Summer is the time to sit back, relax and catch up on shows you’ve been waiting to binge. But with countless options to choose from, 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 six limited series you can — and should — stream right now:
Station Eleven
Available on Max
This show starts off extraordinarily harrowing, given its prescient glimpse of a world reeling from a sudden, mysterious pandemic (sounds familiar, we know). But its focus slowly evolves over time, and time is key to Station Eleven’s development. The gentle balancing of multiple eras before, during and after a flu wipes out much of humanity is one of its great feats. This sickness leaves only a few survivors, the remains of their culture and the struggle to build something new without sacrificing the things they loved. A remarkable achievement.
When They See Us
Available on Netflix
If you haven’t watched this yet (or even if you have), you should add this to the top of your “must-watch” list right away. Led by award-winning director 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.
Testament: The Story of Moses
Available on Netflix
Earlier this year, the surprising No. 1 show on Netflix was about the story of one of the Bible’s most central figures. The three-part docudrama follows the life of Moses from his exile as an outcast to eventual prophet and leader. Narrated by actor Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), the series also weaves in expert interviews to go deeper into Moses’ story, providing further detail about one of the Bible’s most famous characters. One-part documentary, one-part dramatic retelling, it’s fascinating to see the story of Moses come to life in a compelling and realistic way.
Maid
Available on Netflix
Based on Stephanie Land’s stunning memoir, 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
Available on Netflix
Beef follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers: Danny Cho (Steven Yeun), a troubled contractor, and Amy Lau (Ali Wong), a self-made business owner. The 10-episode series dives into the intricacies of their lives and their growing feud, keeping you on edge the entire season. The show does an excellent job fleshing out the characters and their backgrounds, particularly Danny, whose struggle with his faith was one of the most compelling scenes on TV in recent years. The series picked up a few awards and a second season is on the way, which means now is the perfect time to catch up.
Fargo
Available on Hulu
Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, this darkly comedic anthology series explores crime, morality and the human condition through interconnected stories set in the icy landscapes of the American Midwest. While it’s not technically a limited series, each season follows a different storyline, so you can really pick up wherever you want. We recommend the most recent season, which follows a seemingly normal housewife (Juno Temple) who is hunted by a sinister sheriff (Jon Hamm). You’ll quickly be drawn in by its richly drawn characters, intricate storytelling and the out-of-left-field plot twists.
