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38 of the best shows streaming on Netflix to binge watch next

If you're looking for a new show, we have a few recommendations (and then a few more).
Best streaming shows on Netflix
Netflix, NBC

While we wait for the return of beloved shows like "Abbott Elementary" and the premiere of new series like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," it's time to get caught up on some popular series that you might've missed.

During the actors and writers strikes, television lovers spent their days rewatching or discovering old show on Netflix. Although the strikes have ended, that trend has continued as dramas like "Suits" gain new fans on Netflix.

The legal drama isn't the only series surging on Netflix. "Gilmore Girls," "Ugly Betty" and more hits from the early 2000s and 2010s are currently climbing the streaming charts. Of course, if you've already watched those shows, there are plenty of crime docuseries, dramedies and reality shows to check out too, such as "Heartstopper," The Great British Baking Show or "60 Days In."

With so many options, you can end up scrolling for hours wondering, "What do I watch next?" Well, thankfully TODAY.com has compiled a list of the best shows currently available to watch on Netflix. Here's what you need to add to your queue ASAP.

'The Great British Baking Show' (2010-present)

The Great British Bake Off
Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond, Prue Leith and Noel Fielding in "The Great British Baking Show"Mark Bourdillon

Synopsis: This humble reality series follows British amateur bakers as they beat and bake their way to the top. With seven seasons of competition-worthy baking recipes, this beloved series sees contestants tested on their technical skills and lets them shine with signature bakes. Plus, viewers will be inspired to break out their oven mitts and cook up iconic recipes from across the pond, from Blast Forest Cakes and Baked Alaskas to Christmas Puddings and Crumpets.

Genre: Reality, Culinary

Starring: Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond, Prue Leith and Noel Fielding

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000-2007)

Film Still / Publicity Still from Gilmore Girls (Episode: The Bracebridge Dinner) Milo Ventimiglia, Alexis Bledel 2001 Photo credit: Ron Batzdorff    File Reference # 30847962THA  For Editorial Use Only -  All Rights Reserved
Milo Ventimiglia and Alexis Bledel in "Gilmore Girls"PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Synopsis: A young mom and her teen daughter are faced with the aches and pains of family and the love and drama of their storybook, small-town life. In the cozy Connecticut town of Stars Hallow, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore learn to balance leaning on one another while also allowing the other to strike out and create lives of their own.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy and Kelly Bishop

‘Mindhunter’ (2017-2019)

Mindhunter
"Mindhunter"Netflix

Synopsis: This dark drama, based on a true story, is about the FBI initiative to study the minds of serial killers. Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) develop the modern idea of profiling, one serial killer interview at a time.

Genre: Thriller

Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany and Anna Torv

'60 Days In' (2016-present)

60 Days In
Two volunteers in "60 Days In"A&E

Synopsis: In this reality series, members of the public are tapped by chief jailers to go undercover in jails for 60 days. By doing so, they often expose the dire situations in the prison system for the general public. 

Genre: Reality

'Beckham' (2023)

Beckham.
David Beckham being celebrated by his teammates in "Beckham"Netflix

Synopsis: The life and career of former English soccer star David Beckham gets the spotlight.

Genre: Reality

Starring: David Beckham and Victoria Beckham

‘American Nightmare’ (2024)

American Nightmare
Aaron Quinn and Denise Huskins.Netflix

Synopsis: When Denise Huskins was kidnapped from her California home in 2015, police thought her boyfriend was the suspect. When she turned up two days later, they thought it was a hoax. This documentary explains what really happened and the toll it took on the couple.

Genre: Docuseries

‘Murdaugh Murders A Southern Scandal’ (2023)

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.
"Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal"Netflix

Synopsis: Alex Murdaugh’s trial captivated the country, and the Netflix show goes deep, featuring firsthand accounts from members of a small-town South Carolina community who peel back the layers of the family’s impact on their lives.

Genre: Docuseries

‘Love Is Blind' (2020-present)

Love is Blind. Episode 501 of Love is Blind.
"Love is Blind" Season Five contestantsNetflix

Synopsis: Each seasons have the same old blue walls, but this time with new contestants, triangles and heartbreak.

Available: Sept. 29

Genre: Reality, Romance

‘One Piece’ (2023)

Taz Skylar as Sanji, Mackenyu Arata as Roronoa Zoro, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, and Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp in "One Piece."
Taz Skylar as Sanji, Mackenyu Arata as Roronoa Zoro, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami and Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp in "One Piece."Netflix

Synopsis: This live American-Japanese adaptation of the 1997 Japanese manga series follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his high seas adventures and mission to become The King of the Pirates.

