for the local youth hockey league, Dean announced that “Grace Ivers” won the auction prize. She was nowhere to be found, leaving viewers waiting for her arrival.

Meet Grace

News broke shortly before season 1 premiered that actress India Fowler would bring Grace to life.

“Would you maybe wanna come be Grace and do season 2 with me?” Cipriano asked Fowler in an April 2026 social media video, signaling to fans the start of their characters’ love story.

Will Logan and Grace Lead Season 2?

A second season of Off Campus was renewed even before Garrett and Hannah’s journey aired, however creators have not confirmed whether Logan, Dean or Tucker will take the spotlight next.

“I think what’s so great about the show and the adaptation is that Louisa [Levy, the showrunner] … and all the writers had so much freedom to add so much more to these characters,” Cipriano exclusively told Us Weekly in May 2026. “The books are so POV-driven between whoever’s in their love story, and there was so much more to play off with, and you’re, kind of, rooting for all of these characters.”

For Cipriano, he was particularly “excited” for fans to “get to know Logan as a brother, as a teammate [and] as a best friend before he finds love.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“[Fans] get to follow him on this arc of, like, finding himself and those days,” the actor explained. “I was really grateful to have that opportunity.”

Days later, the Off Campus social media account shared a snap of Cipriano writing, “You’re it for me, baby. -JL” on tape adhered to a hockey stick. The quote should feel quite familiar as book Logan tells Grace that very same line in The Mistake while confessing his feelings.

Off Campus season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.

Crime thrillers are among the most gripping shows on television, keeping you invested all the way through, from start to finish. The best ones involve intense action, menacing characters, and an intriguing story. Plenty of them of late have delivered in spades in all three departments.

Whether you’re in the mood to watch a detective hunting a creepy serial killer living a double life, an underestimated potential mob boss reaching his violent potential, or an FBI agent kick butt and take names, the crime thrillers that are perfect from start to finish are ones you’ll be clamoring to watch again and again.

‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)

Image via BBC

Told through three seasons, The Fall is about serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan) who lives a double life as a married husband, father, and ironically, a grief counselor. But when Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) begins investigating a rash of female victim killings, she quickly begins to close in on him.

A wonderful cat and mouse game, The Fall, which is set in Ireland, will keep you captivated from start to finish with its tremendous cast and compelling story. It’s psychologically intriguing and narratively beautifully told. Dornan is quietly and terrifyingly convincing in the role of a troubled man with a compulsion, desperate to hide who he really is.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023–Present)

Image via Netflix

The Night Agent is technically still going, the action thriller ranking among the most watched shows on Netflix. But it’s one of those shows that keeps getting better and better. While we don’t know for sure how The Night Agent will end, we do know that the fourth season will be its last.

The series centers around FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who eventually becomes a Night Action agent, working in the shadows to take down bad guys. It’s like a popcorn action movie told through 10 episodes at a time for each story. It’s a highly bingeable show with a satisfying ending each time, and an intense journey all through the middle. It’s one of those rare thriller shows that’s even better the second time around.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Image via NBC

A unique telling of the characters from Thomas Harris‘ novels, Hannibal follows the relationship between psychiatrist and secret serial killer and cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Madds Mikkelsen) and FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), who become fast friends. On the surface, Hannibal tries to help Will through the trauma of the things he sees on the job and his own dark thoughts. But secretly, Hannibal is enjoying being able to manipulate Will, and get access to cases in the process, some of which he’s involved in more ways than one.

The psychological horror thriller has an old school feel to it even though it’s barely over a decade ago. Airing for just three seasons, fans were upset when Hannibal was cancelled, and the show remains one of the best serial killer series to ever grace the small screen. It has a fitting end, taking viewers through this complicated, psychological game between a doctor with a dark secret who feels no empathy and an agent who oddly believes Hannibal is the only one who truly understands him.

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti are magic together in The Penguin based on the DC Comics villain. Farrell is Oswald “Oz” Cobb, otherwise known as The Penguin, in this crime drama, a disfigured man working a low-level job for a crime boss, but with big aspirations to move up. Milioti, meanwhile, is Sofia Gigante, the mob boss’ daughter and a presumed psychopathic serial killer who crosses paths with Oz once she’s released from Arkham State Hospital. As the two lobby for power, things get increasingly dangerous.

