Sometimes (or most weekends if you’re like me), binge-watching Netflix is the route to happiness. Does anything beat throwing on a baggy jumper, fluffy socks and settling down for a long binge-watch?
Although, sometimes the vast choice can seem overwhelming. We’ve all been there… spending more time choosing a film/programme than actually watching it. So, you will be ecstatic to hear I’ve compiled a list of my favourite series on Netflix from the last few years. Well, more like a Netflix bible.
Here are my PMS binge-watch recommendations, get comfortable and enjoy!
Whether you fancy a pre-menstrual sob, or a series so tense it will have you gripping onto the edge of your seat – there is something for every mood.
Light-hearted/Comical
As much as we love a tense, action packed, dramatic series, there is definitely a place for some fantastic mood boosting and light-hearted shows. If you need a mood boost or a good laugh, these are some brilliant shows to get stuck in to!
Would we discuss Netflix recommendations without including Emily in Paris? Never.
Emily in Paris is a super binge worthy series following the ambitious twenty-something Emily who finds herself swept away to the city of love for a job opportunity. Through three seasons of fabulous fashion and exciting new adventures, Emily in Paris explores the personal and professional life of Emily and her friends as she juggles winning over her colleagues, navigating new romances and making friends.
This one is definitely a guilty pleasure binge watch.
Dubbed as one of the best ever Netflix original series, ‘Orange is the New Black’ is the epitome of a feel-good, comical series. It follows a Public Relations Executive (Piper Chapman). Her life is on track until her past catches up with her. She is sentenced to spend time in a minimum-security women’s prison. Chapman has to adjust to life behind bars and befriend the range of different characters she will be living alongside.
If you’ve not already seen Schitt’s Creek then where have you been bebe?
After their business manager takes their family fortune, the formerly filthy rich Rose family relocate to the town of Schitt’s Creek that they once bought as a joke. In some ways a typical riches to rags storyline where the Rose’s face major ‘culture shock’ and are forced to rebuild their lives. As they adjust to their new reality, living in a motel and navigating the quirks of the town and its residents, Schitt’s Creek delivers a perfect blend of humour, growth and heartfelt moments. With exceptional writing, a superb cast and heartfelt messages throughout, it has rightfully earned its place among the greatest sitcoms of all time.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedic masterpiece that effortlessly combines laughter, heart and a diverse ensemble cast. The beloved sitcom follows the misadventures of the 99th precinct of the NYPD in Brooklyn, New York. This comedy gem effortlessly blends humour, heart and touches on social commentary without being too heavy. The talented cast, sharp writing and abundance of laughs, it has solidified its place as a fan favourite. Whether you’re in need of a good laugh or a reminder of the power of friendship, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the perfect choice for an entertaining and feel-good TV experience.
Follows seven of the city’s most successful female realtors who all work under the same roof at the #1 agency in the Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip. They work hard and play harder, as they compete with the cutthroat LA market and each other. These ladies will do what it takes to make it to the top of their game, all while trying to keep their personal lives intact. This season, the ladies deal with even more mind-blowing mansions and explosive truths that will change their lives, relationships and careers forever. Welcome to Selling Sunset.
Season 6 has just landed on Netflix so what better time to binge this drama filled delight?
The absolute best in feel good, wholesome TV. It’s likely you’ll cry – you have been warned…
Queer Eye is at its core a heartwarming and empowering reality series that goes beyond the surface to transform the lives of individuals in need. With it’s uplifting spirit, infectious energy, and a fabulously diverse cast known as the Fab Five, the show serves as a beacon of hope, acceptance and personal growth. Each episode of Queer Eye follows the Fab Five as they enter the lives of a hometown hero, offering their expertise in five key areas: fashion, grooming, interior design, food and culture/lifestyle. Queer Eye is more than just a makeover show; it is a powerful and transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and personal growth. Through its compassionate approach and celebration of diversity, it ignites conversations, fosters empathy and leaves a lasting impact on participants and viewers alike.
