25 Netflix Shows Every Parent Should Binge-Watch

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Obsessed with Bridgerton and looking for more? Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is our new favorite period drama. It delves into the backstory of the mysterious, Pomeranian-loving Queen Charlotte and her even-more-mysterious husband, King George III. We see their early years and how they weathered mental illness, supported each other, and came out on the other side. The sassy Lady Danbury is also prominently covered, and we learn more about how she became the confident widow we met in Bridgerton. You'll love this 6-part series for its realness, lessons on love, and Queen Charlotte's magnificent hair-dos.

Insider Tip: If you aren't already on the Bridgerton train, go down the rabbit hole by bingeing Seasons 1 and 2 before you watch Queen Charlotte.

You

Oh, You. What's not to love about this psychological thriller that follows the many iterations of Joe, a deeply introspective book-lover, in his never-ending search for love. Never mind all the bodies piling up in his wake. With four seasons to watch, you've got your work cut out for you.

Wednesday

The Addams Family reruns you watched as a kid pale in compassion to this witty remake directed by Tim Burton. The series stars Jenna Ortega as the brilliant and totally dark title character. Shipped off to Nevermore, a boarding school for outcasts, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Including tons of nods to the original, with an updated ethos, this show is definitely worth a few hours of your time—okay, eight hours.

Once you finish the first season, get ready for season 2, set to premiere on Netflix on Nov. 23.

Related: Netflix Announces 'Wednesday' Will Return for Season 2

Russian Doll

If you haven't caught on to this sci-fi/fantasy show that's absolutely bingeable, our only question is: why not? Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, doomed to repeat her 36th birthday over and over again until she gets it right, a la Groundhog Day, but with less humor and more mind-blowing plot twists. Sit down to two seasons...so far; Netflix says a third is in the works now.

Related: The Best Fantasy Shows for Parents Who Want to Be Transported Elsewhere

Umbrella Academy

Another one for all the sci-fi lovers out there—The Umbrella Academy brings estranged siblings back together after their father's death. Superpowers and a whole closet's worth of family secrets spill out when they reunite. They've wrapped three seasons so far, and a final fourth is on its way.

Lupin

Forget Ocean's 11 (or 12, 13, and 8 for that matter). This French series (subtitles and all) will leave you wanting more after the first heart-pounding scene at the Louvre. A true gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father who was unjustly imprisoned when he was a child. Taking cues from his favorite fictional criminal hero, Arsène Lupin, he steals from the rich and exposes the truth. Two seasons are out now, with a promise of a third.

The Mindy Project

If you need a binge that's light, check out The Mindy Project. Mindy Kaling plays successful OB/GYN, Mindy Lahiri, looking for love in between delivering babies and smashing the patriarchy. But the show's guest stars—like James Franco, Laura Dern, and Laverne Cox—are what'll keep you coming back. Total escapism.

Derry Girls

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland—Londonderry, to be exact—this comedy is set against a backdrop of political upheaval that's nearing its end. School friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James navigate their teenage years with wit and well...not really wisdom, but maybe the wisdom of youth that's as hilarious as it gets. Show creator and writer Lisa McGee has earned lots of praise for this one. Lucky you—there are three whole seasons to consume.

Virgin River

The perfect romantic-yet-not-too cheesy drama finished up its fourth season last year, with a fifth season on its way. While you wait (the release date is rumored to be Sept. 2023), you can catch up on all 42 episodes and learn about what Mel and Jack are up to in the small town of Virgin River. And, if you need more rom-com, check out our list of shows like Virgin River.

Kim’s Convenience

If you haven't caught this CBC show on Netflix yet, sit down to stream it tonight. Set in Canada, it's the story of convenient-store-owning Korean immigrants and their first-gen adult kids living in Toronto. Based on a play by Ins Choi, its subtle humor balances out the show's more serious themes. 

Bad Vegan

Sarma Melngailis was once the queen of vegan cuisine until she met a man who tore her world apart. This stunning four-part documentary follows her demise and rise to fugitive status.

Pieces of Her

One of our favorite adult shows on Netflix, the brilliant Toni Collette plays a mother whose secrets catch up with her in this thrill-a-minute show based on Karin Slaughter's 2018 novel. 

Inventing Anna

Julia Garner, who you may (or may not) recognize as Ruth from Ozark, plays Anna Delvey, a German heiress who isn't an heiress at all, but rather a criminal mastermind who manages to get people to fund her Anna Delvey Foundation and her lavish lifestyle. 

The Witcher

Follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a riveting and well-built monster hunter for hire as he journeys toward his destiny in a fantasy-based world where people are often the scariest beasts of them all.  

Firefly Lane

Based on the bestselling book by Kristin Hannah, this series follows the ups and downs of a friendship that spans decades. Starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke as best friends, Tully and Kate, the show tracks their unbreakable bond from the first day they meet as teens into their adult lives. The second half of Season 2 was released on April 27, 2023, so you can watch it all as fast as you want.  

Emily In Paris

An ambitious 20-something lands her dream job as a marketing exec in Paris. The city of love does not disappoint with three seasons of romance and adventure finding Emily on every corner.

The Crown

Can’t get enough of the Royal family? The five seasons of this intriguing look at the reign and romance of Queen Elizabeth II will more than satisfy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it stars the Oscar-winning Olivia Coleman as Her Royal Highness. Sit down to watch all the episodes of this adult show on Netflix before the sixth season comes out in late 2023.

Good Girls

What happens when a picture-perfect, stay-at-home mom breaks bad? Good Girls. Part Weeds, part Breaking Bad, this series is a dark but fun fantasy escape that will draw you in from the first episode. You've got four seasons to watch so get going!

Ozark

Take a vacation to the Ozarks with Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and their entire money-laundering, drug-running family. Just be warned, you won't be able to stop pressing play on the next episode until you've gobbled up all four phenomenal seasons.

Cobra Kai

Thirty years after Karate Kid, the feud between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is still alive and well. This hit series, which checks in on the rivals all grown up, finds Johnny and Daniel raising a new class of karate masters in their own dojos. Press play and run through all five in a weekend—we dare ya. Or space it a bit. Did we mention the final season is in the works?

Dead to Me

This dark and twisty mystery about a grieving widow and her new BFF (starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini) will suck you in instantly, and you won't be able to stop watching till you reach the shocking end. Luckily, there are three complete seasons to keep you entertained.

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel

True crime fans will love this deep dive into the mysterious disappearance of a young girl staying at Los Angeles’ gritty Cecil Hotel. This docuseries investigates the mysteries and myths surrounding certain infamous locations across the country.

Related: True Crime Docuseries Moms Can't Get Enough Of

Ginny and Georgia

In search of a fresh start, single mom Georgia moves her kids Ginny and Austin to the North. Unfortunately, secrets from Georgia’s past come back to haunt them and threaten to make their new lives anything but perfect. And here's some extra good news: the show was renewed for seasons 3 and 4. 

Workin’ Moms

Season 7 of this hilariously relatable mom-com was released on April 26. As for the binge, we hope you can make it through all six seasons that explore life as a working mom before then. You'll follow the workin' mom crew as they balance the impossible chaos of motherhood and returning to work. If you've already seen the entire series, check out our picks for shows like Workin' Moms. 

The Great British Baking Show

Mouthwatering cake pops and canapes served up with some friendly competition make this series a must-watch for any home baker (or cookie-lover) looking for inspiration.