The best binge-worthy miniseries for when you want a quick, captivating watch

By MiNDFOOD

The best binge-worthy miniseries for when you want a quick, captivating watch
Sometimes the thought of tackling a TV series that has five or so seasons to its name can seem overwhelming.

With a miniseries, you can quickly tick off a show without making a solid commitment.

Here are 18 fantastic miniseries that are perfect for a binge sesh:

Mildred Pierce (2011)

Starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce is a remake of the 1945 American film noir of the same name. If you’re a fan of old movies, we highly recommend watching the original film as well.

Great Expectations (2011)

It’s a story that’s been done to death, with yet another adaptation released only last year, but this version starring Douglas Booth and the wonderful Gillian Anderson is really very good.

Olive Kitteridge (2014)

Olive Kitteridge is an HBO adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Frances McDormand is brilliant as the title character, whose life we watch unravel.

Wolf Hall (2015)

Based on Hilary Mantel’s two Booker Prize-winning novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, you’ll love this series if you’re fascinated by the Tudors. Plus it boasts some great talent, starring Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis and Claire Foy.

The Night Of (2016)

Crime dramas dominate this listicle, but who doesn’t love a bit of whodunnit? The Night Of follows Nasir Khan, who spends a perfect evening with a beautiful young woman, before tragedy strikes and his life is changed forever.

The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)

This dramatisation of O.J. Simpson’s ‘trial of the century’ is excellent. It will leave you wanting to know even more about the story, so our tip is to follow this up by watching documentary series O.J. Simpson: Made in America – it’s really, really good.

The Cry (2018)

Joanna and Alistair travel to Australia with their new baby to fight for custody of Alistair’s daughter. There, they face an unimaginable tragedy. We’d go so far as to say this will be one of the most gripping series you ever watch.

A Very English Scandal (2018)

This series depicts the ‘Thorpe Affair’ in which UK politician Jeremy Thorpe was accused of trying to have his former lover, Norman, murdered amid fears their homosexual relationship would be exposed and his political career ended. A second season covering a different scandal – and slightly rebranded as being A Very British Scandal – came out in 2021.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018)

For those who aren’t familiar with the story of Gianni Versace’s murder, you’ll be fascinated by the twists and turns in this drama following serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

Patrick Melrose (2018)

Benedict Cumberbatch is truly excellent as Patrick Melrose, a man whose struggle to cope with childhood trauma leads him down a dark path of addiction.

Sharp Objects (2018)

Anyone who is a fan of author Gillian Flynn’s gripping thrillers will know that Sharp Objects is worth a watch. Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson and Eliza Scanlen all deliver engaging performances.

Chernobyl (2019)

Another series that will have you lost in Google looking up the real-life events. This depiction of the worst nuclear accident in history is seriously good viewing.

I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Mark Ruffalo gives the performance of his life playing identical twins in this heart-wrenching adaptation of the Wally Lamb novel. Philip Ettinger is also outstanding as the twins in young adulthood.

The Undoing (2020)

The Undoing had everyone talking when it was released in 2020. We can’t reveal much about the plot of this mystery drama, so take our word for it when we say it’s worth watching.

Normal People (2020)

An adaptation of Sally Rooney’s critically acclaimed novel, Normal People explores the years-long on-and-off romance between Marianne and Connell, two young people from a small town in Ireland. The performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are *chef’s kiss*.

Time (2021)

This three-part drama series follows Mark Cobden (Sean Bean), a teacher who is jailed for killing a cyclist while drink-driving; and Eric McNally (Stephen Graham) a prison officer forced to make a difficult decision when a dangerous inmate identifies his weakness. Sean Bean delivers a particularly memorable and moving performance.

Dopesick (2021)

Based on the true story of America’s opioid crisis, Dopesick sheds light on how the pharmaceutical industry played a role in one of the most devastating public health crises in modern times.

Baby Reindeer (2023)

Not for the faint of heart, Baby Reindeer was created by Richard Gadd and is an unsettling exploration of his experience with stalking and abuse. Adapted from Gadd’s award-winning one-man stage show, the series depicts the real-life events that unfold when a seemingly innocent encounter spirals out of control.

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