Certainly, there is a slew of multi-season shows on Netflix, with multiple arcs, that only get more complex as the season progresses. But there are those who prefer a quicker journey to the show’s climax and finale. This is why the limited series format has become increasingly popular as of late.
If you’re looking for something to watch over the weekend, one that wouldn’t take you forever to finish, here are some of the best limited series on Netflix to check out.
Best Limited Series on Netflix
Maybe there is something to be said about shorter form shows, ones that wrap up the main storyline within the same season. There are no cliffhangers and you wouldn’t have to wait for a year or two just to see the continuation. With that in mind, here are some of the best you can watch on the most popular streaming service.
1. Alias Grace
Alias Grace is a must-watch if you’re a fan of classic literature adaptations. The show follows the story of Irish immigrant and housemaid Grace Marks, convicted and given a life sentence for the murder of two people back in 1843. Its story is based on a Margaret Atwood novel of the same name, a fictionalized retelling of the actual event. In her book, Atwood added the character of Simon Jordan; a psychiatrist tasked to give his expert opinion on whether Marks deserves to be pardoned or not. If you enjoyed reading Alias Grace, you’d undoubtedly fall in love with this Netflix mini-series.
Number of episodes: 6
2. The Queen’s Gambit
Number of episodes: 7
Number of episodes: 10
Based on a true story, When They See Us explores the stories of the five Black and Latino male suspects who were falsely accused of a tragic crime back in 1989. It stars a powerful ensemble cast, which helped bring to life this powerful story. The companion piece Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now features interviews with the cast, creator, and the real men behind the events who have since been exonerated. After you finish the mini-series, we suggest watching Oprah’s featurette to get the full story of what had transpired from the people who experienced it. Considering the gravity of these events, it’ll likely linger in your mind for a while – as all good shows do. When They See Us is definitely one of the best limited series on Netflix that you should check out.
Number of episodes: 4
Fictionalized depictions of true stories aren’t a new trend when it comes to Netflix, but this next one is a stand out. Starring Octavia Spencer at the helm, Self Made follows the story of Madam C.J. Walker – a pioneer of black hair care and self-made mogul. It shows the struggles she had to overcome, including the hostilities of that time period, leading up to her becoming America’s first Black, self-made female millionaire. In today’s digital age where women all aspire to become their own bosses and build their own business empires, the life and experiences of Madam C.J. Walker will definitely inspire. Definitely one of the best series on Netflix.
Number of episodes: 4
Next up, we have the emotionally charged Maid, which is inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. Starring Margaret Qualley in the lead role, the show focuses on a young mother who eventually escapes an abusive relationship, only to find herself struggling to provide for her daughter. She gets a job cleaning homes for Value Maids, all while dreaming of becoming a writer. This is one of the best limited series on Netflix, with its raw take on what single mothers face and the strength it takes to overcome it all.
Number of episodes: 10
Though it received mixed reviews, there’s no denying the viral quality of this true-crime drama. Inventing Anna chronicles the true story of Anna Sorokin, the fake German heiress who managed to trick New York’s elite into embracing her and “nearly” funding her dream project. The show’s tone might be a little too light-hearted for some, considering the extent of her con. Nonetheless, it does give insight into how far connections and money can take you when it comes to high society. Perhaps its biggest draw is the fact that the show doesn’t take itself too seriously – despite the seriousness of the subject it is tackling.
Number of episodes: 9
If crime stories aren’t your cup of tea, what about a dose of horror? Midnight Mass centers on an island community, isolated from the rest and slowly depleting in numbers. Nothing unusual for a small town, but things begin to take a supernatural turn upon the arrival of a mysterious priest. Unlike your usual jump scares, Midnight Mass relies on creating an unsettling atmosphere and leaves audiences with a lingering feeling of unease. It is perhaps one of the best limited series on Netflix in this genre so we recommend checking it out.
Number of episodes: 7
You’ll find some great horror shows on Netflix, but their selection for the mini-series format isn’t too shabby either. Created by Charlie Brooker, the same man behind the critically acclaimed Black Mirror series, this British horror comedy-drama is just the right remedy for boring weekend nights. It is set inside the Big Brother House, following a zombie outbreak, which leaves all the staff and the housemates stranded inside. If you like your apocalypse with a side of satire and laughs, this is one of the most suitable Netflix shows for you.
Number of episodes: 5
This 2021 limited series on Netflix is based on Sarah Pinborough’s novel of the same name. Behind Her Eyes focuses on single-mother Louise, whose life falls into chaos after beginning an affair with her new boss and is subsequently pulled into a friendship with his wife. It may seem like your typical love triangle at first, but it quickly devolves into a psychological thriller with revelations that’ll make your mind spin. As they say, nothing and no one is truly as they seem.