The Penguin, one of the most perfect HBO shows of the last decade, is an intense ride through all eight episodes that will leave you wanting more. The dark and ominous setting, the incredible make-up and costumes, and the clever backstory for a character we already know so well in the present, come together to make a worthy entry into the DC Comics universe. But what makes The Penguin especially fantastic is that it doesn’t feel like a superhero show; it’s more like The Sopranos, which means even non-comic fans will enjoy it.

‘You’ (2018–2025)

Image via Netflix

Advertisement

Though it’s in ways a lesser copycat of Dexter, You does have one leg up on that fantastic crime drama: it ended in a satisfying way. The psychological thriller stars Penn Badgley as charming bookstore employee Joe Goldberg, who worms his way into the lives of different women through the course of the series. But he tends to become obsessed, stalking them until it escalates to something worse, all in the name of protecting his love and their relationship. That’s in his twisted mind, at least.

Joe becomes increasingly unhinged as the series progresses, and it culminates in an exciting final season that puts a bow on the story, giving some characters a happy ending, others not. What’s so wonderful about the way You ends is that we truly get to see the extent of Joe’s narcissism, his complete inability to see beyond his own flaws. It’s exactly the way the show should have ended.

‘The Night Manager’ (2016–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Advertisement

The Night Manager was so good, it returned a decade later with a new season. The British spy thriller is about Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), the night manager of a luxury hotel who was once upon a time a military officer. Head of the Foreign Office’s International Enforcement, Angela Burr (Olivia Colman), recruits him to help take down arms dealer Richard “Dickie” Onslow Roper (Hugh Laurie) and so begins his journey to infiltrate that inner circle.

Tense through each six-episode season, the show is smartly written and keeps you invested through every moment. While the second season didn’t receive as high of ratings as Season 1, both are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and the show has picked up numerous awards. Based on the John le Carré novel, The Night Manager is wonderfully acted and beautifully presented.

‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

Advertisement

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys are a formidable pair in The Beast in Me, the story of grieving author Aggie (Danes) having trouble focusing on her next book when Nile (Rhys) moves in to her neighborhood and his actions annoy her. It doesn’t help that she recognizes him as the wealthy son of a real estate magnate who was years ago accused of killing his first wife, but later deemed innocent. When she visits to air her complaints about his activity, the two get twisted up in a dangerous game. Aggie isn’t convinced he’s innocent, recognizing there’s clearly something off about him. But he’s offering her the chance to write a book on his story, which she can use to both cure her writer’s block and perhaps get to the bottom of the story.

The Beast in Me is a powerful story of grief, death, and greed. Propped up by a supporting cast that includes Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, Jonathan Banks, and David Lyons, you’ll want to binge your way through the eight episodes, wondering the entire time if Nile did in fact kill his wife, or he’s just sorely misunderstood. The scene as he dances in Aggie’s house to a record playing “Psycho Killer” is both funny and unsettling, a testament to the leads and their chemistry. It’s a Netflix thriller that gets better with every episode.

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

A powerful story of race, perception, justice, and how quickly someone’s life can take a wrong turn, Nasir “Naz” Khan (Riz Ahmed) meets a young woman and has a one-night stand to kick off the story in The Night Of. But when he wakes up next to her dead body the next morning, things don’t look good for him. He’s logically accused of her murder, and as he goes through the trial with his lawyer, John Stone (John Turturro), we see the decline of a once promising young man who seemingly just found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The story told through eight episodes will have you saddened about the justice system and questioning the idea that some people are often considered guilty before being proven innocent versus the other way around. Most jarring is that no matter how the case turns out, and whether Naz is deemed innocent or not, his life will be forever changed by what he has endured in prison. The Night Of is a powerful commentary filled with mystery and no chance for anything but a devastating end, any way it goes.

‘The Devil’s Hour’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Advertisement

Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine) is a social worker in The Devil’s Hour who keeps seeing terrifying visions every night at the exact same time: 3.33 A.M., known as the “devil’s house.” Her eight-year-old son claims to see people who aren’t there, and her mother also seems to speak to invisible people, and Lucy is beside herself. She gets the sense that her house is haunted, and she is somehow being pushed towards finding a serial killer.

The series, one of the best Prime Video shows everyone has been sleeping on, is told through a six-episode first season and a five-episode second. It also stars Peter Capaldi as Gideon Shepherd, a criminal who seems to “remember the future.” The show is disturbing and mind-bending, a haunting thriller that skews more towards the horror genre for fans who don’t mind getting spooked.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via AMC

Advertisement

One of the best crime dramas of all time, arguably the best TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad isn’t quite as cerebral as some other crime thrillers. It also doesn’t lean as heavily and as often into violence, carefully placing such scenes only as needed, and focusing on heightening tensions in other ways. The story begins when high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) gets a terminal cancer diagnosis and turns to cooking and selling drugs to build a quick nest egg for his family when he’s gone. But slowly through the show’s five seasons, Walter becomes increasingly obsessed with his power, realizing his full potential as someone to be feared, not someone to be walked over.

