Best Shows To Binge Watch On Netflix This Year

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to do is watch shows. Now I don’t mean just watch shows, but binge watch shows. Yes, two very different things. This is why I’m so thankful for Netflix. It’s much more satisfying to be able to watch episode after episode, rather than waiting a week for a new episode to be released. Whether it be a rainy day, a lazy day, or both for that matter, you can never go wrong with a couple of snacks & a show.

Since I do this so often, my watch list just keeps getting shorter and shorter and I find myself re-watching the same shows. Especially now, with the holidays right around the corner and a break from school (woohoo!), I thought, what better time to start a new show.

So, I decided to do a little research. Although many of the shows that I found were ones that I had already watched & re-watched, I found so many new gems that I had to share.

I haven’t seen all of the shows below, but I have seen most of them and I’m only including the ones that are 100% worth watching. With that said, I hope you enjoy reading the enormous list of suggestions below and I hope that you find your next guilty pleasure.

Riverdale: This is most definitely my absolute favorite show (at the moment). Not only is it based on characters from The Archie Comics, which are instantly loveable, but there’s never a dull moment in the series. The teens are always wrapping themselves up in some sort of investigation. There’s just something about the mystery & secrets within the small town that keeps you wanting more.

House of Cards: Man, oh, man. Let me tell you, you do not have to be into politics to love this show. I am currently only on the second season and it only keeps getting better. The Netflix original offers a behind the scenes look at the corruption of the American government through the merciless politician, Francis Underwood.

Stranger Things: I have not started watching this show, but I’ve heard that it is all the rage these days, so it is unquestionably on my watch list. The show is centered around an investigation of a 12-year-old boy’s disappearance, which leads them to unravel phenomenal mysteries.

Gossip Girl: Fashion and beauty meet drama and scandal, seriously. Gossip Girl follows the extraordinary lives of wealthy teenagers living in New York City. If you’re not watching it for Chuck Bass’ wittiness, then you must watch it for Blair Waldorf’s fashion sense.

Grey’s Anatomy: I have yet to watch this show, but I have heard so many great things about it! The medical drama focuses on the careers of several doctors in a Seattle hospital, specifically, Meredith Grey, the daughter of a famous surgeon. You experience their day to day struggles, not only as surgeons, but within their personal lives as well. With 13 seasons currently available on Netflix, you will have no issue binge watching.

90210: Gossip Girl meets One Tree Hill. This show is another guilty pleasure of mine. It follows the lives of a very privileged group of friends in high school and thereafter. I watched this show a couple of years ago and I still remember EVERYTHING. If there’s one thing you’ll love it’s the scandal.

Charmed: Produced in 1998, this show still remains as popular as it was when it was first introduced, and after watching it, twice, I can tell you why. The roller-coaster-ride of the lives of the Halliwell sisters takes you on an adventure filled with magic, love, and of course, drama.

Shameless: An American adaptation of the British show, Shameless, leaves you speechless at 1) what can be aired on TV & 2) the reality of the lives of some people. The drama follows the lives of a dysfunctional family in Chicago, that have managed to survive no thanks to their alcoholic father, but to sister of five, Fiona.

The Punisher: For my MARVEL fans, this Netflix original is one that you do not want to miss. Following the life of an ex-marine and now vigilante, Frank Castle, aims to find the truth behind injustices that affect more than just his family. Without a doubt, this is my current obsession. I do have to warn you though, some scenes are a little gruesome, but if you’re okay with that, I promise you’ll be hooked.

13 Reasons Why: The Netflix original, based on the novel by Jay Asher, is centered around the suicide of Hannah Baker. Two weeks after her death, one of her classmates, Clay, receives a mysterious box with 13 tape recordings made by Hannah, explaining the 13 reasons why she chose to take her own life. The series allows you to see the reality of high school. This show brings the awareness that was needed, but never brought to television.

Vampire Diaries: Love and drama meet magic and mystery. The award-winning series, starring Ian Somerhalder & Nina Dobrev, follows the lives of teenage vampires, witches, & more, as they face peculiar challenges as supernatural beings. I’m currently on season 5 & I love it!

The Originals: A spinoff of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals has just as much drama & thrill as the latter. Klaus, one of the original vampires returns to New Orleans to reclaim the city, which unravels even more secrets. I have yet to watch this show, but I will definitely be starting it soon.

