Even with several new TV series popping up, a long list of classics is still worth watching or revisiting. With the way these stories were told and set up, it’s safe to say that old TV series like Smallville and The Vampire Diaries paved the way for the ones we have today. These timeless shows are must-watches for true TV lovers looking for a truly binge-worthy series. So, if you’re looking for an old TV series to binge, here’s a lineup that definitely fits the bill.
With page-turning storylines and nail-biting suspense, these shows deliver everything we love about good television. Thankfully, most of them have been wrapped up nicely, with complete seasons and well-rounded endings, perfect for a stress-free, back-to-back binge session.
30 Binge-Worthy Old TV Series in 2026
Read on for some of the most binge-worthy TV series to catch up on in 2026, all with their own flavour, from scary to downright hilarious. The list below includes some of the most highly rated TV shows. We have also compiled a list of feature TV series ranging from 3 to 20 seasons, with episodes from 20 to over a thousand, so you can catch up on spinoffs and find top-rated shows to enjoy.
30. Gotham (TV Series, 2014–2019)
With well over a dozen live-action Batman movies, it’s fair to argue that superhero fatigue is real. However, in the fictional city of Gotham, something particularly interesting and engaging emerges from its darkness and questionable aspects.
The classics? Penguin, Enigma, Catwoman, and of course, Batman. If you want a TV series that lets you enjoy the city with little of the snooze-fest that is the capes and the grappling hook, then the Gotham TV series is the best pick.
While Gordon and Bullock investigate crime scenes and deadly fight clubs, fans get to ride along and get an in-depth peek at the lives and horrible backstories of Gotham’s biggest characters before Batman began to rein them in. Who’s worth keeping an eye on? You’ll definitely love: Penguin!!
IMDb: 7.8/10
No. of episodes: 100 Episodes
No. of seasons: 5 Seasons
29. Dynasty (TV Series 2017–2022)
The popular 1980s TV series Dynasty got its second life in 2017 with a reboot that starred Lizzie Gillies as Fallon Carrington, the spicy Fallon, and Grant Show as her calculating father, Blake Carrington.
Even though the series ended in 2022 because of poor ratings, some movie lovers would admit Dynasty is worth watching, especially if you love family drama, family feuds, business moves, and a little romance and scandal.
From the creators of Gossip Girl, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the classic TV series follows the feud between two of America’s wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they struggle to gain control over their fortunes.
In between the feud are complicated romances, fist fights, backstabbing, and a few moments of clarity.
Dynasty also won the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Favourite Revival Show, was nominated for the Queer-TV Reboot in 2018, and won the 2018 Dorian Award for Campy TV Show of the Year.
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Number of Episodes: 108 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 5 Seasons
28. Why Women Kill (TV Series 2019–2021)
The first season of Why Women Kill told three different stories across three generations, with one common denominator: a mansion and an unfaithful partner. The second season followed a low-class woman as she navigated her path to joining high society and the local garden club.
The connection? Someone dies — by accident, an intricately planned setup, or a straight-up shot to the gut. And why do women really kill? Love, envy, desperation, and of course, love!
Why is Why Women Kill so good? It’s the amazing storytelling and, quite honestly, the absurdity of the stories being told.
Paramount+ cancelled Why Women Kill after two seasons, despite renewing it for a third season in December 2021. Regardless, you can watch the first two seasons on Hulu.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of Episodes: 20 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 2 Seasons
Is Why Women Kill worth watching?: Yes
Read Also: 20 Cartoon Characters That Defined Generations — From Looney Tunes to Modern Hits
27. Supernatural (TV Series 2005–2020)
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles grew up and matured on screen on the set of Supernatural. The series is highly rated and holds the title of the longest-running supernatural show, thanks to the amazing on-screen chemistry between Sam Winchester and Dean Winchester.
Between the high stakes and life-or-death setup in most episodes, the show still had hints of comedy, and the pair were absolutely fun to watch. On the road to finding the demon that killed their mother, demon hunters and brothers Sam and Dean Winchester faced off against demons, witches, gods, and monsters of all kinds.
Even though they prevailed most of the time, there were times they barely made it through and dug a deeper hole for themselves with supernatural villains like Crowley, Amara, Naomi, The Darkness, and even God.
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Number of Episodes: 327 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 15 Seasons
26. You (TV Series 2018–2025)
The popular You TV series stars Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg, an awfully charming man who becomes smitten with young, beautiful women and somehow ends up killing them.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller with a villain that you can almost like, and at the same time totally hate, then the You TV series must definitely be at the top of your list of TV series that are absolutely worth watching.