Breaking Bad features one of the best on-screen duos with Cranston alongside Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, a former troubled student Walter turns to for help getting his drug business off the ground. While the show is about the dangers of the criminal underworld, it’s Walter’s personal journey to becoming Heisenberg that’s the heart of the series. It has fantastic re-watch value along with one of the best TV series endings ever, so you get as satisfying an end as the beginning, seeing the entire story come full circle.

Advertisement

Breaking Bad

Advertisement

Release Date

2008 – 2013-00-00

Advertisement

Network

AMC

Showrunner

Advertisement

Vince Gilligan

Directors

Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Tom Brady is trading the gridiron for the catwalk!

Brady, 48, walked in Gucci’s 2027 cruise collection fashion show in New York City on Saturday, May 16, strutting down the catwalk in head-to-toe leather.

The former NFL quarterback rocked a black motorcycle jacket, popped collar and all, with fitted leather pants. He completed the look with a silver watch and black dress shoes.

Saturday’s runway presentation was held in the middle of the Big Apple’s Time Square, an ambitious feat in itself for designer Demna.

Related: The NFL’s Most Stylish Stars: Travis Kelce, Odell Beckham Jr. and More

Fan-favorite NFL stars know how to command attention on and off the football field.  When they’re not showing off their undeniable athleticism, Travis Kelce, Odell Beckham Jr., Joe Burrow, Russell Wilson and more have been known to show Us their winning wardrobes.  Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please […]

“It’s a f***ing logistic nightmare,” Demna, 45, told GQ ahead of the show, noting it was nearly “the most impossible thing” to shut down the location for the occasion. “I was talking to my shrink and she was like, ‘You’re ready for this, Demna.’ This is like an ultimate exercise of letting go of control, because there’s nothing in your control.”

The show was all about embracing Demna’s sleek “GucciCore” theme.

“I never do this kind of thing, but it’s important because I realized Gucci doesn’t really have a wardrobe offering,” he told the outlet. “We have a lot of consumers that are more classic, they’re not fashion. We’re getting the fashion people coming now, but the more classic consumer who would like to buy a shirt, a peacoat [or] a trench. They don’t really have this in the stores.”

According to the designer, the Gucci range is “very consumer-oriented.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

“I was a bit afraid actually to do this because I was like, what if I cannot make looks out of it? What if it looks too classic?” he said. “It’s about taste. It’s really a lot about styling.”

Related: Tom Brady Announces Official NFL Retirement: ‘Wouldn’t Change a Thing’

The football gods have spoken! Tom Brady announced that he is retiring “for good” ahead of the 2023 NFL season. “I love my family. I love my teammates. I love my friends. I love my coaches. I love football. I love you all,” the 45-year-old captioned an emotional Instagram announcement on Wednesday, February 1. “I […]

Advertisement

Demna added, “It’s kind of normcore, but also the core offer of the brand that we didn’t really have so far. I really enjoyed working on it, because it was actually about making clothes. And the simple things are the hardest to make. I spent many more fittings on one of these coats than I would spend on a more fashion item.”

Brady was among the stars bringing GucciCore to life, alongside supermodel Cindy Crawford and socialite Paris Hilton.

Katie Bates and her family have opted for a permanent change of scenery following her husband Travis Clark’s admitted affair and subsequent scandal.

“Life has looked different lately, but I’m really excited for what’s ahead!” Bates, 25, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, May 16, sharing a video diary highlighting her family’s impending move.

“The last few months have honestly been a lot heavier and more life changing than I ever expected them to be,” she continued. “There’s been a lot of hard conversations, a lot of therapy, a lot of praying, and a lot of figuring out what is healthiest for our family moving forward.”

She added, “While some parts of my life have been public, there are also deeply personal things I’ve been walking through privately that have impacted this decision in ways people may not fully know or understand. I know from the outside this movie might not fully make sense to everyone, but it’s something we’ve spent a lot of time praying through and processing together. It’s not about running or pretending a new place magically fixes everything… life doesn’t work like that.”

