Best Bingeworthy Netflix Shows To Watch in 2020 and 2021 - Must Watch Series

This is a list of the best Netflix shows to binge watch in 2020 and 2021. These are good underrated shows, as well as top popular recommendations in different genres such as crime and political thrillers, comedy, rom-coms, etc. for you to enjoy.

I have, admittedly, watched too much Netflix for one lifetime. I’m sure there are people out there who can relate to this feeling. But, one benefit of having no “real” life is that I can give people recommendations for shows they would enjoy.

If you’re looking for a new series to binge-watch, you’re in the right place. In this list, I have shared some of my favourite Netflix series that I think are totally binge-worthy. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-watch show with just a couple of seasons, or something more gripping and intense that you can really get into, look no further!

1. The Blacklist

I have been raving about this series ever since I found it on Netflix and binge-watched 5 seasons in 6 days. I can honestly say I literally did nothing BUT watch this show for a week. Now, it has been about two years since I first discovered this series and I still go back and watch it every few months. It’s so gripping and intense; it makes for a perfect escape from the stresses of your daily life.

This show is about Raymond Reddington - the FBI’s most elusive fugitive - who suddenly turns himself in one day, and demands to speak only with Agent Elizabeth Keen. The Blacklist keeps you guessing about their relationship throughout the show. Every time they reveal a secret and you think you know something, there’s a plot twist. 7 seasons down, I’m still just as confused and intrigued as I was in season 1. But, that’s one of the things I love most about this show.

I’ve recommended this show to everyone I know and a lot of people have become almost as obsessed with it as I am. If you’re into thrillers and crime shows, please watch this. You will not regret it!

2. Arrow

The series Arrow is based on the DC superhero The Green Arrow. I’m not really a fan or follower of any superhero story/universe. I honestly don’t even know the terminology. But, I didn’t need to know anything about this ‘universe’ to watch and really enjoy Arrow.

I loved the story and all the characters and actors. I also loved the fact that it was more believable than I would expect a superhero show to be, because he doesn’t really have any ‘super-powers.’ He’s just a really skilled archer. I’m also just a sucker for crime shows and this does have a lot of crime fighting/solving so I was bound to love it.

I’ve also read that the show did take creative liberties and didn’t strictly follow the original story from the comic books. There are a lot of things I really loved about this show. To mention a few - Olicity (Oliver and Felicity ship name), Felicity’s character and humor, Stephen Amell/Oliver/The Arrow, of course, Thea, crazy plot twists, appearances from The Flash, and a lot more. If you think this show sounds like something you’d enjoy, please watch it. I think you might end up loving it more than you expect to!

3. Friends

Friends has got to be my most watched series on Netflix. I have zero doubt. I feel like most people have already watched it, but I can’t not mention my most binge-watched show in a post about binge-worthy shows, you know?

So, in case you haven’t watched it yet, or just haven’t watched it in a while, I would highly recommend putting on ‘Friends.’ This show is my go-to when I can’t think of what to watch. It’s my go-to when I want to laugh (no matter how many times I watch it), when I’m not feeling great, when I’m bored, when I’m busy and want something on in the background, when I’m drawing, writing, absolutely ANY time - I click on ‘Friends.’

This show has become my comfort zone, and I know I’m not alone in saying that. I literally restart it every couple of months and watch it through. No matter what’s going on in my life, ‘Friends’ is a constant.

4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Another easy-to-watch show that I have binge-watched many times on Netflix is, of course, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to watch this easy, funny, light-hearted show when things aren’t going too well in reality.

Jake, Amy, Charles, Rosa, Gina, Terry, and Holt are all so lovable - each in their own way - and so different from each other. There are many things to appreciate about this show. The diversity and inclusivity they have, the real-life world issues they tackle/address, the comedy, the adorable characters and their adorable relationships - the list could go on forever.

People love this series so much, that when it was dropped by the network that initially aired it, fans campaigned relentlessly to get it back, and succeeded. I’m so happy this show exists to give me the hardest laughs over the silliest jokes. I love it.

5. Dynasty

Ah, Dynasty. This crazy, telenovela-inspired series is so ridiculous, yet gripping, I can honestly say I haven’t seen anything like it. I can also honestly say that I can’t stop watching it. I’ve binged-watched it about 4 times now, and I can’t really explain why. But let me try.

Let me start by saying that Fallon Carrington, played by Liz Gilles, is my favourite. She’s so sassy, so ridiculous, so intimidating, so cool, and so inspiring - all at the same time. I don’t get it. Can I be her? But also, I’d be scared of her if we ever met. So, yeah. That’s the best explanation I can give you for Fallon.

Everyone else on the show is pretty similar. This show does a great job of showing the good and bad sides to every character. It’s hard to pick sides/completely hate someone (hard, but still possible.) It also just really exaggerates and dramatizes every thing. Normally, I don’t think I’d like that in a series, but somehow, Dynasty makes it work.

6. Bodyguard

Bodyguard is a British political thriller that created a huge buzz in just 6 episodes. That’s right. One season, six episodes. I’m still hoping for a season 2; I’m pretty sure a lot of people are.

Because of how short but gripping and intense this show is, it might be the most binge-able one in this post. I know a lot of people want to binge-watch something, but don’t want to make the commitment of starting a show that has so many seasons and about 20 episodes in each one. I think Bodyguard is a great series, especially for those people.

It has romance entwined with crime and politics. It’s one of those shows that has so much packed into each episode that it doesn’t feel like it was just 6 episodes when you’re through. Highly recommend.