The fifth and final season of the American psychological thriller television series You aired. The ten-episode season was released on April 24, 2025.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Number of Episodes: 50 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 5 Seasons
25. Suits (TV Series 2011–2019)
There is an impressive line of legal TV series that are absolutely magical. TV series like The Lincoln Lawyer, Boston Legal, and even Your Honour give fans a glimpse of courtroom theatrics and the lengths lawyers go to protect and defend their clients.
In Suits, Harvey Spectre and college dropout Mike Ross, with no legal credentials, team up to take on some of Manhattan’s high-profile cases. With one of the cast of Suits, Meghan Markle, getting hitched to the Prince of England, the legal drama got a second life, with Suits setting a U.S. streaming record in 2023, racking up 57.7 billion minutes of viewership and becoming the most-streamed acquired series of the year.
The TV series also got two spinoffs, Pearson and Suits LA, both of which sadly couldn’t get the numbers to keep them on air for more than one season.
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Number of Episodes: 134 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 9 Seasons
24. Ozark (TV Series 2017–2022)
How does a simple, low-rent, skittish financial adviser get to become the resident washer for a Mexican drug lord to keep his family safe? If you need a crash course on what money laundering is and why you must stay away from it, Ozark is the movie to watch.
This drama series stars Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde and Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore. Even though they’ve both moved on since the Ozark TV series ended in 2022, it’s hard to deny how great the show was, racking up and winning a great deal of awards.
Julia Garner won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Number of Episodes: 44 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 4 Seasons
23. Scandal (TV Series 2012–2018)
In between keeping the President of the United States happy, cleaning up murder scenes, and keeping the secrets of a powerful and dangerous clientele, Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope won the hearts of her audience.
With this rap sheet, how is she still a badass, you ask? Maybe it’s the confidence and the fashion, or the smarts. However, you’ll have to watch all 124 episodes of Scandal/The Fixer to fully appreciate why Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope remains a legendary movie character.
Between the romance between Olivia Pope and a lineup of powerful men, there are spies, betrayals, deceit, and all the spice and flavour that Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhimes is known for.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Number of Episodes: 124 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 7 Seasons
22. Billions (TV Series 2016–2023)
.The kinky Attorney General of New York, Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), and shady billionaire businessman, Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), got into what can only be described as a pissing contest and a gruelling game of whack-a-mole after the purchase of a 100-million-dollar mansion.
Interestingly, the lead character of Billions, Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), is believed to be based on Steven Cohen, a real-life American hedge fund manager and owner of the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.
If The Wolf of Wall Street and movies about money, politics, and mind games are your jam, the casual, laid-back team at Axe Capital will be your jam too—especially if you don’t mind a little profanity.
On a more serious note, if you like Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Wolf of Wall Street or you want a binge-worthy TV series around money, insider trading, stocks, and how deals are made, then Billions is definitely the next TV series for you.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of Episodes: 84 Episodes
Number of Seasons: 7 Seasons
21. Devious Maids (TV Series 2013–2016)
Desperate Housewives got a spinoff, and, depending on who you ask, Devious Maids came close to edging it out. However, while Desperate Housewives focuses on the lives of suburban “desperate” housewives (figuring out married life, children, and their friendships), Devious Maids focuses on the shenanigans of maids working for the rich and famous.
Devious Maids is based on the Mexican TV series Ellas Son. The TV series started with Professor and author Marisol going undercover as a maid to find evidence to exonerate her son, who had been wrongfully arrested for murder.
Is Devious Maids worth watching?
Yes, Devious Maids is definitely worth watching if you’re looking for a soap opera comedy series filled with unbelievable drama and suspense.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Number of Episodes: 49 episodes
Number of Seasons: 4 Seasons
20. Santa Clarita Diet (TV Series 2017–2019)
Married suburban realtors Sheila and Joel Hammond, played by Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, had their lives turned upside down after Sheila suddenly died. Thankfully, she came back, but one big catch: she’s now undead. Sheila wasn’t like most undead; aside from the occasional rage, a bold, brand-new personality, and an uncontrollable hunger for human flesh, the realtor was good as new.
