Netflix has so much to choose from, but it’s not all golden, so I’m here to help. Now that the weekend is here, it’s the perfect time to binge a new TV show, and I’ve got three recommendations that you can start and finish over a couple of days.
Load up your device of choice, sign in to Netflix, and hit play on these great series that are bound to keep you entertained.
3
Bodies
|
Release Year |
2023 |
|---|---|
|
Seasons |
1 |
|
Episodes |
8 |
|
Overall Running Time |
7 hours 35 minutes |
|
Status |
Ended |
Based on a graphic novel, Bodies is a twisty sci-fi thriller where the same man’s dead body appears in a London street across four different years: 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053. The story follows the detectives who discover the body, and how their investigations and lives all interlink, with the excellent Stephen Graham as a mysterious and important figure.
Moving between the periods, which happens regularly within each episode, makes for interesting viewing as you see how policing and attitudes change. Each actor at the helm of these distinct times, like Andor‘s Kyle Soller as a closeted gay inspector in 1890 and Amaka Okafor as a driven sergeant in 2023, are fantastic. As you keep watching, you’ll grow to care more about these characters, even when parts of the story become a touch convoluted.
It’s this that partly makes Bodies good to binge because it’s easier to forgive the potential plot holes—you’ll be too swept up in the good-looking production and the emotion. Plus, unlike many shows, it actually tells a complete story with a proper ending, even if it does leave itself open to the potential for more (which Netflix has not indicated is happening).
2
The Lost Pirate Kingdom
|
Release Year |
2021 |
|---|---|
|
Seasons |
1 |
|
Episodes |
6 |
|
Overall Running Time |
4 hours 17 minutes |
|
Status |
Ended |
One of the best hidden gem TV shows is Black Sails, a thrilling adventure set during the Golden Age of Piracy, as swashbucklers like Jack Rackham and Blackbeard cause chaos on the sea and land. If you’ve seen that series and want to learn more about the real pirates who inspired it, or simply have a passing interest in the topic, you should watch The Lost Pirate Kingdom.
It’s part documentary, part historical drama, telling the tale of the pirate republic in Nassau during the 18th century. You may have an image in your mind of pirates, but it’s not all peg legs and parrots. It’s fascinating to hear historians talk to camera about topics like how privateers became pirates, the respect and rivalry among crews, and the downfall of Nassau.
Alongside this are dramatic reenactments, that, while a little corny, are still good fun and help bring the history to life—the sets look decent and the actors are clearly enjoying themselves. The legendary Derek Jacobi also provides his great tones as the narrator. Overall, while it’s not the deepest exploration of pirates (and arguably stretches the truth at times), it provides a breezy and watchable overview that is ideal for some light weekend education.
1
Sirens
|
Release Year |
2025 |
|---|---|
|
Seasons |
1 |
|
Episodes |
5 |
|
Overall Running Time |
4 hours 42 minutes |
|
Status |
Unconfirmed |
I’ll turn up for anything Julianne Moore is in, especially when it’s as delightful as Sirens. Here she plays Michaela (known as Kiki to those close to her), an exceedingly wealthy former lawyer who lives on an island and runs a bird sanctuary. By her side is the young Simone (House of the Dragon‘s Milly Alcock), Kiki’s infatuated personal assistant who is at her beck and call.
Simone’s seemingly ideal life is thrown into chaos when her older sister Devon turns up. Played wonderfully by The White Lotus‘ Meghann Fahy, Devon is messy and outspoken. She wants Simone to come home and help with their ill father, believing that Kiki is leading a cult; it’s hard to think otherwise when the staff are bound by strict rules, there are cameras everywhere, and non-disclosure agreements must be signed.
Tightly told across less than five hours, you’re bound to be hooked by the end of the first episode (if you weren’t already), which is both silly and dramatic—and that basically sums up the entirety of Sirens, in the best of ways.
Related
10 New Netflix Shows to Start Watching in June
Update your watch list with these fresh titles to watch in the month of June.
Whether you’re making use of Netflix while traveling or are stuck at home this weekend, I hope you enjoy one (or all!) of these shows. When Netflix asked, I gave them all two thumbs up.