Winter break is finally creeping closer, and with it comes the promise of sleeping in, zero deadlines, and endless screen time. After months of juggling classes, there’s no feeling more satisfying than settling in with a show you can binge without guilt. The good news is that there are plenty of series worth diving into right now. From sitcoms to mystery series, here are bingeable TV shows that deserve your attention this break.
- The Beast in Me
-
If you’re into psychological thrillers or mysteries at all, then you MUST watch The Beast in Me. This eight-episode limited series on Netflix will not disappoint! Every episode leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more—which is exactly why I watched it so fast. The show follows author Aggie Wiggs as she navigates her mysterious new neighbor, Nile Jarvis, a suspect in his first wife’s disappearance. As their lives intertwine, secrets unravel, tensions rise, and the story keeps you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend it if you want a show that is not too much of a commitment and holds your attention from start to finish. One of my favorite watches of this year for sure! You can watch the trailer here.
- Severance
-
This may be a bit of a hot take for some, but I watched both seasons of this show in two weeks! There is no doubt that Severance is a crowd-pleaser, having won numerous awards, yet some people have trouble binge-watching it due to its slow-burning pacing and storytelling. However, I was absolutely hooked on this show from the first episode. This sci-fi thriller is about employees who undergo a procedure to surgically split their work memories from their home lives, essentially creating two separate consciousnesses. Because of this unique premise, the show explores many complex themes related to identity and ethics. Even if you don’t binge this series, I strongly suggest watching both seasons as they are different from each other. A final note is that there are also a lot of cool behind-the-scenes details that the director, Ben Stiller, and cast have revealed, giving fans an inside look at how the world of Severance was created. It’s super cool to see how much thought went into every part of the show.Â
- Adults
-
On a lighter note, the FX series Adults will make you smile and laugh all night. A group of five hilarious twenty-year-olds navigate adulthood and living together despite their flaws. The chemistry this cast has must be studied because it feels so real and relatable as a college student. This show touches on challenges that young adults face post-grad, yet keeps it super light-hearted and fun. It just got renewed for season 2, so make sure to check out the first season ASAP on Hulu! Plus, one of my favorite actors/podcasters is in it, Owen Thiele. Overall, a super easy and funny sitcom that is perfect for a Gen Z winter break binge.Â
- Stranger Things
-
At this point, if you haven’t heard of Stranger Things, you might just be living under a rock. With part one of the fifth season already out and part two on the way, now is the ideal moment to jump in if you haven’t already. Set in the 1980s, this Netflix hit follows a group of kids as they uncover government secrets and supernatural forces in an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. The nostalgic yet thrilling series is the perfect winter break rewatch or first-time binge, especially with part two set to release on Christmas Day! Â
- The Bear
-
This critically acclaimed drama has a whopping 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that it is liked by almost everyone. Jeremy Allen White, who plays world-class chef Carmy Berzatto, nails this role, bringing intense, emotional, chaotic, and beautiful moments throughout the show. The show balances anxiety-inducing kitchen moments with heartfelt scenes that explore grief, family dynamics, and starting over. It’s not the lightest binge on this list, but it is one of the most striking TV shows I’ve watched. The storytelling and character development truly progress across the four seasons in a way that feels different than other shows. Trust me when I say it is a must-watch series during the month-long winter break.  Â
Honorable Mentions
- Modern Family
- All Her FaultÂ
- One Tree HillÂ
- The OC