If the gory, silly comedy packed with decapitated humans, amateur criminals and figuring things out as they go is your jam, then.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Number of Episodes: 30 episodes
Number of Seasons: 3 seasons
19. The Big Bang Theory (TV Series 2007–2019)
Beautiful aspiring actress Penny, who lives across from scientists Leonard and Sheldon. The odd mix of the go-with-the-flow Penny and the socially awkward geeks, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj, turned out to be one of the most hilarious TV series ever made. The series became even funnier when Amy and Bernadette joined the mix. The sitcom The Big Bang Theory is popular because of excellent writing, great jokes, and an incredibly endearing yet soulless Sheldon Cooper. Highlighting the characters’ dynamics can make readers feel more engaged and eager to watch.
The Big Bang Theory also got a prequel spinoff, Young Sheldon, which was as successful as the original and explored the titular character’s life and his Western roots. Emphasising its success can inspire viewers and make them feel part of a celebrated show.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Number of Episodes: 279 episodes
Number of Seasons: 12 seasons
18. The Great (TV Series 2020–2023)
The hilarious parody series, The Great exaggerates events in the lives of Peter III (Nicolas Hoult) and Catherine the Great (Ella Fanning), blending witty humour with historical satire. This makes the Hulu series perfect if you want to laugh uncontrollably, peek into what life in prehistoric Russia might have been like and follow an unusual couple. The Great also features playful on-screen titles like The Great: An Occasionally True Story and The Great: An Almost Entirely Untrue Story, highlighting its humorous drift from history and reality.
The Hulu original series follows the unusual love story of the traditionalist king and his “imported” Modern wife, Catherine. The story has everything from love and independence to hate, coup plotting, and debauchery. The supporting cast you’ll love to hate? Adam Godley’s archbishop.
Is The Great worth watching?
Absolutely yes!! The Great is a highly recommended, binge-worthy TV series!
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Number of Episodes: 30 episodes
Number of Seasons: 3 seasons
17. Vikings/Norsemen (TV Series 2016–2020)
Suppose you enjoyed Vikings, the one with Ragnar Lothbrok, Björn Ironside, Ivar the Boneless, and all the other powerful characters. In that case, you might find the Norsmen comedy series right up your alley. Unlike the Viking series, which showcases honour-driven warriors eager to die in battle and make a glorious entrance into Valhalla, Norsmen (aka Vikingane TV Series) offers a hilarious take on the Vikings around AD 800 to 1066. Norwegian historical comedy TV series blends traditional Viking tales with a healthy dose of cowardice and comic situations.
After running for a few seasons as Noresemen, the showrunners adopted the new title Vikingane. Additionally, the episodes are short, and with about six per season, it’s definitely a quick watch between work.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Number of Episodes: 18 episodes
Number of Seasons: 3 seasons
16. How I Met Your Mother (TV Series 2005–2014)
The narrative of How I Met Your Mother follows Ted Mosby’s journey to find love, with each new relationship feeling like the last stop before the end.
Even though it seemed like his romance between Ted Mosby and Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) was short-lived, their undeniable chemistry kept fans glued and wondering, “Will they? Won’t they? Regardless, the How I Met Your Mother ending remained controversial. In fact, Screen Rant called it the most controversial ending in sitcom history.
The epic soulmate search was boring; the story got spice from Barney Stinson’s (Neil Patrick Harris) philandering and escapes. The show also featured “together since college”: Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel) were the central couple. The pair had an admirably long-term relationship and eventually married.
Who ended up being the mom on How I Met Your Mother?
The mother in How I Met Your Mother turned out to be Tracy McConnell (Cristin Milioti), who was introduced in an earlier season and revealed to be Ted Mosby’s mother and the mother of his children. However, in the series finale, it’s revealed that Tracy died of an illness six years before the story is told in 2030.
The story ultimately served as a way for Ted to get his children’s permission to pursue Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders). Additionally, many fans disliked the ending of How I Met Your Mother because it ultimately returned to where it started, and they believe it was too predictable.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of Episodes: 208 episodes
Number of Seasons: 9 seasons
15. Empire (TV Series 2015–2020)
The pair, Cookie (played by Taraji P. Henson) and musical legend Lucious (played by Terrence Howard), is one of TV’s most beloved couples, no matter how toxic. Their fantastic chemistry makes these characters truly memorable and keeps viewers hooked.
Cookie and Lucious, who started their love story as teenagers, were bound by their love for music. Being from the ghetto, they found themselves in the drug business as a way to earn money to fund their music career.
