24 Must-Watch Drama Shows on Netflix Right Now (October 2025): Wayward and More

The inaugural episode of House of Guinness opens with the iconic recipe for an extraordinary stout: Water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. Here, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight blends elements of Irish history with a fantastic cast, including Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge, alongside exquisite production design and a captivating soundtrack to weave a delightful new drama for Netflix. The series revolves around the four children of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness as they navigate the familial fallout after his passing.

Set against the backdrop of escalating struggles both on the streets of Dublin and in the Guinness siblings’ lives, this story develops into a mesmerizing viewing experience reminiscent of Succession meets Downton Abbey.

How far is too much “tough love” for a “troubled teen”? This is just one of the compelling questions posed in the new Netflix drama Wayward, created by writer, actor, and producer Mae Martin. (Martin’s previous Netflix offering, Feel Good, garnered critical acclaim with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.) While Feel Good pulled from Martin’s personal experiences, Wayward shifts into thriller territory with supernatural nuances, focused on a transgender police officer named Alex (played by Martin) as he probes eerie, cult-like events at Tall Pines Academy, a facility for troubled teens in a small town.

Overseen by the charismatic and enigmatic headmistress Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette), who appears to have an uncanny influence over the townspeople, including Alex’s wife Laura (Sarah Gadon), Alex unearths unsettling truths about the academy. This chilling mystery thriller, loaded with surprises, is just right for the spooky season.

Often hailed as one of the greatest dramas in television history, Breaking Bad remains a series we can repeatedly enjoy — though we often need to take breathers due to its gripping intensity! It chronicles the life of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry instructor whose terminal lung cancer diagnosis leads him down a perilous path to secure financial stability for his family. Teaming up with his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), Walter begins to create crystal meth.

What starts as a seemingly noble mission to care for his wife, Skylar (Anna Gunn), and son Walt Jr. (RJ Mitte) rapidly devolves into a power trip and a descent into the depths of the criminal world. Walter’s escalating confrontations only feed his growing hunger for power, while the show’s profound exploration of morality and identity is unparalleled.

This contemporary rendition of The Addams Family seamlessly blends drama, horror, comedy, enigma, and a touch of nostalgia, with Jenna Ortega portraying Wednesday, the melancholic daughter of Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Gomez (Luis Guzmán). Following her expulsion from another school, Wednesday is sent to attend Nevermore Academy, her parents’ alma mater. Under the direction of Tim Burton, the series strikingly balances morbid imagery with wit and a tinge of teenage angst.

‘Outcasts’—individuals possessing supernatural characteristics—populate Nevermore, crafting a world filled with werewolves, sirens, psychics, and new creatures specifically created for the show, like the fearsome Hydes and technologically adept Da Vincis. Fans with a penchant for the macabre will surely find much to admire in Wednesday.

Based on the novel by May Cobb, The Hunting Wives emerges as Netflix’s latest sensation—fascinating for good reason. It delivers an enticing blend of sultry drama with elements of suspense. The story follows Sophie O’Neal (Brittany Snow), a coastal elite adjusting to life in rural East Texas, where she connects with a group of affluent, gun-loving women led by Margo (Målin Akerman).

These not-so-ordinary housewives indulge in hunting, partying, and the occasional cocktail—until their escapades spiral into deadly outcomes. Featuring a murder mystery as an integral component, The Hunting Wives presents a thrilling cocktail reminiscent of Big Little Lies mixed with some Desperate Housewives charm and a dash of Texan flair. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss.

Where time travel intertwines with romance lies the epic saga of Outlander. You might not have realized this Starz series was available on Netflix until recently, but with the upcoming prequel series Blood of My Blood, it’s an opportune moment to dive into Outlander.

Based on the beloved book series by Diana Gabaldon, this time-traveling narrative follows Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a WWII nurse mysteriously transported from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. There, she finds herself entangled in politically charged intrigues while meeting a dashing Scottish warrior named Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan. Their passionate yet tumultuous romance lies at the heart of the series, set amidst the Jacobite risings.

