60 of the Best TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You Entertained


We’ve all done the infinite scroll on the Netflix app, spending an hour looking for something to watch before giving up. Sometimes there are just too many shows to choose from. And the last thing anyone wants is to get a few hours into something that’s not worth finishing. 

To save your precious time, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite shows on Netflix, from some of the streamer’s most iconic flagship series, such as Stranger Things and The Crown, to reliable classics including Gilmore Girls and Scandal. We’ve also found underrated or critically acclaimed originals you can’t find anywhere else. We’ll let you know which series have just arrived or are about to leave, too, so you can prioritize your watch list.

Now that the fantasy romance series Outlander is coming to an end soon on Starz, there’s no better time to rewatch the whole thing from the beginning. The first seven seasons of the series are out on Netflix now. Outlander stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan and has been captivating audiences since 2014 with it’s time-jumping romantic plots set against the backdrops of World War II, the American Revolution and 18th-century France. 

If you’re looking for your next favorite series, here’s our roundup of some of the best shows you can stream on Netflix. And if you’d rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best movies on Netflix.

Read moreBest Streaming Services

Starz

The romantic time travel drama Outlander has been a massive hit for Starz for the past decade, and the show is wrapping up its eighth and final season this month on that platform. But if you’re looking for the previous seasons of the show, Netflix has them all, and they’re the perfect, addictive binge. (Just be warned: The latest season won’t hit Netflix for a while; it’ll be at least another year.)

Netflix

The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (2024)

The Boston Red Sox were down three games in the 2004 ALCS against their biggest rivals, the New York Yankees, when they staged one of the greatest sports comebacks in history to win the series and the championship title that year. In the three-part docu-series The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox, many of that year’s team members, including David Ortiz, Johnny Damon and Jason Varitek, relive the team’s journey, from their bitter loss to the Yankees in 2003, to the team’s restructuring and new energy that led them to success the following season.

Netflix

Love on the Spectrum (2022-)

If you’re looking for the antidote to a stressful day, look no further than Love on the Spectrum. The docuseries follows young adults on the autism spectrum who are looking for love, and it’s just about as heartwarming and generally wonderful as you could imagine. Each of the show’s seasons contains either six or seven episodes, making it the perfect binge if you need a rush of dopamine. The fourth season just dropped this month.

Netflix

A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a drawn-out feud, setting the stage for an enthralling comedic drama made all the better by stellar casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, nabbing eight wins, and won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. Catch up with Season 1 now, or check out Season 2, starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny, arriving April 16.

Netflix

One Piece (2023 – present)

Netflix’s One Piece, which follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy (IIñaki Godoy) and his band of Straw Hat Pirates, first came out in 2023 and became one of the most-watched shows on the platform that year. Season two arrived this month and sees the gang continuing their quest for One Piece, the legendary treasure that’s been hidden by the deceased King of the Pirates, Gold Roger.

Netflix

Steven Spielberg will forever be associated with dinosaurs thanks to Jurassic Park, and he leans into that legacy with The Dinosaurs, the new four-episode docu-series he produced for Netflix. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the series explores the evolution of the dinosaurs, from their early beginnings living among the ancient reptiles during the Triassic period more than 230 million years ago up until the extinction event that wiped them out 72 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period. The show features incredibly realistic visual effects that bring these long-extinct creatures to life, but be prepared to feel all the feels when the asteroid hits. 

Netflix

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set his sights beyond the streets as he aims to move up in the world. What sells this show is not only its compelling storyline, but also its stellar casting. If you’ve never seen the show or want to refresh your memory, now is the perfect time – a Peaky Blinders movie starring Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, arrived to Netflix in March.

Netflix

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (2026)

In How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, three school friends, Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, learn about the death of their estranged best friend Greta and decide to go on a road trip to pay their respects. But when they meet Greta’s odd family and realize that she’s not actually in the casket, they decide to investigate the situation. While it certainly seems like Greta’s family is hiding something, the trio also has a dark secret of their own that they hope will never come out. 

Netflix

Set in Regency-era England, Bridgerton is the story of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they search for love while navigating high society — and being the subject of a gossip newsletter written by one of their closest friends. The latest season features a love story between the second-oldest Bridgerton, Benedict, who no one thought would settle down, and a mystery woman he meets at a masquerade ball. While the first few episodes of the season were reminiscent of a Cinderella story, things get more complicated in the second half as Benedict and his new love, Sophie, try to find a way to be together against the odds.

Netflix

Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show’s first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top-secret Night Agent program. He’s pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government. A new season of the addictive thriller kicks off with Peter heading to Istanbul in search of a young Treasury agent who’s fled the US. This uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the highest ranks of the government. Three seasons are available to stream now.

