There is so much great TV available at the moment that it can be hard to decide what to watch. When you finally do make a choice and settle in with it, there is nothing worse than spending a day or two on a series only to realize it only has three seasons. Luckily, there are plenty of long series on Netflix that go for the long haul to fill your days and nights with.
From comedies to dramas, easy watches to award-winning epics, there’s no shortage of must-see series that can keep viewers occupied for weeks. There really is something for everyone among the best long shows on Netflix, which give audiences time to root for their favorite characters, see complex storylines develop, and binge-watch for weeks on end.
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‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)
No. of Seasons: 6
Acting as a sequel series to the widely beloved 80s Kung Fu films, Cobra Kai expands upon the universe and scope of Karate Kid through its reexamination of the villain from the first film, Johnny Lawrence. In the decades since being defeated by Daniel at the end of the first film, Johnny now suffers from alcoholism and depression as he wallows in the shadows of defeat. However, after defending his teenage neighbor from bullies, Johnny decides to re-open the Cobra Kai dojo to teach him and other bullied social outcasts to defend themselves.
Cobra Kai transforms what was largely considered to be a relatively one-note villain into a deeply complex and highly rootable protagonist, further amplified by a great performance by William Zabka. The series pays great tribute to the classic films of old while also evolving their themes and messaging to a modern era, feeling like an exhilarating blast from the past that speaks volumes for the future. The series has jumped around from various streaming services, finding considerable success on Netflix to the point where a new theatrical Karate Kid is being released this year.
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‘Lost’ (2004–2010)
No. of Seasons: 6
One of the most iconic and prolific TV dramas of the 2000s, Lost captivated audiences with its simple premise yet limitless possibilities for mystery and brilliant character moments. The series follows a group of survivors who are attempting to survive and fight against the elements on a mysterious island after a commercial flight crashed and left them stranded there. As they journey and attempt to find ways off the island, they go face to face with numerous dangerous predicaments that give insight into the truth about the island and themselves.
Over a decade after the infamous ending to the series, audiences still consider Lost to be one of the most prolific and genre-defining television series of the era, with its distinct style and approach still influencing the television of today. The show has seen a major resurgence of popularity and rediscovery following its inclusion on Netflix in recent months, with more and more people falling in love with the mystery and beauty of the island.
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‘Virgin River’ (2019–)
No. of Seasons: 6
Based on Robyn Carr’s eponymous novel, Virgin River tells the story of a nurse and midwife, Melinda “Mel” Monroe, played by Alexandra Breckenridge, who leaves her painful past life behind in Los Angeles and moves to the titular town. Starting a whole new life in the quaint riverside community of Northern California, Mel finds the town and its people different from what she expected. Soon, she finds herself embedded in their lives and the place, rediscovering love, friendship, and herself.
Adapted by Sue Tenney of Good Witch fame, Virgin River is a sweet, heartfelt, and cozy Netflix show that feels like a warm hug with every watch. Though emotional, the aspirational story of self-discovery and the romanticism of life make it instantly uplifting. A soap-drama done right, the series thrives on its endearing characters, charming setting of the titular town, and visually and emotionally satisfying storytelling. —Maddie P
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‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
No. of Seasons: 6
The Crown is one of Netflix’s most defining and iconic historical dramas they’ve ever released, the six-season show spans six decades as it tells the long and varied life of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her wedding to Prince Phillip in 1947 and ending in the early 21st century. Each season covers a distinct and impactful era in her life, with the seasons often changing casting to account for the larger jumps in time periods. The series goes beyond simply being a portrait of Elizabeth’s character over the years, but is a look into the evolution of British culture in the 20th century and beyond.
What has helped give The Crown staying power among many other Netflix original series is its ability to constantly reinvent itself and evolve with each season, making it a perfect show to rewatch and experience over and over again. While it works tremendously as an ever-changing singular story, the show also makes wonders of having each of its seasons feel standalone in scope and scale, making it so even new viewers can hop into the latest season without worrying about what came before.
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‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)
No. of Seasons: 6
An iconic cornerstone of HBO’s original programming during the late 90s and early 2000s, Sex and the City was a widespread cultural phenomenon that still holds strength and merit to modern audiences. The series follows the lives of four female best friends as they attempt to live their best lives possible in New York City, with each of the women having their own stories and ventures dealing with sex, relationships, friendship, and femininity.
