If You’re Looking for Something to Watch, Enjoy Bingeable TV for Winter

Got the mid-winter blues? Have you already burned your way through the latest “Bridgerton” drop like a Regency heroine going through suitors? Are you desperately looking for something new to binge?

You’re far from alone. Binge-watching a great television series may – at this point – be a cultural norm. At the very least, it’s a great way to spend your evenings when the weather outside is foul. Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of richly bingeable television out there, all ready to claim your evenings. From prestige dramas to twisty mysteries and comfort-watch favorites, check out these standout series worth adding to your dance card.

Prestige Dramas that Pull You In 

If you’re hooked on the lush sets and high-production values that “Bridgerton” offers (or you just like period pieces), these shows could be a great fit.

“Downton Abbey” 

This is probably the gold standard for period drama binge watches. The Crawley family’s triumphs, heartbreaks and social maneuverings unfold against a backdrop of impeccable costuming and attention to history. If you live for aristocratic intrigue, this is essential viewing.

“The Gilded Age”

This show delivers another dose of opulence, this time in old New York. Think social climbing, family rivalries and stunning period details, all wrapped around sharp writing and historical tension.

“Shōgun”

This show is a critical darling, and not without good reason. It’s visually arresting and dramatic in the best possible way, rewarding viewers who want to get fully absorbed in another time, place and culture.

Twisty Mysteries That Thrill

Maybe you long for days gone by when “Columbo,” “Perry Mason,” and “Matlock” dominated the tube. If you’re a serial mystery buff, here are some great options:

“True Detective”

If you really lean into dark, complicated dramas with a lot of atmosphere and psychological tension, this is the show for you. Season 1 is widely regarded as a television masterpiece, but the subsequent seasons aren’t shabby, either. 

“Fool Me Once”

One of several successful Harlan Coben adaptations, this fast-paced thriller delivers plenty of twists and dark revelations. It’s only one season long, but you’ll probably find yourself devouring all the episodes in one sitting.

“Reacher”

More in the vein of “Magnum P.I.,” this show packs plenty of hard-and-fast action around each mystery, but the story will draw you in and make it easy to curl up with a popcorn bowl as you go through multiple episodes at a stretch.

True-Crime Documentaries You Can’t Turn Off

Are real-life mysteries and true crime stories your preferred vibe? If “20/20” and “Dateline” don’t go deep enough into every story for you, then you may enjoy these investigative docuseries with their gripping, layered approach to stories that captured headlines all over. Standout true-crime binges include:

“Making a Murderer”

A genre-defining series that examines the case of Steven Avery – a man once wrongfully convicted of a woman’s murder. Freed after two decades in prison, he ends up behind bars again for the murder of another. The docuseries also follows the satellite case of his nephew, Brendan Dassey, and puts a sharp eye on how police investigations work (and also fail).

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”

Haunting and unforgettable, this series by an Oscar-nominated director delves deeply into the convoluted tale of real estate heir Robert Durst, who was long-suspected of several murders (including that of his wife and best friend) and faced criminal trials more than once. If you are interested in justice gone awry, this series is for you.

“Conversations with a Killer”

There are several installments of this series, which uses archival recordings and gripping psychological analysis of some of history’s worst serial killers to give people a glimpse into the darkest of minds. Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer feature in the first three seasons.

“The Staircase”

If you’re a big fan of CourtTV and you love learning about the nitty-gritty work that goes into trials, you’ll find this docuseries fascinating. It examines the trial of author Michael Peterson with unusual depth – and it underscores the importance of procedural and investigative integrity in criminal cases. Just be prepared to sit with ambiguity, because the series offers no easy answers.

“American Nightmare”

This three-part docuseries chronicles the kidnapping of Denise Huskins and the horrific aftermath she and her boyfriend suffered through when their story was initially dismissed by the media and the authorities as another “Gone Girl” hoax. It’s a terrifying tale of helplessness in the face of confirmation bias and the struggle for justice.

“Lover, Stalker, Killer”

This is a fairly recent true-crime documentary that, once started, is very hard to stop until you reach the end. The twists come rolling in hard, one after another, and the digital evidence is captivating. Once the truth is finally revealed, you may be as shocked as the central figures. Just beware: You may never look at online dating the same again after you watch this story about stalking and murder. 

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Escapes

If you prefer your television with a dose of drama and lots of world-building, there’s plenty to explore in the fantasy and sci-fi genres, including:

“House of the Dragon” 

This prequel to “Game of Thrones” has won several critical awards as it explores the backstory and history of House Targaryen, including the events that led to a disastrous civil war. If you miss mentally visiting Westeros now that “Game of Thrones” is over, you’ll love this one.

“The Last of Us”

Looking for a good post-apocalyptic drama? Look no further! The series is set years after a fungal infection has decimated the world’s population and left behind dangerous zombie-like creatures. It follows a small number of survivors and digs deep into the emotions that drive each character.

“Black Mirror”

This is a dystopian anthology that is loosely tied together, and it is seven full seasons packed with thought-provoking and deeply unsettling visions of technology and the future of mankind. The episodes are loosely tied together, but its “stand-alone” format makes it easy to stop and start your binge when needed.

Book Adaptations That Dominate the Little Screen

A good book is something to treasure, especially when you’re stuck inside during the winter. But, if you’re more in the mood for passive consumption, try these literary adaptations:

“Interview with the Vampire”

If you want gothic drama with lush visuals and emotionally complicated characters, this is the show that delivers. While it does make some significant changes to the characters and timeline, the show brilliantly captures the dark humor and complex dynamics between each player.

“Hannibal”

Based on the books that made “Hannibal the Cannibal” a familiar figure to many, this series explores the twisted dynamic between a brilliant serial killer and an equally brilliant FBI criminal profiler – who may be more alike than either of them would prefer.

“Watchmen”

Based on the graphic novels, this critically acclaimed show mixes real historical events with an alternate vision of the timeline where the U.S. won the Vietnam war and superheroes are considered vigilantes. It examines a lot of contemporary issues, including white supremacy and the effects of intergenerational trauma. 

The Joy of the Mid-Winter Television Binge

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the shows you discover when you’re binge-watching. Those unexpected favorites and late-night discoveries often end up being the very ones you end up recommending to everyone you know.

While the world waits for the next installment of “Bridgerton” to sweep everybody back into its candlelit drama, you can happily explore the streaming landscape for romance, suspense, fantasy or comfort viewing. There’s plenty out there to keep you company until the weather breaks!