The Bold Type
The Bold Type is a refreshing and empowering series that explore the lives of three best friends working at renowned women’s magazine, Scarlet. Set in the bustling world of New York City, the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of Jane, Kat and Sutton as they navigate the ups and down of their careers, relationships and self-discovery. The Bold Type is a must-watch if you’re seeking an empowering, binge-worthy and easy to watch show.
Nail-biting/edge of your seat
These are the ones that will not fail to keep you on the edge of your seat. Full of twists, turns and well, more twists and turns. Beware, they will be ALL you can think about once you start them! You will also end up becoming completely attached to the characters.
Prison Break
I cannot big this series up enough. It is AMAZING. Although, if you try to watch it whilst scrolling through your phone, you won’t be able to keep up. In summary, it follows a man (Michael Schofield) and his brother (Lincoln Burrows). Burrows is on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Schofield gets himself arrested and sent to the same prison to break Burrows out from the inside. It is so clever and completely addictive, need I say more?
Some may say (including myself) that this is the best series. EVER. Although, I didn’t get addicted to it straight away like Prison Break. But, after a few episodes, I was completely hooked. It follows a high school chemistry teacher (Walter White), who learns he has terminal cancer. He realises his salary won’t cover the financial costs of his treatment, so he turns to cooking meth. The series won a total of 16 Emmy awards and has landed a 9.5/10 rating on IMDb. Crazy, huh?
I honestly cannot recommend this series enough. I finally understand the phrase ‘edge of your seat’ because that’s exactly where I was from start to end (quite literally). It’s based around a mysterious stranger who somehow knows everyone’s secrets and has no problem leaking them (we aren’t talking little secrets like what you got someone for Christmas). There isn’t enough fingers on your hands to count the number of twists. Give it a watch and thank me later.
Jessica Jones
This is a Marvel and Netflix original, so it’s bound to be a good series, right? Well, it doesn’t disappoint. What I love about this series is that it is SO different. You can’t predict the plot whatsoever. Also, it has David Tennant in it, what’s not to love hey? I can’t say too much without giving the twists away. But, in summary, it follows ex-superhero turned detective Jessica Jones. She has settled in New York after a tragedy put an end to her career and she is now suffering from PTSD. But what was the tragedy? and what demons is she left to face?
Crime/Thriller/Mystery
These series also keep you on the edge of your seat. But, they have more of a mysterious, crime type of feel. Either way, they will have you completely hooked.
Behind Her Eyes is a psychological thriller that delivers a suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s novel, this gripping series delves into the complexities of relationships, secrets and the dark corners of the human mind. Louise, a single mother becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation when she enters into an affair with her new boss, David. A their relationship intensifies, Loise also befriends David’s wife, Adele and finds herself caught in a psychological tug-of-war between the two. Compelling characters, psychological mind games and shocking revelations offer a thrilling and immersive viewing experience. – This one comes highly recommended by our team!
Out of all the series I watched, this was definitely the most addictive. I watched it all in under two weeks. This is on par with Breaking Bad for being my absolute favourite. It’s suspense-driven, mysterious, addictive, full of twists and everything else in-between. It follows a group of ambitious law students and their criminal defence professor (who is an absolute girlboss). Not only do they get involved in defending murders. But, they become entangled in a murder plot themselves (slight spoiler, eek sorry).
Created by award winning writer Harlan Coben, this series follows Tom Delaney as he embarks on a frantic search for his daughter after she goes missing from their supposedly ‘safe’ and gated community. Luckily, consisting of only one 8-episode season, you won’t have to wait too long to find out exactly what happened (and let me tell you… It’s good). Of course, it wouldn’t be a good mystery without some unpredictable secrets and I can promise you, you won’t be short of them.
This is another one that doesn’t get enough recognition. A CIA operations officer (Carrie Mathison) is working in the counter-terrorism centre. She becomes obsessed with the idea that a prisoner of war who has returned to America (Nicholas Brody), has been turned by Al-Qaeda. He’s welcomed with open arms by the rest of the country. But, Mathison is convinced he is a terrorist and tries every means to prove it. It is SO nail-bitingly-intense.