Created by: Steven Maeda, Matt Owens

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Stevel Marc and Taz Skylar

'Virgin River' (2019-present)

Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge in "Virgin River."
Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge in "Virgin River."Netflix

Synopsis: This show will have you wishing you could pul a Mel and move to the small California town of Virgin River, where time seems to stop, neighbors are nosy (and friendly) and the bartenders make for perfect love interests. Based on a romance novel series, "Virgin River" is an escape that doesn't shy away from confronting the pain of love and loss.

Genre: Romantic drama

Starring: Martin Henderson, Alexandra Breckenridge and Tim Matheson

'Suits' (2011-2019)

Suits
Patrick J. Adams as Mike Ross and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in "Suits"Getty Images

Synopsis: No, you're not crazy: Everyone is watching this drama right now. After landing on Netflix in 2023, "Suits" broke its own records as people discovered (or rediscovered) the show about a legal savant missing just one thing — a degree. While it's famous for starring Meghan Markle before she became a duchess, "Suits" is a gripping show in its own right.

Genre: Legal drama

Starring: Meghan Markle, Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams

'Squid Game' (2021-present)

Lee Jung-jae in "Squid Game."
Lee Jung-jae in "Squid Game."Noh Juhan / Netflix

Synopsis: This Korean show was an outright phenomenon when it landed on Netflix for its provocative premise and violent execution (literal and metaphorical). How far would you go for a cash prize? These desperate characters put their lives on the line.

Genre: Thriller

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Yoo-mi, Jung Ho-yeon and Park Hae-soo

'Ozark' (2017-2022)

Julia Garner as Ruth in "Ozark."
Julia Garner as Ruth in "Ozark."Netflix

Synopsis: The Byrdes are in big trouble — and things don't get better from there. In Season One, Marty Byrde and his wife, Wendy, move their family to the Ozarks to launder money for a cartel (long story). They spend the rest of the show trying to find freedom and dodge bullets.

Genre: Drama

Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney and Julia Garner

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020-2021)

 Dylan Kingwell as Sam, Sophie Grace as Kristy, and Ethan Farrell as Charlie in "The Baby-Sitter Club."
Dylan Kingwell as Sam, Sophie Grace as Kristy, and Ethan Farrell as Charlie in "The Baby-Sitter Club."Kailey Schwerman / Netflix

Synopsis: Based on the beloved series by Ann M. Martin, this series follows five middle-school best friends who kickstart their own babysitting business in the fictional town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut. Depending on your age, it’ll speak to you directly or take you back to childhood.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Sophie Grace, Malia Baker, Momona Tamada, Shay Rudolph and Xochitl Gomez

‘Heartstopper’ (2022-present)

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson in "Heartstopper" on Netflix.
Kit Connor as Nick Nelson in "Heartstopper" on Netflix.ROB YOUNGSON / Netflix

Synopsis: Sparks fly between two teens attending an all-boys grammar school in the U.K. The show is called “Heartstopper,” but there’s more than a small chance it will melt your heart.

Genre: Coming-of-age, rom-com, teen drama

Starring: Joe Locke and Kit Connor

‘Mo’ (2022-present)

Mo Amer in "MO."
Mo Amer in "MO." / Netflix

Synopsis: Stand-up comedian Mo Amer plays the series’s titular character Mo, a Palestinian refugee living in Houston, Texas. Ramy Youssef, who created the autobiographical show "Ramy," co-created along with Amer.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: Mo Amer, Teresa Ruiz and Farah Bsieso

‘The Order’ (2019-2020)

 Thomas Elms as Hamish, Katharine, Katharine Isabelle
Vera, Jake Manley as Jack, and Adam Dimarco as Randall in "The Order."
Thomas Elms as Hamish, Katharine Isabelle as Vera, Jake Manley as Jack and Adam Dimarco as Randall in "The Order."Bettine Strauss / Netflix

Synopsis: Wish you learned magic in school instead of math and grammar? The students in “The Order” join a secret society that teaches magic. But it’s not all fun and games: They’re preparing for a fight against werewolves and dark magic.

Genre: Horror, drama and supernatural

Starring: Jake Manley, Sarah Grey and Matt Frewer

‘Love on the Spectrum’ (2019-present)

Rachel and Subodh in episode 5 of Love on the Spectrum.
Rachel and Subodh in Season One, Episode Five of "Love on the Spectrum"Netflix / Netflix

Synopsis: Netflix has countless dating showsbut this one is unique. With seasons taking place in Australia and the U.S., “Love on the Spectrum” follows people on the autism spectrum as they go about looking for love.

