The Ultimate Guide to TV Series Binge-Watching: Because Who Needs Sleep Anyway?

8th September, 2024

Let’s not kid ourselves—you’re not here for a pep talk on productivity or life hacks.

You’ve already mentally committed to spending your weekend glued to the couch, with a remote in one hand and a snack (or three) in the other.

Lucky for you, we’ve got the definitive guide to binge-watching like a seasoned pro.

No guilt, no regrets—just hours of TV and the best excuses to avoid being a functional adult.

Here’s your roadmap to the best TV shows of 2024, delivered with just the right mix of sarcasm and enthusiasm.

This isn’t your basic listicle. You’re welcome.

Binge-Watching, Perfected

Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s address the obvious: binge-watching is an art form.

It’s not about randomly choosing something from the trending now section while you scroll Instagram.

No, you need shows that pull you in from the first scene and refuse to let you go (even if your bladder insists otherwise).

This is high-stakes entertainment, people.

1. For When You Want Chaos in Your Life:

The Bear (Hulu)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to watch someone’s life spiral into chaos, look no further.

The Bear is a high-octane, anxiety-fuelled kitchen drama about a fine dining chef running a family sandwich shop that will make you question all your life choices—and probably inspire you to order takeout.

The best part? You’ll finish it in one sitting and still be shouting “Yes, chef!” at your microwave.

Pachinko (Apple TV+)

Ready to get emotionally wrecked? Pachinko will destroy you in the best possible way.

This multi-generational epic follows a Korean family across decades, continents, and enough heartbreak to make you reconsider your own petty problems.

It’s visually stunning, narratively complex, and totally bingeable—just make sure you have tissues nearby.

Prison Break (Netflix)

Classic, chaotic TV at its finest. Follow Michael Scofield as he gets himself locked up in a maximum-security prison just so he can break his brother out.

It’s tense, addictive, and the kind of edge-of-your-seat drama that’ll have you bingeing five episodes before you even realise it.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)

This 2024 reboot of the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie film promises action, humour, and a whole lot of chaos as a married couple with a side gig as assassins.

Expect sharp banter, big stunts, and the kind of energy that’ll keep you glued to the screen.

2. When You Just Want to Switch Off Your Brain:

Cobra Kai (Netflix)

Who knew a reboot of The Karate Kid would end up being one of the most fun, binge-worthy shows ever?

It’s got the right amount of ‘80s nostalgia, cheesy karate moves, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.

And with multiple seasons, you can easily lose a whole weekend to this feel-good throwback.

Emily in Paris (Netflix)

Yes, it’s ridiculous. Yes, it’s full of clichés. And yes, you’ll watch every single episode with a mix of delight and mild self-loathing.

Emily in Paris is the TV equivalent of eating an entire box of macarons—totally unnecessary but oddly satisfying.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Peacock)

Perfect for when you need to switch your brain off and just laugh.

Detective Jake Peralta and his team at the 99th precinct will keep you entertained with their ridiculous antics.

It’s light, hilarious, and so easy to binge that you’ll barely notice you’ve watched an entire season in one day.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)

For those in need of a light-hearted, emotional rollercoaster filled with summer vibes, teenage love triangles, and beachy aesthetics.

This is your guilty pleasure summer binge—just don’t expect high art.

3. For When You Want to Get Lost in Another World:

House of the Dragon (HBO Max)

Dragons, politics, betrayal—what more do you need? This Game of Thrones prequel gives you all the backstabbing drama and fiery spectacle you loved from the original series.

And let’s be real: there’s no better way to spend your weekend than watching rich, morally bankrupt people argue over a fancy chair.

The Rings of Power (Prime Video)

If you’re into epic fantasy (or just want to justify your Lord of the Rings tattoos), The Rings of Power delivers stunning visuals and enough Tolkien lore to keep your nerd heart happy.

The show is set thousands of years before Frodo had to deal with his jewellery problems, so you can enjoy Middle-earth without worrying about spoilers.

The Witcher (Netflix)

For lovers of dark fantasy, swordfighting, and brooding protagonists, The Witcher is your go-to.

With Henry Cavill’s Geralt grumbling his way through monster hunts, political intrigue, and messy relationships, this show is tailor-made for long, immersive binge sessions.

Shogun (Hulu)

Set in feudal Japan, Shogun follows the story of an English navigator who gets stranded and pulled into the political intrigue of Japanese society.

With a gripping plot and incredible historical context, this 2024 adaptation will sweep you off to a whole new world.

4. For the Crime and Grit Addicts:

True Detective (HBO Max)

Season one of True Detective was basically a cultural phenomenon.

If you somehow missed it (what have you been doing?), now’s your chance to catch up on the moody, mind-bending crime drama that has more twists than your average pretzel.

Trust us, it’s dark, gritty, and absolutely perfect for a binge session.

Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)

Crime, corruption, and the prison-industrial complex collide in this intense series.