It’s difficult to imagine what the modern television space would be without Sex and the City, as it pioneered and revolutionized the types of risk-taking and vivacious storytelling that could be told in an episode-by-episode scope. The series portrays the glamor and chaos of city life in a way never truly seen before on television, being able to delve into comedy, drama, or any other tone that fits the mood or serves the characters. Even 20 years after the series finale, Sex and the City holds strong as one of the best television series out there.
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‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)
No. of Seasons: 6
Based on the DC character by the same name, Lucifer is among the binge-worthy shows with multiple seasons on Netflix. The urban fantasy crime drama stars Tom Ellis as the devil himself. Over six seasons, the series follows Lucifer as he retires from Hell’s top job and moves to Los Angeles to run a luxurious nightclub.
Lucifer’s life on Earth is turned upside down when he witnesses the murder of a friend and meets Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German). Intrigued by Chloe and by solving crimes, Lucifer decides to lend a hand, becoming a consultant and using his powers to help resolve cases and fight unearthly beings. Although it certainly deviates from its source material, fans of shows like Supernatural, Charmed, Angel or just procedurals and fantasy in general will love Lucifer.
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‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024)
No. of Seasons: 6
The infamous prequel series to one of the most successful sitcoms of the 21st century, Young Sheldon originally was seen as a downgrade to The Big Bang Theory, although it eventually found its own voice and even managed to surpass the original series in many ways. The film acts as a coming-of-age story for a young Sheldon Cooper in the late 80s and early to mid-90s, seeing his distinct view of the world clashing with his more standard family and environment.
While the concept of a Sheldon Cooper origin story seemed like a joke and concept that would grow tired quickly, Young Sheldon managed to accomplish the opposite in constantly going beyond and getting better with each subsequent season. Especially nowadays, when The Big Bang Theory grows more poorly aged by the year, Young Sheldon is now the definitive story in this comedy sitcom franchise. It all came together with the iconic and exceptionally pulled-off finale which served to culminate everything the show had built towards as a love letter to longtime fans.
23
‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)
No. of Seasons: 6
A riveting political drama eventually marred by controversy, House of Cards remains one of the best long shows on Netflix. It weaves an absorbing story about the government, and what people will do to stay in power. It particularly focuses on the ruthless Frank and Claire Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright) as they maneuver, manipulate, and do whatever is necessary to climb to the top (and stay there).
With Machiavellian tactics on full display from its morally ambiguous characters, the series effectively and unflinchingly shows just how far politicians will and can go. Following the controversy surrounding Spacey, House of Cards managed to finish off strong by passing the spotlight to Robin Wright, who took center stage until the finale.
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‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)
No. of Seasons: 6
From the documented tales of the Norsemen of medieval Scandinavia, Michael Hirst creates this historical epic surrounding the exploits of legendary Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants. Vikings focuses on the rise of Ragnar from a humble Norwegian farmer to becoming the most notorious raider and chieftain of all clans, threatening kingdoms from Anglo-Saxon England to West Frankia (modern France), the Mediterranean, all the way to ancient Russia. The six-season-long series also explores the journeys of Ragnar’s sons, his wife and queen, Lagertha, and other invincible Viking warriors in Scandinavian folklore, and how they explored newer destinations.
A gritty historical drama surrounding complex characters, Vikings can be easily compared to contemporary epics like Game of Thrones or Barbarians. The six-season-long series is highly acclaimed for its immersive cinematography, stunning art design, well-choreographed battle sequences, phenomenal music score, and powerhouse performances by Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, and Gustaf Skarsgård. —Maddie P
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‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)
No. of Seasons: 6
In Peaky Blinders, the BAFTA award-winning crime drama series, Cillian Murphy heads up an all-star cast featuring appearances from Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Adrien Brody, and Sam Neill. Set in England post-WWI, the series tells the story of the Shelby brothers and their gang, the so-called “Peaky Blinders,” as they wreak havoc on the streets of Birmingham. It depicts the power their family has and the violence they are often part of thanks to their lifestyles.
The critically acclaimed British series, which has six gripping seasons, has been compared to TV all-timers like Boardwalk Empire and The Wire. This gangster epic is loosely based on real events and has had a significant cultural impact on the UK, even spawning a video game and an upcoming spinoff film expected to come out in 2024.