The series thoughtfully explores themes of love, grief, loss, and warfare, with the chemistry between Balfe and Heughan undeniably driving the story. Drama enthusiasts will appreciate Outlander‘s unique framework, merging action, romance, and rich historical narratives.

Untamed stars Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, an investigative agent summoned to unravel a gruesome murder case set in the stunning Yosemite National Park. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Kyle becomes ensnared in the park’s secrets and confronts the shadows of his own past.

Untamed encompasses all the elements desired in a compelling Netflix mystery series: a troubled hero, a twisty storyline filled with surprises, and breathtaking views of one of the country’s most scenic locales. The stellar supporting cast, featuring Jurassic Park alumnus Sam Neill and Mad Men’s Rosemarie DeWitt as Kyle’s boss and ex-wife, delivers commendable performances all around.

Maggie Sullivan (Morgan Kohan) once thrived as a neurosurgeon in Boston, but her life comes tumbling down. In Sullivan’s Crossing, Maggie embarks on a mission for a fresh start, returning to Timberlake, Nova Scotia, to reconnect with her estranged father, Harry ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Scott Patterson).

Along the way, they must mend their strained relationship while Maggie finds herself drawn to California ‘Cal’ Jones (Chad Michael Murray). This budding romance becomes complicated when her former boyfriend, Andrew Mathews (Allan Hawco), attempts to rekindle their past. With the release of Sullivan’s Crossing season 3, there’s more Canadian melodrama available to binge!

The Waterfront is a family drama that dips into crime and dark humor, created by Kevin Williamson, the mastermind behind Dawson’s Creek. The story follows the Buckley family, whose wealth and prominence have waned while Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) recovers from a severe medical condition.

Upon discovering that his wife, Belle (Maria Bello), and son, Cane (Jake Weary), are making questionable decisions to salvage their family business, Harlan resorts to forming a risky partnership with a drug kingpin named Grady (Topher Grace). Keeping this arrangement a secret proves challenging when his daughter, Bree (Melissa Benoist), reports back to her DEA boyfriend, Marcus Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco).

The Waterfront is currently streaming on Netflix.

Department Q offers no respite for Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Leap Year‘s Matthew Goode); it serves as a burial ground for him following a traumatic incident that left his partner paralyzed and another officer deceased.

Though Carl struggles emotionally, Dept. Q showcases his exceptional talent for solving mysteries thought to be unsolvable, granting him a chance at redemption along with Akram Salim (Alexej Manvelov) and Detective Constable Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne) as part of his new team.

Dept. Q is now streaming on Netflix.

What lengths would you go to for a better life for yourself and your children? Georgia Miller (Brianne Howey) takes an extreme approach in Ginny & Georgia, showcasing a history of extreme measures taken to safeguard her family.

Her eldest daughter, Ginny Miller (Antonia Gentry), takes center stage as she strives to carve her own identity when they finally settle in a quaint town. However, Ginny finds it difficult to break free from the shadows of her mother’s past, as her own challenging decisions threaten to repeat the cycle.

Ginny & Georgia is available for streaming on Netflix.

Who is Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore)? And what makes her such a magnetic figure in the lives of those around her? These are the looming questions faced by Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy) in Sirens, a darkly comedic drama. Energized by a mission to find her sister, Simone DeWitt (Milly Alcock), Devon discovers her sibling’s deep entanglement in Michaela’s cult-like regime.

Despite initial contentions with Michaela, Devon decides to stick around, hoping to extricate Simone from the situation. Yet, as Devon digs deeper, she uncovers the unsettling reality behind the group, revealing the underlying dynamics that keep them intact.

Sirens is streaming now on Netflix.

Three well-off couples have been in committed relationships for years, even vacationing as a group each season. However, their bond begins to unravel when one couple decides to split. What will become of the other partnerships? And what consequences will arise when the newly single couple begins introducing their respective new partners?