In addition to the passion for music and the business of music, the Lyon family, including Cookie and Lucious Lyon and their sons, Andre, Jamal Lyon, and Hakeem, had some of the most cringeworthy family drama. These include everything from public spats to son-stepmother affairs, murders, and cover-ups, all wrapped in good music. In fact, watching Empire would make you believe that “you can’t really shame the shameless.”
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Number of Episodes: 102 episodes
Number of Seasons: 6 seasons
14. Schitt’s Creek (TV Series 2015–2020)
After nearly five and a half seasons as an overlooked gem, Schitt’s Creek finally gained the popularity and attention it deserved. The hilarious sitcom follows the formerly wealthy Rose family, who, thanks to an IRS mistake, lost everything. Now forced to live in a quiet, dull place, they end up in a town they bought as a joke for their son, David Rose.
From Alexis Rose’s hilarious stories to David’s unique personality and Moira’s over-the-top antics, it all blends with the peculiar townies, making it a must-watch for comedy fans. Schitt’s Creek is great TV and endless laughter, perfect for anyone seeking lighthearted entertainment and unusual situations.
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Number of Episodes: 80 episodes
Number of Seasons: 6 seasons
13. How to Get Away with Murder (TV Series 2014–2020)
Viola Davis portrays the intelligent lawyer and law professor Annalise Keating in the gripping murder-mystery legal drama How to Get Away with Murder, created by Shonda Rhimes. In this story, one unexpected death leads to an accidental killing and another deliberate murder, resulting in a chaotic cover-up.
If you loved Suits and even The Lincoln Lawyer, you can get all that legal, courtroom action wrapped up in a murder mystery.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Number of Episodes: 90 episodes
Number of Seasons: 6 seasons
12. The Vampire Diaries (TV Series 2009–2017)
The Vampire Diaries franchise remains one of the most iconic supernatural sagas ever made — a universe that swept fans across centuries of lore, thousand-year-old vampires, power-hungry witches, unpredictable werewolves, and, of course, the love triangles that defined an era of TV drama.
From vampires falling for their brothers’ lovers to strained sibling bonds stretched to their breaking point, the series delivered precious stones, betrayal, sacrifice, and endless emotional chaos. It also gave fans one of the genre’s greatest gifts: the Mikaelsons. Introduced through the carnage and destruction they unleashed, the Originals carried that same magnetic energy into their own spinoff — a show many fans believe not only matched the original, but in some ways surpassed it.
And while Legacies, the final instalment in the universe, didn’t always reach the same heights, it still delivered its fair share of charming, feel-good episodes that reminded fans why they fell in love with this franchise in the first place.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Number of Episodes: 171 episodes
Number of Seasons: 8 seasons
11. The Blacklist (TV Series 2013–2023)
The story of how Katarina Rostova became the Concierge of Crime was a plain truth hidden in all eight seasons of The Blacklist. As you uncover that mystery, you’ll also experience the brilliance of Raymond Reddington—one of the world’s most prolific criminals —whose job, in his own words, was simply “breaking the law.”
You’ll watch him outsmart (and constantly annoy) his team of FBI agents, and how that irritation slowly softens into trust, respect, and eventually a strange little family.
Reddington goes from being No. 1 on the FBI’s Most Wanted List to one of their most valuable assets, delivering criminals so dangerous and well-protected that the government barely knows they exist — if at all.
A sidebar is also his relationship with FBI rookie Elizabeth Keen, who is Redmond Reddington’s father, her guardian angel, or is Raymond Reddington Elizabeth Keen’s mother?
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Number of Episodes: 218 episodes
Number of Seasons: 10 seasons
Read Also: From Crime Scenes to Chemistry: TV’s Most Iconic Crime-Fighting Couples
10. Smallville (TV Series, 2001–2011)
In line with the classic Superman origin story, Smallville is set in the iconic town where the Superman story began. The series follows a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling) as his powers start to manifest, forcing him to navigate his feelings for Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk)—a classic, star-crossed comic and TV romance. Smallville also shows Clark Kent’s detailed origins and his rivalry with Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). Their relationship starts as an unlikely friendship and slowly evolves into a tense, dangerous rivalry, fueled by Lex’s obsession with uncovering Clark’s secret.
Beyond Clark’s rivalry with Lex Luthor, Smallville also explores the love story between Clark Kent and Lois Lane (Erica Durance), showing them working as reporters for the Daily Planet in Metropolis. The show also brings some of Superman’s most captivating villains to life, including Bizarro, Doomsday, General Zod, Brainiac, Darkseid, and Ultraman.
