Since we are all spending a heck of a lot more time at home right now I can bet that you, like me, are becoming besties with Netflix. The problem is, as much as there is SO MUCH available on Netflix, it usually takes me longer to find something to watch than it does to actually watch it. So, to make things a little easier I’ve rounded up some of the most binge worthy shows on Netflix Canada & Netflix US right now. From the classics (I’m looking at you Friends) to the newest of the new, this list will have something for you.
By the way, before we get started, if you’re looking for more things to do from home to help keep you busy check out this post on 42 things to do when you’re bored at home and this one on 24 unique indoor home photoshoot ideas to try now.
Now without further ado, here’s the list of the most binge worthy shows on Netflix right now!
Table of Contents
Comedy
Feeling like you need something a little light hearted to help alleviate your mood these days? Here are some of the most binge worthy comedy shows available on Netflix Canada & Netflix US now!
Friends (Canada only)
As if I couldn’t start this list off with one of the greatest shows of all time. If you haven’t seen Friends yet may I suggest you start with it because rumour on the street is they’re taking it off Netflix soon!
Friends is an American sitcom with an amazing ensemble cast that follows the life of 6 young Manhattanites. It’s hilarious. It’s incredibly relatable. It will have you referring back to episodes for the rest of your life. I swear, anytime something happens in my life there’s an episode of Friends that relates to it.
Released: 1994-2004
Seasons Available on Netflix: 10
Check out the trailer here:
Grace and Frankie
Oh how I love this show. It follows the lives of Grace and Frankie, who have been rivals for years but find themselves coming together after they find out their husbands are in love… with each other. As their lives fall apart Grace and Frankie learn that the only thing they can really rely on is each other.
Starring: Lily Tomlin & Jane Fonda
Release date: 2015 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 6
Check out the trailer here:
Workin’ Moms
The first on the list that’s filmed in Toronto (and actually a completely Canadian created show) is hilarious. Workin’ moms follows the lives of four working moms attend an extremely judgmental mommy group and are just trying to navigate the struggles of being both working women and mothers. The show is extremely relatable and refreshing, showing a much more “real” side of motherhood.
Starring: Catherine Reitman, Dani Kind, Juno Rinaldi
Release date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the trailer here:
Sex Education
Sex Education is a British comedy-drama about socially awkward teen Otis and his sex therapist mother. Though he may not be experienced in the sex department himself, using the knowledge he’s gained from his mom he opens his own sex therapy “clinic” at his school to help the other students and rise in the social ranks. It’s absolutely hilarious, cringe-worthy at times, entertaining, and relatable.
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson
Release date: 2019 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Schitt’s Creek
Another Canadian gem shot and produced in Toronto is the hilarious Schitt’s Creek. Schitt’s Creek follows the life of the formerly very wealthy Rose family who suddenly go bankrupt and the only asset they have is in an ugly small town called Schitt’s Creek. They are forced to relocate to Schitt’s Creek, and of course hilarity ensues.
Starring: Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy
Release Date: 2015 – 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
Check out the trailer here:
Master of None
Loosely based on Aziz Ansari’s real life experiences, Master of None follows the life of a New York based actor who is struggling to figure out what he wants, both his personal, romantic, and professional lives. The show is extremely relatable and touches on relevant aspects of modern life such as texting etiquette, social media, and being single in a big city.
Starring: Aziz Ansari, Eric Wareheim
Release Date: 2015-2017
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Arrested Development
Another show about a wealthy family that loses their status and results in a lot of comedic relief for us is Arrested Development. Arrested Development follows the Bluth family, formerly big wigs in the business world (and extremely dysfunctional) who lose everything because of fraud. Now Michael, the only level headed one of the family, has to try to maintain the peace at home despite the family’s materialism, selfishness, and manipulative nature.
Starring: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera
Release Date: 2003 – 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
The Good Place
The Good Place is an American fantasy comedy Sitcom about a heaven-like town called The Good Place where those who have been good throughout their lives go after death. The show follows a deceased saleswoman who lived a corrupt life and in case of mistaken identity finds herself there. Throughout the show she tries her best to hide her past in order to stay and not get kicked out of the Good Place.
Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson-Harper
Release Date: 2016 – 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the trailer here:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A cop comedy like no other, Brooklyn Nine-Nine revolves around the life of immature but talented NYPD detective Jake Peralta, who often butts heads with his eccentric commanding officer. Chock full of comedic relief, this show follows a team of NYPD detectives as they solve crimes in Brooklyn.
