Let’s be real—occasionally you crave a sweeping, multi-season epic, and other times you’ll just devour an entire story over a weekend. That’s where limited series and miniseries come in: they’re brief, concise, and often deliver more impact in a few episodes than some programs do after years. Whether you’re after a gut-wrenching drama, a twisty mystery, or a genre-bending adventure, there’s a miniseries out there with your name on it. Ready to clear your schedule? Here are 17 of the best miniseries to binge in a weekend, counted down in reverse order, because anticipation is half the fun.
17. Sirens (Netflix)
A black comedy with a cutting edge, Sirens features Meghann Fahy as Devon, a woman at her breaking point after decades of taking care of her elderly father. When she reconnects with her estranged sister—now in the thrall of an offbeat billionaire—dysfunctional family is the order of the day. The show is a bumpy ride through broken relationships and individual redefinition, with guest stars Julianne Moore and Milly Alcock. As observed in the critical consensus, “Sirens sings a tune tried and true thanks to laudable performances by Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock”.
16. Ironheart (Disney+)
Marvel enthusiasts, rejoice! Ironheart brings Riri Williams, the tech genius who made her first appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, on her six-episode journey. Returning to Chicago after MIT, Riri is torn between science and magic when she battles the mysterious Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood. Look for high-octane action, emotional resonance, and a new villain for the MCU. Dominique Thorne shines, with reviewers commenting she “lights up the MCU skies with charm and self-assurance to boot”.
15. Washington Black (Hulu)
Travel back to 19th-century Barbados and beyond in this epic historical drama. Washington Black tracks the life of George Washington “Wash” Black, a boy slave whose natural intelligence sets him on an odyssey around the world. The series plays out across two timelines, following Wash from boyhood to manhood, and is acclaimed for its “terrific ensemble and striking production design”.
14. The Better Sister (Prime Video)
Estranged sisters, a murdered husband, and secrets galore—The Better Sister is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel play the roles of Chloe and Nicky, whose lives are brought together by tragedy. Based on Alafair Burke’s book, this eight-episode series is a perfect choice for those who love Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects and enjoy emotional twists and turns.
13. Say Nothing (Hulu)
Drawing on Patrick Radden Keefe’s award-winning book, Say Nothing takes a deep exploration of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Spanning decades, it centers on the kidnapping of Jean McConville and the ethical dilemmas that each is confronted with amid the conflict. It has been complimented on its “haunting look at the true-crime story with blame placed on both sides of the conflict”.
12. Good American Family (Hulu)
True crime collides with family drama in this eight-episode series based on the true story of Natalia Grace. Adopted by a Midwestern family from Ukraine, a girl with a rare type of dwarfism sparks suspicion and paranoia that spiral out of control. Ellen Pompeo, Mark Duplass, and Imogen Faith Reid star in an ensemble cast bringing to life this enigmatic, provocative tale.
11. Dying for Sex (Hulu)
From a real-life account originally shared on a popular podcast, Dying for Sex tells the story of Molly, who, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer, goes on a journey of sex and self-discovery with her closest friend Nikki. The outcome is a miniseries that’s tragic, funny, and inspiring all at the same time. Following the critical opinion, “Dying for Sex takes advantage of great performances by Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate to deliver a bittersweet tribute to living life to the fullest”.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix)
Con artists in the wellness space have never been more captivating—or infuriating. Apple Cider Vinegar dramatizes the rise and fall of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who fabricated a cancer diagnosis and constructed a wellness empire on deception. Kaitlyn Dever excels as Gibson in this six-part series that’s as astounding as it is darkly comedic. The show’s critique of “snake oil influencers finds a memorable avatar in Kaitlyn Dever’s crisp performance.
9. Missing You (Netflix)
Harlan Coben mysteries are binge-watching perfection, and Missing You is no exception. Detective Kat Donovan’s life is disrupted when her ex-fiancé shows up on a dating app, years after having disappeared without a word. Delving into the past reveals secrets related to her father’s homicide, which was never solved. Five well-plotted episodes make it an absolute must-see for fans of mystery.
8. Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix)
This Australian coming-of-age crime drama is a heartwarming genre-bender. Eli Bell, a 13-year-old Brisbane boy, descends into the criminal world to rescue his family. Trauma and humor as well as hope are balanced in the series, which critics have been praising for its “big heart and a lot of warmth, imbued with a sense of childlike optimism”.
7. Ripley (Netflix)
Andrew Scott gives a mesmerizing performance as Tom Ripley, an easygoing con man who is employed to pick up a rich man’s errant son from Italy. Filmed in gorgeous black-and-white, this eight-part thriller is a masterclass in suspense and looks. Sad and chilling, Scott’s performance won him an Emmy nomination and made Ripley a standout among crime dramas.
6. The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)
Who knew chess could be so exciting? Anya Taylor-Joy plays Beth Harmon, an orphaned child chess genius whose international rise to fame is matched only by her addiction demons. The Queen’s Gambit is a stylish, emotionally dense series in which every move matters, and it’s little wonder it’s become a modern classic.
5. Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
From Richard Gadd’s own experience of trauma, Baby Reindeer is a dark-comedy, disturbing examination of obsession and trauma. Starring Gadd as Donny Dunn, the comedian pursued by an unrelenting woman, the show has won praise for its compelling story and richly nuanced characters, taking the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
4. Beef (Netflix)
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong are dynamite in this dark comedy concerning a road rage encounter that escalates into an all-absorbing vendetta. Beef is as humorous as it is insightful, delving into anger, finding purpose, and seeking meaning. Every 30-minute episode is filled with pandemonium, compassion, and questions of existence, and it is dangerously simple to binge.
3. Bodies (Netflix)
Time travel, homicide, and four detectives over various timelines—Bodies is a crime drama sci-fi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The series takes place from 1890 to 2053, where each detective solves the same body in the same location. The show is commended for its lack of predictability and genre-bending goals.
2. Adolescence (Netflix)
A critical favorite and one of the most discussed miniseries of the year, Adolescence is a British crime thriller that centres on 13-year-old Jamie, who stands accused of killing a classmate. The four episodes are all filmed in a single, unbroken take, plunging viewers into the raw, real-time unfolding of a tragedy. “Adolescence is a masterclass in televisual storytelling and a searing viewing experience that scars”.
1. Band of Brothers (Max)
No miniseries list is complete without this classic World War II saga. Directed by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Band of Brothers chronicles Easy Company from training to the final days of the war in Europe. The miniseries is known for its intense battle scenes, emotional resonance, and cast of characters. It’s not a war film—it’s a tribute to brotherhood, sacrifice, and the human condition.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a mind-bending mystery, a gut-punching drama, or a wild ride through history, these miniseries are proof that sometimes the best stories come in small packages. Happy bingeing!