40 Shows to Binge-Watch on Netflix [2023 Updated]

Are you looking for the best shows to binge-watch on Netflix? I’ve updated this list in summer of 2023 to account for some of the latest shows I’ve been obsessed with.

Binge-watching shows on Netflix is one of my favorite hobbies. When I start a show, I take it very seriously. I’m a completionist, so I’m always addicted until the final episode. 📺

I commit myself to one show at a time, but it’s always useful to have a list of shows to move onto next so I don’t get stuck in a spiral of post-show depression. Here’s my go-to list of binge-worthy shows to watch on Netflix.

What are you watching next?

Contents

Where to Find the Best Netflix Shows

First, where can you find the best shows to binge-watch on Netflix? Aside from TikTok, I get my recommendations from Rotten Tomatoes. What can I say? I’m a TV snob 🤷🏼‍♀️

I also frequent the Best of Netflix subreddit for more recommendations, and I love getting sucked into TV discussions on here.

Finally, I like this Buzzfeed “What to Binge-Watch” generator for when I seriously can’t make up my mind.

via GIPHY

Comedy Netflix Shows

I always keep comedy shows in my queue in case the more intense show I’m watching (I’m looking at you Grey’s Anatomy) becomes too emotional and I need a break.

These are guaranteed to distract you from whatever depressing show you’re watching on the side. Even better, you can watch these out of order or whenever you just want to laugh a bit.

Community: “Community” is a sitcom that takes place at a quirky community college. The show follows a diverse group of students who form an unlikely bond while navigating through hilarious and often absurd adventures together.
The Good Place: This is a unique comedy series that explores ethical and philosophical themes. It follows Eleanor Shellstrop, who finds herself in the afterlife’s “Good Place” but quickly realizes she doesn’t belong there. With the help of friends and mentors, she seeks to become a better person.
Derry Girls: Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland in the 1990s, “Derry Girls” is a coming-of-age comedy that follows a group of teenage friends as they navigate the challenges of adolescence amid the Troubles, a period of political conflict.
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: After being rescued from a doomsday cult, Kimmy Schmidt tries to build a new life in New York City. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a comedy series that follows her journey as she embraces the city’s eccentricities.
Gilmore Girls: A heartwarming family dramedy centered around the close-knit relationship between a young mother, Lorelai, and her teenage daughter, Rory.
Bojack Horseman: An animated series with a darkly comedic edge, “BoJack Horseman” follows the life of BoJack, a washed-up actor who is also a horse.
I Think You Should Leave: This sketch comedy series features bizarre and absurd humor. Each episode presents a collection of unconventional and offbeat sketches, often featuring awkward situations and eccentric characters.
Disenchantment: Created by the team behind “The Simpsons,” “Disenchantment” is an animated fantasy-comedy series set in the medieval kingdom of Dreamland. It follows the adventures of a hard-drinking princess, her elf companion, and her personal demon.
Travels with My Father: In this travel documentary-comedy series, British comedian Jack Whitehall embarks on global adventures with his father, Michael Whitehall, who is often prim and proper.
Arrested Development: This is a comedy series that revolves around the dysfunctional Bluth family, who must navigate financial and legal troubles after their patriarch’s arrest.

via GIPHY

Drama/Romance Netflix Shows

These are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat/bed until early hours of the morning. You’ll “just one more episode” your way through your entire life. You’ll probably cry. (Sorry, not sorry)

Orange Is the New Black: This acclaimed series follows the lives of female inmates at Litchfield Penitentiary, a minimum-security prison. It explores their personal stories, struggles, and relationships while touching on social and political issues.
Virgin River: A romantic drama series set in a small town in Northern California, this follows a nurse practitioner who relocates to the picturesque town to escape her past.
Ginny & Georgia: A coming-of-age dramedy, “Ginny & Georgia” follows the mother-daughter duo of Ginny, a 15-year-old teenager, and her young mother, Georgia.
Heartstopper: Based on a popular graphic novel, “Heartstopper” is a British romantic drama series that explores the blossoming relationship between two high school boys, Charlie and Nick, as they navigate the ups and downs of young love.
Never Have I Ever: Created by Mindy Kaling, this coming-of-age comedy-drama revolves around the life of a first-generation Indian-American teenager named Devi.
Call the Midwife: Set in post-World War II London, this series follows a group of midwives and nuns who work in the impoverished East End.
Outlander: “Outlander” tells the story of Claire Randall, a married World War II nurse who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she becomes entangled in the Jacobite uprisings and finds love.
The Witcher: Based on the popular book series, “The Witcher” is a fantasy series starring Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities. The show follows his adventures in a world filled with magic, political intrigue, and dangerous creatures.
Bridgerton: Set in Regency-era London, “Bridgerton” is a period drama with a modern twist. It follows the wealthy Bridgerton family and their high-society escapades, secrets, and romantic entanglements, all narrated by the mysterious Lady Whistledown.
The Queen’s Gambit: This critically acclaimed miniseries follows the life of a young orphaned chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. It explores her rise through the male-dominated world of competitive chess.

