Even if you think you’ve watched everything there is to see on Netflix, in my experience there are always a few more gems waiting to be discovered.
That’s why I’ve rounded up three Netflix shows that will entertain you this weekend. From drama to comedy to a dark blend of the two, you’re bound to find your next obsession here.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Emma Myers is a rising star thanks to big hits like Wednesday and A Minecraft Movie, but don’t overlook the lesser-known A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the British drama series from 2024 in which she stars. Based on the first novel in a series by Holly Jackson, the show sees Myers’ character Pip Fitz-Amobi investigating the disappearance of Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) five years prior. Andie was a student in the town, and her boyfriend Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni) confessed to her murder and then killed himself.
Myers is wonderful in the lead role, playing a young woman who is determined and clever, and the rest of the cast are good too. The dynamics between the characters feel believable, even when the occasional plot contrivance strikes, and the mystery running through the show is gripping—plus there’s twists and turns to keep you surprised, of course. I’ve not read the books, so I don’t know how series purists will feel, but I thought the story was satisfying overall.
With only six episodes at around 45 minutes each, the show is ideal for a weekend binge; it helps that it’s moreish and fast-paced. Happily, Pip is returning for a second season, alongside familiar and fresh faces, which will be based on the follow-up book Good Girl, Bad Blood. Production wrapped this year, so I’m grateful that I shouldn’t have to wait too long until it drops on Netflix.
Middleditch & Schwartz
I didn’t think I was a fan of improv, but it turns out I just hadn’t seen it done well. Middleditch & Schwartz, a collection of improv specials from the eponymous comedians, is what changed my mind. In each episode, Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) and Ben Schwartz (Parks & Recreation, voice of movie Sonic) perform an entire show from scratch without a script. The duo asks the audience for something they’re excited for or dreading, then briefly quizzes someone on their response, be it a job interview or college finals. After that, they launch into the improv.
Amazingly, the only props on the stage are two chairs, but nothing else is needed. The pair use different voices and mannerisms to hilariously embody characters, switching between them with ease, and build a story that starts simple and spirals into hilarious chaos. Middleditch and Schwartz are clearly friends and are comfortable ribbing the other or trying to make them laugh, which makes it even better as the viewer; nothing is taken seriously. It’s hard to believe it’s all being made up on the spot because of how effortless it looks.
Netflix has many standup shows, but I think Middleditch & Schwartz trumps most of them. I’ve rewatched the three episodes a few times over the years and they never fail to make me laugh. Ben Schwartz now tours his improv comedy with a rotating cast of fellow comedians, so I’d love to see some of these shows make their way to the streaming service.
Black Mirror
The first word that comes to mind when I think about Black Mirror is “bleak”. It might sound odd to still recommend a show with that description, but that’s the strength of Charlie Brooker’s creation. Often set in the near future, the show explores the human relationship with technology and the impact it has on our relationships, mental health, and society at large. Suitably, the title Black Mirror comes from the cold and dark reflection of a device with its screen turned off.
Black Mirror is an anthology show, which means you can watch in any order because each episode is standalone. Whether it’s a story about being able to retrieve memories, block someone’s physical presence, or rate social interactions, the dystopian tales are interesting and thrilling. Typically the episodes feel unsettling because of how close to home they are, and it’s rare for the characters to get a positive ending.
You’ll recognize plenty of talented actors as you work through the seasons, including Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jesse Plemons, and Hayley Atwell. It’s great fun launching each episode, not knowing where it’s going to go or who will star in it. There are plenty of essential Black Mirror episodes to pick from if you’re short on time, but ideally you should start at the top and work your way through—though you might need to stream a quick comedy now and then to keep your spirits up.
There is plenty coming to Netflix throughout October, so more entertainment awaits once you’ve finished watching these shows.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
Stream all of these brilliant shows, along with plenty more licensed and original programming, with a monthly Netflix subscription.