For several weeks, Jenna Ortega‘s Wednesday has been dominating Netflix’s television ranks, proving to be the most popular show in the world. However, recently, the arrival of Hostage, a gripping limited series, has taken the platform by storm in the US, topping the charts at the time of writing, having stolen the crown from the creepy and kooky series. With the second half of the gothic teen tale on its way next week, Hostage‘s reign might be short-lived, but it can still celebrate its time at the top for now. However, beyond Hostage, what else should you be watching? Well, we have the answer. Here’s a look at three shows you should watch on Netflix this week.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
1
‘Long Story Short’ (2025 — Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Hailing from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Netflix’s Long Story Short is your next animated obsession, and there’s no better time to start binge-watching than this week. The series follows the beautifully dysfunctional Schwooper family, comprising father Elliot Cooper (Paul Reiser), mother Naomi Schwartz (Lisa Edelstein), and their three children, Avi (Ben Feldman), Shira (Abbi Jacobson), and Yoshi (Max Greenfield). The series explores the highs, lows, and in-betweens of their chaotic but ultimately endearing modern life.
From the mind of Bob-Waksberg, a genius behind one of modern animation’s best shows, it should come as no surprise that Long Story Short is an unquestionable success. Sporting a perfect 100% critics’ score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing, the series is truly one of the best new Netflix shows of 2025. “With time, it’s feasible that Long Story Short could reach even the heights of its predecessor,” Collider’s Samuel R. Murrian wrote in his review, and if that doesn’t sell Long Story Short to you, then nothing will.
2
‘Rivers of Fate’ (2025 — Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Currently the fourth most-streamed TV show on Netflix in the US, the bandwagon of Rivers of Fate is only just leaving the station, and there’s still time for you to jump on. The series, created by the trio of Stephanie Degreas, Fernando Garrido, and Bráulio Mantovani, follows the lives of three strangers who all become acquainted in the depths of the Amazon, with their separate, enthralling stories becoming intertwined in chaotic, dramatic glory.
A four-part Brazilian series adapted from Edyr Augusto‘snovel, Rivers of Fate is one of the most exciting new foreign-language arrivals on Netflix and deserves the incredible attention it is currently receiving. Featuring a trio of outstanding central performances and the directing talent of City of God‘s Fernando Meirelles, Rivers of Fate might be occasionally self-indulgent, but it is certainly all the better for it, providing the best possible escape from midweek boredom.
3
‘Penelope’ (2024 — Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Starring Megan Stott of Little Fires Everywherefame, Mark Duplass’ Penelope tracks the tale of the titular 16-year-old, isolated from her modern life and feeling disconnected from the world around her. While on a high school camping trip, Penelope takes the unlikely opportunity in front of her and escapes from her friends and family to start a new life in the wilderness. Will her desperation for pastures new turn into a fight for survival?
An underrated gem of a coming-of-age story that features a stunning lead performance from Stott, the eight-episode Penelope is a series that shouldn’t fall under your radar. A unique and refreshingly innovative story that explores its intricate central tale with intelligence, Penelope deserves much more love than it received when it first arrived a year ago. Sure to have you smiling as tears fall down your cheek, there’s a strong chance that this will be your favorite streaming find of the year.