Lara Solanki/Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer (2022-)

Adapted from Michael Connelly’s novels, The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a lawyer who uses clever tactics to defend his clients (or get around defending them). Riding around in a Lincoln only contributes to his charm, but this series isn’t a lighthearted comedy; you also get crime, action, mystery, humor and loads of drama. Four seasons of the show are available to stream.

The CW

Veronica Mars (2004-2007)

Originally a CW series, Veronica Mars stars Kristen Bell in her breakout role as the titular character, a high school student who dabbles in private investigation. Aided by her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), an actual P.I., she investigates the murder of her best friend, Lilly Kane (Amanda Seyfried). At the same time, she’s ostracized from her former friend group, who have all turned on her. Each season has an ongoing investigation and highlights the tension between the haves and have-nots in Veronica’s town. It’s one of the great shows of the early aughts.

NBC

The West Wing (1999-2006)

During its seven-year run on NBC, The West Wing was showered with Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and Peabody Awards. The series, created by Aaron Sorkin, was a political drama about the goings-on in a fictional, but highly idealized version of the White House. Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Martin Sheen and Janel Moloney all co-starred. All seven seasons of the show arrived to Netflix last year. 

Netflix

Adolescence, the story of a young boy accused of killing a classmate, has gripped viewers since its release in 2025. The series earned 13 Emmy nominations and won eight, including best limited series and acting awards for Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty. It also picked up four Golden Globe wins this week. The series became a phenomenon for its unique filming style: Each of its four episodes is shot in a single continuous take, giving the show a live-theater feel.

Hulu

11.22.63 is one of Stephen King’s most brilliant books. The novel is a fantasy – not a horror like so many of his other works – about a man named Jake Epping who, in 2011, discovers a portal that allows him to travel back in time to 1960. Knowing what he knows about history, Jake hatches a plan to stay and live in the past so he can try to thwart the assassination of JFK and perhaps change the outcome of history as we know it. The book is a gripping story, and it was brought to the small screen in 2016 as an 8-part series, with James Franco as Epping, and co-starring Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Lucy Fry, Cherry Jones and Josh Duhamel. 

Netflix

Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. The series came to a dramatic end in 2025 but remains one of Netflix’s flagship shows. 

Netflix

Political drama The Diplomat, starring Keri Russell as American diplomat Kate Wyler in London, first premiered in 2023 and has proven to be an addictive hit. The show blends international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama, and now’s the perfect time to catch up on its first two seasons. Season 3, which features Bradley Whitford as a new addition to the cast, premiered in October. Keri Russell earned a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for her role as Kate Wyler, and the show was also nominated for best drama series.

Netflix

Nobody Wants This (2024-)

In the Netflix original comedy series Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell stars as Joanne, an LA podcaster with no religious ties who falls for a rabbi, Noah, whose family struggles to accept their interfaith relationship. The show is hilarious and works especially well thanks to Bell and Brody’s romantic chemistry — both were nominated for Golden Globes, and the show was nominated for best television series – musical or comedy. Both seasons are available to stream now. 

Netflix

Death By Lightning (2025)

Death By Lightning is Netflix’s new historical drama series, and at the beginning of the first episode, it states that it’s the “true story about two men the world forgot. One was the 20th President of the United States. The other shot him.” The show follows two parallel stories, one about the ascent of James Garfield from congressman to president of the United States, and the other about the life of a failed lawyer, Charles Guiteau, who developed an infatuation with the president and eventually became Garfield’s assassin. The series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, with Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman and Shea Whigham rounding out the cast. 

Netflix

A Man on the Inside (2024-)

A Man on the Inside, created by Mike Schur, is essentially a comedy blended with meditations on loss, grief and adult child and parent relationships, all wrapped up in a private investigation over some mysteriously missing jewels. Ted Danson stars as Charles, a lonely widower whose wife died the year before after living with Alzheimer’s disease. When his daughter (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) encourages him to find a hobby, he finds a job assisting a private investigator who is looking into a jewel theft at a local nursing home. Charles moves into the facility, hence the “man on the inside,” to look into potential suspects, but he finds himself getting too close to the suspects he’s supposed to be investigating. A second season, costarring Danson’s wife Mary Steenburgen, Max Greenfield and Gary Cole, arrived last year and the show was just picked up for season 3.

Netflix

Envious (Envidiosa) is an Argentinian comedy starring Griselda Siciliani as Vicky, a 40-year-old woman who is depressed and jealous that all of her friends are getting married and she’s not. After abruptly breaking up with her long-term boyfriend Dani, things for Vicky fall apart even more when Dani immediately marries a hot, younger woman. An under-the-radar gem, Envious is buoyed by Siciliani’s terrific comedic presence. There are currently three seasons available on the platform.