Drama
I would class these in the ‘drama’ genre. Aka, completely filled with dramatic, (sometimes distressing) events. But don’t let that put you off.
Maid delves into the realities of poverty and domestic abuse. Based on the memoir by Stephanie Land, this compelling drama shines a light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by single mothers in their quest for stability and self-discovery. The show follows the journey of Alex, a young mother who finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship and trapped in a cycle of poverty. In her quest to provide a better life for herself and her daughter, Alex takes a job as a maid, which opens her eyes to the challenges and injustices faced by countless women in similar circumstances. Maid is an emotionally charged series that sheds light on important social issues whilst showcasing the power of the human spirit.
Bridgerton & Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
This period drama has taken social media by storm and it’s completely understandable why! I was absolutely hooked from the start. I am also now obsessed with string orchestra covers of pop songs (if you know, you know). The series follows the powerful Bridgerton family as the eldest daughter, Daphne, makes her debut on the marriage market in London. However, it’s not smooth sailing and the series features a number of scandals in the city, which are reported on by an anonymous Lady Whistledown. It was met with such amazing reviews that Netflix renewed it for a second season just a few weeks after being released. There’s definitely no shortage of drama and the Duke isn’t too bad to look at either. What more could you want?
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story has recently arrived on Netflix if you can’t get enough of the ‘period’ vibes. (pardon the pun)
This series follows a cabinet member (Tom Kirkman), who has been assigned as the ‘Designated Survivor’. A Designated Survivor is a person placed in a secure, distant location when the President/other top leaders are gathering in one location. This is usually a member of the United States Cabinet. If a terrorist attack occurs and harms the President or Vice President, the ‘Designated Survivor’ becomes the new President. A catastrophic event means that Kirkman is assigned as president. But are there a few snakes in the grass?
This one isn’t talked about much, which is why I’m here to tell you about it and that it’s a must-watch. The main character ‘Ghost’ or ‘James St. Patrick’ is a wealthy nightclub owner, living a double life as a drug kingpin. But, as you can imagine, his life isn’t plain sailing. What effect will this double life have on his marriage, family and business? The episodes are filled with drama, so you won’t ever get bored.
Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
These picks combine elements of thrilling escapades and imaginative storytelling sometimes set in futuristic or otherworldly settings. These shows will take you on exhilarating journeys, filled with high-stakes action, exploration of the unknown and encounters with fantastical creatures.
Things get stranger by the season and there’s 4 for you to sink your teeth into. Each new season builds on the previous one and every episode further expands the – Stranger Things seriously lives up to the hype and what better time to jump on Netflix and watch than whilst we’re all eagerly awaiting season 5?
Strange things are afoot in Hawkins, Indiana, where a young boy’s sudden disappearance unearths a young girl with otherworldly powers. Follow a group of friends as they uncover supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies.
The show has a seriously incredible soundtrack, a host of likeable characters and a killer storyline that gets you hooked from the start. It’s the perfect mix of 80’s nostalgia and all things sci-fi/horror.
Outer Banks takes viewers on an exhilarating ride filled with treasure hunts, teenage drama, and sun-soaked escapades. This coming-of age series weaves an intriguing tale of friendship, romance, and high-stakes adventure. The show centres around John B, a teenager determined to uncover the truth about his missing father and the legendary treasure connected to the Outer Banks. Alongside his tight-knit group of friends, known as the Pogues, John B embarks on a thrilling quest that uncovers long-held secrets, tests their loyalty, and pits them against the wealthy and privileged ‘Kooks’ of the island. The series offers a good mix of adventure, mystery and romance. With its picturesque setting, engaging plotlines, and charismatic cast, it has all the ingredients necessary for an enjoyable binge-watching experience.
There’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into – hopefully this list will help you kick off your binge watch session without the painful scrolling!
Let us know over on Instagram @totmorganic if you check out any of these series.
This blog was updated May 2023.