Starring: Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Stephanie Beatriz
Release Date: 2013 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 6
Check out the trailer here:
That 70’s Show
That 70’s Show is a total classic to me. I remember watching it in High School with my parents, and I had no idea it was available on Netflix! Whether you’ve seen it before or not it’s definitely binge worthy. That 70’s Show follows the lives of a group of high school students in the 70’s just trying to navigate the struggle of adolescence.
Starring: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher
Release Date: 1998 – 2006
Seasons Available on Netflix:
Check out the trailer here: 8
Drama
If you love a good story with multiple dramatic twists, these are for you! Here’s my list of some of the most binge worthy drama shows on Netflix right now.
Jane the Virgin
Jane’s life is turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated. She’s even more surprised when she finds out the father is her former crush and boss. Shot in a satirical telenovela way, the show follows Jane’s life as she navigates the hardships of becoming a new mom, staying a virgin, following her dreams, and losing and finding love again. I love how family focused this show is and it brings both laughs and tears.
Release dates: 2014 – 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
Check out the trailer here:
Spinning Out
Tackling the topics of Mental health (particularly Bi-polar disorder) as well as the extreme and toxic environment in competitive figure skating, Spinning Out is full of drama and incredibly binge worthy. Spinning Out follows an Olympic hopeful as she struggles to balance a controlling mom and family struggles, love, a fragile mental state, and an obsession to win.
Oh – and it was filmed in Ontario too! You just might catch me in the background, I worked a few days on this show!
Starring: Kaya Scodelario, January Jones, Will Kemp
Release date: 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Check out the trailer here:
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl will forever be one of my favourite high school dramas and I was so happy when it was released on Netflix. Following the lives of young rich Manhattanites and based off the books by Cecily von Ziegesar, it’s chock full of drama that will have you binge watching it for sure. Seen it already? Watch it again. You know you want to.
xoxo Gossip girl
Starring: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
Release Date: 2007 – 2012
Seasons Available on Netflix: 6
Check out the trailer here:
Dynasty
Dynasty is a modern remake of a 1980’s show that follows the lives of two of America’s wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they fight over their fortune and children. If you love shows that are full of drama and along the same lines as Gossip Girl, you will love Dynasty.
Starring: Elizabeth Gillies,k Nathalie Kelley, Grant Show
Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
13 Reasons Why
**Caution to those who are sensitive to subject matter involving suicide and bullying**
13 Reasons Why centres around the story of a young high school girl who takes her own life. A few days later a box shows up on her friend/crush’s doorstep with 13 tapes she pre-recorded explaining the 13 reasons she decided to take her own life. This show is very eye opening to bullying and high school dynamics, and although it’s definitely not the most uplifting of the group it is very relevant and very binge worthy.
Starring: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Lanford, Alisha Boe
Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the trailer here:
Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
Self-Made is a newly released Americn drama limited series based on the biography “On her own Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles. It tells the story of a black hair care pioneer who started as a washerwoman and worked her way up to become America’s first black self-made female millionaire. I just started this series a few days ago and absolutely love it!
Starring: Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, Carmen Ejogo
Release Date: 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Mad Men
Mad Men is smart, funny, and an incredibly easy watch (not to mention Jon Hamm is pretty easy on the eyes). It will take you back to a time and immerse you in the glamorous, cut-throat life inside an ad agency during the 1960’s. It’s no surprise that it won so many awards, and I definitely had to add it to the list.
Starring: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser
Release Date: 2007 – 2015
Seasons Available on Netflix: 7
Check out the trailer here:
The Crown
It’s no surprise that the world has a fascination with the royals and The Crown is here to give you your fix! Based on the award winning play “The Audience”, The Crown follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940’s to modern time. In The Crown you’ll get a peek into the lives, struggles, and drama beneath the perfectly poised royal family.
Starring: Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tobias Menzies
Release Date: 2016 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the trailer here:
GLOW
GLOW centres around Ruth Wilder, an out of work actress in the 80’s who finds an unexpected chance at stardom: the glitzy, glittery, spandex filled world of women’s wrestling. She trains along with 12 other Hollywood misfits under the watchful eye of a washed up director with big hopes of making his wrestling show famous.
Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron
Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the trailer here:
Grey’s Anatomy
If you’re looking for a show that will keep you busy for awhile, this is it. Grey’s Anatomy, on top of being wildly popular, has 15 seasons available for you to binge on Netflix. Grey’s Anatomy centres around a group of surgical interns and their supervisors as they embark on a journey to become the finest doctors. It’s dramatic, it’s full of romance, and it’s no wonder it’s won so many awards and garnered a massive world wide audience. Plus, two words: McDreamy, McSteamy. Thank me later.
Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl
Release Date: 2005 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 15
Anne with an E
Set in beautiful PEI (but actually filmed in Ontario!) Anne with an E is the reimagining of the classic Anne of Green Gables story. It’s absolutely beautifully shot and incredibly well done, and the acting is amazing. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better fit to play Anne than Amybeth McNulty who does a fantastic job and makes the classic character her own.
Anne with an E follows the story of orphan girl Anne who is sent by accident to live with the aging Cuthbert siblings who wanted a boy to help with the farm work. She ends up stealing their hearts and transforms the lives of Marilla, Matthew, and the entire town.
By the way – see if you can spot me in one of the episodes! I played a young shop keeper 🙂
Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson
Release Date: 2017 – 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Musical
Although this is list is short it certainly packs a punch and if you’re a musical lover like don’y miss binge watching the below!
Glee
I remember when Glee first came out… It was monumental as the first musical tv show of it’s kind, and I loved it. Set in a high school, Glee follows an optimistic high school teacher as he tries to transform the school’s glee club and help get them to the biggest competition of them all. If you love high school dramas and musicals then this is a must binge. Glee features so many popular songs and amazing choreographies that will keep you entertained for hours. Think: Pitch Perfect in TV show form.
Starring: Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch
Release Date: 2009 – 2015
Seasons Available on Netflix: 6
Check out the trailer here:
Thriller & Crime
Looking for a new crime/thriller show to keep you on the edge of your seat? You’ll love this list of crime/thriller binge worthy shows available on Netflix now.
You
What would you do for love? This crime and psychological thriller based on the books of the same name explores obsession and love. It follows a very disturbed man who becomes obsessed with a writer that frequent’s the book store he works at…. what starts as an innocent crush, develops into a relationship, and then goes completely sideways and he is driven into madness. You will not be able to turn it off.
Starring: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti
Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Riverdale
Call it a guilty pleasure but I still love Riverdale. I’ll admit the shows gotten a little weird in the latest seasons, but I’m still holding on and definitely recommend at least watching the first few seasons. Loosely based off of the Archie comics, Riverdale follows Archie and his gang uncovering the darkness hidden underneath Riverdale’s seemingly perfect image.
Starring: K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes
Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 4
Check out the trailer here:
Breaking Bad
I haven’t actually seen Breaking Bad which I will probably get a lot of flack for, but it’s on my list for a reason and I promise I’ll be giving it a watch. Another big award winner, Breaking Bad is about a chemistry teacher that after finding out he has cancer decides to get into the Meth making business to pay off his debts.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Release Date: 2008 – 2013
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
Check out the trailer here:
Peaky Blinders
Another show I haven’t had the chance to watch yet that is getting a lot of praise is Peaky Blinders. Based in Birmingham in 1919, Peaky Blinders follows the dangerous criminal gang formed by the Shelby crime family.
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCrory
Release Date: 2014 – 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
Check out the trailer here:
Horror
If you’re like me and you love a good scare you’ll definitely want to add these to your list of binge worthy shows on Netflix Canada & Netflix US…
The Haunting of Hill House
Words can’t even describe how much I loved the Haunting of Hill House. In my opinion it was really the first successful horror tv show. It watches like a horror movie and a family drama all tied together in a perfectly creepy bow. If you’re into horror this should 100% be on the top of your list of Netflix shows you plan on binge watching. Oh and excellent news – they’re coming out with a second season!
Starring: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton
Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Check out the trailer here:
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
While I don’t find the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina to actually be scary, it is technically in the horror genre and is definitely binge worthy. Based on the Archie comic series of the same name, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a dark coming of age story centred around the occult. Trust me when I say this isn’t just another light and fluffy version of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”.
Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Miranda Otto
Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Check out the trailer here:
Stranger Things
Stranger Things grew in immense popularity when it was first released in 2016 and continues to find itself on all the top rated Netflix lists. I haven’t seen it yet but you better believe I’ll be tackling it soon!
Stranger Things follows Joyce, who’s 12 year old son goes missing. She launches a terrifying investigation into his disappearance with local authorities. As the search continues, they begin to unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries involving secret government experiments, supernatural forces, and a strange little girl.
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard
Release Date: 2016 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 3
Check out the Trailer here:
Sci-Fi
If sci-fi is your thing you’ll enjoy this list of binge worthy sci-fi shows available now on Netflix Canada & Netflix US.
Black Mirror
If you haven’t seen Black Mirror yet might I suggest you put it near the very top of your list. Black Mirror is a dark anthology series that explores people’s personal lives and how technology manipulates their behaviour. Touching on subjects from social media, to online dating, to video games and more… the results will send chills down your spine and make you question whether technology is really always a good thing.
