We just finished a fantastic series (#4 below), but a few still sit with me, even though it’s been years since I’ve watched them. Here’s a Top 5 list of more binge-worthy shows.
1. The Haunting of Hill House (2018): This horror drama series follows the Crain family as they confront traumatic memories from their childhood tied to their time living in the eerie Hill House. The series masterfully shifts between past and present, revealing the dark secrets of the house and its impact on each family member. Combining supernatural elements with deep emotional storytelling, it explores themes of grief, trauma, and family. This show, including The Haunting of Bly Manor and Midnight Mass, neither of which I have watched yet, are from creator Mike Flanagan. Bonus referral: Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher is also superb if you like suspenseful horror.
2. Dark (2017-2020): This German sci-fi thriller is a complex tale of time travel set in the small town of Winden. Dark follows four interconnected families whose secrets unravel across multiple timelines, revealing a web of events that spans several generations. With a mix of mystery, drama, and supernatural twists, the series delves into the concepts of fate, free will, and the cyclical nature of time. It is generally recommended that Dark be watched with subtitles rather than dubbed audio. The original German performances capture the emotional depth and intensity of the characters, and some viewers feel the dubbing doesn’t do the series justice. Subtitles help preserve the authenticity of the dialogue and enhance the overall viewing experience.
3. Black Mirror (2011- ): This anthology series explores dystopian and thought-provoking scenarios examining technology and society's dark side. Each standalone episode presents a unique story, often set in a near-future world where technological advancements lead to unsettling outcomes. The series blends satire, drama, and psychological horror, reflecting the consequences of our increasingly digital lives. In the episode "Bandersnatch," viewers can make decisions for the protagonist, Stefan Butler, as he develops a choose-your-own-adventure video game. Set in the 1980s, Stefan's life begins to mirror the game he's creating, leading to a series of bizarre and mind-bending consequences depending on the choices made. Stefan grapples with free will, reality, and madness as the viewer's decisions lead to various branching storylines and multiple endings as the plot unfolds. The episode plays on themes of control and the illusion of choice, typical of Black Mirror's exploration of technology and human behavior. Binging the series allows you to see the connections between the episodes. For example, there is a song that plays throughout several episodes. Had I not watched one episode after the next, I never would’ve found and fallen in love with “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is.”
4. Your Honor (2020-2023) This legal drama stars Bryan Cranston as a respected New Orleans judge whose moral compass is tested when his son is involved in a hit-and-run that ties them to a dangerous crime family. The series highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones while navigating complex themes of justice, corruption, and loyalty. Cranston brings a raw intensity to the role, embodying the emotional struggle of a man trying to protect his family while navigating a web of crime and deceit. Its unpredictable plot keeps viewers on edge, while the moral complexity of the characters invites deep reflection on how far one will go to protect their loved ones. I’m not sure if there will be a season three, but season two ends the series perfectly.
5. The Orville (2017- ) A sci-fi dramedy created by Seth MacFarlane, The Orville follows the crew of the USS Orville as they explore space and tackle various adventures in the 25th century. The show blends comedy, drama, and action, paying homage to classic Star Trek while also addressing contemporary social issues through its intergalactic storylines. It took me quite some time to watch MacFarlane because every time he speaks, all I see is Brian, the dog from Family Guy. However, as the creator, star, and producer, MacFarlane brings his unique humor and creativity while delivering serious sci-fi elements. His love for the genre shines through in every episode, and I've heard another season might be forthcoming.
Check out my previous Top 5: Binge-Worth Shows blog.