The Ultimate Binge-worthy TV Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now (September 2023)

What are the best shows on Netflix right now? Netflix's extensive TV show collection may seem overwhelming, but we have you covered. Our platform offers a range of incredible TV shows, including beloved classics, hidden gems, and underrated masterpieces. Whether you're in the mood for a gripping documentary series, side-splitting comedies, spine-chilling horrors, or family-friendly entertainment, we've got something for everyone.

The best part? We regularly update this list to provide you with fresh recommendations. So whether you're seeking timeless TV shows or a specific genre, our guide has you covered. Need more suggestions? Check out our list of the best movies on Netflix, or explore our guide to the top shows on Disney+.

10 One Piece (2023-Present)

Result:

Seasons Available: 1 | Cast: Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Vincent Regan as Garp, Morgan Davies as Koby, Aidan Scott as Helmeppo, Armand Aucamp as Bogard.

Netflix's live-action adaptation of the immensely popular manga and anime, One Piece, is a remarkable achievement. With creator Eiichiro Oda's involvement, it stays true to the source material while serving as a perfect entry point for new fans. The story, crafted with precision and excitement, delves into the vast lore surrounding the charismatic Straw Hat Pirates as they embark on a quest for the legendary "One Piece" treasure. Although relying on familiar tropes, the anime fans can find solace in the captivating simplicity of the narrative, paving the way for future live-action adaptations.

9 Top Boy (2011–2023)

Thanks to the episodic storytelling, each chapter of the adventure-of-the-week takes Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, led by Iñaki Godoy, to exciting new islands with fresh challenges. This Netflix show can be enjoyed in small doses rather than binge-watched all at once. While there are some changes to the original material, they are mostly clever, and the show's dedication to capturing the essence of the anime world may alleviate some concerns among die-hard fans.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Ashley Walters (Dushane), Kano (Sully), Jasmine Jobson (Jaq), Little Simz (Shelley), Araloyin Oshunremi (Stefan)

With compelling shows such as Gangs of London and the iconic Peaky Blinders, the UK boasts a wealth of recent crime television. However, Top Boy should not be overlooked. Often hailed as the British version of The Wire, this comparison may seem generous from an outsider's perspective, but it is a fitting parallel. Both shows delve into shifting power dynamics, the ruthless world of underground crime, and the intricate relationships between the main characters and their rivals.

Amidst uneasy rivalries and shocking betrayals, Top Boy showcases outstanding performances. The show served as a launching pad for talented individuals like Benedict Wong, Laetitia Wright, and Michaela Coel. Even Barry Keoghan made a memorable guest appearance. It remains astonishing that Channel 4 initially decided to cancel Top Boy after just two seasons. However, thanks to Netflix stepping in, the show was revived after a campaign led by rapper Drake. Everyone should be grateful for this fortunate turn of events.

8 Sex Education (2019-Present)

Seasons available: 4 | Cast: Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn, Gillian Anderson as Jean Milburn, Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley

Sex Education was a breath of fresh air when it premiered on Netflix in 2019. What's truly impressive is that it maintained its freshness until the very end. Creating a show centered around teenagers is no easy task, especially one that captures both the current moment and possesses a timeless quality. Mishandle it, and it can come off as pandering, condescending, cringe-worthy, or trying too hard. Netflix skillfully strikes the right balance with a series that is charming, heartfelt, incredibly funny (often in a shocking manner), emotionally captivating, daring, and skillfully addresses a wide range of issues by seamlessly integrating them into its storyline.

What ultimately sets Sex Education apart is the strength of its characters. Despite the occasional far-fetched plotlines, the characters remain grounded, making the show truly authentic and sincere. They perfectly embody the essence of real teenagers, their struggles resonating with viewers on a relatable level while also providing valuable life lessons. The exceptional cast of Sex Education is filled with talented actors who are on the cusp of even greater success (Ncuti Gatwa's infectious smile and undeniable charisma could power the TARDIS alone). While they may not appear in many productions that surpass the excellence of Sex Education, their potential is undeniable.

7 The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)

Seasons: 1

Cast:

1. Carla Gugino as Olivia Crain

2. Henry Thomas as Hugh Crain

3. Elizabeth Reaser as Shirley Crain

4. Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Luke Crain

5. Kate Siegel as Theodora Crain

6. Victoria Pedretti as Eleanor Crain

Mike Flanagan's Netflix projects are the cream of the crop when it comes to recent horror releases, and The Haunting of Hill House is arguably the pinnacle. Setting the bar high for Netflix's top horror titles, this series relies on Flanagan's impeccable casting choices and incredibly effective scare tactics to make a lasting impact. But it's not just about jump scares (although it does have one of the best), as Flanagan's talented team creates an atmosphere of dread that is both terrifying and captivating.

Based on Shirley Jackson's iconic novel, this Netflix show brings the source material to life with a fresh twist, injecting new vitality (and death) into the story of five siblings who experienced shared trauma growing up in the eerie house. If you're a fan of classic ghost stories, this is a must-watch with a high level of chilling suspense. It's no wonder that The Haunting of Hill House remains one of the top shows to stream on Netflix currently.

6 Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Jonathan Groff (Holden Ford), Holt McCallany (Bill Tench)

Regrettably, Mindhunter's development story may be one of the most frustrating tales of missed opportunity in TV history, as the show was only given an disappointingly short run. However, the disappointment is directly tied to the exceptional quality of the Netflix Original series. Catering to true crime enthusiasts, Mindhunter offers the irresistible prospect of witnessing some of history's most infamous serial killers in action. The show intricately details the establishment and growth of the FBI's specialized division for serial murder cases, known as the Quantico's Behavioral Science Unit. Beyond simply presenting a lineup of notorious killers, the series delves into the personal relationships of the main characters and their individual struggles, which adds significant depth to the narrative.