Netflix

The Great British Baking Show (2010-)

The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. Host Alison Hammond, who joined two seasons ago, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, who just announced her retirement. Leith will be replaced by Nigella Lawson. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and there are nine total seasons on the streamer, a junior competition and several holiday specials.

Starz

Minx first premiered on HBO Max in 2022 before getting shuffled over to Starz (and eventually getting canceled), and it’s a shame that it suffered such an annoying fate, because it was truly a deeply funny series full of great relationships and storylines… and a lot of nudity. Ophelia Lovibond stars as Joyce Prigger, a journalist tired of traditional women’s magazines who wants to create a truly feminist publication. But the only financial backing she can get is from a sleazy porn publisher (Jake Johnson), so she has to find a balance between the Feminine Mystique and Playgirl. The show features some great performances from the supporting cast, which includes Lennon Parham, Jessica Lowe and Oscar Montoya. Both seasons are available now on Netflix.

Colin Hutton

Broadchurch originally ran on ITV in the UK for three seasons between 2013 and 2017, and now it’s come to Netflix. The series stars Olivia Colman and David Tennant as Detective Ellie Miller and Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, police officers investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy in the coastal town of Broadchurch. The show is riveting for it’s addictive story and incredible performances (and for the way Tennant says the name “Miller”), you’ll binge the whole thing as quickly as possible once you start. 

Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark Winds (2022 – present)

Set in the American Southwest during the 1970s, Dark Winds stars Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, the lieutenant of the Navajo Police, as he and his team solve a series of crimes. The show is adapted from the Leaphorn & Chee novels by Tony Hillerman is produced for AMC Plus. The first three seasons are now available on the platform. Keep an eye out for Robert Redford, who produced the series, in an uncredited cameo in the Season 3 premiere. It’s his final appearance on screen before his death this past September.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Rory and Lorelai Gilmore are one of the most iconic mother-daughter duos in TV history thanks to Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino’s sharp, pop culture-filled scripts and vivid cast of characters inhabiting the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The show’s cozy New England setting adds to its autumn vibe, even though the series takes place throughout the year. Its four-episode reboot, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, is also on Netflix, so now’s the perfect time for a rewatch.

Netflix

Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters’ journeys. The critically lauded show took home the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.  

Jan Thijs

Originally broadcast on BBC America, Orphan Black is a Canadian sci-fi series about a woman named Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) who witnesses the suicide of a woman who appears to be her exact clone. As Sarah digs into the other woman’s past, she learns that they’re two of many clones who were part of a secret experiment, and now the lives of her and her “sisters” are in danger. The show, which lasted for five seasons, is a solid mystery, but Maslany is truly a marvel as she toggles between her multiple roles. 

Netflix

Jenna Ortega stars in Netflix’s Wednesday, a modern take on the life of one of the most morbid teens in pop culture history, Wednesday Addams. The series, executive produced and occasionally directed by Tim Burton, quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix when it premiered in 2022 and both parts of season 2 are out now.

Netflix

In Dept. Q, Matthew Goode stars as DCI Carl Morck, a detective in Edinburgh, Scotland, whose been assigned to a newly formed task force that investigates cold cases. Morck is your typical “doesn’t play by the rules” cop who has just returned to the force after an incident where he was seriously wounded and his partner was paralyzed, and he’s a loose cannon now more than ever. As the reluctant leader of this new department, he and his team look into a case involving a female prosecutor who mysteriously disappeared, with no real leads to go on. Scott Frank, the co-creator of The Queen’s Gambit, is also responsible for this series. The show, which was nominated for an Emmy this year, has also been renewed for a second season, so hopefully we’ll finally get to the bottom of who shot Morck.

Netflix

Love, Death + Robots (2019-)

The adult animation anthology series Love, Death + Robots was developed by filmmaker Tim Miller (who also directed Deadpool) and is co-produced by David Fincher. There are currently 45 episodes which range from 6 to 21 minutes each, and most are helmed by a different director and animation team, giving them all a distinct style and visual approach as they bring to life adaptations of short stories. (Over the show’s four seasons, it has consistently won Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its design and artistry, including four awards this year.)

Netflix

Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern “advancements.” A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling — and often unsettling — imagining of the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to consume television in the age of binge-watching.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways. Season 7, which arrived in 2025, received nine Emmy nominations. 

Netflix

At this point, Ozark might be most remembered as the vehicle that made Julia Garner a star. The actress won three Emmys for her role as criminal Ruth Langmore, who faced off against Marty and Wendy Byrde (Jason Bateman and Laura Linney), a Chicago couple who relocate to the Ozarks and find themselves laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. The crime drama ran for four seasons between 2017 and 2022, loading up on awards and critical acclaim in the process.