The Four Seasons reinvents the less mainstream 1981 film starring Alan Alda, effectively merging humor with deeper themes of love and betrayal while maintaining a light-hearted touch. Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Colman Domingo excel as pivotal characters, and the show’s sleek production enhances its escapist appeal.

If you enjoy dramas imbued with romance set in the West, then Ransom Canyon is tailor-made for you. Josh Duhamel stars as Staten Kirkland, a solitary Texas rancher still mourning the loss of his wife. His world is shaken when Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) returns to Ransom Canyon to manage the local dance hall.

Once young lovebirds, Staten still harbors feelings for Quinn. However, he faces new challenges as shady developers threaten his family’s land and everything he holds dear. With dynamic performances from Duhamel and Kelly and stunning visuals of Texas, Ransom Canyon is a binge-worthy drama.

Michael Desiato (Bryan Cranston) is a distinguished judge in New Orleans who upholds the law with integrity. However, his worldview is profoundly shaken when his teenage son, Adam (Wednesday‘s Hunter Doohan), becomes embroiled in a hit-and-run that claims the life of a mobster’s son. Michael feels compelled to shield his son, even if it risks his career, reputation, and perhaps even his life.

This series, though it only ran for two seasons, showcases two distinct halves. The first is a nail-biting thriller that delves into the complex moral dilemmas facing a father determined to protect his son; the second veers into action-drama territory centered around mob informants. Both parts boast stellar performances from Cranston as the morally compromised protagonist.

Fifty years post-debut, Judy Blume‘s novel Forever receives a contemporary update on Netflix that resonates with today’s audience. In this modern adaptation, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) are former childhood friends who reconnect at a high school party, igniting an immediate spark between them.

Even though they have been apart for years, Keisha and Justin’s lives are parallel in many ways. Both are high school athletes vying for college scholarships while grappling with immense pressure from their families to excel, which threatens to divide them as they approach graduation.

Forever is available for streaming on Netflix.

13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) appears to be your typical English teen, but beneath that innocent façade lies a deep-seated anger. Amid growing violent tendencies, Jamie becomes the prime suspect when the murder of a fellow student comes to light. His family, friends, and law enforcement must confront tough questions to ascertain Jamie’s culpability.
Adolescence is a brief yet impactful miniseries, only four episodes long, crafted in a single continuous take. It provokes reflection on youth violence and incel culture without feeling overly preachy or heavy-handed. This series emerged as one of 2025’s standout hits, and once you watch it, the reasons for its acclaim will be evident.

In 2015, Joyce “Tilly” Mitchell (Patricia Arquette) was charged with aiding two inmates, Richard Matt (Benicio del Toro) and David Sweat (Paul Dano), in their escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York. What could have driven Joyce—one of the prison’s trusted employees and a devoted wife—to assist two murderers in their fledgling escape?

Escape from Dannemora is an eight-episode, seven-part exploration providing the answers to this gripping question. Along with a captivating narrative, the remarkable performances from Arquette, del Toro, and Dano evoke sympathy for characters involved in heinous acts. Their performances received critical acclaim and awards recognition, making this miniseries unmissable. Escape at Dannemora will remain on Netflix until October 21.

George Mullen (Robert De Niro) is a former president who suddenly finds himself with too much free time. This might explain why he agrees to investigate a formidable global cyberattack upon request from the current president. However, George’s age is catching up with him, and he must use every resource available to decrypt the identity behind the attack and their motives.

Zero Day marks De Niro’s debut in a series, boasting a stellar ensemble cast comprising Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens, Lizzy Caplan, Joan Allen, Jesse Plemons, and Connie Britton. Combining elements reminiscent of classic shows like Homeland and Bodyguard, this thrilling adventure thrives on the captivating performances, especially from De Niro and Plemons.

Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) is a newly divorced mom whose teenage daughter is off to college. Feeling aimless, Liza resolves to pursue an entry-level position in the publishing world, hoping to revive her prior career. But her new role requires her to maintain a facade as a twenty-something in order to overcome the age bias of her employers. Her flirtation with a 26-year-old tattoo artist, Josh (Nico Tortorella), boosts her confidence, but will Liza’s web of deceit unravel before she can climb the corporate ladder?

