If this is the Golden Age of television, then one of the most interesting characteristics of the era is the reduction in the number of episodes. In the days of cable and network TV, shows would last the best part of the year, with 24 episodes a season being standard. With the advent of streaming, it seems audiences have less patience. Releasing the entire series in one go is definitely a result of this; when a show was week-to-week, the drawn-out plot threads were less notable.
However, the shorter seasons allow for more refined storytelling, with creators now driven by telling a story well rather than making it last as long as possible. In fact, the mini-series is fast becoming a defining part of the era, especially with Netflix delivering higher amounts of short but quality content.
Update October 10th, 2020, by Kristy Ambrose: There’s been a lot of activity on streaming services in the last couple of years, and Netflix was always ahead of the curve. This fall brings news of more live-action choices along with some much-anticipated animated features. Even the big Hollywood players are turning to home-streaming services as going to the cinema the old fashioned way takes a hiatus. The result is that Netflix has had several more successes to boast of in the last six months, and here are a few more fan favorites from the IMDb.
Update March 22nd, 2022, by Kevin Pantoja: Over the past few years, there have been more limited series on Netflix than ever before. Not only does the streaming service have quality miniseries from around the world but they also produce their own original ones that have been met with critical acclaim. These kinds of shows are ideal to check out if you’re looking for a quick binge. After all, it’s much easier to commit to 12 or fewer episodes than several seasons. Alas, with so many options it can be difficult to figure out what is the best limited series on Netflix. Thankfully, the ratings on IMDb can help narrow down the best miniseries on Netflix.
15 The Haunting Of Bly Manor (2020) – 7.4
Following the success of the first miniseries from horror master Mike Flanagan, audiences were treated to a new tale in The Haunting of Bly Manor. An adaptation of The Turn of the Screw, this follows an American woman who is hired to look after children at a house that she discovers is haunted.
The Haunting of Bly Manor starts out scary and never quits, so don’t worry about sitting through an overly long exposition before the thrills begin. While it wasn’t considered as frightening or high quality as its predecessor, it provided many thrills, plot twists, and great performances from the cast.
14 True Story (2021) – 7.5
One of Netflix’s latest limited series is True Story, which is led by the talented duo of Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes. Hart plays a famous comedian (similar to himself in real life) who runs into an unexpected life or death situation while in Philadelphia.
Interestingly, some reviews from critics were mixed as the chemistry between Snipes and Hart was praised but the plot was considered a bit lackluster. However, audiences seemed to appreciate it more, evidenced by the strong rating on IMDb.
13 Hollywood (2020) – 7.5
If there’s one name that has become synonymous with television since the 2010s, it’s Ryan Murphy, who has created some of the best shows of the era. Among those series are Glee, American Horror Story, Pose, 9-1-1, and more. He added a Netflix original miniseries to his credits with Hollywood.
As usual with Murphy shows, this boasted a strong cast including Maude Apatow, Samara Weaving, Jim Parsons, Laura Harrier, and so many others. The story centers on aspiring actors and filmmakers in Hollywood during the late ’40s, and racked up a dozen Emmy nominations.
12 Halston (2021) – 7.5
Although he is most famous for playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise, Ewan McGregor has proven himself to be an exceptional and versatile actor. That was arguably never more evident than in his leading performance in Netflix’s Halston, where he played the titular character.
Adapted from a novel by Steven Gaines, the series tells the story of the life of Halston, one of the world’s most iconic designers. At five episodes, it’s one of the shortest miniseries on Netflix but it delivers in spades. McGregor took home an Emmy for his tremendous performance.
11 Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life (2016) – 7.6
One of the most beloved shows of the 2000s is Gilmore Girls, with fans still going back and watching it from start to finish today. So, audiences were ecstatic when news dropped that Netflix was bringing it back for a four-episode miniseries titled Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
Each episode takes place during a season of the year and acts as a sequel to the original show, explaining what the characters are up to now. Though only a few episodes, each feels like a movie, running about 90 minutes. Loyal fans seemed to love the Gilmore Girls revival, critics appreciated it, and it still left longtime fans wanting even more.
10 Midnight Mass (2021) – 7.6
Netflix subscribers seem to love horror series as they are typically among the service’s most popular releases. Once again from creator Mike Flanagan, Midnight Mass is his latest hit and it again brings the scares.