Related: Katie Bates Is Doing ‘Therapy Intensive’ After Husband’s Cheating Scandal

Bringing Up Bates star Katie Bates is seeking professional help navigating husband Travis Clark‘s cheating scandal. “I’ve wanted to come on here and say something for a while but I honestly haven’t really known how to put words to any of this,” Bates, 25, wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday, February 22. “This year […]

In January, Clark, 24, revealed he had cheated on Bates, just several hours after the reality TV alum announced she had experienced a miscarriage. (Bates and Clark have been married since 2023 and share two children.)

“This is hard to write, but I owe the truth and I owe an apology,” Clark wrote at the time. “I was unfaithful to my wife. I had an affair and repeatedly broke her trust. There is no excuse for what I did.”

Months later, the Bringing Up Bates alum’s husband gave an update on the status of his marriage, admitting that he is fighting for his wife following his infidelity.

“I’ve been sitting in what I did for a couple months now, and I feel so much inside but it’s hard to find the right words,” Clark wrote via Instagram in March. “At the end of last year, I made decisions I deeply regret. I’m disappointed, ashamed, and honestly, disgusted with myself.”

He continued at the time, “The last couple months have been humbling. A lot of hard work, therapy, time with God. I know I’m not owed anything, but I am desperately fighting for my wife and my family every single day.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Katie Bates Recalls ‘Hard’ Couples Therapy With Husband After His Affair

Bringing Up Bates star Katie Bates is putting in the work to save her marriage after husband Travis Clark‘s cheating scandal. Bates, 25, took to her Instagram Story on Monday, March 2, to offer an update after seeking professional help, writing, “Just wrapped up a four day therapy intensive. At some point I may share […]

Advertisement

On Saturday, Bates said that “more than anything” the pair have been “trying to make decisions” and choices that can only facilitate “healing, peace, spiritual growth, and a healthy environment” for their family.

“We still have things we’re working through and learning through, but I’m really excited for what’s ahead and everything this next chapter could hold for our family,” Bates concluded in the post’s caption. “Prayers for our family as we step into this new chapter are always appreciated.”

In the accompanying video, Bates revealed that her family purchased another house in an undisclosed location and — with the help of some moving boxes — will be moving in 30 days.

2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Brad Pitt so far, but 2025 was anything but low-key for one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Pitt starred in one of the most successful blockbusters of the year last year with F1, which grossed over $630 million globally, earned a Best Picture nod, and even won the Oscar for Best Sound. After debuting in theaters early last summer, F1 was added to Apple TV, and it’s become one of streaming’s biggest juggernauts of 2026. Pitt is in line to reunite with director David Ayer for a new action-adventure film, Heart of the Beast, which also stars J.K. Simmons and is expected to be released sometime later this year. Pitt previously worked with Ayer on the 2014 WWII tank thriller, Fury, which is currently streaming for free on Tubi.

It’s hard to pinpoint what Pitt’s most famous movie is — each of his fans would likely have a different answer on this subject. While many would undoubtedly cling to Fight Club as the most iconic work of his career, it’s hard to deny that Se7en would have a spot near the top of the list as well. The film is perfect for fans of other crime thriller TV shows like Bosch and Dexter, as it shows a hard-boiled detective hunt for a deranged serial killer. It’s now been over 30 years since Se7en was released, and although the film is absent from streaming, it’s still one of the most popular VOD purchases on platforms around the world like Apple TV and Prime Video. The film co-stars Oscar winners Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey.

What Is ‘Se7en’ About?

Se7en follows a young detective, Mills (played by Brad Pitt), and his veteran partner, Somerset (played by Morgan Freeman) as they hunt for a serial killer using the Seven Deadly Sins as his method for choosing his targets. The film was written by Andrew Kevin Walker, and David Fincher stepped behind the camera to direct. Fincher has given the world some of the greatest crime thrillers of all time in addition to Se7en, such as Zodiac. He also famously directed The Social Network, and he’ll direct the Quentin Tarantino-penned Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood spin-off, The Adventures of Cliff Booth.

Check out Se7en on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of Brad Pitt’s future projects.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

September 22, 1995

Runtime

127 minutes

Advertisement

Writers

Andrew Kevin Walker

Producers

Advertisement

Arnold Kopelson, Phyllis Carlyle

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Cher has reportedly put a pause on other areas of her life to focus on her son, Elijah Blue Allman, amid his alleged struggles with addiction and financial mismanagement.

The “Strong Enough” singer unsuccessfully sought for Elijah to be placed under temporary conservatorship, which happened to be her second failed attempt at securing the order.