Genre: Reality

‘Katla’ (2021)

"Katla."
A scene from "Katla."Lilja Jonsdottir / Netflix

Synopsis: What’s hiding in the ice? In an Icelandic community, the dead emerge from the aftermath of a sub-glacial volcano.

Genre: Mystery, drama and horror

Starring: Guðrún Eyfjörð, Íris Tanja Flygenring and Ingvar Sigurðsson

‘Derry Girls’ (2018-2022)

Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Erin, Nicola Coughlan as Clare, Dylan Llewellyn as James, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell as Michelle, Louisa as Harland Orla, and Leah O'Rourke
Jenny in "Derry Girls."
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Erin, Nicola Coughlan as Clare, Dylan Llewellyn as James, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell as Michelle, Louisa as Harland Orla, and Leah O'Rourke Jenny in "Derry Girls."Netflix

Synopsis: There may be a war happening around them in Northern Ireland. But the teenagers of “Derry Girls” go through the trials of growing up.

Genre: Teen comedy

Starring: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell and Dylan Llewellyn

‘Beef’ (2023)

Ali Wong in "Beef."
Ali Wong in "Beef."Andrew Cooper / Netflix

Synopsis: Two strangers live out their road rage fantasies in this daring show, which will have you questioning the characters’ decisions but happy you can follow along until the end.

Genre: Black comedy, drama

Starring: Ali Wong and Steven Yeun

‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ (2019-present)

 "I Think I Should Leave with Tim Robinson."
A scene from "I Think I Should Leave with Tim Robinson."Terence Patrtick / Netflix

Synopsis: Watch comedian Tim Robinson lead a series of short sketch comedies so bizarre you’ll watch for hours. They’ll perplex you. They’ll astonish you. And most of all, they’ll make you laugh.

Genre: Sketch comedy

Starring: Tim Robinson

‘Lupin’ (2021-present)

Omar Sy as Assane Diop in "Lupin."
Omar Sy as Assane Diop in "Lupin."Emmanuel Guimier / Netflix

Synopsis: “Lupin” is based on the French equivalent to Sherlock Holmes. Instead of a detective, he’s a thief — in this adaptation, played by Omar Sy. Years after his father’s death, a man is inspired by the adventures of a master thief to seek revenge.

Genre: Mystery

Starring: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier and Clotilde Hesme

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy in "The Queen's Gambit."
Anya Taylor-Joy in "The Queen's Gambit."Phil Bray / Netflix

Synopsis: “The Queen’s Gambit,” a viral hit, is a book-to-TV show adaptation about an orphaned girl emerges as a chess prodigy. As she gets older, her lonely childhood manifests itself in self-destructive habits.

Genre: Historical drama

Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp and Moses Ingram

‘Sex Education’ (2019-2023)

Sex Education
"Sex Education"Netflix

Synopsis: High-schooler Otis may not be having much sex — but his classmates are. He lifts advice from his mother, a renowned sex therapist, and begins coaching his classmates in this moving and funny show

Genre: Teen dramedy

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson and Ncuti Gatwa

‘You’ (2018-present)

Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg in "You."Netflix

Synopsis: Joe Goldberg frames himself as a book nerd, but he's hiding malicious thoughts — only ones that we, the audience, are privy to. Characters who cross paths with him, beware.

Genre: Psychological thriller

Starring: Penn Badgley

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018-present)

Sean Kanan in "Cobra Kai" Season 5
Sean Kanan in "Cobra Kai."Netflix

Synopsis: Nearly three decades after the events of “The Karate Kid Part II,” former bully Johnny Lawrence reopens Cobra Kai dojo.

Genre: Action drama

Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka and Courtney Henggeler

‘Bridgerton’ (2020-present)

Season Two of "Bridgerton."
Season Two of "Bridgerton." Liam Daniel/Netflix

Synopsis: Julia Quinn’s romance novels are the fodder for this dreamy and steamy series, each of which follows the love story of one of the Bridgerton children in regency England. Yes, it’s still worth watching even if the duke is never coming back.

Genre: Regency Romance, Steamy

Starring: Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley and Julie Andrews

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)

India Amarteifio as young Queen Charlotte in "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story."
India Amarteifio as young Queen Charlotte in "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story."Liam Daniel / Netflix

Synopsis: In this “Bridgerton” spinoff, the story of Queen Charlotte’s early marriage to young King George becomes the focus of high society and gossip.