The nice thing about Black Mirror too is that the episodes are also not related. You can watch them in any order and start with whichever one’s storylines interest you the most!
Starring: Various artists
Release Date: 2011 – 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix: 5
Check out the trailer here:
Dark
Set in a small German town with German subtitles, Dark definitely commands you full attention but it’s 100% worth it. When two children go missing, sinful pasts, double lives, and fractured relationships are exposed as four families search for the missing kids.
Starring: Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Jordis Triebel
Release Date: 2017 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Altered Carbon
Altered Carbon is set in the future, where technology has completely changed our existence. Human bodies are simply vessels and interchangeable, and death is no longer permanent. It’s based on the novel by the same name and centres around the story of Takeshi Kovacs, the only remaining soldier from a group of Elite Warriors who were defeated in the uprising of the new world. His mind has been imprisoned for centuries until a wealthy businessman offers him the chance to live again, with of course a price to pay.
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Lela Loren, Simone Missick
Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 2
Check out the trailer here:
Star Trek: The Next Generation
I can’t really have a sci-fi category without including Star Trek can I? I don’t this one really requires much of an explanation as we are all pretty familiar with the Star Trek franchise. Take this time to catch up on all 7 seasons that are available on Netflix!
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
Release Date: 1987 – 1994
Seasons Available on Netflix: 7
Check out the trailer here:
Fantasy
Fantasy flicks more your thing? You’ll definitely want to check out the below!
The Witcher
The Witcher follows Geralt, a mutated monster hunter struggling to find his place in the world where people are often worse than monsters. Since it popped up on Netflix it quickly gained popularity.
Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan
Release Date: 2019 – Ongoing
Seasons Available: 1
Check out the trailer here:
Reality
Love is Blind
Whether you’ll end up liking it or hating it, the fact of the matter is that you will binge Love is Blind. It’s absolute crap that’s taken the world by storm, and I 100% couldn’t stop watching as soon as I started. Love is Blind is the first dating show of it’s kind, and features singles trying to find a match and fall in love without ever seeing each other face to face. Once couples get engaged, they are sent out into the real world to see if it will last.
Best Part: When Nick Lachey said “Obviously I’m Nick Lachey” to a group of people who are way too young to actually know who he is.
Release Date: 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Check out the trailer here:
The Circle
The Circle is another one of those awful reality shows that you just can’t stop watching. It’s like a Big Brother meets Catfish, where contestants live in the same apartment building and talk through an online social media program (the circle) but never get to actually meet. They are able to chose how they want to portray themselves through their online profiles and face off in challenges, voting for their favourites as they go. The contestant who wins takes home a $100,000. It’s crap, but it’s the kind of crap you just can’t turn away from
Release Date: 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1 US Season, 1 Brazil Season
Check out the trailer here:
Queer Eye
Queer Eye is not just another makeover show. It centres around the idea of building community and changing opinions while inspiring and showing kindness. Each episode the fab five help someone who has been nominated in all aspects of their life to become better versions of themselves. It’s a heart touching, funny, and eye opening show that will have you unable to put it down.
Release Date: 2018 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 4 Seasons of Queer Eye, 1 Season of Queer Eye in Japan
Check out the trailer here:
Ru-Paul’s Drag Race
With 11 Seasons available on Netflix Ru-Paul will keep you busy binge watching for days. Ru-Paul’s drag race is a competition style show where contestants compete for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Release Date: 2009 – Ongoing
Seasons Available on Netflix: 11
Check out the trailer here:
Cheer
Cheer is a cheerleading documentary that will take you deep into the heart of this competitive sport. One of my closest friends wrote up a beautiful piece on Cheer, and I just don’t think I would be able to do the show the same justice she did. You can check it out here and see exactly why you should add Cheer to your list!
Release Date: 2020
Seasons Available on Netflix: 1
Check out the trailer here:
Tidying up with Marie Kondo
There is no better time to watch this series than now when we all have a TON of time on our hands to do our own cleaning. Tidying up with Marie Kondo follows Marie Kondo as she helps families declutter and reorganize their homes. If you’re looking for a little inspiration to get you started on decluttering look no further!
Release Date: 2019
Seasons Available on Netflix:1
Check out the trailer here:
Well, that concludes my list of 40 binge worth shows to watch on Netflix now! Whether you’re watching from Canada or the United States this list will hopefully help keep you busy as we spend more and more time at home.
Feel free to pin the below to refer back to later!
With love, Kirsten
