GOT COMMITMENT ISSUES? CHECK OUT THESE MINI-SERIES!
Starting a new TV show is intimidating—I understand. Getting attached to characters, investing in love stories and committing to several seasons of non-stop drama is, quite frankly, terrifying. But do I still do it? Of course.
To make your life easier––and because I became a serious TV addict over my winter break in a completely locked-down California––here are seven incredible TV shows that are easy to binge. They all are either mini-series or currently only have one season out. You won’t even need to feel guilty about getting sucked into a new show because, before you know it, the show will be over. And when that ‘I just finished a TV show—what do I do with my life now’ depression sets in, just move on to the next show on my list. You’re welcome, and enjoy!
Lupin, 5 episodes on Netflix
Lupin is like Money Heist meets Pink Panther. It’s a modern reboot of a classic French story about Arséne Lupin, the “gentleman thief.” The show is suspenseful, mysterious and exciting. It is originally in French, but it can be dubbed in English and four other languages.
Normal People, 12 episodes on Hulu
This beautiful and deep show set in Ireland is based on the 2018 book of the same name by Sally Rooney. It starts as a classic friends-to-lovers and ‘shy nerd meets secret simp jock’ high school romance and develops into a complicated three-year on-and-off relationship between the two characters. Marriane and Connell navigate their own separate college lives while growing as a couple and exploring gender norms, intimacy and young adulthood.
Queen's Gambit, 7 episodes on Netflix
If you haven’t already seen this show, let me just tell you right now that you live under a rock. I considered not including it in this list because I doubted I would be giving anyone new advice by saying you need to watch it ASAP. But, alas, if you are looking for a new show, it is my duty to inform you of this unique coming-of-age story that revolves around the ancient game of chess. It is based on Walter Trevis’s novel. It’s dramatic, enticing, heartwarming and so incredibly new.
Bridgerton, 8 Episodes on Netflix
Once again, if you haven’t already seen this show, you are living under a rock. It is a truly incredible England regency-era period drama that combines elements of Downton Abbey and Gossip Girl. Surprised? I was too––during every episode. Courting season is upon the wealthy Bridgerton family and they can’t settle for anything less than their perfect match. The two main characters—played by Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor—are great, and their chemistry is even better. Thank you Director Shonda Rhymes, I truly appreciate the steaminess.
The Undoing, 6 episodes on HBO
If you like Big Little Lies-type rich-people dramas, this show is for you. Classic infiltrator trope? Check! Murder mystery? Check! Broken marriage? Check! Once you start this thrilling show, you will not want to stop. It’s a good thing it’s only six episodes.
Hollywood, 7 episodes on Netflix
It’s post World War II. Thousands of aspiring actors and actresses are attempting to find their breakthrough into Hollywood. And they will stop at nothing to get their foot in the door. This short feel-good TV show gives me both La La Land vibes and high school drama club vibes. It’s cute, and it exposes some of the harsh realities of showbiz.
Little Fires Everywhere, 8 episodes on Hulu
Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. Need I give you more reasons? This is a nuanced and suspenseful drama mini-series that takes a looks at the life of the wealthy Richardson family, the new mother and daughter next door, and how their starkly different realities intersect. It’s set in 1990 Shaker Heights, Ohio. It’s a story based on the 2017 book of the same name by Celeste Ng that explores motherhood, fate, art and identity.