Jeremy Renner stars as a man navigating the morally grey world of a town built around incarceration.

It’s heavy, sure—but if you’re in the mood for something with stakes (and you’ve already binged Ozark), this will hit the spot.

Sherlock (Netflix)

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman bring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson to modern-day London, and it’s absolutely brilliant.

The episodes are essentially mini-movies, packed with suspense, mystery, and Cumberbatch’s perfect portrayal of the world’s most famous detective. You’ll fly through the series, guaranteed.

The Night Agent (Netflix)

This fast-paced political thriller came out of nowhere in 2023 and took the binge-watching world by storm.

It’s got spies, double-crosses, and enough intrigue to keep you glued to the screen until the credits roll.

5. Need to Laugh at Life’s Misery? Try These Comedies:

Veep (HBO Max)

Political satire at its finest, Veep follows Selina Meyer, a vice president (then president) who is as flawed as she is hilarious.

With razor-sharp wit, this show will make you laugh at the absurdity of politics and realise that your bad day at work could always be worse—at least you’re not responsible for a country.

Hacks (HBO Max)

This dark comedy about a legendary stand-up comedian and her young writer is smart, scathing, and incredibly binge-worthy.

Jean Smart is an absolute powerhouse, and the dynamic between her character and her millennial sidekick will keep you glued to the screen.

Plus, the episodes are short enough to make you feel like you’re accomplishing something by finishing a whole season.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Hulu)

You won’t find a more dysfunctional group of people than the gang at Paddy’s Pub.

This is dark, chaotic humour at its finest, and with over 15 seasons, it’s the perfect show to binge when you need a good laugh at the expense of truly terrible characters.

Jury Duty (Freevee)

A delightful hidden gem of 2023, Jury Duty is part scripted, part real-life, where a fake trial plays out around one unsuspecting guy who doesn’t know the jury is full of actors.

It’s chaotic, hilarious, and utterly bingeable.

6. New and Upcoming Shows to Get Ahead Of:

Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

This legal thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal is poised to be one of the most intense dramas of 2024.

Based on the bestselling novel, the series dives into a murder case that unravels in all the wrong ways.

If you’re into complex, layered dramas, this is one to watch—and to tell your friends about before they spoil it for you.

Fallout (Prime Video)

Based on the iconic video game series, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic drama that’ll have you hooked from the first episode.

If you love dystopian worlds, moral ambiguity, and a good dose of action, this show will have you cancelling all your plans.

It’s a big one, and you’ll want to be ahead of the crowd when it explodes in popularity.

3 Body Problem (Netflix)

If you’re looking for a deep dive into sci-fi, 3 Body Problem is the next big thing.

Based on the acclaimed novel, it explores humanity’s first contact with an alien civilisation and the moral and existential challenges that follow.

Expect mind-bending twists and high-concept sci-fi that’ll leave your brain spinning.

7. The Iconic Classics You Can Always Count On:

The Office (US) (Peacock)

If you somehow haven’t binged The Office by now, what are you even doing?

This mockumentary about a dysfunctional office, led by the world’s most cringe-worthy boss, Michael Scott, is iconic for a reason.

The awkward humour, the heartfelt moments, and the endless quotable lines make this a show you can watch over and over again.

Stranger Things (Netflix)

The show that made the ‘80s cool again (and introduced us to the Upside Down), Stranger Things, is a cultural phenomenon you can’t ignore.

With a mix of supernatural horror, teen drama, and nostalgia, this series will keep you hooked with every twist and turn.

Squid Game (Netflix)

This Korean survival drama needs no introduction. If you somehow missed it when it broke records in 2021, now’s the time to catch up before season two drops.

It’s brutal, intense, and one of the most bingeable shows you’ll ever watch.

Binge-Watching Survival Tips: Because You’re in This for the Long Haul

Now that you’ve got your curated list of binge-worthy shows, it’s time to prepare for the marathon ahead.

You’re not just sitting down for a casual TV session—you’re committing to a full-on binge-watching experience.

Here’s how to do it like a pro:

Snacks on Deck: Make sure you have enough snacks to get you through a season (or two). Crisps, sweets, and a bit of caffeine are essential. Pro tip: avoid anything too messy. No one wants Cheeto dust on the remote.
Stay Hydrated: But not too hydrated. You don’t want to miss a crucial moment because you had to dash to the loo. It’s all about balance.
Get Comfy: Find your binge-watching nest—whether that’s your couch, bed, or some ridiculous pillow fort you’ve built in your living room. Just make sure it’s comfortable enough to survive an eight-hour session.
Phone on Silent: This is your time. Don’t let your mate’s texts or group chat nonsense drag you back to reality. You can catch up on their life drama after you’ve finished the season finale.

So there you have it—the ultimate guide to binge-watching like a boss.

Whether you’re diving into a fantastical world full of dragons or just laughing at political chaos, this list will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Now, stop reading and start watching—you’ve got shows to devour and time to waste.