Number of episodes: 6
Here’s one for fans of old Western dramas, but with a twist. Set in 1884, it follows Roy Goode, who is on the run from his former boss, Frank Griffin, an infamous outlaw. His journey takes him to a small town in New Mexico, where the populace is primarily women. There he meets Alice Fletcher, who, of course, shoots him for trespassing on her property. The women eventually nurse him back to health, and we learn that almost all the men in town had died during a mining accident. It’s a classic in every aspect, with a gripping story that makes you feel like eight episodes simply aren’t enough. No fairytale endings here, but there’s plenty of action for everyone. It definitely is one of the best limited series on Netflix in this genre.
Number of episodes: 7
The Bonfire of Destiny, also known as Le Bazar de la Charité, is a French mini-series focusing on three women, Adrienne, Alice, and Rose. All three women visit the Bazar de la Charité in Paris and bear witness to the fire, which eventually claims the lives of 126 people. Following the tragic event, the plot centers on the aftermath of the fire and how it affected the lives of the three female leads. Not many may know this, but the show depicts a real-life fire that happened on May 4th, 1897. As in the mini-series, the fire claimed over a hundred lives– including some from the aristocracy. This historic drama is touted by many as one of the best limited series on Netflix.
Number of episodes: 8
One of the things that set Netflix apart from other streaming services is its selection of original shows. What/If is among those standouts, especially when it comes to its genre. This neo-noir thriller may have only had one season, but it certainly left a mark. Starring Renee Zellweger in the lead, the show puts the concept of morality under a microscope using different stories and how simple decisions can change a person’s life forever. It explores the consequences of when a good person chooses to do something considered to be unacceptable. How that ripples across the lives of those around them and beyond. What/If may not have been as popular as other Netflix shows on this list, but it is definitely worth a watch.
Number of episodes: 10
For fans of espionage shows, this Netflix Original will be a treat. Starring Sacha Baron Cohen, this English-language six-episode mini-series is based upon the book L’espion qui venait d’Israël or The Spy Who Came from Israel. Cohen plays the role of Eli Cohen, a Mossad spy. The story is set in 1967, during the years leading up to the historic June War or Six-Day War that happened between Syria and Israel. Don’t expect the series to be all laughs, however. The Spy is a straight-up thriller and Cohen certainly delivered in the role. For his performance alone, this is certainly one of the best limited series on Netflix.
Number of episodes: 6
We Are the Wave, also known as Wir sind die Welle, is a German coming-of-age mini-series based upon a novel by Todd Strasser. It follows a group of teenagers, who call themselves The Wave, in the fictional town of Meppersfield. Tristan, Lea, Zazie, Hagen, and Rahim band together to fight against various social issues and injustices that they encounter. The story tackles some very real problems that many teens encounter today – issues when it comes to race, gender, and privilege are all part of The Wave’s advocacies. As the series progresses, the group increasingly becomes radical leading to quite the thrilling climax.
Number of episodes: 6
What do you think about supernatural kittens? Well, if this is something you might be interested in, Check out Netflix’s horror drama Brand New Cherry Flavor. Based upon a Todd Grimson novel of the same name, it follows Lisa N. Nova, an aspiring filmmaker who finds herself in Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream project. However, after arriving in the City of Angels, naïve Lisa ends up putting her trust in some terrible people who turn her new life upside down. It is every bit as surreal as you might expect, which adds to its appeal. If you’re looking for something different, this is the best limited series on Netflix you should watch.
Number of episodes: 8
Set in Paris, this French-American musical drama follows the story of Elliot Udo, an American who gives up his acclaimed career as a jazz musician to become the band leader of The Eddy. Each episode follows Elliot and a different member of the band, giving us insight into their struggles to keep the night club afloat. Things go sideways following the murder of Elliot’s friend, Farid, who also manages the club’s business and finances. We watch as each of them try to piece everything back together, while fighting their own personal demons. It is an emotionally-charged show, but it isn’t without its lighter moments. If you enjoy slower-paced Netflix series’, this one’s for you.
Number of episodes: 8
Our next mini series is a co-production between Netflix and BBC Two. Black Earth Rising is a thriller-drama that stars Michaela Coel as Kate Ashby, a 28-year-old Rwandan-born legal investigator in the London law chambers of Michael Ennis. Though the story is fictional, the show was inspired by actual events that occurred during the Rwandan genocide. We eventually learn that Kate is a survivor of this tragedy, giving her emotional ties to the case at hand. Black Earth Rising is captivating to watch thanks to the outstanding performances of its ensemble cast. It has truly earned its spot as one of the best recent limited series on Netflix.
