ComScore

The Top 10 Netflix Shows Right Now (Including a Beloved Series at #1)

*Adds to streaming queue*

netflix top shows sweet magnolia
Courtesy of Netflix

OK, so you’ve already binge-watched hits like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias and Dead to Me, and you're looking for more of the best shows on Netflix. Luckily, the streaming service has a ton of movies and shows to choose from in its top-rated section, which ranks popular titles based on what’s trending. The best part? The list is updated daily, making it an ideal place for me to find new suggestions (like The Night Agent).

From Sweet Magnolias to Apple Cider Vinegar, keep reading for the top ten Netflix series, and my personal editor's pick of the week. 

Editor’s Pick of the Week: XO, Kitty

  • Who’s in it: Anna Cathcart, Choi Min-young, Anthony Keyvan
  • How many seasons: 2
  • For fans of: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
  • Genre: Romantic drama

The romantic dramedy series focuses on, you guessed it, Kitty Song Covey, AKA the younger sister of Lara Jean from the To All the Boys film series. This time, the young matchmaker learns a few things about her own love life.

1. Sweet Magnolias

  • Who’s in it: Joanna García Swisher, Brooke Elliot, Heather Headley
  • How many seasons: 4
  • For fans of: Virgin River
  • Genre: Romantic drama

Sweet Magnolias has been rising in popularity ever since season four hit Netflix. The feel-good show follows three best friends—Maddie (Joanna García Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott) and Helen (Heather Headley)—as they tackle issues relating to parenthood, business and friendship. 

In my honest review, I wrote, “I was so distracted by the surprise breakout cast members—Ty (Carson Rowland) and Annie (Anneliese Judge), who undeniably stole the show—that I nearly missed all the clues pointing to that mind-blowing twist at the end of episode one.”

2. The Åre Murders

  • Who’s in it: Carla Sehn, Kardo Razzazi, Charlie Gustafsson, Francisco Sobrado
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: True Detective
  • Genre: Suspense

The Swedish series is a must-watch for fans of true-crime dramas like True Detective and Peaky Blinders. The story follows a Stockholm detective who goes on vacation to escape work. Everything changes when a young girl disappears, prompting the investigator to return to duty. 

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Who’s in it: Kaitlyn Dever, Alycia Debnam-Care, Aisha Dee
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: Inventing Anna
  • Genre: Drama

Kaitlyn Dever stars as a fame-obsessed influencer who will stop at nothing to advance her internet career. As in, she pretends to have cancer and swears that her health and wellness routine magically cured her non-existent brain tumor. And yes, the brand-new series is based on a true story. 

4. Cassandra

  • Who’s in it: Mina Tander, Lavinia Wilson, Joshua Kantara
  • How many seasons: 
  • For fans of: Biohackers
  • Genre: Thriller

The thriller follows a family who is thrilled to move into an AI-compatible house that’s considered the oldest smart home in Germany. It doesn’t take long for the virtual assistant, called Cassandra, to become obsessed with the residents. 

5. The Night Agent

  • Who’s in it: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Amanda Warren
  • How many seasons: 2
  • For fans of: The Politician
  • Genre: Political thriller

The thriller has been climbing the Netflix charts ever since it released season two. The story follows a low-level FBI agent who answers a life-changing phone call while monitoring an emergency line. Season one documents his mission to uncover a dangerous conspiracy at the White House, and the second season explores his new role as an official Night Agent. 

In her honest review of the show’s second season, PureWow editor Nakeisha Campbell wrote, “As much as I enjoyed getting sucked back into the world of espionage, I’ll admit, there were a few moments of annoyance and frustration. And it's all due to Peter Sutherland.”

6. The Recruit

  • Who’s in it: Noah Centineo, Fivel Stewart, Vondie Curtis-Hall
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: The Night Agent
  • Genre: Political thriller

Noah Centineo stars as a CIA recruit named Owen, who catches wind of a possible data leak. He must work alongside his peers to keep the information hidden, even though he has no idea what he’s doing. (FYI, season two of The Recruit is set to premiere on January 30.)

7. American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson

  • Who’s in it: O.J. Simpson 
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
  • Genre: True-crime documentary

You’ve probably seen several documentaries about the infamous O.J. Simpson case. However, this brand-new documentary includes unreleased details and unheard interviews with jurors and witnesses. 

8. Prison Cell 211

  • Who’s in it: Diego Calva, Noé Hernández, Gerardo Taracena
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: The Inmate
  • Genre: Drama

Meet Juan, a human rights lawyer who visits a prison to meet with a client. The situation takes a terrifying turn when he gets caught up in a prison riot that forces him to pose as an inmate to survive. (FYI, the story is based on the 2003 novel Cell 211 by Francisco Pérez Gandul, which also inspired the 2009 movie.)

9. Wrong Side of the Tracks

  • Who’s in it: José Coronado, Nona Sobo, Luis Zahera
  • How many seasons: 4
  • For fans of: Breaking Bad
  • Genre: Drama

The Spanish drama takes place in Entrevías, which is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Madrid. The story follows a retired soldier who embarks on a revenge mission after his teenage daughter becomes involved with drug dealers. 

10. Alone: Australia

  • Who’s in it: Michael Atkinson, Gina Chick, Andreas Lundin
  • How many seasons: 1
  • For fans of: Survivor
  • Genre: Reality competition

This Australian reality show is inspired by the American version, which follows hopeful survivalists as they’re dropped off in remote locations with nothing but a backpack. They must build a shelter, battle the elements and scavenge for food in order to survive. 

Want Netflix's top shows sent right to your inbox? Click here.

The Top 10 Movies on Netflix Right This Second



greta

Senior Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes and edits news and entertainment content
  • Specializes in breaking celebrity news, royal family coverage and TV show and movie recommendations
  • Has 9 years experience in entertainment coverage