Elijah Blue Allman also has multiple criminal charges he must answer to, including felony burglary, criminal mischief, breach of bail, simple assault, and criminal trespass.

Cher’s relationship with her son, Elijah, may have become strained, but the singer isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet and give up on him.

According to a report, sources say the legendary singer and actress remains “fully hands-on” amid Elijah’s series of complex personal and health-related issues.

“Nothing else matters right now,” an insider told a news outlet. “It’s all about her son.”

She’ll understandably be prioritizing Elijah at this time over her entertainment career and even her relationship with much-younger boyfriend Alexander Edwards.

“She’s fully hands-on — every call, every decision, every step. She’s not leaving his side emotionally,” a source said, while another noted that “She’s fierce when it comes to family — protective, focused and completely devoted.”

The Singer Cut Off Her Son Financially

While Cher remains supportive of her son, she seems to be taking the tough love route, as a recent filing revealed she had cut off Elijah financially.

The claim was made in court documents filed by Elijah, requesting that a judge reduce the amount he pays in spousal support to his estranged wife, Marieangela King.

According to People Magazine, the musician said he no longer receives “recurring gift income” from his mother and now only gets “$10,000 per month from his father’s trust.”

The move by Cher to stop sending her son “gift” money reportedly started all the way back in August 2021, and now, without this, Elijah claims his income sits at around $6,790 after taxes.

Cher Sought To Secure Conservatorship Over Elijah

Mother and son have been at loggerheads over how his affairs should be managed as Cher sought to secure a temporary conservatorship over his finances.

She initiated the move out of concern for his safety and financial stability, claiming he is “gravely disabled” and can’t be trusted with money amid alleged substance abuse and mental health issues.

However, a judge denied her petition in an April 24 court hearing in L.A., saying she didn’t see “sufficient urgency” in the pop icon’s request, per People.

During the hearing, Elijah, who was undergoing treatment at a psychiatric facility in Connecticut, phoned in on a video call, but the judge ruled that his outstanding criminal charges mean he’ll likely not have access to the money he receives from his late father’s trust.

“A lot of people don’t show up to court and get a default judgment and don’t need a conservatorship,” the judge said. “I am going to deny the temporary conservatorship without prejudice.”

Cher Previously Filed For Conservatorship

It remains unclear what the exact state of Cher’s relationship with Elijah is, but a source previously shared that the 49-year-old guitarist is “disappointed” following her decision to file for conservatorship.

“Elijah is disappointed, but not surprised, by this latest attempt to gain control over his finances,” his lawyer Avi Levy said, per Rolling Stone. “We have spoken with Elijah several times this week, and he remains in good spirits despite the circumstances. Elijah does oppose the latest petition.”

Cher previously filed for conservatorship in 2023, but Elijah fired back, claiming he’d stopped using drugs and was going to hire a business manager.

Judge Jessica A Uzcategui also denied her request at the time, stating that she didn’t think that a conservatorship was needed.

In her revived petition, she claimed that she was in a dire situation as Elijah has been “living wildly beyond his means,” bouncing between “expensive hotels he cannot afford” and short-term rental homes.

She also claimed he owed a huge amount to drug dealers and had an unpaid tax bill topping $200,000 at the time.

Elijah Blue Allman To Face The Music

Meanwhile, Allman still has to answer for several criminal charges he’s currently facing following back-to-back arrests earlier this year.

He was arrested in late February after an alleged trespassing incident at a New Hampshire school. According to local news outlet WMUR, the case is set to head to trial on June 16.

At the time, authorities were alerted to an “unwanted guest” that was disturbing the peace at St. Paul’s School. Reports suggest he slipped into the school, claiming he was a prospective parent, turned belligerent, and poked a student with his cane.

However, he was slammed with two counts of simple assault, criminal trespassing, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct, per People.

Although he was released shortly after, he was arrested the following month again after allegedly breaking into a couple’s New Hampshire home. He was charged with burglary, two counts of criminal mischief, and breach of bail.

Is Kendall Vertes done with dance? She doesn’t think so.

During a new interview, the “Dance Moms” alum opened up about her desire to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

However, there’s one thing about the team driving Kendall Vertes away.

According to PEOPLE, Vertes recently discussed her future as a dancer on her podcast, “Not So Little with Kendall Vertes,” and said she’s interested in becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

Elsewhere during the episode, however, she said the team being the subject of a new reality show, “America’s Sweethearts,” has turned her off.

