Why you should watch: Following in the footsteps of Die Hard, Black Doves is an energetic action thriller that happens to take place at Christmas. The kick-ass cast even perform a lot of their own stunts, with Knightley remarking: “It’s been great fun to do all of the fighting. I’ve really enjoyed learning all of the different martial arts.”

Available now

Why you should watch: This incredibly ambitious project could be extraordinary. It is Netflix’s most expensive Latin American project to date, adapting one of Colombia’s most prized literary works. Plus, a second series is already planned, due to the magnitude of the original work.

Available December 11

Why you should watch: Back in 2021, Squid Game took the world by storm, and brought attention to other fantastic Korean dramas. The deadly twists bring a true sense of terror, while the killer games and magnetic performances made the series one an overnight hit. It was nominated for numerous awards at the time, winning both Emmys and Golden Globes. It also provided plenty of Halloween costume ideas that year! The second season will be dropping on Boxing Day 2024.

Season 2 available December 26

Why you should watch: It's a lot of fun and the locations are pretty beautiful, too. There's plenty of melodrama and twists, and the arguably more lax rules allow this show a bit of freedom that gives it an edge. The performances are great, and there's a mystery that'll keep you guessing until the end. There are currently three complete series (of 10 episodes each) on Netflix. The first part of series 4 dropped on Thursday, October 10, 2024, with the rest of the series dropping on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

New episodes available November 7

Why you should watch: This is a remarkable true story that due to how recent it is, hasn't received an official score from Rotten Tomatoes yet, but still received a glowing review. One fan commented on it being "very well scripted... and kept us guessing how it would end until the finale". It's worth a watch with that alone. Journalist-author Jonas Bonnier’s book about the crime, on which the series is based, received rave views in Sweden and has since sold in 34 territories worldwide. The eight-episode series premiered at the Stockholm Film Festival a week before it dropped on Netflix.

Available now

Why you should watch: This series is a must-watch for the new generation of Formula One fans raised by Netflix’s hit series Drive to Survive. Decades after his death aged just 36, Senna is still regularly referred to as the greatest driver in the sport. As recently as 2020, Amazon used an algorithm to declare Senna Formula One’s fastest ever qualifier. This new miniseries should remind all of the sport’s beautiful - but painful - history.

Available now

Why you should watch: Baby Reindeer took the world by storm when it was released in 2024. The acting from both leads is fantastic, in particular a menacing Gunning, and the story is both gripping, terrifying, and utterly heartbreaking. It's a series that you can't help but binge as your hurtle towards its devastating conclusion. It's also recently won plenty of awards, nabbing six Emmy's last month. As The Guardian said, Baby Reindeer is "tense, creepily-filmed television that will stay with you for a long time to come". Probably worth mentioning that the series is an 18 due to scenes of sexual violence.

Available now

Why you should watch: This series has proven to be quite the hit since its release back in June 2024. Yes, the superhero powers are fun to watch, but the character drama is what makes this compelling. Having super-speed and telekinesis and the power to travel in time are cool, yes. But how the characters come to terms with their newfound abilities, and how they affect their relationships, is what is special about this series. The Guardian was full of praise for Supacell earlier this year, branding it "ingenious", and writing that it is "strikingly performed, bracingly plotted and its characters are up there with prestige TV's finest". There's a series 2 on its way, too.

Available now

Why you should watch: Imagine Percy Jackson, but for adults. That's what Kaos is, and it's brilliant for it. It's funny, it's exciting, and there are more than enough twists to keep you entertained. The performances are great, with Goldblum in particular bringing his trademark weirdness to the role with much success. As The Guardian wrote: "Hilarious, profound and moving: this fantasy series is an utter triumph." If that isn't enough to sell you, look at the fantastic cast - including Thewlis, Farzad, Piper, Game of Thrones' Stephen Dillane, and comic Eddie Izzard. Unfortunately, it's been cancelled after one season, but don't let that put you off!

Available now

Why you should watch: This will absolutely steal your heart. It's sensitive, funny, and Locke and Connor are fantastic together. The show has had some great reviews since being released. Time magazine was very complimentary of the first series, writing that "Heartstopper is an absolute treat" and is "full of delightful touches". If you want something that'll warm your cockles this autumn, look no further.