Netflix

I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson (2019-2023)

Tim Robinson is having a moment now that his first feature film, Friendship, debuted this year, and if you loved that movie, you definitely need to catch up on his absurdist sketch comedy show I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson. The often cringey comedy might not be for everyone but for a certain subset of comedy fans it’s a gem. The show features a who’s who of notable talent — stars from Saturday Night Live including Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer and Will Forte appear, along with Ayo Edebiri, Fred Willard, Sam Richardson and more. The premises are usually bonkers, often humiliating situations and Robinson has perfected his awkward persona in each of them. If you’re a fan of Robinson’s humor, definitely try the other Netflix series he stars in alongside Richardson, Detroiters, after you’ve finished this one.

Netflix

This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it’s an enthralling watch. The third and final season arrived in June so now is a great time to watch the complete series.

Getty Images

Sex and the City (1998-2004)

If you’re craving some late ’90s nostalgia, you can find all six seasons of Sex and the City on Netflix. The series follows sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her friends in New York City. It was a cultural touchstone for a minute, so whether you’ve never watched or want to be reminded of a different era when Louboutins became a whole thing and everyone still smoked in bars, you won’t want to miss the original show that begat the (less satisfying) reboot, And Just Like That.

Netflix

French mystery-thriller Lupin first premiered in 2021 and stars Omar Sy as Assane Diop, a robber inspired by fictional gentleman thief Arsene Lupin. Diop seeks revenge for his father’s death by targeting the family he holds responsible. The acclaimed series has already released three batches of episodes, and Part 4 is currently in production in Paris and is confirmed to premiere in the fall of 2026.

Netflix

Comedian Mo Amer is the namesake of the Netflix original series Mo, which has run for two seasons (so far) on the streamer. The Peabody-winning series follows Mo Najjar (played by Amer), a Palestinian-American living in Houston, Texas, on his quest for citizenship in the United States. The show is co-created and co-written by fellow comedian Ramy Youssef.

Matt Klitscher/Netflix

Sweet Tooth is a fantasy series based on a comic book of the same name set in a dystopian world where much of the world’s population has died off, and babies are born as animal-human hybrids. The story, which is geared toward a more youthful teen audience, follows Gus (Christian Convery), half boy-half deer, who is joined by a man named Tommy as they travel in search of Gus’ father (played by Will Forte). Despite the show’s post-apocalyptic setting, it’s less foreboding than many dystopian shows, with moments of lightness that keep it from getting too heavy.

FOX

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Even though Andy Samberg was the face of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which first aired on Fox and then NBC, the police sitcom is truly an ensemble filled with incredible comedic performances. (The late, great Andre Braugher, who was best known for his dramatic roles, was especially brilliant as the 99’s Captain Ray Holt.) Currently, you can catch seasons 5-8 on Netflix.

Netflix

Get caught up in Shonda Rhimes’ new original, The Residence, a mystery series set in the White House. When a staff member is murdered on the grounds, the list of suspects includes more than 150 people, and there’s seemingly only one person who’s fit to investigate — and solve — the crime. Enter Uzo Aduba’s Cordelia Cupp, a quirky detective with the skills to peer into the murkiest clues, examine the 100-plus mansion rooms, and question the plethora of oddball employees. Although the show was canceled after just one season, Aduba received an Emmy nomination for her role.

Nicole Rivelli/ViacomCBS

Younger was critically acclaimed but flew under the radar when it first aired on TV Land but it’s gotten a major bump in popularity since it arrived on Netflix. The show stars Sutton Foster as 40-year-old Liza Miller, who relocates to Brooklyn from New Jersey to start over after her husband leaves her and her daughter heads to college. When she has no luck landing a job in publishing by being honest about her age and the fact that she took time off to raise a child, she pretends she’s 26 and gets a job right away. Though the lie helps her land a job and a new boyfriend, she’s often conflicted. As the seasons pass, she slowly has to let the people in her life know the truth. Despite the sometimes goofy premise, the show — created by Sex and the City and Emily in Paris creator Darren Star — is hilarious, silly and often raunchy in the best way. Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar, Nico Tortorella and Peter Hermann co-star.

Netflix

For two seasons, Natasha Lyonne starred in Russian Doll, a New York-set fantasy about a woman who’s caught in a time loop and experiences her own death every night, only to wake up very much alive the next day. Lyonne played Nadia, a video game developer who attempts to figure out why this keeps happening to her, when she eventually meets a man named Alan (Charlie Barnett) who’s experiencing the same thing. A little bit of a mystery blended with comedy and sci-fi, the show was co-created by Lyonne, SNL’s Amy Poehler and writer Leslye Headland and features memorable performances from Greta Lee and Chloe Sevigny.

