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The 50 Best Netflix TV Shows to Binge During a Weekend in Bed

Prepare to get nothing done for days.

By Kayleigh Roberts and Amanda Mitchell

Apr 16, 2020

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The CW/Netflix

You know that feeling when a friend asks you to hang out and you're like "Sorry, busy," but you're actually secretly at home curled up in bed with Netflix? Yeah, it's a great feeling. Plus, since a lot of people have been at home chilling lately, it doesn't even have to be a secret! And it's about to get even better: We've sorted through all the so-so shows on the streaming service (it's a behemoth) to find the absolute best ones worthy of your valuable bingeing time. This has everything: Shows that have been off the air for a long time but aged really well. Shows that have a season or two under their belt and—lucky for you—have more coming. Classic shows that you missed and need to watch ASAP, so now's your chance. Congratulations on your forthcoming great weekend.

'The Office'

Here's another classic sitcom that's perfect fuel for a day-long Netflix binge. Vicariously experiencing life at Dunder Mifflin can make any day better.

'The IT Crowd'

In addition to classic, amazing American sitcoms, Netflix also has classic, amazing British sitcoms—including all five series of The IT Crowd.

'Breaking Bad'

If you decide to start a Breaking Bad binge, make sure you have a few free days and nothing to important to do because this is one of those shows you'll want to call in sick to work to keep watching.

'Billy on the Street'

After the (almost) unbearable darkness of a show like Breaking Bad, you might be looking for something lighter. Something louder. Something like Billy on the Street, which has four full seasons on Netflix.

People, Fun, Yellow, Summer, Event, Happy, Leisure, Smile, Vacation, Festival,

Netflix

'Sex Education'

Otis is your average awkward teen—whose mom (Gillian Anderson, amazing) just so happens to be an out-there sex therapist. Then, Otis is convinced to start a sex-therapy clinic for his own school. Hilarity, frank sex talk, and sweetness are the result.

White-collar worker, Businessperson, Suit, Job, Business, Conversation,

Michele K.ShortNetflix

'Better Call Saul'

On the subject of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is just as good (honestly, it might even be better, according to some critics). We're still figuring out how Jimmy's journey to becoming Walter White's lawyer "Saul." But getting there is so interesting, and slightly less bloody.

Green, Event, Fashion accessory, Conversation, White-collar worker,

Aimee SpinksNetflix

'Outlander'

This fantasy romance/historical drama isn't just about the sex (although there's plenty, and it's great). It's also about twisty time travel, and two people brought together—and torn apart—through history.

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Robert Viglasky/Netflix

'Peaky Blinders'

Don't let the weird title fool you. This is an often bloody, sometimes romantic, always riveting look at an early 20th century gangster in Birmingham (Cillian Murphy) who's trying to move up in the world.

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Katalin VermesNetflix

'The Witcher'

Magic shenanigans! Monsters and fight scenes! Henry Cavill in a blonde wig! This series, based on a best-selling book series, was a surprise hit. People love it, so it's time to see what the fuss is about.

Good Girls - Season 2

NBC

'Good Girls'

Ugh, this series. MC editors have some major love for these so-called "good girls" who turn to crime as a way to make ends meet. Shit goes down, but we're rooting for them all the way.

'Adam Ruins Everything'

Is bingeing TV really bad for you if you learn something along the way? Adam Ruins Everything is hilarious and educational, so it's a binge you can feel good (or at least okay) about.

'American Vandal'

Do you love true crime? Do you also love spot-on satire? Then you have to watch American Vandal, which perfectly pokes fun at true crime phenomenons like Serial.

'Criminal Minds'

There's a reason so many cable channels run all day marathons of procedural dramas: Because they make for great binge content. Netflix has 12 seasons of Criminal Minds, about a team who catches serial killers, terrorists, and other, well criminal masterminds.

'The L Word'

Netflix isn't just home to network hits and original programming—it has some old school prestige series hiding in its catalog too—like all six seasons of Showtime's The L Word, for example.

'The Magicians'

Grown-up Harry Potter vibes? Yes, please. Netflix has the Syfy drama on tap to binge away right now.

'The 100'

If you're in the mood for a Lost-esque mystery/sci-fi/thriller, The 100 is the dystopian getaway you need to binge.

'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina'

Netflix's answer to the Riverdale craze. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is another dark and twisty take on a wholesome classic from the Archieverse. It's nothing like the '90s sitcom.

'The Crown'

This historical drama tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's life. We have...a lot of thoughts on season three.

'Stranger Things'

This award-winning show is perfect if you're looking for something that's both creepy and mysterious. And good news: Season 2 is almost as good as its predecessor.

'Riverdale'

Speaking of mysterious, if high school noir is your thing, this dark take on Archie comics is a must-see. Read our interview with star Madelaine Petsch here.

'Friends from College'

If you're more in the mood for comedy, Friends from College starring Keegan-Michael Key and Cobie Smulders, about a group of 40-somethings who, you guessed it, went to college together is a solid pick.

'Marvel's Jessica Jones'

Jessica Jones is proof that the world needs more female-driven superhero stories.

'GLOW'

Netflix knows how to do strong women and GLOW, a fictionalized story about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling circuit in the 1980s, is teeming with them. Read our interview with Alison Brie here.

'Dear White People'

This satirical series follows students of color who attend a predominantly-white Ivy League college.

'Grace and Frankie'

Grab a bottle of wine and your best friend/favorite female relative for a binge of this hilarious comedy starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (we are not worthy).

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The CW

'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'

Rachel Bloom's musical comedy tackles mental health and relationships of all kinds in a way no other show is doing right now. Bold, brilliant, blissfully funny.

Hair, Facial expression, Skin, Hairstyle, Blond, Eyebrow, Smile, Beauty, Chin, Lip,

NBC

'Parks and Recreation'

If you're looking for hours of pure laughs, the entire seven-season run of Parks and Recreation is available to stream. Watched it in real-time already? That's no excuse. The misadventures of the people of Pawnee hold up just fine.

People, Social group, Fun, Youth, Friendship, Event, Photography, Smile, Party, Happy,

Showtime

'Shameless'

Don't have Showtime? Nbd. It's available on Netflix, and trust, the dysfunctional family dramedy will suck you in.

'Arrested Development'

This ground-breaking comedy gets bonus points for paving the way for Netflix to revive beloved canceled series.

'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'

If you're a fan of Tina Fey's irreverent brand of comedy, Kimmy Schmidt will satisfy.

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Kayleigh Roberts Contributor Kayleigh Roberts is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, covering celebrity and entertainment news, from actual royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Hollywood royalty, like Katie Holmes and Chrissy Teigen.

Amanda Mitchell Amanda Mitchell is a writer, podcaster, and a walking, talking exclamation point.

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