Available now

Why you should watch: The performances in The Diplomat - Keri Russell's in particular - are the draw here. Some reviewers have gone so far as to say that she's on par with Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Francis Underwood in House of Cards - high praise indeed. The Guardian has described it as a "hugely enjoyable ride", and we can't help but agree. A second series of the show will be dropping at the end of the month (Thursday, October 31, 2024), so you won't have long to get your fix.

Available now

Why you should watch: Even if you're not a fan of the Royal Family, this is a truly gripping drama that doesn't hold back. It's far from flattering at times. It also shows the good, of course, and is a fascinating (mostly imagined) look at their private lives. The cast is beyond impressive, with some huge names bringing their A-game. Foy, Colman, and Staunton are all fantastic in the lead role, and supporting stars such as Corrin, Smith, and O'Connor will blow you away. Truly one of the jewels in Netflix's crown (pun intended!), The Crown has won more awards than you can count, including Emmy's, Golden Globes, and BAFTA's. Six series of time well spent.

Available now

Why you should watch: This proved to be something of a surprise hit for Netflix when it was released in 2020. I mean, who would genuinely believe that a drama about chess could be so riveting? And yet - it is! By the end of the seven episode run, you are absolutely rooting for Beth to become the chess champion she deserves to be. With a 94% popcorn-meter rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as more awards than you can shake a stick at (11 Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globes for starters), this is worth checking out.

Available now

Why you should watch: Because it's arguably the best TV show to air on television… ever. It's compelling, it's tense, it's funny, it's sad, it's got twists and turns, the characters are incredibly well-rounded, and you just won't be able to stop watching. It's perhaps the most thrilling five seasons of television around - and the performances are beyond incredible. Cranston and Paul dazzle throughout in what has often been described as being the best TV series of all time. if you haven't watched it yet, what have you been doing?! Stick it on now!

Available now

Why you should watch: If you thought Breaking Bad was good, then you'll be thrilled to learn that Better Call Saul is arguably even better! The storylines are just as compelling, the characters are just as well-rounded, and the scrapes that Saul gets himself in are just as thrilling and tense. Bob Odenkirk will keep you glued to your screen for hours as the resilient Saul. It's very rare that a spin-off is better than its parent show, but somehow they've managed it here. It is an absolute shocker that despite being nominated for 53 Emmy's, Better Call Saul never won a single one. Justice for Saul!

Available now

Why you should watch: Bridgerton is perfect if you love a bit of romantic drama, because there's plenty of it. Described as "more-ish" by The Guardian, fans of the show will be glad to know that there's more to come. The fourth season (technically the fifth) is currently in development and will focus on the third book in the series (confusing, we know). There's also a prequel series about a young Queen Charlotte featuring India Amarteifo. It's one of those shows that will grab you and not let you go until you've finished it all.

Available now

Why you should watch: If you're after something a bit more 'out there', then it's not going to get more 'out there' than The Sandman. Fans of the comics will know just how bizarre things can get in this dark fantasy. It's wacky and weird and wonderful, and will probably be the most unique thing you watch on Netflix. Sturridge is ominous and spooky as Morpheus, whilst Kirby Howell-Baptise's guest performance as Death will stay with you for a long time.

Available now

Why you should watch: Who doesn't love a show that follows a morally grey (or just pitch black) character? Well, they don't get much murkier than Badgley's Joe, whose stalker-ish tendencies will both thrill you and make you feel deeply uncomfortable. You is both clever, and surprisingly addictive. As The Guardian wrote in 2019: "It is smart enough to let us know that to sympathise with Joe is to be complicit in his crimes. Every time you feel you're being drawn in, the show pulls the rug from under you and reminds you that he is not the romantic hero you are looking for."

Available now

Why you should watch: Dexter and Emma's story will grab your heart in a vice-like grip and leave you a blubbering mess by the end of it. Mod and Woodall have fantastic chemistry together and you'll really be rooting for them both throughout (mainly Mod though). It's unique in the fact that you only get a brief snapshot of their lives (one day every year), and really highlights just how much can change in 12 months. Rotten Tomatoes sums it up best: "One Day is by turns giddy and somber but always swooningly romantic." Get the tissues out if you're going to be watching this one.

Available now

Why you should watch: This coming-of-age supernatural story took the world by storm when it first came out in 2022. If you were a fan of the likes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Riverdale, or Fate: The Winx Saga, then this'll be right up your street. It's got that perfect amount of mystery, supernatural-ness, and loveable characters (yes, even the seemingly emotionless Wednesday) that'll hook you and keep you watching until the very end. A series two is currently being filmed.

