From ‘Adolescence’ to ‘Dark’: five essential series to binge on Netflix this weekend
The weekend invites time to step back and relax. And one of the most popular ways to do that is to just binge-watch some Netflix. It could be catching up on a recently released show, or watching some good old comfort TV seeking familiarity, but after a gruelling week of work, chores and chaos, any break is deserved.
Binge-watching shows on Netflix is not a new phenomenon, but it has now reached a status of social acceptance. It is no longer considered an absurd pattern of consumption. This new status comes with its own pros and cons; it is indulgent at its core. To the point where the shows being made are tailored to make this behaviour easier to manifest.
Nevertheless, some shows stand apart from this formula and deserve to be binged. There is deliberate care in their crafting, skipping the fast pace, cut-to-cut editing that an audience used to binge-watching expects, while simultaneously unfolding the story to be the core of the show. It is the story that drives people to binge them, not the ease of consumption.
They are thoughtful and explorative, enabling the audience to feel deep emotions while bingeing.
Five essential series to binge on Netflix this weekend
Adolescence – Philip Barantini (2025)
A show that has rightfully set the internet ablaze also takes an interesting filmmaking approach. The four-episode series has each episode shot in one take. The show has received immense critical acclaim and remains one of the most trending shows online. But more than the technical abilities, the story is what has earned it its status and recognition.
Adolescence is one of the most important shows to come out recently that manages to be relevant across global contexts. It does not just touch upon the deep-rooted nature of patriarchy; instead, it fearlessly confronts it. It addresses many core aspects of the issue, with each episode focusing on one major aspect. This allows a deeper analysis of the issue and not just a touch-and-go approach, which often feels superficial. It stays away from both sugarcoating and dramatising, leading to the impact of the series staying beyond the screen, opening doors for discourses and conversations.
When Life Gives You Tangerines – Kim Won-seok (2025)
The 2025 Korean drama, When Life Gives You Tangerines, spans over 16 heartfelt episodes. This slice-of-life show revolves around a couple and their daughter. The honest storytelling shines with emotions and a generational approach. Taking on a non-linear narrative, along with the slow, thoughtful pace, makes the show distinct in its genre. Thus, it has received an immeasurable amount of love and appreciation for its authenticity.
When Life Gives You Tangerines is not drowning in clichés. It comes to life with a unique inter-generational exploration of human relationships and identity. Despite being set in the cultural context of Jeju Island in South Korea, the emotional connection it builds transcends borders. The characterisation allows audiences to relate deeply with the protagonists onscreen, bringing the two closer. This K-drama exudes warmth through its subtle dramatisation, celebrating the human spirit and resilience.
One Day – Molly Manners (2024)
One Day is the TV show adaptation of the titular David Nicholls novel. This 14-episode romantic drama follows the complex relationship of a young couple as they come together over two decades. The show masterfully brings to life the emotional depth of the story and the characters that its source material is known for. Its narrative takes a genuine and layered exploration of love through time.
The steady storytelling unfolds deliberately, with each episode set to cover one day, a nod to its title, over the course of 20 years. This one-day narrative builds on the intriguing concept of the passage of time and the emotion behind the intent of waiting. Such a narrative makes the show stand out as it explores the notion of time being out of sync with the couple, until it reaches the sweet spot, only to be wrestled out of their hands by fate. The viewer connects with the raw portrayal of yearning, heartbreak and love, sans the glamour, embracing the imperfection of human relationships.
Kohrra – Randeep Jha (2025)
An Indian show that is set in rural Punjab, Kohrra is a murder mystery. This six-episode, Punjabi-language series follows the painstaking story of a non-resident Indian (NRI) groom who is murdered the night before his wedding. The complexities that unravel with the progression of the story intertwine with themes of honour, identity, power, and morality.
Not the usual crime drama, the show takes on social themes to elevate the depth of its narrative. Kohrra‘s rural setting is not just the background of the show, but is expertly brought to the forefront to establish the social context. The local context adds a distinct touch of cultural commentary to the show. Methodically paced, it takes a calculated step within the chaotic nature of murder mysteries to remain calm. The show manages to make commentary on power and its interrelations that keeps it relevant for a global audience.
Dark – Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar (2017)
The German sci-fi thriller series, Dark, follows the disappearance of a child in a German town, leading to a web of secrets linking four families. This gritty series has three seasons, with the first composed of ten episodes and the latter two of eight each, exploring the depths of scientific notions of time, genes and reality, through a complex yet compelling storytelling narrative.
Initially it feels a little difficult to follow, but it will suck you into its vortex the moment you get a hang of the narrative. This challenging series stimulates the viewer’s mind with its gripping storyline of time travel and its mysteries, playing with versions of possible realities that demand complete attention. The purposeful pace of the series builds and maintains tension till the very end, leaving every answer open to interpretation. It blends the scientific themes with philosophical principles, leading to important conversations around morality and biological inheritance.