7. Lucifer

The concept of the series ‘Lucifer’ is what I love most. The idea of the devil on Earth - running a night club, and punishing evil on Earth while working with the police, struggling with “daddy issues” and kind of coming into his own - is really amusing and enjoyable.

Other than the humor, what I like about this series is that the plot makes us think about our existence, and the concept of heaven and hell. It makes you rethink and relook at what we have always been taught to believe. Is the devil evil? Or does he simply punish evil? Who decides who goes to heaven and hell? In this show, it’s all decided by your own guilt. I find ‘Lucifer’ really interesting, but also pretty amusing.

I would recommend watching this show because it’s interesting, and I haven’t really seen anything like it. It also makes you see the Devil, demons and even angels in new ways. Maybe they all have good and bad in them, just like us?

8. Suits

If I know anything about the law and the justice system, it’s only because of this show. It’s so fascinating to see these characters get in and out of trouble, finding loopholes in the law and winning/losing cases. I don’t know if lawyers actually have such glamorous lives, but this show really does give you that impression.

There are 9 seasons of this show, with such lovable characters that you can’t help but root for them through out the series. If you haven’t watched this show yet, please check it out. It’s quite gripping and addictive. Whether you find the law fascinating or not, this series will keep you interested.

The characters, the costumes, the storyline, the cases, the dynamics between Mike and Harvey, Donna and Harvey, Rachel and Mike, and well, everyone else, just make this show even more interesting to watch.

9. The Punisher

Based on The Punisher comic books by Marvel, this show is about another “superhero” without the “super-powers.” I don’t know much about the original character from the comics, but I still enjoyed this show.

It just has two seasons, and it does get quite gory, in my opinion. So if that’s not something you’re okay with watching, then maybe move onto the next show.

I binge-watched this series in a few days and I remember it being very attention-grabbing and intense. The protagonist is a flawed being, not all good, but somehow you are still hoping for the best for him. I’d recommend this show to people who don’t mind some gruesome action, and want to watch something intense with just a couple of seasons.

10. Manhunt: Unabomber

Based on the true story of the Unabomber, this show depicts the story of how he was caught. It has just 8 episodes that have you hooked right from the start.

It was so interesting to see the story unfold and get a look into how he was caught by the FBI. I don’t think I can say much else, except that if you like true crime stories and podcasts, you will really love this show.

I usually love fictitious crime shows and stories, so this was new for me. The fact that what you’re watching is based in truth, just makes it so much more insane and intense. I would recommend watching something light-hearted after you watch this though. I couldn’t just go about the rest of my day without changing my mood.

11. Shooter

One of my more recent binges, Shooter was unpredictable, so gripping, and also upsetting. But, SO good. I absolutely loved this series.

As you can see, these action/crime shows are my jam. I love getting lost in their crazy stories. This show is great for escaping your problems. It’s a GREAT distraction because it will have all of your attention. Just like the other crime shows I have mentioned in this post.

There are so many crime shows out there, so if you can’t narrow down which one to binge-watch next, I hope this post helps you find one you’ll enjoy. I’ve watched too many shows in this genre. It’s a problem. But hey, at least I can give recommendations.

12. Chesapeake Shores

This is the one I’m currently watching. Honestly, ‘Chesapeake Shores’ is probably the most calming show I’ve ever watched. It’s the complete opposite to the crime shows I’m used to watching. I find this show so relaxing to have on before going to bed.

Even though it feels so chill, it’s not slow-paced or boring, in my opinion. It’s got a great balance between being not-intense, but still interesting enough to keep you watching and invested in the story. It’s a great family show that addresses so many familial issues, and shows you the essence and beauty of family.

If you’re looking for a good show that you can wind down to, this is it. Look no further. All the characters are just adorable and their town is beautiful. When I’m watching Chesapeake Shores, I wish I could move there.

13. Gilmore Girls

Now, I know there aren’t many people who haven’t already watched, and don’t already love The Gilmore Girls…but, regardless, this show is so binge-able. If you haven’t ever seen it, or have every line memorized, you can still enjoy it.

I hadn’t ever watched it until this year, and I loved it! I got so invested in Lorelai and Rory’s story. I loved watching Rory grow up and Lorelai find herself. The mother-daughter duo was pretty much growing together and seemed to be going through similar parallel experiences.

This show has so many adorable supporting characters to fall in love with. I found it to be really cozy and relaxing, and I think everyone should watch it.

14. Emily In Paris

Emily in Paris is new Netflix show that became popular very quickly. It has only one season at the moment, but has been renewed for a second. If you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon, let me give you some incentive.

This is a rom-com kinda series - very easy-to-watch and light-hearted. The character Emily, played by Lily Collins, moves to Paris for her work. She’s such an adorable character that you will start to root for, very quickly.

Emily in Paris is great for those nights when you just want to watch something sweet and light, perhaps to cheer you up after a difficult day. It’s great to wind down to, not think much, and simply enjoy. Also, not much of a commitment with just one season, so you can binge-watch it pretty quickly.

15. Prison Break

Prison Break is a well-loved series. I know of many people for whom it’s the best crime show they’ve watched. I don’t really think it’s the best I’ve seen, but it is pretty good.

There were times when I felt it was a little slow, but I kept watching because the story was intriguing. I wanted to know how it developed and what was going to happen next. That’s what made it binge-worthy for me.

Another intense and attention-grabbing show, with a great plot and likeable characters for whom you keep hoping for the best.

I hope you found a few shows to add to your ‘must-watch’ list! These are all shows that once I started, I couldn’t stop watching until I finished them. I hope you find your new favourite Netflix series in this list. Happy binge-watching!