Available now

Why you should watch: It’ll have you laughing one minute and feeling strangely emotional the next. It also has one of the best will-they-won't-they situationships on television in recent years, which will absolutely keep you hooked. The performances are charming, the actors are all brilliant (and have gone on to forge some incredible careers), and the storylines are surprisingly honest and intimate. There are four seasons to enjoy (although the quality dips a little in season four), and plenty of crude, sexual laugh-out-loud moments that'll stay with you for a long time afterwards.

Available now

Why you should watch: Perhaps the biggest thing Netflix has ever released (in terms of impact), Stranger Things is a show you just have to watch, even just to say you have... Every series sees the brave children face a new threat from the Upside Down, yet there's an overarching story about Eleven's mysterious origins. There's now an all-star cast (a lot of the younger actors were unknown when the series first aired), with some great acting, in particular from Ryder and Harbour. The fifth and final series is currently in development and is expected to land on Netflix in 2025.

Available now

Why you should watch: 3 Body Problem is one of the best sci-fi dramas released by Netflix in a while. The series has been praised for the fact that writers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss managed to turn an "un-filmable" novel into a series. This deeply complex sci-fi series will keep you intrigued throughout. It's a must watch, even if you haven't read the original novel by Liu Cixin. In fact, you'll like this, even if you're not usually into sci-fi. Netflix has, quite rightly, renewed 3 Body Problem for season 2.

Available now

Why you should watch: If you want a thrilling drama that'll keep you on the edge of your seat then, seriously, look no further than Bodyguard. The tension steadily ramps up across the six episodes, culminating in perhaps the tensest, most nervous hour of television in recent memory. Madden and Hawes are magnetic together, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that'll leave you stunned as the end credits roll (unsurprisingly it was created by Line of Duty's Jed Mercurio). As Variety said at the time: "It's a six-episode ride that demands, and rewards, a quick binge." We couldn't agree more.

Available now

Why you should watch: Peaky Blinders has become something of a cultural phenomenon in the UK since its original release in 2013. Everyone seems to love the Shelby family, the way they talk, the way they act, and their antics - and for good reason - it's very, very entertaining (if sweary). The acting is great, the storylines are very compelling, and the fact that no-one is safe makes almost every episode an edge of your seat affair (in series four, a prominent character is killed). It may have ended after six series, but there's currently a movie in development which will air on Netflix in 2025.

Available now

Why you should watch: Sometimes a TV show comes around and blows everyone away - this is one of them. It might be a slow burner but, if you stick with it, it'll be well worth your time. Not only are the performances captivating, but the story and mystery will keep you enthralled throughout. Well worth checking out. It's better than your average court drama. The Times called it "impressively original", while author Lee Child described it as "a daring concept executed to perfection".

Available now

Why you should watch: One of Netflix’s early successes, Orange is the New Black was one of the jewels in its crown for a long time. Described as being a "sharp mix of black humour and dramatic heft" (Rotten Tomatoes) it still holds a 92% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is pretty impressive for such a long-running show. It's also been nominated for several Emmy's over the years, winning one in 2015. With seven seasons and 91 episodes, this is a series that you will be able to immerse yourself in for quite some time. You'll fall in love with the characters and the world (even if it's a prison), and you'll be gutted to leave it when it ends.

Available now

Why you should watch: This is one of the top tier crime dramas currently available on Netflix. The series came to an end in 2023 in what The Guardian described as being "a potent ending that rivals the very best television". So no Game of Thrones divisive ending here, which is always a good thing. The performances are great, the storylines are dark and gritty, and you'll undoubtedly get emotionally involved throughout all five series, which keep getting better and better. One of the best British dramas of the last few years for sure.

Available now

Why you should watch: Skins will break you, in a good way (yes, it IS possible!). It's as utterly devastating as it is hilarious and, at times, cringeworthy. The stories are surprisingly very mature and dark at times, and deal with themes such as death, abuse, mental health issues, and PTSD. The performances are brilliant - it's no surprise that the vast majority of the series' three main sets of cast went on to have some brilliant careers (a whole new cast of characters was introduced every two seasons). If you're after something gritty, yet funny and heartfelt, then you can't do much better than Skins.

Available now

There isn't a one-size-fits-all when it comes to Netflix dramas to binge this December, from cult classics such as Breaking Bad to viral hits like Baby Reindeer. Strap in, it's going to be a ride.