Netflix

South Korean horror-fantasy Hellbound was written and directed by Yeon Sang-ho with Choi Gyu-seok and is based on their short of the same name. The series takes place in a dark, futuristic version of South Korea where spiritual beings materialize to condemn people to certain death at some point in the future, and eventually the condemned are dragged off to hell. The episodes shift in tone, with some coming off more like a police procedural and others offering social commentary on religion, the media and sin, often blending genres into a spooky, smart thriller full of plot twists. The show’s creators are also responsible for writing and directing the Netflix original film Revelations, which was released in March 2025.

Netflix

Cunk on Earth is peak absurdist comedy, and it’s undeniably hilarious watching Diane Morgan play the oblivious and under-informed reporter Philomena Cunk. Cunk travels the globe interviewing people who are experts in the fields of history, theology and more. But this isn’t a show that truly wants to teach so much as dare you not to laugh when Cunk deadpans her way through serious conversations with her inane commentary.

Netflix

The second season of Netflix’s The Recruit has just arrived, making now the perfect time to binge this political thriller starring Noah Centineo as CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks. When the show began, Hendricks found himself negotiating with a former CIA asset who was attempting to extort the agency. In season two, the drama heads to Seoul when Hendricks finds himself working on a mission with Korean intelligence.

Netflix

Kit Connor and Joe Locke star in Heartstopper, a Netflix original coming-of-age drama, as high school students navigating their sexuality and social norms. In the show’s first season, Charlie (Locke) comes out of the closet and realizes his feelings for his friend, the rugged and athletic Nick (Connor). Eventually Nick also starts to embrace his own bisexuality. Throughout the show, the two, along with the rest of their friends, explore this ever-changing era in their lives. The beloved show includes some notable guest appearances from Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey and Hayley Atwell.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Dead to Me packs laughter, tears, grief and mystery into every one of its perfectly balanced 30 minute episodes, and the worst thing about the show is that we only got three seasons of it.  The show’s first season begins as Christina Applegate’s character, the recently widowed Jen, is befriended by a woman named Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a grief support group, not realizing that Judy is responsible for Jen’s husband’s death. The relationship between the two women evolves over time, especially after Jen finds out the truth about Judy, but eventually the women’s love-hate relationship becomes more love than hate and they come to depend on each other more than they ever expected.

Netflix

Netflix has become a reliable platform for dating shows with a twist, like Love Is Blind, the one where you have to get engaged immediately, or Too Hot to Handle, the one where everyone has to be celibate. On the Japanese series Is She the Wolf? the big twist is more along the lines of The Traitors or The Mole: Planted among all of the legitimate contestants searching for love is a decoy. In the first episode, you learn that one woman brought on the show is not allowed to fall in love, and if someone does fall for her, it’s game over. It’s an emotional roller coaster as the wolf tries not to actually fall in love herself, while trying to keep her identity and motives under wraps. And just to add to the fun, the challenges each couple has to participate in are unlike anything else we’re used to, with many of them requiring the contestants to use an old film camera to capture scenic shots of Japanese landmarks (it’s hard to explain but it works, trust me). 

Ed Miller/Netflix

Inspired by real events from writer-actor Richard Gadd’s own life, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is bartending. The bar is where he extends kindness to a stranger named Martha played by Jessica Gunning, setting off a months-long chain ordeal of stalking. Donny’s experience being stalked triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for best limited series and best supporting actress for Gunning.

Photo: Netflix

Though Girls5Eva only lasted three seasons, it remains a source of incredible comedy thanks to its wild performances and hilarious songs. (New York Lonely Boy and I’m Afraid (Dawn’s Song of Fears) hit especially close to home.) The show was originally a Peacock original, but was picked up (and canceled just as quickly) by Netflix. Created by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt writer Meredith Scardino, the show is about a reunited ’90s girl group played by Sara Bareilles, who proved that her comedic timing was as good as her musical talent, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renee Elise Goldsberry, whose truly unhinged performance as self-obsessed has-been Wickie Roy is one of the great comedic performances of late.

Netflix

Praised by CNET’s Aaron Pruner as a “brilliant new take on the anti-hero story,” Netflix’s Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants — even murder.  Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian.

Netflix

When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and was quickly renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly — who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role — as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen’s friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor.

Keith Bernstein/Netflix

A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages — namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy. 

Sam Tayor/Netflix

Sex Education (2019-2023)

Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It also served as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother’s profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years.

Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists — many of which are not for the faint of heart. It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when he’s diagnosed with cancer and worries about providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. You can also find all six seasons of Better Call Saul on Netflix, too.

