Sometimes a full season commitment feels like too much. That’s when a good mini-series hits the spot—short, intense, and satisfying. These picks have the ratings to back them up and are impossible to stop watching once you start.
10
Catch-22 (IMDb Rating: 7.7/10)
Watch Catch-22 on Hulu
Many of us will remember Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel from English class, but I found the subsequent movie adaptations of Catch-22 to be quite underwhelming. This six-part 2019 reworking breathes new life into the source material, with standout performances from Kyle Chandler and George Clooney.
Catch-22 is considered by many to be the quintessential tale of the futility of war, and it works much better when stretched out across several episodes. The cinematography, in particular, is impressive, especially in scenes of aerial combat.
9
American Primeval (IMDb Rating: 8.0/10)
Watch American Primeval on Netflix
I feel like American Primeval is often slept upon. This polished six-part drama, set on the frontier during the birth of the American West, follows a mother and her son as they encounter corrupt Union soldiers, zany missionaries, hostile Native Americans, and depraved trappers while trying to make their way to California.
Starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin in strong leading roles, American Primeval takes no prisoners in demonstrating the hardships of frontier life. Sometimes violent, shocking, and depressing, this mini-series is nonetheless visually stunning and leaves you happy to be alive in the new millennium.
8
Good Omens (IMDb Rating: 8.0/10)
Watch Good Omens on Prime Video
Fans of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novels will appreciate Good Omens. Originally planned as a limited series based on the authors’ 1990 collaboration, it was renewed for a second round, but season one stands alone as a tight and bingeable unit.
Starring heavyweights David Tennant and Michael Sheen as a demon and an angel, respectively, the series is littered with irreverent humor and makes for good lighthearted viewing. A stellar supporting cast includes John Hamm and Frances McDormand as “God.”
7
Ripley (IMDb Rating: 8.1/10)
Watch Ripley on Netflix
I wasn’t a great admirer of the 1999 movie The Talented Mr. Ripley. However, I found this eight-part adaptation of the crime thriller, written and directed by Steven Zaillian (writer of Schindler’s List), to be absolutely compelling.
The series is shot entirely in black and white in stunning locations around Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which lends it a film noir aesthetic that adds to this slick production’s appeal. Firm favorite Andrew Scott (of Sherlock) is outstanding in the title role, playing a hard-up grifter who is paid to retrieve a wealthy man’s son from paradise—before things take a very dark turn.
6
The Queen’s Gambit (IMDb Rating: 8.5/10)
Watch Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
The premise of a young woman venturing into the world of chess championships may sound boring on paper, but this seven-part mini-series immediately gripped me. Anya Taylor-Joy is enchanting as an orphan with a prodigious talent, and a strong supporting cast includes Harry Melling (of Harry Potter fame).
The Queen’s Gambit is set against an authentic-looking 1960s backdrop, with costumes to match, which adds plenty of aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, its fast-paced storyline makes it easy to binge right up until its captivating finale. This is a one-hit wonder that’s well worth a rewatch.
5
The Offer (IMDb Rating: 8.6/10)
Watch The Offer on Paramount+
If you’re a fan of the Godfather franchise, The Offer is essential viewing. It chronicles the fascinating story of the making of the original movie from the perspective of its producer, Albert S. Ruddy, played here by Miles Teller.
This ten-part behind-the-scenes limited series sometimes feels as much like a documentary as it does a drama, with its cool 1970s swagger and accurate sets that could be straight out of The Godfather. However, its real appeal lies in the wacky characters involved in the production, some of whom were bona fide members of Cosa Nostra.
4
The Penguin (IMDb Rating: 8.6/10)
Watch The Penguin on Max
I was drawn to The Penguin after seeing press images of Colin Farrell’s transformation into the titular character, which must be seen to be believed. Impressive makeup aside, this fast-paced eight-parter has much to offer, especially if you’re a fan of the movie The Batman.
Set in the Gotham City underworld, it follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb as he rises from the rank of henchman to mob boss. Cristin Milioti and Rhenzy Feliz provide strong supporting roles as our antihero blunders and batters his way to the top.
3
When They See Us (IMDb Rating: 8.8/10)
Watch When They See Us on Netflix
It may be only four episodes in length, but When They See Us packs a very hard punch. Chronicling the suffering of the “Central Park Five,” the group of teenagers wrongly accused of a brutal 1989 attack on a New York City jogger, this drama spans over a quarter of a century between their conviction and exoneration.
With a strong supporting cast, including John Leguizamo, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Felicity Huffman, it is the younger cast members, spearheaded by Asante Blackk, who provide the most powerful performances.
2
Chernobyl (IMDb Rating: 9.3/10)
Watch Chernobyl on Max
I have rewatched Chernobyl twice, once in its entirety on a long-haul flight, and it remains as compelling as ever with each viewing. It follows the events surrounding the 1986 explosion of the eponymous nuclear power plant, as well as the subsequent response and cleanup efforts, with Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson in leading roles.
Chernobyl can be a tough watch, as we begin to understand the reality of the situation and the sacrifices that had to be made on that fateful day. This five-part drama is at times so intense that it’s hard to believe the disaster actually happened.
1
Band of Brothers (IMDb Rating: 9.4/10)
Watch Band of Brothers on Max
Band of Brothers is widely regarded as one of the greatest depictions of World War II ever committed to celluloid. Based on the novel by Stephen Ambrose and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this gritty ten-part drama follows “Easy Company” of the 101st Airborne Division on their campaign across Europe from before D-Day to the liberation of Germany.
Derived from the letters and journals of the men on the front lines, and interspersed with interviews with the survivors themselves, this exquisite drama brings the harsh realities of war to life. It will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