If you are a fan of superheroes or comics, or if you are just curious about Superman’s origin, Smallville is a great start. The TV series does a great job of tracing the history and telling an engaging story.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Number of Episodes: 217 episodes
Number of Seasons: 10 seasons
9. Prison Break (TV Series 2005–2017)
Prison Break follows Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), a structural engineer who turns to crime with one mission in mind: to break his brother (Lincoln Burrows, portrayed by Dominic Purcell) out of prison.
To what lengths does Michael go to save his brother, who was wrongfully convicted and is facing death row after being set up? Well, some crazy lengths. He deliberately gets himself arrested just so he can be locked up in the same prison and carry out an elaborate escape plan.
But of course, things don’t go as smoothly as he hoped. Along the way, many dangerous (and just plain crazy) inmates decide they’ll tag along, turning his brilliant plan into absolute chaos.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of Episodes: 90 episodes
Number of Seasons: 5 seasons
8. Desperate Housewives (TV Series, 2004–2013)
Desperate Housewives is an iconic soapy TV series that showcased a lineup of female leads in a close-knit, perfect suburban community: Wisteria Lane. The TV series showcased perfect housewives and their perfect husbands in their ideal neighbourhood.
Regardless, the town was filled with murders, sex scandals, infidelity, and crazy rivalry that turned the mundane suburb of Wisteria Lane into a hotbed of secrets. Follow the ladies as they deal with sex, drama, betrayal, and even murder—wrapped in the glossy, chaotic vibe that made the show a global hit.
Even though the series took its final bow in 2013, Wisteria Lane might be getting a second life. Kerry Washington is reportedly set to revive the Desperate Housewives legacy through a reboot/spinoff titled Wisteria Lane, a return fans didn’t know they needed.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Number of Episodes: 180 episodes
Number of Seasons: 8 seasons
7. Penny Dreadful (TV Series 2014–2016)
For storytelling, Penny Dreadful takes the cake. It completely swept movie lovers who appreciate beautiful, layered stories. It’s widely considered one of the best-written shows of its time.
Penny Dreadful brings monsters to life — vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, and every major haunting creature you can imagine. Even though it’s set in the 1890s, the show boldly touches on real issues like mental health struggles, depression, trauma, and schizophrenia.
But what truly makes the series unforgettable is the subtle connection woven between Frankenstein’s Monster (Rory Kinnear) and Vanessa Ives (Eva Green). If you pay attention, you’ll notice how the supernatural threats often mirror her internal battles.
This show is definitely a page-turner—not just for people who love to think, analyse, and decode stories, but also for anyone craving a TV show that makes you feel many emotions, topped with impeccable acting and a powerful cast. The story has everything: love, hate, rejection, trauma, and of course… monsters!
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Number of Episodes: 27 episodes
Number of Seasons: 3 seasons
6. Succession (TV Series 2018–2023)
Who gets to take over the multibillion-dollar media empire after Logan Roy (Brian Cox), whose declining health and impending death make this family spring into action? Who exactly gets the keys to the Waystar Royco kingdom?
The approval-seeking Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin), the immature, snarky, and insecure youngest son, was often dismissed by his family but proved to be surprisingly shrewd and cunning in business, inviting viewers to understand his complex personality.
Or does the already positioned Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) get the keys to the kingdom despite his addiction and unpredictable mischief?
Despite distancing herself from the family business, Shiv (Sarah Snook) was seduced and pulled back into the fold when her father offered her a delicious leadership position.
Or does the eldest son, Connor Roy (Alan Ruck), the natural successor and half-brother to Kendall, Roman, and Shiv, inherit the empire despite the family tensions?
Regardless, you’ll get to understand why Succession is a critically acclaimed HBO black comedy-mischief while enjoying themes of power, wealth, family betrayal, and the corrosive nature of capitalism.
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Number of Episodes: 39 episodes
Number of Seasons: 4 seasons
5. Downton Abbey (TV Series, 2010–2015)
Downton Abbey explores themes of war, classism, and even racial discrimination, all while capturing the sweeping elegance of the early 20th century. Few lists of excellent TV dramas feel complete without a nod to Julian Fellowes. To fully enjoy his storytelling, it helps to look deeper into whose stories he chooses to tell: which era he’s reconstructing, which gilded events are unfolding, and how they shaped society.