Number of episodes: 8
The original TV series bid fans farewell back in 2007, leaving many devastated. After all, Rory and Lorelai had already become part of many people’s lives. Luckily, that wasn’t the end for the Gilmore Girls. They were brought back for a Netflix limited series, which serves as a sequel to the original TV series. It also saw the return of many prominent cast members and helped wrap up some loose ends in the story threads. There are four episodes in total, which follow the characters through each of the four seasons. If you’re worried about it being redundant, don’t be. A Year in the Life is a refreshing perspective on a story we are all familiar with. It has all the ups and downs and a beautiful finale to one of TV’s best family stories.
Number of episodes: 4
Set 34 years after the events of the comics, the Netflix limited series Watchmen tells a story that is truly timely. It follows Angela Bar, also known as Sister Night, as she investigates the killer of her friend and Tulsa’s chief of police Judd Crawford. It is during her searching for answers that she discovers the situation surrounding vigilantism. Watchmen became one of the top Netflix series following its debut, earning acclaim for the performances of its ensemble cast, as well as for the expansion of the source material. The show has since been taken off of Netflix US but is still available on Netflix UK. If you’re looking for something that deviates from the usual superhero template, give this show a try.
Number of episodes: 9
Best TV Shows on Netflix
Aside from the best limited series on Netflix, the streaming service also has a multitude of original shows that have a longer format. Here are some of the most popular shows on Netflix.
Squid Game remains Netflix’s most-watched series, topping viewership in over 94 countries with 1.65 billion viewing hours within the first four weeks of its debut. The series follows 456 players who have been to participate in a series of fatal challenges based on traditional childhood games. All are suffering from financial hardships and are ready to risk their lives for a chance to win ₩45.6 billion. However, only one can win the jackpot in the end. Netflix gave Squid Game season 2 the green light, so there’s plenty to be excited about.
Number of seasons released: 1
Progress: Ongoing
This British period crime drama follows the misadventures of the Peaky Blinders crime gang following the end of the First World War. Peaky Blinders were a real urban gang made up of youths who were active in Birmingham from the 1880s to the 1910s. This bit of fact really makes the show even more captivating, doesn’t it? The show first aired on BBC Two before Netflix acquired the rights and brought it to a worldwide audience. Sadly, the sixth series is the final one but don’t fret– there is a spinoff film in the works as well.
Number of seasons released: 6
Progress: Ongoing
Stranger Things is one of the biggest TV shows for this generation and there’s a good reason for that. Taking inspiration from the likes of Stephen King to H.P. Lovecraft, you know not to expect the usual from this show. Aside from the plot, it has also attracted audiences through its nostalgic atmosphere, cinematography, and all the fun homages to films from the 1980s. It certainly deserves to be included in this list of the best limited series on Netflix– despite its longer format. Season four-volume one, with volume two following soon, is available on the streaming platform so be sure to catch up!
Number of seasons released: 4
Progress: Ongoing
Martial arts and comedy are an unbeatable mix as proven by The Karate Kid films. We’re sure fans of the movie will get a kick out of Cobra Kai, the series that serves as a sequel to it. The series is set 34 years after The Karate Kid Part III and gives us Johnny’s POV on the Miyagi-Verse narrative of the films. He reopens the Cobra Kai dojo and in doing so, reignites his rivalry with Daniel. As expected, it received high viewership on both Netflix and YouTube. The fourth season of Cobra Kai is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in September 2022.
Number of seasons released: 4
Progress: Ongoing
Regarded by critics as one of the greatest television series of all time, Breaking Bad certainly lives up to its hype. It follows Walter White, a high-school chemistry teacher struggling with his illness. To secure his family before he passes on, he turns to making and distributing crystal meth together with his former student Jesse Pinkman. As they say, even good people can end up doing bad stuff for the ones they love but how far are you willing to go?
Number of seasons released: 5
Progress: Completed/Cancelled
Before Money Heist: Korea, there was La Casa de Papel or The House of Paper. This Spanish heist crime drama, known around the world by its English title Money Heist, was originally intended to be a limited series of only 15 episodes. When Netflix acquired global streaming rights, not only did the show achieve worldwide fame, but the series was also recut into 22 shorter episodes. It follows two heists, one on the Royal Mint of Spain, and the other on the Bank of Spain. With an unreliable narrator leading us through this complex maze, you just never know what to expect. After checking out our list of the best limited series on Netflix, don’t forget to add this to your queue!