Netflix

Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race female warrior who is seeking revenge against four men — one of whom is her father. Set during the Edo period in Japan, the show features Maya Erskine as Mizu with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Mark Dacascos among the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy winner is streaming now. 

USA Network

This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal background who somehow lands a job at a prestigious New York law firm working for top attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team but have to keep Mike’s lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits’ brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform.

Netflix

Netflix’s new Japanese drama Asura has a seemingly straightforward premise: in 1979, four sisters discover that their aging father has had an affair and fathered a boy outside of his marriage to their mother. That’s the starting point, but over the course of the show’s seven episodes, the show layers this family drama with humor and warmth. As the sisters grapple with how to confront their father (and withhold the information from their mother), their own lives change course and new secrets emerge. Despite the sisters’ drastically different personalities, they maintain their own bond that’s loving and occasionally contentious, but always remains honest and real.

Netflix

Before it landed at Netflix, Derry Girls aired on Channel 4 in the UK and was the most-watched show ever in Northern Ireland. Set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the series was inspired by creator Lisa McGee’s experiences growing up. The show centers around five teens attending Catholic school amid the political turmoil of the time, set to a soundtrack of perfectly selected mid-1990s needle drops from the likes of The Cranberries, Salt-N-Pepa and Take That. It also made celebrities of its young stars including Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Nicola Coughlan, who stars in another show on our list, Bridgerton.





Source link

Leave a Reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get our latest articles delivered straight to your inbox. No spam, we promise.

Recent Reviews


gettyimages-2237093321

Moor Studio/Getty Images

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.


ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Spyware can track you, record calls, and steal phone data.
  • Watch for odd behavior, data spikes, unknown apps, and battery drain.
  • Use antivirus software, update regularly, and avoid untrusted app sources.

Spyware is one of the biggest threats to your mobile security and can severely impact your phone’s performance if you are unlucky enough to become infected. It is a type of malware that typically lands on your iPhone or Android phone through malicious mobile apps or through phishing links, emails, and messages.

While appearing to be a legitimate software package or useful utility, spyware will operate quietly in the background to monitor your movements, spy on your activities, and may also record your conversations, whether they are phone calls or social media threads. You may find your actions screenshotted, your call records logged, and even your physical location tracked via GPS. 

Also: 7 ways to lock down your phone’s security – before it’s too late

This information is then sent to a remote server and into the hands of someone else without your permission.

Similarly, a remote monitoring app promoted for parental use or work purposes could be abused and become a privacy invader rather than a legitimate service. 

Let’s explore the different types of spyware you might encounter, the warning signs of infection, and how to quickly remove it from your smartphone.

Spyware explained

It’s helpful to know the basic differences among types of spyware before you tackle infections on your handset.

Nuisanceware is bundled with mobile apps. It interrupts your web browsing with pop-ups, changes your homepage or search engine settings, may try to force you to watch videos, and may collect your browsing data to sell to ad agencies and networks. Although considered malvertising, it is generally not dangerous, as it focuses on generating illicit revenue by forcing ad views or clicks.

Also: As ransomware recedes, a new more dangerous digital parasite rises

There’s also generic mobile spyware. It steals operating system data, clipboard data, and anything of value, such as cryptocurrency wallet data or account credentials. Spyware isn’t always targeted and may be used in spray-and-pray phishing attacks.

Spyware may land on your device through phishing, malicious email attachments, social media links, fraudulent SMS messages, or physical device tampering.

Advanced spyware, sometimes also classified as stalkerware, is a step up from basic spyware. This malware is unethical and dangerous. It is sometimes found on desktop systems but is now more commonly installed on handsets. Stalkerware is typically used to spy on an individual and monitor what they do, say, and where they go, and is often linked to cases of domestic abuse.

Spyware and stalkerware may be used to:

  • Monitor emails, SMS, MMS messages, and other forms of communication sent and received, including Facebook and WhatsApp.
  • Intercept live cellular calls or Voice over IP (VoIP) applications.
  • Hijack camera functions to take photos and videos.
  • Screenshot mobile device screens and send them to a controller.
  • Track victims via GPS.
  • Conduct keylogging, account compromise, and data theft.

Finally, there’s government-grade commercial spyware, with Pegasus among the best-known variants. Unless you’re part of a group of specific interest to ethically challenged governments, it’s unlikely that it will impact you due to the expense of targeting victims.

Spyware warning signs

There aren’t always indicators of an infection attempt in real time, but the following scenarios could be warning signs that you are being targeted:

  • Receiving odd or unusual SMS messages, social media messages, or emails.
  • Strange permission, download, or software installation requests appear on your handset.
  • If your phone goes missing or is out of your possession for a period of time and then reappears with settings or changes you do not recognize, this may indicate that your device has been tampered with.
  • When it comes to stalkerware, initial infection messages may be more personal and tailored to the victim. Physical access to a handset may be necessary.