Genre: Historical drama

Starring: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh and Michelle Fairley

‘Black Mirror’ (2011-)

Josh Hartnett as David in "Black Mirror."
Josh Hartnett as David in "Black Mirror."Nick Wall / Netflix

Synopsis: This anthology series explore the world of tech and ethics as we may or may not come to know them. Each episode has a brand new invention ... and a world shaped around it.

Genre: Science fiction

Starring: Annie Murphy, Salma Hayek and  Myha’la Herrold

‘The Diplomat’ (2023)

Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler and Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in "The Diplomat."
Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler and Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in "The Diplomat."Netflix

Synopsis: Kate Wyler earns a high-profile job as ambassador to the United Kingdom. While having to work out international crises in home territory and abroad, she must handle her own marriage in crisis.

Genre: Political thriller

Starring: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi and Ali Ahn

‘Maid’ (2021)

Tracy Vilar as Yolanda and Margaret Qualley as Alex in "Maid."
Tracy Vilar as Yolanda and Margaret Qualley as Alex in "Maid." Ricardo Hubbs / Netflix

Synopsis: A young mother flees an abusive relationship and juggles her mother’s mania, all while trying to make it work for the sake of her daughter. “Maid” is based on a memoir by Stephanie Land and stars mother-daughter duo Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley.

Genre: Drama

Starring: Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell

'Insecure' (2016-2021)

Yvonne Orji as Molly and Issa Rae as Issa in "Insecure"
Yvonne Orji as Molly and Issa Rae as Issa in "Insecure"Merie W Wallace / HBO

Synopsis: Best friends Issa Dee and Molly Carter confront their insecurities and everyday obstacles while also trying to manage their careers and love lives. Set in South Los Angeles, the series also tackles social and racial issues affecting the Black community.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell and Amanda Seales

'The Mindy Project' (2012-2017)

The Mindy Project
Mindy Kaling in "The Mindy Project" Season Six, Episode OneEverett Collection

Synopsis: Mindy Lahiri is an OB-GYN living in New York City who works in a small medical practice. Mindy and the rest of the doctors and nurses constantly blend their work and personal lives as they interact with each other and their patients.

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina, Ike Barinholtz, Ed Weeks and Adam Pally

'First Wives Club' (2019- present)

Michelle Buteau as Bree Washington and Ryan Michelle Bathe as Ari Montgomery in "First Wives Club" Episode 101.
Michelle Buteau as Bree Washington and Ryan Michelle Bathe as Ari Montgomery in "First Wives Club" Episode 101. Carolina Wojtasik / BET

Synopsis: Based on the 1996 film of the same name, this show is set in New York City and tells the story of three women who lean on each other after their marriages crumble. While strengthening their bond, they also plot to get back at their exes.

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Michelle Buteau, Jill Scott and Ryan Michelle Bathe

'Ugly Betty' (2006-2010)

Ugly betty
America Ferrera as Betty Suarez in "Ugly Betty" Season One Episode Two.Michael Desmond / Getty Images

Synopsis: Betty Suarez, a writer from Queens, New York with an eccentric sense of style, lands a job at a top fashion magazine called "Mode." She is hired to be the new assistant for the editor-in-chief, Daniel. Her boss and the rest of her co-workers immediately make her feel out of place in the fashion world.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: America Ferrera, Ana Ortiz, Eric Mabius, Mark Indelicato and Tony Plana

'Ginny & Georgia' (2021-present)

Antonia Gentry as Ginny and Diesel La Torraca as Austin in Season Two, Episode One of "Ginny & Georgia"
Antonia Gentry as Ginny and Diesel La Torraca as Austin in Season Two, Episode One of "Ginny & Georgia" Netflix

Synopsis: Georgia, running from her past, decides to move with her 15-year-old daughter Ginny and 9-year-old son Austin to a wealthy New England town to start over. Despite being in a picture-perfect community, Ginny and Austin struggle to acclimate and Georgia's criminal history inches closer and closer.

Genre: Comedy-drama

Starring: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Felix Mallard, Raymond Ablack and Scott Porter

'This Is Us' (2016-2022)

Image: Image: This Is Us - Season 1
Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson and Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson in Season One, Episode 14 of "This Is Us"NBC

Synopsis: The first episode introduces viewers to a group of people all born on the same day: Jack and his pregnant wife Rebecca, who are about to welcome triplets; a Hollywood actor named Kevin, who wants to leave his popular television show; his sister and personal assistant Kate, who joins a weight loss support group; and a wealthy businessman named Randall, who is trying to locate his birth father. The first episode has a twist, and the twists keep coming.

Genre: Drama

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz and Justin Hartley