Number of seasons released: 5
Progress: Completed
Starring the incredible Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll is a comedy-drama that follows game developer Nadia Vulvokov who is stuck in a time loop. She repeatedly dies, reliving the same night, until she is able to solve what is happening. Eventually, Vulkovov meets Alan Zaveri, another character trapped in the same situation. It’s a fresh take on the genre, with plenty of hilarious moments. Russian Doll season 2 was released through Netflix’s streaming services on April 20, 2022, and is just as binge-worthy as the first.
Number of seasons released: 2
Progress: Completed
Sweet Tooth is a fantasy drama based on a Jeff Lemire comic book of the same name. The story began in the aftermath of The Great Crumble when society collapsed following a viral pandemic that wiped out most of the world’s population. Following the event, hybrid babies who were part-human and part-animal began to emerge. The story centers on Gus, a half-deer hybrid, and his journey to finding his mother in Colorado. A post-apocalyptic fairy tale for adults, Sweet Tooth is one of the best recent limited series on Netflix.
Number of seasons released: 1
Progress: Ongoing
9. Black Mirror
Number of seasons released: 5
Progress: Ongoing
Who says animated shows are only for children? Love, Death, & Robots is an animated anthology that showcases a diverse range of genres, including horror, fantasy, comedy, and sci-fi. All of the episodes connect to the show’s main themes of love, death, and robots. When watching a series, do you often get tired of seeing the same old plot and/or cast? Well, this show will keep things fresh for you. Though not intended to be a mini-series, given how it’s formatted, it does feel like it belongs on our list of the best limited series on Netflix.
Number of seasons released: 3
Progress: Ongoing
If you’re expecting the typical superhero drama when it comes to The Umbrella Academy, you might want to watch something else. Based on Gerard Way’s comic series of the same name, the show follows the misadventures of five adopted siblings who each have a unique superpower. The characters might have a dysfunctional relationship with each other, but rest assured that they are fully capable of saving the world from an apocalypse or two. Well, that is if they don’t end up causing one in the first place. You can catch season 3 of The Umbrella Academy, which premiered on Netflix in June 2022. This new season brings back a familiar face and a slew of new ones.
Number of seasons released: 3
Progress: Ongoing
Some people mistake period dramas for being slow-paced with stuffy storytelling, but this is far from the truth when it comes to Bridgerton. The popular show is based on Julia Quinn’s beloved novel. This Netflix Original Series follows the Bridgerton family as they navigate the Ton, otherwise known as the high society during Regency Era London. Its humor, plot, and romance create a captivating mix that helped it set a record when it comes to viewership. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the Bridgerton family tree, after all?
Number of seasons released: 2
Progress: Ongoing
Arcane is an action-adventure animated Netflix series based upon the League of Legends fictional universe. It follows sisters Vi and Jinx, who stand on opposing sides of a brewing war. The show’s lore is largely tied to the game, but even those who have never played it before will be able to enjoy the series. Thanks to its solid storytelling and high production value, it set a record as one of the highest-rated series on the platform– topping charts in 52 countries. Arcane season two is set for a 2022 release, so new and old fans can anticipate more action to come.
Number of seasons released: 1
Progress: Ongoing
Emily in Paris had audiences divided when it first premiered, but few can deny its success. It became a trending topic around the world, thanks to Emily’s interesting choice of outfits and hilarious antics. With Lily Collins in the lead, the Netflix show was given a second season which premiered to more favorable reviews. Who doesn’t enjoy a rom-com that also serves up great Parisian views and fashion? When the trend favors darker stories such as true crime, Emily in Paris is a refreshing break from all the doom and gloom.
Number of seasons released: 2
Progress: Ongoing
Alice in Borderland is a 2020 Japanese sci-fi thriller that became an instant hit when it premiered on Netflix. Based on the Haro Aso manga of the same name, the story centers on a group of seemingly ordinary people who get transported to an alternate version of Tokyo. The characters compete in increasingly dangerous games in order to receive a visa that guarantees their survival. However, if the visa expires or they lose, mysterious lasers shoot down from the sky to execute those who have lost the game. You can expect season two of this thrilling show in December 2022.
Number of seasons released: 1
Progress: Ongoing
Check Out Some of The Best Limited Series on Netflix This Weekend!
From rom-coms, and period dramas, to murder mysteries, you have some of the best limited series on Netflix. No wonder it remains one of the most popular streaming services online. We say take advantage of the shorter run times that these programs have. You’ll be able to finish a whole mini-series or two within a day, no need to spend the weekday thinking about cliffhangers or wondering when the next season might even drop.
If you’re looking for more thrills and scares, here are the best horror movies on Netflix you can watch after.
