Top 20 Shows To Binge This Holiday Season

Fans of “The Karate Kid” movies will probably already be major fans of this spin-off Netflix series. However, if somehow it slipped your radar, and you’ve been longing for the good ol’ days of Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, and “wax on, wax off”, we’re about to make your day. It’s 34 years later and Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, now leading drastically different lives, find themselves facing off once again. It’s a great hit of nostalgia and is as exciting as ever. Whether it’s your first time watching or your fiftieth, you’ll want to catch up before the new season drops this winter.

You can’t have a holiday watchlist without at least one series to get you into the festive spirit. Based on the YA series “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares”, we follow two polar opposite teenagers and their unlikely encounters across New York City. Throughout their interactions, they learn that they actually have a lot in common. It’s your feel-good Christmas rom-com with a heartwarming storyline at its center. Told across eight episodes, we really got to know these characters. Sadly, even though we became super invested in their stories and budding relationship, Netflix broke our festive hearts when they decided to cancel the series.

Based on the comic book of the same name, this sci-fi series hits all the right spots. It’s a mystery comedy-drama about an alien who crash-lands on earth - with plans to annihilate humanity. But, things go awry. With a new identity and a pesky kid on his case, he grapples with the implications of his mission. Of course, watching an extraterrestrial try to fit in on earth brings plenty of hilarity and entertainment to the mix. Not only is it really funny, but it also expertly blends several genres together. If you think you know the sci-fi genre, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“The course of true love never did run smooth” and boy does this show know it. Based on a popular column from “The New York Times”, this anthology-style series can be found on Amazon Prime Video. Each episode is dedicated to exploring the ups and downs of love in all of its many forms, be it romantic relationships, platonic friendships, and even self-acceptance. It also boasts a pretty star-studded cast across its two seasons, including names like Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Kit Harrington, Ed Sheeran, and Christina Milioti. With an array of relatable and compelling stories, you’ll finish all 16 episodes before you know it.

Spanning 18 seasons and counting, “Grey’s Anatomy” is currently the longest-running American Primetime medical series. Chronicling the lives of the medical staff at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, the series has picked up countless Primetime Emmy nominations and launched the careers of several of its stars. Whether it's a medical emergency or drama in their personal lives, there’s plenty of twists and turns to keep audiences engaged. After all, it has lasted this long for a reason. With several spin-offs, crossovers, and no signs of stopping anytime soon, “Grey’s Anatomy” will keep you busy for hours on end. Just what the doctor ordered when you’re craving some alone time.

Starring Annie Murphy, of “Schitt’s Creek” fame, this dark comedy is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Allison McRoberts might seem like your typical sitcom wife, but married to the egotistical and immature Kevin, life is hardly a picnic. She gets a rude awakening that gives her the confidence to take back control over her life. Flirting between a traditional multi-camera sitcom and a typical single-camera drama, we get to see what happens after the laugh track ends. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, but most of all, you’ll be hooked from episode one. Luckily this AMC show has been renewed for a second season.

Do you like period dramas but always thought that they could be steamier? If you answered yes, then this is your show. Set in 1800s London, and based on the book series of the same name, “Bridgerton” answers the question - what if Jane Austen had written “Gossip Girl”? It follows the eight Bridgerton siblings on their journey to find love. We get drama, scandal, excitement, and let’s be honest, the steamy love scenes aren’t so bad either. Currently, it’s the second-most viewed series on Netflix and has been renewed up to season four. We just wouldn’t recommend it for a family viewing.

Another Superman adaptation? Yes, but as you’ve never seen him before. After years of saving the world from various villains, Clark Kent faces his biggest challenge yet: parenthood and married life. Supes and Lois, now parents to two teenage sons, must learn to deal with the everyday challenges that life throws their way. This is still in the CW’s Arrowverse mind you, so it’s not totally villain-free. Yep, the Man of Steel dons his crimson cape often to take on the bad guys. But, the way the series delves into their personal lives is, frankly, just as exciting. It’s a whole new way to experience the DC universe!

This British comedy-drama was an instant fan-favorite due to its refreshing, yet lighthearted, approach to sex. An awkward student named Otis, who lives with his sex therapist mother, starts doling out advice to his fellow students. Audiences connected to the relatability of its content as well as its honest and open dialogue. Viewers also responded to its representation and its ability to avoid age-old tropes and cliches. It’s funny and upbeat, but still maintains a responsibility to its audience. Plus, once you’ve watched one episode, you won’t want to stop. And luckily for us, it’s been renewed for a fourth season already.