“I thought about doing NFL dancing, but again … now that there’s reality television shows surrounding it, do I really want to go back down that alley?” she said.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Vertes spent several years on reality TV as a star of Lifetime’s “Dance Moms.”

While Vertes had some highs on the show, the veteran reality star wants to stay as far away from being on unscripted television as possible.

“Like, I want to enjoy dance without that intertwined into it again,” she said.

Kendall Vertes Said She Was ‘Destined’ To Be A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

While speaking with PEOPLE on May 13, Vertes, 24, said that despite the show, she sees herself in a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader outfit in the future.

“I feel like I’m destined to be a DCC cheerleader one day. You know my mom would love that too,” she said.

But in order to make the team, Vertes admitted she’d need to “get back in the studio” to brush some of the dust off.

And while appearing on the final roster will take hard work, Vertes revealed she’s more than willing to take on the challenge.

“I don’t think I’m done with dance just yet. That would be my closure,” she said.

Kendall Vertes Says She’s ‘Used’ To Filming Reality TV

Regarding her worries about the Texas-based cheer team still being followed by Netflix cameras when it’s her turn to perform at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Vertes said she’d consider signing on because her love for dance outweighs everything else.

“I’m used to [reality TV],” Vertes said. “I just wouldn’t want the viewers to think that I’m doing it to stay in the spotlight. It would be for me and my love for dance. And of course it just so happens to be that there’s a TV show around it.”

Vertes Opens Up About Starting Her Podcast

In November 2025, Vertes got candid about her decision to start her podcast, stating that it stemmed from her desire to create a more “mature” look.

“I felt like now’s a great time to share my life again with my followers who basically grew up with me, because we’re all going through this weird transition phase of going from being a college student into adulthood,” she said, per PEOPLE.

Additionally, Vertes said her podcast gives her the opportunity to speak directly to her followers, updating them on details of her personal life.

“I totally want to use this podcast obviously to emphasize my life after Dance Moms and what I am up to now and what career path I’m going to go on, but I also wanted to use this to kind of let people see who I really am because all they saw was 45 minutes of me basically crying on the TV show,” she said. “They didn’t get to see my full personality.”

Vertes Gets Real About ‘Past Trauma’ From Filming The Show

According to Vertes, her “Not So Little” show also allows her to work through challenges she faced growing up in front of the cameras.

“A lot of my experiences as a child have kind of woven their way into my adulthood, and sometimes I’m like, ‘Why do I feel like this?’ And it’s like, ‘Oh, maybe it’s my past trauma speaking,’” she said.

Speaking of trauma, the TV personality said she’s never spoken to a mental health professional about her upbringing, but admitted she feels comfortable speaking about things online, especially because most of her followers grew up watching her.

“I think a lot of people just want to know what really went on behind the scenes,” she said. “Now it’s kind of our time to navigate those emotions and kind of shed light to it in a positive way and move on as well.”

Relishing the extended storytelling nature of television drama while still delivering narratives that can be resolved in one digestible sitting, miniseries present something of a happy middle ground between the succinct, two-hour tenure of cinema and the sprawling, years-spanning expansiveness of traditional TV. The very best limited series have executed this balancing act to perfection, conjuring engrossing long-format drama that hooks viewers in from the opening moments and doesn’t relent until the last minutes of the finale.

The past ten years have been something of a golden era for the form, and recent miniseries are well represented on this list, but so too are the defining hits of decades long past that helped establish television as a medium for prestige drama. From historical epics and grandiose war dramas to true crime thrillers and Western gems, these miniseries make every second count and stand among the finest titles in the format because of that.

10

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

Marking one of the more recent sensations in Netflix’s pantheon of classic miniseries, Adolescence excels as both a technical marvel and a timely story of profound urgency. Every single episode of the four-part miniseries unfolds in one continuous shot, an arduous approach that is executed with such perfection and craftsmanship that the series engulfs viewers from its opening moments and holds their attention right up until its poignant and tragic ending.

The series revolves around the arrest of a 13-year-old boy for the murder of his classmate, with its episodes covering the arrest and the immediate aftermath, the police’s investigation at the school, a viscerally intense meeting between Jamie (Owen Cooper) and a psychologist, and, 12 months on, how the Miller family struggles to live in the wake of Jamie’s crime. Adolescence is a stunning display of technical ambition and powerhouse acting, but it is also a story of immediate importance that addresses the intersection between the toxicity of internet culture and the festering wave of misogynistic angst among youths.