The series centers on an isolated community that experiences miracles and dangerous omens after a charismatic and mysterious priest arrives in town. Flanagan made sure to reference his past work, there were top-notch performances, and the show was the talk of the internet for a while after it premiered.
9 Maniac (2018) – 7.7
True Detective‘s Cary Joji Fukunaga directs every episode of this surreal but fascinating sci-fi drama. In an alternate reality without the internet, Jonah Hill and Emma Stone play two misfits who agree to a drug trial for a new medicine that can, supposedly, cure their emotional pain.
Not only is the story of Maniac well-told, but every inch of the production design and world-building is truly excellent. The nature of the show allows the creators to jump genre almost every episode so they can show off the best of their creativity in all eight episodes. Plus, the performances of Hill and Stone are great with the latter receiving nominations at the SAG and Satellite Awards.
8 Unorthodox (2020) – 8.0
From Anna Winger comes a miniseries based on a true story. Esther Shapiro is a young woman in an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish family. She has never been outside of her New York community and faced with the life of a traditional wife and mother, she decides to leave and begin again in Berlin.
It’s a fascinating study of the Orthodox culture whilst also being an inspiring story about self-discovery and reinvention, which should never be as much a struggle as it is for Esther.
7 Bodyguard (2018) – 8.1
When most people hear about Bodyguard, their minds tend to go to the Whitney Houston film from the early ’90s. This BBC original (that Netflix later picked up to distribute internationally) sees a war veteran uncover a dangerous plot as he works to protect an important politician.
Even more than Game of Thrones and Eternals, this series truly showcases Richard Madden’s acting talents. The series was met with rave reviews and ended up being nominated for Oustanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing at the Emmy Awards.
6 Godless (2017) – 8.3
In an interesting twist on the Western genre, Godless focuses on a town mysteriously run by women in 1880. They must defend it from the arrival of Frank Griffin, a violent outlaw who’s come for revenge.
Entirely written and directed by Logan screenwriter Scott Frank, the series has a very tight single vision that is well delivered. With an ensemble cast who all give outstanding performances, this Western series is a tight and thrilling story, too easy to watch in one sitting!
5 Maid (2021) – 8.4
Every once in a while, a Netflix series debuts and kind of takes the world by storm. One that pulled off that feat in 2021 was Maid, which focuses on a young mother who flees from an abusive relationship with her daughter and works as a cleaning lady to support the two.
Margaret Qualley delivered a remarkable performance as the lead character, which earned her several major award nominations, including at the Golden Globes. It’s yet another role for Qualley that proves her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
4 Unbelievable (2019) – 8.4
Rightly showered in Emmys, this crime drama is full of excellent writing and incredible performances. It is a story that is deeply upsetting and quite scary, made all the more infuriating that it’s based on a true story. Kaitlyn Dever plays Marie Adler, a young woman who was sexually assaulted and then accused of lying by the police.
The series jumps between Marie in the aftermath and two female detectives conducting a separate investigation. Despite the upsetting subject matter, the show moves at the pace of a thriller, making it near essential viewing, even if it can be tough to get through.
3 The Haunting Of Hill House (2018) – 8.6
Mike Flanagan has been putting out quality horror projects for years like Hush and Gerald’s Game but his biggest hit was The Haunting of Hill House. An adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name, this was a massive hit for Netflix.
After being captivated by the show the first time around, audiences keep coming back for all of the hidden easter eggs. There are legitimately ghosts randomly in the background of several key scenes, making it worth watching over and over.
2 The Queen’s Gambit (2020) – 8.6
A show about chess doesn’t sound like the kind of thing that would become a hit for Netflix but The Queen’s Gambit is something special. Based on a 1983 novel of the same name, the show centers on Elizabeth Harmon and her rise from a chess prodigy into a chess master.
Led by an incredible performance from Anya Taylor-Joy, the show combines tight storytelling with tremendous character development and also makes the chess matches feel like major sporting events. At the time of its launch, it became the most-watched Netflix original and sparked a rise in chess searches online.
1 When They See Us (2019) – 8.9
Ava DuVernay is a filmmaker at the top of her game. Her decision to make a TV show clearly demonstrates the passion and importance she holds for this story. The Central Park Five were five Black teens who were wrongly accused of a brutal attack in the 1980s and incarcerated despite the lack of evidence.
2019’s When They See Us is driven by the emotion of both the creators and the performers and the sense of injustice is palpable in every episode. An important and timely series and an excellent example of the power of storytelling.
