Honestly, the "what should we watch?" debate has become the most stressful part of the night. You've been there. You spend forty minutes scrolling through Netflix tiles that all look the same, only to end up re-watching The Office for the ninth time. It’s exhausting.
Right now, the TV landscape is weird. We’re in January 2026, and the "prestige" bubble hasn't popped—it just moved. Everyone is talking about the same three shows because the algorithms told them to, but if you actually look at the data and the critical consensus, the top series to watch right now aren't always the ones sitting at #1 on the trending bar.
Some are returning heavyweights that finally found their footing. Others are brand-new experiments that shouldn't work on paper but somehow do. Let's get into what is actually worth your limited free time.
The Heavy Hitters You Can't Avoid
If you haven't started His & Hers on Netflix yet, what are you even doing? It’s the show everyone is texting about. Starring Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson, it’s a psychological thriller set in Georgia that plays with perspective in a way that feels genuinely fresh. Bernthal plays a detective, Thompson plays a news anchor, and they’re exes.
Standard setup? Sure. But the execution is jagged.
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The show thrives on the idea that memories are basically just lies we tell ourselves. It’s dark, it’s uncomfortable, and the chemistry between the leads is almost too intense. It dropped on January 7, and it’s already the definitive binge-watch of the winter.
Then there’s The Pitt.
Remember when people said medical procedurals were dead? Noah Wyle (yes, Dr. Carter himself) basically said, "Hold my stethoscope." Season 2 just hit Max, and it’s sitting at a staggering 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s not just "doctor drama"; it’s a gritty, hyper-realistic look at a modern ER that feels more like The Wire than Grey’s Anatomy.
The Returning Champs
- Industry (Season 4, HBO): This show is a cockroach in the best way possible. It shouldn't have survived Season 1, yet here we are. Kit Harington joined the cast recently, and the new season is even more cynical and fast-paced than before. It’s "finance horror," really.
- The Night Manager (Season 2, Prime Video): It took ten years. Literally. Tom Hiddleston is back as Jonathan Pine, and Hugh Laurie is still looming large. It’s glamorous, it’s global, and it feels like the James Bond movie we never got.
- Stranger Things (The Final Stretch): Look, you know what this is. The cultural footprint is massive. Even as it winds down, it’s still the biggest thing on the planet, though some fans are starting to feel the "length fatigue."
The "Genre" Gems Most People Miss
Sometimes the best top series to watch right now are the ones buried three rows down. Take Star Trek: Starfleet Academy on Paramount+. It’s a bold swing. It’s a YA-leaning series starring Holly Hunter as the Chancellor.
People were skeptical. A "teen" Star Trek?
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But it’s actually smart. It deals with the politics of rebuilding a Federation that almost collapsed. It’s less about "pew-pew" space battles and more about "how do we fix a broken world?" It’s a vibe.
Weird, Wonderful, and British
Don't sleep on Black Ops Season 2 over on the BBC (or iPlayer if you're using a VPN). Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun are comedic geniuses. They play two community support officers who accidentally get recruited by MI5. It’s that rare mix of genuine "oh crap" tension and "laugh until you can't breathe" physical comedy.
And if you want something that will make you cry? The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Jacob Elordi is proving he’s more than just a pretty face. It’s a limited series about a surgeon in a Japanese POW camp. It’s brutal. It’s 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It’s not a "fun" watch, but it’s an essential one.
Why Your "Watchlist" is Probably Outdated
Most people are still looking for "The Next Succession" or "The Next Game of Thrones." That’s the wrong way to look at it. The best shows right now are the ones leaning into specific niches.
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- For the Mystery Nerds: Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials just hit Netflix. It’s a three-episode binge. Quick, sharp, and stars Mia McKenna-Bruce.
- For the Adrenaline Junkies: Hijack Season 2. Idris Elba is back, but this time he’s on a train. It’s ridiculous. It’s over-the-top. And you won't be able to look away.
- For the "Vibe" Watchers: Shrinking Season 3 on Apple TV+. It’s the ultimate "comfort" show that still manages to punch you in the gut with grief and reality. Harrison Ford is having the time of his life, and it shows.
The Westeros Factor
We have to talk about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
It’s the newest Game of Thrones prequel, but don't expect dragons or massive CGI armies. This is "Dunk and Egg." It’s a buddy-comedy-drama about a massive knight and his small, bald squire.
It’s refreshing because the stakes feel personal. We aren't fighting for the Iron Throne; we’re fighting for a meal and a bit of honor. It’s the most "human" Westeros has ever felt. If the main series was too much for you, this might be your way back in.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Binge
Stop scrolling. Start watching. If you’re overwhelmed, follow this logic:
- Want to feel smart? Watch Industry or The Pitt. The dialogue is fast, and the stakes are grounded in real-world systems.
- Want to be scared/tense? His & Hers is the answer. The Georgia gothic atmosphere is thick enough to cut with a knife.
- Want to escape? Star Trek: Starfleet Academy or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. High production value, great world-building.
- Short on time? The Girlfriend on Prime Video is only six episodes. You can finish it on a Sunday afternoon and still have time for laundry.
The reality is that "best" is subjective, but "quality" isn't. The shows listed here are leading the conversation because they take risks. They don't just follow the 2010s prestige TV playbook. They’re messy, they’re fast, and they’re actually worth the subscription fee you’re paying every month.
Pick one. Turn off your phone. Actually watch the thing. You’ll thank yourself when you’re the only person at the office on Monday who actually knows what happened in that His & Hers finale.