9

‘Roots’ (1977)

Image via ABC

Almost 50 years have passed since Roots aired on ABC, and yet it is virtually impossible to name a miniseries that has had a more pronounced and enduring cultural impact. Simply stunning, albeit incredibly confronting, the eight-part limited series illustrates the history of slavery and racism in America through the perspective of Mandinka warrior Kunta Kilte (LeVar Burton and John Amos), an African native condemned to slavery, and his descendants.

Spanning from the mid 1700s through to the events of the American Civil War and its aftermath, Roots delivers a multi-generational tragedy of the dehumanizing effects of slavery that is as absorbing in nature as it is epic in scope. Even as elements of its storytelling have become slightly dated and the feeling of realism it flaunted in 1977 has been surpassed by more recent depictions of slavery, Roots’s arresting scale and overlapping story of lineage and generational trauma remain compelling. Its legacy and importance are irrefutable, while its enduring quality is largely intact, making it one of the most impressive and admirable miniseries ever made.

8

‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995)

Image via BBC

The allure of period piece drama and class commentary in cinema, especially in recent decades, has largely been defined by adaptations of Jane Austen’s defining literary works. Among the very best of them is the BBC’s six-part realization of Pride and Prejudice in 1995, with the miniseries using the full breadth of its six-hour runtime to revel in every detail and nuance Austen conceived while leaning on the strength of its lavish production and two sublime lead performances from Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth.

It follows the complex yet tender romance between Elizabeth Bennet, a strong-willed though socially attuned young woman, and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a mysterious and initially aloof suitor who is said to possess a vast wealth. Bolstered by its faithfulness to Austen’s novel, the miniseries shines as a simmering slow-burn of passion and class that works wonderfully in concert with the restrained control and enthralling subtleties of the performances. Also excelling at combining Austen’s romantic intrigue with her witty satire on social status, Pride and Prejudice is a defining triumph of the limited series format as it ensnares viewers in 1800s England with ravishing artistry and craftsmanship.

7

‘Generation Kill’ (2007)

Image via HBO

Marking a rare example of an HBO production being criminally underrated by the masses, Generation Kill thrives on its basis on Evan Wright’s experiences as an embedded reporter and co-creators David Simon and Ed Burns’s trademark adherence to gritty, detailed realism. The seven-part miniseries documents true events as it follows the U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in the early stages of the Iraq War, following the obstacles and combat experiences the soldiers face during the first three weeks of the invasion of Iraq.

Grounding its military drama in a distinctly observational air of camaraderie, the series is able to ask pressing questions about the psyche of soldiers while using their bonds as an emotional catalyst for the story. It works remarkably well, using relatability and absurdity in equal measure while exploring the impact such issues as communications errors, bureaucratic red tape, and the monotony of waiting for action have on the troops. Both a piercing dissection of military psychology and a skewering question of the validity of the Iraq War, Generation Kill is among the greatest illustrations of modern warfare film and television have ever seen.

6

‘I, Claudius’ (1976)

Image via BBC

Agelessly captivating and incredibly fascinating, I, Claudius is something of a forgotten gem of British television. A historical epic, based on Robert Graves’ historical novels, the 12-episode miniseries analyses the political maneuverings and deadly betrayals of Ancient Rome from the perspective of an aging Claudius (Derek Jacobi), who is sure he himself is soon to be assassinated. With Claudius’s meditations spanning back to 24 BC and leading up to his demise in 54 AD, the series navigates the vicious viper’s pit of greed, corruption, and power that the Roman Empire was.

Intricately weaving a narrative thread that blends engrossing storytelling with historical accuracy, all while flaunting a litany of exceptional performances, I, Claudius is an icon of television ambition that was years ahead of its time. Even its low-budget, theatrical-style production design contributes to its spectacle, presenting something that is unique and serviceable, especially as it allows the storytelling and character drama to soar.

5

‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981)

Image via ITV

A stunning adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s 1945 novel of the same name, Brideshead Revisited excels as a visually divine and emotionally ensnaring exploration of social change in the aristocracy leading up to WWII. Jeremy Irons stars as Charles Ryder, a disillusioned Army captain who relocates his brigade to Brideshead, the former home of his past friends, the Marchmain family. As his recollections date back to the summer of 1922, Ryder is torn between nostalgic yearning and military pragmatism as he is forced to accept that the aristocratic lifestyle he once tasted is diminishing.