5 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

Mindhunter presents a captivatingly grim storyline inspired by the films of brilliant creator David Fincher. It fearlessly delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, all while avoiding any hint of exploitation. If you're a devoted follower of gripping films like The Silence of the Lambs or Se7en, Mindhunter is an absolute must-watch. This is primarily due to the unsettlingly accurate portrayals of some of history's most infamous serial killers.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)

Stranger Things, along with House of Cards, is arguably one of the most significant Netflix Originals ever released. When it first premiered in 2016, it created a massive surge of interest in the streaming giant. This horror fantasy series combines 1980s nostalgia with a Stephen King-like vibe in a perfect blend. Drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons lore, the show's intricate and captivating storyline makes it a street-level success, defying its high-concept nature. One of the key factors contributing to its success is the exceptional cast.

Stranger Things expertly incorporates various genres, making it appealing to a wide range of viewers. Its horror elements are genuinely eerie, especially with the introduction of the character Vecna. The coming-of-age aspects of the story are flawlessly portrayed, and unlike other long-running shows such as Lost and Heroes, the plot remains engaging without becoming burdensome. What's truly remarkable is that the show has managed to reinvent itself while building upon its original ideas. As a result, the upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things has become one of the most highly anticipated TV seasons in recent memory.

4 Dark (2017-2020)

Number of Seasons Available: 3 | Starring: Louis Hoffman (Jonas Kahnwald), Lisa Vicari (Martha Nielsen)

Dark is a captivating and intricate thriller set in a quaint German town, with a storyline that unfolds over centuries. It stands out as one of the top Netflix shows, seamlessly blending mystery and complexity. When the search for a missing child takes an unexpected turn, Dark takes us on a journey through time, courtesy of a mysterious wormhole hidden beneath a nuclear power plant. The show delves into the psyche of characters, portrayed by the same actors across different time periods, offering a surreal exploration of how trauma shapes them in the present and what awaits them in the future. With its three seasons, Dark is a highly satisfying science fiction series on the Netflix platform.

Dark may demand a great deal from its viewers (especially as watching it in its original German language is undoubtedly the optimal choice), but the payoff is equally remarkable. When you reach Dark's finale, you will feel both drained and invigorated, having been compelled to navigate through a series of intellectually demanding inquiries that delve into the core essence of human existence.

3 The Umbrella Academy (2019-Present)

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Elliot Page (Viktor Hargreeves), Tom Hopper (Luther Hargreeves), Emmy Raver-Lampman (Allison Hargreeves), Colm Feore (Sir Reginald Hargreeves)

Stranger Things may be Netflix's most famous sci-fi ensemble cast show, but The Umbrella Academy surpasses it in quality with each release. Adapted from the incredible comic series by Gerard Way, the frontman of My Chemical Romance, the show tackles the imminent threat of the end of the world, continuously. Focused on a group of extraordinary misfits with unconventional superpowers not found in Marvel or DC Comics, The Umbrella Academy skillfully blends humor with subversion, delving into dark subject matter while also showcasing captivating dance numbers.

The performances of the characters are delightful and have become popular memes, and the constant presence of destiny ensures that there is no room for error in the gripping plot, which delivers unexpected twists beyond imagination. Season 4 of The Umbrella Academy promises to conclude the intricate time travel story explosively, leaving much to anticipate. To fully enjoy the journey, be sure to catch up on the series beforehand.

2 Better Call Saul (2015 - 2022)

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman/Gene Takovic, Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmentraut, Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler

When Breaking Bad ended and concluded the stories of Walter White, Heisenberg, and the occasional unwilling sidekick Jesse Pinkman, the future held a daunting challenge. However, Better Call Saul had no intention of becoming an overly-hyped imitator. Instead, this spin-off focused on Bob Odenkirk's cunning lawyer and managed to achieve the unimaginable for many by surpassing the greatness of its predecessor. It accomplished this by never succumbing to the temptation of copying what came before.

1 Band Of Brothers (2001)

Odenkirk's portrayal of Jimmy McGill, who later evolves into the familiar face of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad, may not have been an immediately obvious choice for a spin-off character. However, his own journey towards moral corruption is just as captivating and audacious as that of Walter White. Better Call Saul not only benefits from the return of beloved characters but also stands strongly on its own, showcasing outstanding performances and a more nuanced exploration of the criminal underworld it delves into.

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Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Richard D. Winters played by Damian Lewis, Lewis Nixon played by Ron Livingston, Donald G. Malarkey played by Scott Grimes, C. Carwood Lipton played by Donnie Wahlberg, Denver (Bull) Randleman played by Michael Cudlitz.

Band of Brothers is undeniably the pinnacle of HBO's television history. Even over two decades since its release, this ensemble cast's portrayal of real-life figures remains profoundly moving. With its impeccably executed depiction of World War II campaigns, it stands as one of the greatest mini-series of all time, transcending the boundaries of its military genre.

Helmed by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Band of Brothers chronicles the extraordinary journey of Easy Company, the 506th, from their conscription and training to the end of the war. Led by the exceptional Damian Lewis as Richard D. Winters, this company engages in pivotal battles at the forefront of the US military campaign in Northern Europe. However, its brilliance extends beyond war narratives, cementing Band of Brothers as a remarkable achievement with an exceptional ensemble and unmatched storytelling. Its presence on Netflix only solidifies its status as the platform's finest television show.