Younger features an engaging story accompanied by an even more delightful ensemble cast. Foster shines as the innocently duplicitous Liza, while Debi Mazar brings a salty charm as her best friend and roommate Maggie. Hilary Duff impresses as Kelsey, Liza’s savvy book editor. Younger ran for seven successful seasons from 2015 to 2021, and all 84 episodes are ready for streaming on Netflix.

What lies within the mind of a serial killer? This pivotal question drives the acclaimed Netflix series Mindhunter through two stellar seasons. Jonathan Groff stars as Holden Ford, an FBI special agent assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit. Alongside his partner, Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), Holden interviews notorious serial killers—such as Ed Kemper (Cameron Britton) and Richard Speck (Jack Erdie)—to delve into the intricate psychology behind their gruesome actions.

Inspired by the true crime volume Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Killer Crime Unit, Mindhunter skillfully intertwines fact with fiction to construct an unsettling examination of criminal behaviors and mass murder. Under the stewardship of David Fincher, the series is marked by stylistic flourishes reminiscent of his film Zodiac. Although rumors of a third season have lingered, the existing two seasons stand as almost flawless.

Elizabeth “Beth” Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) rises as a rebellious child boasting an extraordinary talent for chess. Although largely unnoticed due to her tumultuous upbringing in 1950s Kentucky, she ultimately discovers a platform for her skills, triumphing at local tournaments.

As her recognition grows, so does her addiction and penchant for self-destructive behavior that could jeopardize her future. Facing a crucial championship in Russia, can she confront her inner demons and achieve victory?

Premiering in October 2020, The Queen’s Gambit resonated during the pandemic and reignited interest in chess. Taylor-Joy’s nuanced portrayal of a genius shaped by tragedy showcases her authenticity as a dramatic performer. The supporting cast shines, particularly Marielle Heller as Beth’s adoptive mother, Alma, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster as her rival-turned-love interest, lending the series a flawless blend of drama, humor, and palpable tension throughout Beth’s unlikely journey from childhood trauma to chess champion.

Prior to the era of Peak TV, HBO stood as the go-to platform for adult-oriented dramas now hard to find elsewhere. One of their artistic triumphs is Six Feet Under, a dark comedy-drama that intelligently delves into the convoluted lives of the Fisher family.

This family manages a funeral home in Los Angeles, and each episode commences with the death of their next client. Nate (Peter Krause) embodies the rebellious spirit, while David (Michael C. Hall) exemplifies structure and restraint, all while dealing with the pressures of expectation. Their mother, Ruth (Frances Conroy), grapples with the aftermath of her husband’s unexpected death, while Claire (Lauren Ambrose) seeks to navigate the challenges of high school.

Six Feet Under ran for five impressive seasons, concluding with what remains one of TV history’s most poignant finales. Although not every season hits the mark—season 4’s murder mystery plot is best left unnoticed—the emotional weight of the entire series remains powerful even after nearly twenty-five years, with Brenda (Rachel Griffiths) standing as one of the most intricately crafted female characters on television.

Created by writer Peter Morgan, The Crown chronicles the lengthy reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It begins with her rise to power as a young princess and continues to portray her evolution into a monarch navigating personal challenges and public controversies. Each season features a fresh ensemble cast portraying the royals across different periods.

Claire Foy brilliantly captures the youthful essence of Queen Elizabeth II in the initial two seasons, followed by Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton portraying her in the subsequent seasons.

With multiple Emmys to its name, The Crown is emerging as one of Netflix’s standout dramas. The series skillfully uses Elizabeth’s narrative—and, by extension, the British monarchy—to depict tumultuous post-World War II history. All three lead actresses deliver remarkable performances, while Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin shine as a youthful Prince Charles and a wide-eyed Princess Diana, respectively. While seasons three and four are particularly noteworthy, all are captivating in their own right.