The fire is crackling, and the presents are wrapped. As you eagerly await the arrival of Christmas — or unwind during those cozy days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — it’s time to reward yourself with some much-needed TLC. We’ve compiled a list of TV shows that are perfect for binge-watching over the holiday break. Whether you’re looking for a bit of drama and suspense, some reality TV, or a good laugh, we’ve got you covered.
For a Good Laugh
Bad Sisters
This Irish dark comedy with an all-star cast follows the closely knit Garvey sisters, who become even more tightly bound after the death of their brother-in-law. After his life insurance company launches an investigation to prove malicious intent, we see how each of the sisters has a reason or two to commit the murder. So who did it?
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Apple TV+
This show is worth starting that free Apple TV+ trial. Image: AppleTV+
Only Murders In The Building
This year, we got Season two of Only Murders In The Building — the comedic brainchild of Steve Martin and John Hoffman. It follows the lives of three true-crime-loving strangers-turned-friends who suddenly find themselves in a fresh case when someone in their Upper West Side apartment building is found murdered … again. Despite this seemingly dark plotline, it’s a fun, easy series to watch, and cast members include stars like Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short.
Number of seasons: 2
Where to watch: Hulu
Abbot Elementary
People are calling Abbot Elementary the perfect American mockumentary. Although these dedicated teachers are underfunded and outnumbered, they work hard to better the lives of their students. There’s a little cursing, but it’s heart-warming to watch with the whole family. Binge before it returns on January 4!
Number of seasons: 2
Where to watch: Hulu + ABC
Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is a fan-favorite American football coach whose life is uprooted when he is hired to coach a soccer team in England. The series is based on a character Jason Sudekis played for a series of promotions for NBC Sports’ coverage of the Premier League. You certainly don’t have to be an avid sports fan to watch this series, though, as it’s full of humor, charm, and light-hearted moments.
Number of seasons: 2
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Ted Lasso is a comedy series that follows a former football coach as he begins a new journey coaching soccer in England. Image: IMDb
Dead to Me
Two polar-opposite personalities, Judy and Jen, meet in a support group under bizarre circumstances after two significant losses in their separate lives. What follows is the most topsy-turvy show filled with silliness, solidarity, and mystery. The third season has not lived up to the first two, but it’s worth bingeing from the beginning if you’ve skipped over this one.
Number of seasons: 3
Where to watch: Netflix
For Drama + Suspense
Industry
It shocks me how this show has flown so under the radar. Following young investment bankers navigating the pressure cooker environment of their high-profile firm in London, this show has high-stakes financial drama, power struggles of all kinds, and an incredible soundtrack.
Number of seasons: 2
Where to watch: HBO Max
The White Lotus
Season two of The White Lotus moves to the hotel’s coastal Italy locale, and the scenery is as breathtaking as the drama. The acting, nuance, and dialogue nail almost every part of the human condition. Like the first season, this one takes place over a week-long “dream” vacation and features Jennifer Coolidge (again), Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, and more.
Number of seasons: 2
Where to watch: HBO Max
The White Lotus details the lives of vacationers as they uncover the dark truth of a seemingly perfect resort. Image: HBO Max
The Gilded Age
Downton Abbey lovers, this one’s for you! In this Julien Fellowes-created period drama, a young woman leaves rural Pennsylvania for high society in New York City. But old ways (and old money) butt heads with innovation and new wealth. This is an easy-to-binge, visually opulent story of a pivotal era in American history.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: HBO Max
Succession
Succession is a comedy-drama series that follows members of the Roy family, owners of Waystar RoyCo, a popular media and entertainment company. When the family’s patriarch becomes ill, the remaining Roys must fight for control of the company. Since its beginning in 2018, the series has won numerous awards and received recognition for its writing, acting, and musical score.
Number of seasons: 3
Where to watch: HBO Max
Succession is a satirical comedy about the roles power, money, and politics play in a prominent family. Image: HBO Max
The Lincoln Lawyer
This was a delightful find on Netflix this year. It’s funny, romantic, and a little cheesy at times but a very compelling mystery. Idealistic lawyer Mickey Haller runs a scrappy law practice from the back of his Lincoln, taking on cases of all kinds in Los Angeles … cases that may or may not be connected. I hope this returns for a second season.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923
Yellowstone is on season five and now producing prequel spinoffs, 1883, and its sequel, 1923. The three series follow the origin and empire of the Duttons, a family that owns the largest ranch in Montana. This leads to conflict as they share borders with land developers, a Native reservation, and America’s first National Park.
Yellowstone: 5 seasons
Where to watch: Peacock (some seasons) + Parmount+ (all seasons)
1883: 1 season
Where to watch: Paramount+
1923: 1 season, week-to-week now
Where to watch: Paramount+
Supernatural & Fantasy
Wednesday
When Wednesday Addams ends up in yet another school, she quickly realizes that this one — Nevermore — is different. The collective of misfits is immediately perplexed by this haughty, strange girl. But as trouble and mystery begin to seep out of every corner of her new home, Wednesday sets out to uncover what’s causing it. This one is delightfully addictive.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
Dark and 1899
I’m putting these together because they’re both made by Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar and are similarly niche. When it came out, Netflix pushed the multilingual mystery SciFi show 1899 hard, and I enjoyed the mind-bending tale of ships that seemingly vanish in the ocean without a trace. I then watched Dark and found it even better. It’s a German time-travel thriller that has nearly perfect ratings for a reason. Tip: watch it in German with English subtitles, and pay attention! It’s so complex but so worth it.
Dark: 3 seasons
Where to watch: Netflix
1899: 1 season
Where to watch: Netflix
House of the Dragon
Even those who’ve never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones seemed to flock to House of the Dragon this year. Set 200 years before the epic tale of GOT begins, the series spans decades of familial kingdom strife and is wrought with all the drama, battles, and spiciness you’d expect. Maybe it will finally push you to binge Game of Thrones, too.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: HBO Max
For True Crime Lovers
The Dropout
You’ve likely heard and read about the Theranos/Elizabeth Holmes debacle by now, but don’t skip over this show. Amanda Seyfried stars in this tale of ambition and fame gone horribly wrong when the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire loses everything while putting public health at risk.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Hulu
The Girl From Plainville
This is a jarring and pensive look at what happened before high schooler Michelle Carter was tried for encouraging her 18-year-old boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to kill himself. Heed the trigger warnings before diving into this one, but it brings up a lot about technology and mental health.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Hulu
Reality TV + Docuseries
The Great British Baking Show
There are few cozier, more heart-warming shows than Bake Off, as it’s called in the UK. Over thirteen weeks, you’ll get to love thirteen amateur bakers (who’ve fought against extreme odds to even get on the show). They bake their hearts outs each week to get to the next round until a winner is crowned. Netflix just released “Collection 10” of this beloved English reality TV show.
Number of seasons: 6 (Collections 5 through 10)
Where to watch: Netflix
Welcome To Wrexham
Almost a real-life Ted Lasso scenario, this show follows American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (from Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as they purchase and cluelessly run a flailing soccer team in Wales. Wrexham Football Club is creating an underdog story that the world is obsessed with.
Number of seasons:1
Where to watch: FX + Hulu
This inventive, hilarious show has nearly 20 episodes of easy-to-digest lengths. Image: FX
Harry & Meghan
This limited series is a rare and intimate look into the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — from their courtship to their shocking exit from the royal family to now.
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: Netflix
Here’s to lazy days spent on the couch. Happy binging!
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