The majority of Netflix shows are made to be binge-watched. After all, there’s a reason that the streaming service opts to drop most of its original series all at once, rather than dishing out episodes at a weekly clip like some rival platforms prefer. Netflix clearly wants viewers to click the “play next episode” button the very second the credits appear on their television screen.
However, I’d argued that not all shows are best enjoyed via binge-watching. Some shows need a little room to breathe between episodes so you can fully absorb what you’ve watched before diving into the next chapter. But when a show that is perfect for consuming in rapid succession lands on the service, I often find myself watching episode after episode long into the night.
Below, I’ve rounded up the five Netflix shows that I enjoyed binge-watching the most in 2025, from twisting mystery thrillers to feel-good comedies packed with characters I just wanted to spend endless time with. These aren’t necessarily the very best Netflix shows of the year so far, but these are the shows that had me unable to resist watching episode after episode.
‘The Beast in Me’
The newest Netflix show on this list, and the platform’s No. 1 at the time of writing, “The Beast in Me,” is a show that works very hard to get you to keep watching. Almost every episode ends with a dramatic beat or tantalizing cliffhanger, and it’s hard to resist the urge to find out what happens next. This mystery thriller reunites Claire Danes with “Homeland” developer Howard Gordon, and it’s just as watchable as their previous collaboration. But it’s Matthew Rhys who steals the show as a very sinister property tycoon.
The eight-part series centers on reclusive author Aggie Wiggs (Danes), who has become a shut-in after the tragic death of her young son. When the infamous Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul, once the prime suspect in his wife’s mysterious disappearance, moves in next door, Aggie finds herself playing a twisted game of cat and mouse with a man who flips between charismatic and unnerving. Trust me, “The Beast in Me” will have you hooked quickly.
Watch “The Beast in Me” on Netflix now
‘Nobody Wants This’ season 2
While many Netflix viewers get hooked on binging thrillers and dramas, I tend to gravitate towards lighter fare for binging. It’s just so easy to consume several episodes of a feel-good comedy, and when you’re talking about Netflix shows that make you feel all warm and fuzzy, you can’t really beat “Nobody Wants This.” Leads Kristen Bell and Adam Brody have great chemistry, but I particularly love the dynamic between supporting characters Morgan (Justine Lupe) and Sasha (Timothy Simons).
If you’ve not been introduced to the world of “Nobody Wants This,” it debuted in 2024 (with season 2 dropping last month), and centers on the relationship between a sex podcaster, Joanne (Bell), and a rabbi, Noah (Brody). It’s an unlikely pairing, and as the name suggests, none of their friends and family understand how these two people from different worlds are compatible. But as the saying goes, “love finds a way.” Though in this case, it’s a way lined with hilarious moments and just the right amount of cringe humor.
Watch “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix now
‘Running Point’
It might sound like an insult when I say that “Running Point” is the perfect laundry-folding show, but I mean it as a compliment. In today’s streaming world, millions of viewers turn to Netflix content to act as background noise while they perform mundane tasks, and “Running Point” makes for great fodder when you need a show you can watch, but not too closely. It’s a sports comedy that is packed with easy humor and enough likable characters to keep your attention. It’s not going to feature on many (maybe any) best lists, but it’s very watchable.
“Running Point” centers on Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), a former wild child, given the opportunity of her dreams to run the family business: The Los Angeles Waves basketball team. There’s just one problem: the Waves are in disarray. Oh, and let’s say her brothers, the board, and the sports community are unconvinced she has what it takes. Also starring Brenda Song, Max Greenfield and Justin Theroux, “Running Point” will appeal to fans of “Ted Lasso” or just anybody looking for a Netflix show that can only half-watch.
Watch “Running Point” on Netflix now
‘Squid Game’ Season 3
This year saw the conclusion of one of Netflix’s biggest original hits to date, “Squid Game.” Well, it’s only the end for now, with an America-set spinoff in production. But still, I’ve been a huge “Squid Game” fan since devouring the whole of season 1 in less than 48 hours, and I found myself equally unable to resist polishing off the third season in just a few sittings. After the cliffhanger conclusion of season 2, fans like me were eager to see how things would end, and while it wasn’t the happy ending many wanted, it was a final season that felt appropriate to the tone of this dark world.
If you somehow don’t know the gist of “Squid Games,” the South Korean show sees a group of desperate people given the chance to escape their mounting debts if they agree to partake in a deadly series of schoolyard games. If you haven’t yet started the series, then stop reading this article and watch it now; you’re seriously missing out. Meanwhile, if you felt season 2 struggled to match the heights of the debut outing, then I still encourage you to make time for the new episodes as soon as possible. Yes, season 1 remains the GOAT, but “Squid Game” season 3 has some fantastic moments.
Watch “Squid Game” on Netflix now
‘Wayward’
“Wayward” was on my radar several months before it arrived in September after the eerier teaser trailer caught my eye, and I was very happy that it didn’t disappoint (for the most part; the finale was half-baked). It’s a psychological thriller that explores the dark secrets hiding just below the surface in a seemingly idyllic small town, and includes one of Toni Collette’s most twisted performances. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars as lead character Alex, it’s a Netflix show that keeps you guessing until the very last episode.
Set in the tranquil town of Tall Pines, cop Alex Dempsey (Martin) has just moved to the quaint location with his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon). Once they arrive, Alex can sense something isn’t quite right about the tight-knit community, and especially the leader of the local academy, Evelyn (Collette). Alongside Alex’s quest for answers, the show also follows two new pupils at Tall Pines Academy, who discover dark practices within its walls.
Watch “Wayward” on Netflix now
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