The Walking Dead: Based on the comics written by Robert Kirkman, this drama portrays life after a zombie apocalypse. The plot is centered around Rick Grimes and a group of survivors that must face various challenges to escape death. I’ve heard so many great things about this show and am so excited to start watching.

Supernatural: If you’re into Charmed, you’ll love Supernatural. The thrilling series follows the lives of brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, through their terrifying journey of hunting supernatural forces. They learn to rely on each other to succeed. I started watching this show about 4 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made.

Scandal: Similar to one of my faves, House of Cards, this political drama is filled with heartbreaking scenes based on the reality of politics, not to mention the scandalous love affair between Olivia & Fitz.

One Day at a Time: If you love a funny comedy that you can watch with the family, this show is definitely it. Following the lives of a Cuban-American family, you learn about the Cuban culture, while laughing your butt off.

Arrow: Another one of my guilty pleasures. What I like most is the crossover between Arrow and The Flash. The drama and secrets fueled by Oliver’s hidden life as The Arrow, never fails to leave you hanging and wanting more.

The Flash: I LOVE THIS SHOW. Apart from being hilarious, The Flash provides the perfect amount of action and drama for a superhero show. I am also up to date on this show and am impatiently waiting for the next season to be released on Netflix.

Dexter: A Netflix original, the well-known thriller follows the mind of a serial killer, even though technically he’s not really considered a serial killer, but you’ll see what I mean. I’ve seen snippets of episodes and am already intrigued, I can’t wait to start watching!

The Carrie Diaries: I don’t know if it’s because it’s a Sex & the City spinoff, but this show is amazing. You see Carrie Bradshaw’s life prior to adult Carrie in Sex & the City, where it was all about roller skates and puffy skirts. Even though this show was cancelled in 2014, I would still really recommend watching.

No Tomorrow: Even though this show was cancelled, it’s 100% a must-see. Evie, a stranger to all things crazy and free-spirited, falls for Xavier, a man who embraces just that. Xavier’s belief that the human race has only eight months to live is exactly what makes Evie step out of her comfort zone and push her to find herself. This show teaches you that life is about exploring and taking chances, rather than living in routine.

Once Upon a Time: The ultimate show for classic fairytale lovers, like myself. Once upon a Time adds a modern twist to classic fairytales, like Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast. It is truly one of my favorite shows; I often find myself re-watching certain episodes because the plot and graphics are so enchanting.

Futurama: Taking place 1,000 years in the future, Futurama follows the adventures of Fry, an ordinary boy who was frozen and woke up in the future. If you’re in the mood to have a laugh and feel like a kid again, this one’s for you. This show is the adult humor that we could all use after a taxing day.

The Client List: I just finished watching this show and the only thing that I can say is that it’s so underrated! Riley, a Texas housewife, is left to find a new source of income, fast, when her husband suddenly takes off. Struggling to make ends meet, she starts working for a spa that provides “additional services,” knowing that her friends and family would not approve.

The Blacklist: I have not started the series, but so many of my friends have already told me that I have to. Ex-government agent, Raymond Reddington, or Red, is one of the most wanted criminals of all time. He agrees to work with only one person, Elizabeth Keen, to catch other famous criminals.

Young & Hungry: If you’re in the mood for a late-night comedy, you’ll love this. Gabi, a young chef in her twenties, needs a job ASAP and is thrilled when she finds an opportunity to work for Josh, a wealthy entrepreneur. I don’t want to spoil too much, but this could turn into something more than just a career. That’s it, I’ll stop here. You’ll just have to watch to see what I mean!

Sherlock: The mystery based on the life of Sherlock Holmes follows his adventures with Dr. John Watson, as they solve various mysteries. The best part of this show, in my opinion, just when you think you’re left hanging, a new mind-blowing concept is introduced.

American Horror Story: I started this show and I love it, but I have to warn you, it can be kind of freaky at times. And by freaky, I mean freaky with a capital F. The first season alone will have you intrigued from the confusion that it brings. I’m on season 2 and I can say I’m hooked.

Friends: I had to save the best for last. This is, without hesitation, my all-time favorite show. I don’t know if it’s Ross and Rachel’s roller coaster relationship or Joey’s hilarious comments throughout the show, but altogether they with have you laughing until you pee yourself & sobbing like a baby all in one episode.

There you have it! A list with my all-time favorite shows, my current obsessions, and my soon to be guilty pleasures. So, put your sweats on, order your favorite pizza, and get ready to laugh and/or cry with these shows. If you have any personal faves please comment below, as I’m always looking for shows to get hooked on!