via GIPHY

Documentary Series on Netflix

Sometimes I get burnt-out on fiction, and a documentary series really hits the spot. Lucky for you, I compiled the best of the best docuseries to binge-watch on Netflix.

Rotten: “Rotten” is a documentary series that delves into the world of food production and distribution. It uncovers the hidden complexities, corruption, and ethical issues within the global food industry.
Don’t F**k with Cats: This true crime documentary series investigates a disturbing case involving a person who posted videos online of animal abuse. Internet sleuths join forces to track down the individual responsible, leading to a chilling and complex criminal investigation.
Working: What We Do All Day: “Working” provides an inside look at the diverse jobs and professions that people engage in across the globe.
Cheer: This a docuseries that goes behind the scenes of a highly competitive collegiate cheerleading team from Navarro College. It follows the athletes, their coach, and the intense training required for cheerleading success.
Unsolved Mysteries: A reboot of the classic true crime and mystery series, “Unsolved Mysteries” explores unsolved cases, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained mysteries, often featuring interviews with those connected to the incidents.
Tiger King: This true crime documentary series delves into the eccentric world of big cat ownership and the rivalry between two prominent figures in the industry, Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin.
Keep Sweet, Pray, and Obey: This documentary series sheds light on the secretive and often controversial practices within the polygamous community known as the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
Dark Tourist: Journalist David Farrier embarks on a unique journey to explore unconventional and macabre tourist destinations around the world.
Somebody Feed Phil: Hosted by Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” this travel and food series follows Phil as he travels the world, sampling local cuisine and engaging with the culture and people of each destination.
Explained: Each episode of “Explained” focuses on a specific subject, delving into its history, significance, and current relevance.

via GIPHY

Reality TV on Netflix

Reality TV is one of my favorite things to watch. When I turn this on, I suddenly become a psychologist and social scientist uncovering everyone’s quirks and relationship troubles. I truly make a sport of this 💁🏻‍♀️

Survivor: “Survivor” is a reality competition series in which a group of contestants is marooned on a remote island or wilderness area. They must work together to survive while also competing in physical and mental challenges.
Married at First Site: In “Married at First Sight,” individuals who have never met before agree to marry each other, matched by relationship experts based on compatibility factors.
Love Island: This is a dating reality show where a group of singles, known as Islanders, live together in a villa. They form couples and engage in various challenges and drama while trying to find love.
Queer Eye: The Fab Five, a team of experts, help individuals improve their fashion, grooming, food, culture, and home design.
The Circle: In “The Circle,” contestants live in separate apartments and communicate solely through a social media platform called “The Circle.” They can choose to be themselves or adopt a fake identity.
Get Organized: Hosted by organizing expert The Home Edit, the show features decluttering and organization projects in homes and spaces, helping people create more functional and aesthetically pleasing living environments.
Nailed It: “Nailed It” is a baking competition series that celebrates kitchen disasters. Amateur bakers with limited skills attempt to recreate intricate cake and pastry designs. The hilariously failed attempts are all part of the fun.
Indian Matchmaking: This reality series follows the work of a professional matchmaker as she helps Indian singles and their families find suitable partners for arranged marriages.
Say I Do: “Say I Do” is a heartwarming Netflix series where couples who faced adversity in planning their weddings are surprised with dream weddings orchestrated by a team of experts, resulting in emotional and unforgettable moments.
Dream Home Makeover: In “Dream Home Makeover,” husband-and-wife design duo Shea and Syd McGee transform ordinary houses into stunning dream homes.