Also: I clicked on four sneaky online scams on purpose – to show you how they work

There are also signs you can watch for that may indicate your phone has been compromised. The most common are:

  • Power: You may experience unexpected handset battery drain, overheating, or sluggish performance.
  • Behavior: Strange behavior, such as GPS or camera functions turning themselves on and off without your input, or random reboots and unexplained crashes.
  • Pop-ups: If you are being bombarded with pop-ups, it’s likely that some form of adware is hidden on your handset. You may also find that your preferred search engine has been changed.
  • Increased cellular data usage: Information exfiltrated from your smartphone or hidden, active remote connections will use data.
  • Distortion: You may hear unusual noises or distortion during phone calls. Although this could simply be due to poor reception, it may also be a sign of interception.
  • On and off: You may also have trouble completely turning off your device, as more advanced spyware might prevent you from doing so.
  • Financial transactions: If spyware has obtained sufficient permissions, it may have signed you up for services or premium SMS plans you didn’t ask for.

Android

One telltale sign on an Android device is a setting that allows apps to be downloaded and installed outside of the official Google Play Store. If this setting is enabled, it may indicate tampering or jailbreaking without your consent. Not every form of spyware and stalkerware requires a jailbroken device, however.

Also: Your Android phone’s most powerful security feature is off by default and hidden – turn it on now

This setting is found in most modern Android builds in Settings > Security > Allow unknown sources. (This varies depending on the device and vendor.) You can also check Apps > Menu > Special Access > Install unknown apps to see if anything is unfamiliar.

Some forms of spyware also use generic names and icons to avoid detection. For example, they may appear to be useful utility apps such as calendars, calculators, utilities, or currency converters.

iOS

iOS devices that aren’t jailbroken are generally harder to infect with malware than Android handsets, unless a spyware developer is exploiting an unpatched vulnerability.

Also: How to lock down your iPhone to the extreme – so even the FBI can’t get in

However, the same principles apply. With the right tool, exploit, or software, your device could be compromised either with physical access or remotely. You may be more susceptible to infection if you have not updated your iPhone’s firmware to the latest version and you do not run frequent antivirus scans.

How to remove spyware from your smartphone

Spyware is often hard to detect and can be difficult to remove. It is not impossible in most cases, but it may take some drastic steps on your part.

When spyware, especially stalkerware, is removed, operators may receive an alert indicating that the victim’s device has been cleaned. Should the flow of your information suddenly stop, this would be another clear sign to the attacker that the malicious software has been removed. Do not tamper with your device if doing so would risk your physical safety.

Also: How to turn ChatGPT into a scam detector using the new Malwarebytes integration – for free

Instead, reach out to law enforcement and supporting agencies. Otherwise, here are some removal options:

  • Run a malware scan: There are mobile antivirus solutions available that can detect and remove spyware. This is the easiest solution available, but it may not be effective in every case. Cybersecurity vendors, including Malwarebytes.
  • Use a dedicated spyware removal tool: You can also use software specifically designed to detect and remove spyware. However, be careful to download tools only from reputable firms and official sources, as one of the most common ways to distribute malware is to disguise it as antivirus software. Check out the spyware removal apps offered by Bitdefender, Avast, and Malwarebytes.
  • Delete suspicious apps: Examine the list of installed apps on your handset and remove any you don’t recognize.
  • Check device administration controls: In advanced security settings, you can see if any suspicious apps have admin permissions. If so, you can try removing them, although this may require restoring your handset to factory settings.
  • Reboot in Safe mode: Restarting your smartphone in Safe mode prevents third-party software from running. On Android handsets, you can usually do this by long-pressing the power-off button and selecting Safe mode. This can allow you to safely uninstall apps — but it is not a failsafe solution against advanced spyware variants.
  • Update your operating system: It may seem obvious, but when an operating system releases a new version, which often includes security patches and upgrades, it can — if you’re lucky — cause conflicts and problems with spyware. Keep it updated.

Also: Rebooting your phone daily is your best defense against zero-click attacks – here’s why

If you have found suspicious software on your handset, consider changing your passwords and enabling biometrics.

If you suspect account compromise, change the passwords for every important account you have. Many of us have one or two central “hub” accounts, such as an email address linked to all of our other services. Remove access to any such hub services you use from a compromised device. 

For added security, consider changing your account passwords on a PC, forcing a logout on other devices, and enabling biometric authentication to prevent physical handset tampering.

An important point to mention is that sometimes spyware or other forms of malicious software might end up on your device via an initially benign app. There have been cases of developers releasing a genuine, useful app in official repositories, such as a currency converter or weather app, and then, after a large user base has been gathered, the developers twist the app’s functions into a Trojan through a software update.

