3 Netflix Shows You Need to Binge This Weekend

It’s The Duffer Brothers‘ world, and we’re all still streaming in it. It’s been over a week since Stranger Things debuted its fifth and final season’s first four episodes, and the streaming figures have been undeniably impressive. With the streamer confirming that over 59.6 million people watched the fifth season in its first week, making it the second-biggest TV series season debut in Netflix history, it’s been difficult to see through the Upside Down and note what else is currently worth watching beyond Stranger Things. Well, to help you decide, here’s a look at three Netflixshows you should binge-watch this weekend.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

3

‘The Abandons’ (2025)

Rotten Tomatoes: 29% | IMDb: 6.3/10

We all love a Western series, and after plenty of complications during its journey to screen, Netflix’s The Abandonshas finally made its debut this week. Created by Kurt Sutter,the series stars Gillian Anderson and Lena Headeyas two matriarchs with different financial fortunes as they battle for supremacy on the frontier of 1850s Washington.

Boasting a supporting cast that includes Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers, Michiel Huisman, Lucas Till, and Patton Oswalt, The Abandons certainly doesn’t spare any expense in the casting department, with both Anderson and Headey delivering powerful central performances. Sure, after the episode count was cut from ten to seven, there are some pacing issues throughout, but its reduced runtime at least makes this new Western series better suited to a weekend binge-watch.

2

‘The Staircase’ (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Based on the 2004 true crime docuseries of the same name, the recent Netflix arrival of HBO’s The Staircase is the perfect antidote for all who are becoming overwhelmed by the bright lights and sickly joy of Christmas. The series follows Colin Firth‘s convicted murderer Michael Peterson​​​​​, who was charged following the death of his wife, Kathleen (Toni Collette), who was found dead at the bottom of their staircase.

Throughout a binge-watch of 2022’s The Staircase and its eight total episodes, make sure to remind yourself of the true nature of this wild story. Sometimes, life really can be stranger than fiction, and, thanks to Firth and Collette, this is portrayed with impressive attention to detail. The series earned two Primetime Emmy nominations back in 2022, both given to Firth and Collette for their performances that, alone, make this well worth your time.

1

‘The Great British Baking Show: Holidays’ (2018–Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: N/A | IMDb: 8.1/10

Festive specials of your favorite shows are one of the best perks of the Christmas period, with The Great British Baking Show (or The Great British Bake-Off)back for their holiday special. A set of seasonal baking tests awaits a select special line-up of bakers, with the keen eyes of Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith back to cast their judgment and pick a winner, and the hilarious duo of Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond​​​​​​bringing festive hosting cheer.

The highs and lows of competitive baking have proven to be an enormous success worldwide, with The Great British Baking Show one of the best reality shows currently on television. Perfect for the holiday season, the wholesome fun this show promotes, in contrast to the melodrama of modern reality TV, will fill your heart with joy.