If you’re a history buff or simply curious about what life looked like in the olden days—from the upstairs glamour to the downstairs grit—this is the perfect pick. Fellowes’ universe later expanded into The Gilded Age, which gives fans a peek into America’s own era of wealth, power, and social battles, echoing the layered storytelling that made Downton Abbey a classic.
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Number of Episodes: 52 episodes
Number of Seasons: 6 seasons
4. Grey’s Anatomy – (TV Series 2005–Still Running)
Yet another amazing TV show to add to your long list of movies and series to start in 2026. The Shonda Rhimes medical drama follows the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital. Over the years, the hospital’s name changed from Seattle Grace Hospital to Seattle Grace–Mercy West Hospital, and later to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
The series premiered on March 27, 2005, and has since become a cultural staple. Like many great shows, Grey’s Anatomy has also had its share of successful spinoffs—including Station 19, which follows Seattle’s firefighting team and is definitely worth watching.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Number of Episodes: 454 episodes
Number of Seasons: 22 seasons
3. Breaking Bad (& Better Call Saul) – (TV Series 2008–2013)
Breaking Bad is one of the most iconic crime drama series of all time. The show follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who innocently found himself in the methamphetamine business, assuming he would die from cancer. Aaron Paul stars as Jesse Pinkman, Walter’s former student and reluctant partner in the drug trade.
The series is widely praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, with the creators consulting chemistry and law enforcement experts to ensure authenticity. Running from 2008 to 2013, Breaking Bad became a global phenomenon and swept numerous awards.
Its success led to Better Call Saul, the fan-favourite prequel/sequel series centred on Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill. While Better Call Saul mostly takes place before Breaking Bad, many fans watch both series back-to-back because the timelines connect so well. After five seasons of Breaking Bad, viewers can transition into the six-season arc of Better Call Saul.
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Number of Episodes: 62 episodes
Number of Seasons: 5 seasons
2. Game of Thrones (TV Series 2011–2019)
Game of Thrones is an easy mention when listing some of the most iconic TV series ever made. Despite the gore, incest, and occasional confusion about who the actual main character is, the fantasy epic remains one of the most acclaimed shows of all time. The story follows powerful families as they stake their claim to the Iron Throne while navigating betrayal, alliances, war, and ancient magic.
Many fans still frown on the series finale’s loopholes. These include poor execution in the final episodes; many fans felt they were rushed. The series also suffered from inconsistent character development and a lack of detail (including those infamous water bottles seen on set!). The journey toward the final remains unforgettable.
Regardless of the controversy, Game of Thrones remains one of the greatest, especially for keeping its audience on the edge of their seats. The series delivered eight intense episodes and countless explosive, jaw-dropping moments.
The TV series has also birthed several spinoffs; in fact, there have been talks of at least 14 Game of Thrones spinoffs. The main one is House of the Dragon, which is currently airing. House of the Dragon is a prequel about the Targaryen civil war. Several more Game of Thrones spinoffs are in development, including the recently greenlit A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight (starring Dunk & Egg) and major prequels like Aegon’s Conquest, Nine Voyages, and Ten Thousand Ships, which focus on key moments and figures from Westeros’s history.
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Number of Episodes: 72 episodes
Number of Seasons: 8 seasons
1. Law & Order (TV Series, 1990)
Law & Order: SVU holds the record for the longest-running TV show; after over 3 decades, it’s a binge-worthy show to subscribe to, especially with countless Law & Order spinoffs with almost the same longevity as the OG. It’s safe to say that for bingeing, you’ve got storylines and page-turners. Law & Order is definitely one to watch. 25 seasons later and 30 years on air, you could skip the first 10 seasons and still have plenty to binge.
Law & Order is often credited with giving many major actors their first big break. Famous actors who started their careers in Law & Order include John Krasinski, Jennifer Garner, Adam Driver, Sarah Paulson, Kerry Washington, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Emmy Rossum, among many others.
Choose between your favourite Law & Order spinoffs, spanning crimes from Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent, Trial by Jury, LA, True Crime, and Organised Crime. All series total 1,425 episodes across 70 seasons of television.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series since 1999)
- Law & Order: Organised Crime (TV Series, since 2021)
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series 2001–2011)
- Law & Order: UK (TV Series 2009–2014)
- Law & Order: Trial by Jury (TV Series 2005–2006)
- Law & Order: LA (TV Series 2010–2011)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Number of Episodes: 531 episodes
Number of Seasons: 25 seasons
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.