If you recently downloaded a mobile app and now your phone is displaying odd behavior, consider removing it and running a malware scan.

Keeping spyware and stalkerware off your device

Unfortunately, no mobile device is completely protected against the scourge of spyware. However, we have provided some tips below to mitigate the risk of future infections:

  • Protect your device physically: Your first line of defense is to maintain adequate physical controls. Modern smartphones let you set PIN codes and patterns or use biometrics such as fingerprints or retina scans to prevent your handset from being physically tampered with.
  • Update your operating system: Install OS updates as soon as they are available. They contain security fixes and patches and are one of the most important lines of defense against malware.
  • Use antivirus software: Mobile antivirus solutions can detect and remove spyware. Running frequent scans will help protect your handset.
  • Only download apps from official sources: Most spyware and malware are found outside Google Play and the App Store, so be cautious about installing apps from third-party websites. Sometimes, malicious apps still slip through the net, so check reviews and app descriptions before installing anything new.
  • Enable app security: Enable built-in scanners that check any new app installs. On Android, you can find this setting in Security and privacy > App security.
  • Check permissions: You should monitor what permissions have been issued to which apps and when. If you haven’t used an app with extensive permissions for a while, consider deleting it. If any apps appear more intrusive than necessary, remove them and refuse to provide permissions on install.
  • Watch out for malicious links: Mobile malware is often spread through phishing and malicious links. These links may urge you to download apps from outside Google Play or the App Store and may be disguised as everything from antivirus software to streaming services.
  • Do not jailbreak your device: Jailbreaking not only voids your warranty but can also allow malicious apps and software to gain a deep foothold in your operating system, making removal extremely difficult.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): When account activity and logins require further consent from a mobile device, this can also help protect individual accounts. (However, spyware may intercept the codes sent during 2FA protocols.)

If all else fails: Factory reset

Performing a factory reset and clean install on the device you believe is compromised may help eradicate some forms of persistent spyware. Make sure to back up important content first, as this process can’t be reversed. 

  • On Android platforms, the reset option is usually found under Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. 
  • On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Phone.

Google’s guide to factory resetting your device can be found here, and Apple has also provided instructions on its support website.

Unfortunately, some malware may survive factory resets. Failing that, consider restoring to factory settings and then disposing of your device.

Parental control or employee monitoring apps: spyware?

There are cyberthreats around every corner, and while children often want a smartphone and to be on social media at a young age, parents want to monitor what they are viewing and who they are interacting with online in order to protect them.

This is a responsible position to take, but at their core, parental control apps are designed for surveillance — as are many “employee productivity” apps.

The main issue is the potential for abuse, turning what may have been a product developed with good intentions into invasive software used for purposes beyond protecting a minor or ensuring employee time is used wisely.

Also: The best employee monitoring software of 2026: Expert tested

A balance between a right to privacy and protection has to be maintained. With this in mind, both Apple and Google have introduced parental controls for their devices. These features focus on restricting screen time, locking and unlocking devices, managing permissions lists, restricting web content and app downloads, and approving purchases.

Regarding employee monitoring apps, don’t install them on your personal handset. If your employer insists on using them, then it should issue you a work laptop and phone.

Most common consumer monitoring apps

As we mentioned earlier, many apps may be advertised as parental control monitors or simple trackers, but their use can be unethical. Other app developers freely market their products for full device control and surveillance. 

Also: 5 ways to avoid spyware disguised as legit apps – before it’s too late

Apps often use the phrases ‘spy,’ ‘monitor,’ or ‘parental control,’ but they may also disguise themselves on a device as a utility, a game, or otherwise as an innocent piece of software.

Are Google and Apple protecting devices from spyware?

Google and Apple are generally quick to remove malicious apps that manage to evade the privacy and security protections in their respective official app stores. When individuals are considered particularly at risk, you can enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program, which provides additional security for your Android device.

Google has also banned spyware and stalkerware ads, and the firm’s Threat Analysis Group is constantly publishing research on new commercial spyware strains and their potential targets.

Apple has cracked down on parental control apps, citing privacy-invading functions as the reason for removal. The company offers its own parental device control service called Screen Time for parents who want to limit their child’s device usage.

Furthermore, the company does not allow sideloading — that is, installing third-party apps from sources other than Apple’s App Store — and is quick to remove any iOS apps that exhibit privacy-eroding functionality.

Apple also provides Lockdown Mode, an optional setting you can enable on your iOS device for extreme security. However, unless you don’t mind a heavily restricted smartphone, you should only consider this option if you are worried about commercial-grade spyware.


Consider checking out ways to remove yourself from the internet and ZDNET’s recommended data brokers of 2026.





Source link