Is there anything better for a weekend binge-watch than a good limited series? It’s the epitome of “prestige viewing,” where quality storytelling takes precedence over the quantity of episodes.
But with countless options to choose on streaming, it can feel overwhelming to know which shows are worth the time and which ones are a total waste. Whether you’re in the mood for a drama, a comedy or something that will inspire you, we’ve got you covered. Here are five limited series you can — and should — watch on Netflix right now:
(Warning: Some of these shows do cover heavy topics and/or may contain strong language.)
Maid
Based on the memoir by Stephanie Land, Maid follows the journey of a single mother named Alex (Margaret Qualley), who escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Alex finds employment as a maid and begins her journey toward self-sufficiency. Through Alex’s resilience and determination, Maid explores themes of survival, empowerment and the transformative power of love and community. It portrays the strength and resilience of women facing adversity, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Beef
Beef is a dark comedy starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as two strangers whose involvement in a road rage incident escalates into a prolonged feud. Their rivalry quickly grows into total absurdity as they compete in a series of increasingly outlandish challenges, shedding light on themes of pride, forgiveness and the absurdity of holding onto grudges, meaningful or not. In the midst of the show’s humor, Beef explores the destructive nature of holding onto bitterness and the liberating power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Painkiller
Painkiller follows the true story of the opioid crisis, focusing on the rise and fall of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family’s involvement in the marketing of OxyContin. Through a mix of documentary footage and dramatized scenes, the series explores the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals, families and communities. Painkiller exposes the greed and corruption behind the opioid crisis, while also highlighting the resilience of those affected and the collective effort to seek justice and accountability.
When They See Us
Directed by Ava DuVernay, When They See Us is a gripping portrayal of the notorious Central Park jogger case, which saw five teenagers of color wrongfully convicted of a brutal assault. Spanning over decades, the series takes a closer look at the lives of the “Central Park Five” and their fight for justice. Despite enduring systemic injustice and societal prejudice, the boys and their families never give up and work tirelessly to never be defined by their past. It’s a reminder for everyone to not give up when faced with injustice, no matter how long it may take.
The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit is one of Netflix’s most-watched original series, and for good reason. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, The Queen’s Gambit follows the journey of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young orphan with a natural talent for chess. As she rises through the ranks of the male-dominated world of competitive chess, Beth grapples with addiction, loss and the pursuit of greatness. Despite facing numerous setbacks and personal demons, Beth ultimately finds solace and redemption through her love for the game and the community she finds along the way.