Faithful to the source material, with as much as 95% of the dialogue being taken directly from the novel, Brideshead Revisited matches Waugh’s investment in thematic ideas of nostalgia, class, sexuality, and faith. Complimented by its exceptional cast and gorgeous cinematography that immerses viewers in the idyllic allure of pre-WWII Oxford, Brideshead Revisited is a truly timeless period piece, an enduring gem of British television that captures the elegance, grandeur, and thematic weight of the genre in spectacular fashion.

4

‘Dekalog’ (1989–1990)

Image via Zespol Filmowy “Tor”

While it does cater more to the enjoyers of arthouse productions with its measured pacing, thematic overtones, and its international heritage, Dekalog is a trailblazing masterpiece of miniseries drama that holds a unique spiritual allure. The Polish series consists of ten one-hour films, each of them inspired by a decalogue of the Ten Commandments, that explore the lives and moral conundrums faced by different people living within the same housing complex in 1980s Poland.

With all 10 episodes being co-written and directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, Dekalog benefits from evolving through the lens of one tight and concentrated creative vision, even as other creative leads, like cinematographers, change with each episode. The end result is a visually distinct and eerily haunting analysis of the overlapping stories of a community, with each character’s struggle being realized with such nuance and depth that the series as a whole becomes a stunning mosaic of existentialism and morality. It’s confounding and complex, but undeniably absorbing, making it an addictive, challenging miniseries that stands the test of time.

3

‘Lonesome Dove’ (1989)

Image via CBS

Western cinema famously underwent a revisionist resurgence in the early 1990s, a trend seemingly spearheaded by the success of Oscar-winning films like Unforgiven and Dances with Wolves. However, the genre was arguably gaining popularity throughout the latter part of the 1980s through its television hits, with CBS’ four-part adaptation of Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry a spearhead in this genre revival. Graced with an ensemble cast, it thrives off the lead performances of Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, with the duo starring as two former Texas Rangers who set out on a journey to Montana with the hope of recapturing their adventurous spirit.

A traditional tale of the genre rife with Western grandeur, a rollicking sense of adventure, and a rewarding investment in character development, Lonesome Dove has come to be regarded among the greatest miniseries of the 20th century and as something of a cult gem of Western entertainment. It’s warm and inviting, yet avoids slipping into the glossy, idyllic fantasy of the Old West Hollywood productions sometimes indulge in, instead excelling as a touching story of friendship, mortality, and the complexity of love in a manner that is earnest, relatable, and entertaining.

2

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Standing as perhaps the greatest miniseries ever made, Chernobyl is a historical drama laced with a visceral sense of dread and terror that imposes itself in the opening minutes of episode one and never relents, even lingering long after viewers have finished the show. Starting on the night of the reactor meltdown, the five-part HBO release explores the immediate aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, the strenuous and sacrificial efforts to contain the radioactive fallout, and the eventual political ramifications of the Soviet Union’s deceit regarding sharing information about the catastrophe with the world.

Anchored by its litany of exceptional performances and Craig Mazin’s intense, detail-driven story that cascades from one heart-stopping calamity into another with propulsive urgency and near-unbearable tension, Chernobyl is as masterful a historical drama as has ever been made for television. Able to acknowledge the heroism of so many who risked their lives to reduce the impact of the fallout, while also condemning the institutionalized rot and political corruption that led to such a heinous incident taking place, the miniseries is as thematically precise as it is epic in scope, and it will stand among TV’s most captivating triumphs for many years to come.

1

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Image via HBO

Viewed by many as being the definitive accomplishment in the history of miniseries productions, Band of Brothers is a devastating yet enrapturing WWII drama that follows the campaign of Easy Company through the European Theater of the Second World War. Created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and bolstered by interview footage with the real-life soldiers whose experiences the series depicts, Band of Brothers excels not only as a masterful realization of the brutality of war, but as an illustration of the camaraderie and bond between soldiers as well.

Complimented by its astounding ensemble cast and the sheer magnitude of its production value—especially for its time—the HBO classic is still every bit as absorbing and addictive today as it was 25 years ago. It balances moments of humanity and hope with poignant and painful illustrations of the destruction of war, covering everything from the visceral horrors of combat to the subdued psychological strain of war, and even the utter evil of the Holocaust with profound maturity and ceaselessly compelling artistry.

Advertisement

Band of Brothers

Advertisement

Release Date

2001 – 2001

Advertisement

Network

HBO

Advertisement

Directors

David Frankel, David Nutter, Mikael Salomon, Phil Alden Robinson, Richard Loncraine, Tom Hanks

Advertisement

• 
• 

  Donnie Wahlberg

  C. Carwood Lipton

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement