Looking for a binge-worthy TV drama series whilst cooped up at home?
The golden age of television has spawned some seriously beautiful, gripping and moving TV dramas all conveniently housed on a number of streaming platforms including Netflix, Stan and Foxtel Go. We’ve narrowed our list down to the top 10 drama series that everyone needs to watch at least once in their lifetime.
Image via Netflix
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad, one of the shows credited with beginning the golden age of television lives up to its incredibly high reputation. With every single episode available on Stan, you can now ‘get around to watching it’ in full. No excuses. Or perhaps, rewatch it. Following Walter White and Jesse Pinkman alongside a host of other unforgettable characters (one of which was loved enough to get his own show [Saul]), Breaking Bad is the ultimate binge-worthy drama series.
Image via Netflix
The Crown
Question – why haven’t you watched The Crown yet? Are you a staunch Republican, or just think it won’t be that interesting? One of the most lavish and expensive shows ever created, The Crown is not only renown for its plot, but its extravagant costuming, castles and adorably cute corgis, all of which make for a silver-screen masterpiece. Brilliantly cast, Claire Foy portrays the young Queen, showcasing the ups and downs of learning to be a monarch, while the always-perfect Olivia Colman adopts the role as the middle-aged Queen Elizabeth II taking on new challenges (seriously though, how does Olivia Colman always deliver a perfect performance?). To be honest, we would highlight each and every cast member spanning the three series if we could, their performances deserve it. The plot continues to unravel interesting layers of the storyline, shifting focus from fascinating events to interesting personalities.
Image via Foxtel
Game of Thrones
Let’s hope that if you’ve never seen Game of Thrones, you’ve managed to avoid all the spoilers. And if you haven’t, never fear, GOT is still one of the best shows ever created (even when you’re privy to unthinkable events before they happen). Some of us (shamefully) hadn’t watched Game of Thrones until last year and had every single spoiler thrust upon us, yet still, we absolutely loved the series and are ready to watch it all again! The character development, performances, scenery and special effects are all incredible and together make one incredible TV series.
Image via Netflix
Peaky Blinders
A gangster epic, Peaky Blinders is one of the most watchable shows out there. Set in Birmingham from 1919 until the end of the 1920s, Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby family as they rise from small-time gangster to national prominence. Led by the second son, Tommy Shelby (expertly played by Cillian Murphy) alongside his brothers and his Aunt Polly, this show is truly addictive. From the 1920s aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, soundtracks featuring the Arctic Monkey’s and those distinct Birmingham accents, you’ll finish all five series in no time.
Image via Netflix
Black Mirror
Black Mirror, named after the mirror-effect black screens have, is one of the most interesting and thought-provoking shows available to binge – but take it slowly, each stand-alone episode is a full-on experience. Episodes are usually set in the near future, with technologies similar to now yet more advanced, and usually at the detriment of society. Some episodes are light and more experimental, however, most are dark and almost dystopia in tone. It has been referred to as a modern The Twilight Zone, and there are similar themes. Black Mirror is one of the cleverest shows around and will give you hours of conversation as well as entertainment.
Image via Foxtel
True Detective
True Detective is crime drama at its best. It is truly gripping, shifting narrative and cast each season. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in the first season, proving they are both incredible dramatic actors as well as comedic, convincingly playing the roles of Louisiana State Detectives pursuing a serial killer over 17 years. There is a bit of a lull in the second, less well-received season, but, for avid watchers, it picks up again in the third season. Regardless, all three seasons are definitely worth your time.
Image via Netflix
Outlander
This drama-romance show is an excellent one to binge while you’re stuck at home. The series is set across several time periods – the 1940s, ’60s, and the mid-1700s in the Scottish Highlands. The chemistry between the two leads, Claire and Jamie, is infectious, and if you don’t find yourself falling in love with Jamie by the end, then you’re kidding yourself. The plot follows historical moments such as the Jacobite risings and takes place across the stunning scenery of England, Scotland, France and America. The gorgeous set locations and immaculate costumes make this show incredibly binge-able.
Image via Netflix
Stranger Things
We’d think most people had indulged in Stranger Things, but for those who haven’t, or those seeking an 80s fix this the perfect show to binge. Spanning three thrilling seasons (and hopefully a more) the series is set in 1980s’ Indiana, where a group of kids face down evil, in the form of various alien-like monsters with the help of select adults. While the seasons follow a similar formula, each is different enough to keep you engaged, aided by the excellent cast that grow up before your eyes!
Image via Stan
The Handmaid's Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is an incredibly binge-able show, with each episode leaving you wanting more. And wanting answers. Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, the show feels more relevant than ever, thanks to the modern updates and flashbacks that show the often eerily- prescient actions and moments that lead to the change from America to Gilead. Elizabeth Moss is a stand out in her lead role of Offred, cementing her status as an incredible acting talent.
Image via Netflix
House of Cards
Spanning 73 riveting episodes, House of Cards is a captivating watch from start to finish. Following a power-hungry politician and his equally formidable wife, much of the action takes place in The White House itself. The most engaging aspect of the show is delivered via the main character, Frank Underwood, and his regular breaking of the fourth wall to fill you in or provide insight into his inner monologue in a distinctive southern-drawl. This drama-filled political thriller is the classier choice of binge, dealing with manipulation, betrayal, relationships and power.
Want to know what pairs best with a binge-worthy tv series? Wine and chocolate! Now, you can enjoy all three together with our guide to the five best chocolate and alcohol pairings!