This South Korean survival thriller burst into our lives in September 2021, becoming an instant sensation. In fact, it’s currently the most-watched show on Netflix. Despite its dark subject matter, and wow, is it dark, audiences simply couldn’t get enough. The premise follows around 400 down-on-their-luck individuals who compete through a series of survival games to win a cash prize. If they lose, well, they die. If you get a kick out of psychological dramas, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust us, you won’t be able to stop watching until the story reaches its thrilling conclusion.

What could possibly happen when a group of rich people go to an exclusive Hawaiian resort? Well, in this satirical HBO drama, it proves to be a life-changing week as secrets are spilled and darker edges emerge. Let’s just say not all is well in paradise after all. There’s a universal fascination with the lives of the extremely wealthy, and these well-rounded characters do not disappoint. Following its critically acclaimed first season, it was renewed as an anthology series. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast that includes the likes of Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Connie Britton, and Steve Zahn, what’s not to love about “The White Lotus”?

Wait, you haven’t seen “Schitt’s Creek” yet? Why not? This Canadian sitcom, written by Dan and Eugene Levy, is an absolute gem. Thanks to its witty writing, wholesome storylines, and eclectic group of characters, the series developed a devoted fanbase. It also dominated at the 72nd Primetime Emmys with a complete sweep of all major comedy awards. At its core, it’s about a family learning to adjust to life without their wealth, but there’s actually so much more to it. We quickly become attached to these characters and fully invested in their stories. So, if you’re after a fun, feel-good comedy with plenty of heart, then this hilarious journey is for you.

Kate Winslet plays a high school hot-shot turned detective in arguably her best role yet. In this limited series, Winslet’s Mare struggles to solve a grisly murder, keep her personal life afloat and uphold her reputation in the community. The series was applauded for its brilliant and well-thought-out writing, phenomenal casting, as well as its representation of women. It was nominated for a slew of Primetime Emmy Awards, winning four. As much as we’d love to see more, the story was wrapped up perfectly, leaving us with a very satisfying conclusion.

Perhaps you’re a fan of Jean Smart but crime dramas aren’t your thing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this comedy-drama, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a comedic icon who’s struggling to remain relevant. She befriends Ava Daniels, a millennial comedy writer who has seemingly been canceled due to an offensive tweet. When they team up, they discover that they can learn a lot from each other. The show offers a cutting and witty critique of the modern age, delivered by an incredibly talented cast. With a current 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it comes as no surprise that it’s been renewed for a second season.

With season five in production, now is a great time to catch up on this royal drama. Starting in the 1940s, Peter Morgan blurs fact and fiction for this imagining of royal life. Starting with Princess Elizabeth’s wedding and eventually bringing us into the new millennium, there’s a lot of historical ground covered. Every two seasons, the cast is changed to represent the passing of time and a new era. While many of the storylines are rooted in actual events, the details are, naturally, often dramatized. You might even be surprised to learn what is true and what is just creative license.

Is supernatural horror your genre of choice? Then this miniseries by Mike Flanagan will likely be right up your alley. We’re taken to a small isolated island where the cracks in the community are deepened by the return of a deviant and the introduction of an eerily charming priest. Over the seven-episode arc, weird and mysterious events begin to occur as a renewed religious piety takes over the island. But the question remains, is it worth the price they’ll have to pay? It’s a great drama-filled thrill ride for horror lovers. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself sleeping with the light on until the following holiday season.

A send-up of Golden Age musicals, “Schmigaoon!” is the perfect dose of lighthearted entertainment for this holiday season. It centers around a couple who find themselves trapped in a magical musical land until they rediscover true love. With its self-aware sense of humor, brilliant satirical songs, and enough talent to rival Broadway, there’s a lot to enjoy about this series. Even if you’re a comedy lover who is not big on musical theater, this one might just surprise you. We could sing its praises all day. And, after watching season one, we find ourselves calling for an encore.

Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, is recruited to coach an English soccer team - despite knowing nothing about the sport. When he arrives, he finds that his eternal optimism sticks out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, he persists, showing just how valued these qualities can be. Thanks to its excellent writing and relatable themes, the first two seasons have been met with critical acclaim. Plus, there’s the record-breaking amount of Primetime Emmy nominations for a new comedy series. So, even if, like Ted, soccer is not your game, this series is still worth watching. It’s just the uplifting and positive narrative we could all use right now.

As you might recall, back in February 2021, everyone, and we mean everyone, was talking about this latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Taking place after the events of “Endgame,” this series focuses on Wanda and her seemingly perfect life with Vision. The miniseries took storytelling to another level, while also paying homage to the sitcom genre. With so many unexpected surprises, it packed just as much excitement as any other Marvel story. So much so, that no one could predict which direction it was headed. You’ll definitely want to catch up with Wanda and Vision as we head further into the MCU’s phase four.