Short TV Shows and Mini-Series to Binge-Watch in a Single Weekend

As an introvert, one of my favorite ways to relax on the weekend is binge watching a show. Sometimes chores are easier to do when there's another episode waiting on the other end. And sometimes I need a day or two to 'rot in bed' with some entertainment. Yes, I am very glad bed rotting has become a trend, thank you for asking ;)

So today I want to share with you my favorite tv-shows and mini-series you can binge in one weekend! These are shows I've watched in one or two days and found entertaining throughout. They also have a satisfying ending, so you don't end up on Monday yearning for more ;). As always, I keep this list updated when I find more. If you have any show that should be on this list, please share it with everyone in the comment section!

If you want to save this list to Pinterest, here is a picture!

1. Lessons in Chemistry

Vibes: Female empowerment, drama, romance, science, history, found family

Length: 8 episodes of 40 to 50 minutes each

I still don't know how to properly describe this show without spoiling absolutely every important plot point. The show is, at it's core about female empowerment. Elizabeth Zott, our delightful main character is a woman trying to make it as a scientist. But while she is building her career, life also happens. Themes of grief, love, personal history, trauma, parenting, friendship, activism, mental health and chasing dreams all become intertwined in her story. Based on the trailers, I assumed this was a light show about a woman having to give up her science ambition for a job as a TV-presenter and working her knowledge into her TV-career to inspire. And while that is certainly part of the story, if that doesn't sound interesting to you, I implore you to give the show a try anyway! This show has much more depth than the trailers let on.

2. Why Women Kill (Season one)

Vibes: Historical fiction, dark comedy, mystery

Length: 10 episodes of about 50 minutes each

This show is about three murders. Don't worry, that's not a spoiler! This show follows three woman who live in a mansion in Pasadena. Beth Ann Stanton in 1963, Simone Grove in 1984 and Taylor Harding in 2017. Each will experience a murder in the home, but who will be the victim and who will be the murderer? And maybe more importantly, will they deserve it? The show slowly tells the story of each of these woman and the circumstances that led to the murder. The twists and turns were awesome and kept me on the edge of my seat each episode! Each timeline is it's own little world and all three stories together make for high tempo, very immersive storytelling! I'm normally someone who will get bored of a mystery pretty quick, but not this one!

3. Alias Grace

Vibes: Mystery, cinematography, psychological thriller, historical fiction

Length: 6 episodes of about 45 minutes each

Grace came to Canada as an Irish immigrant, but right now, she is in jail: convicted of the murder of her employer. One day, a handsome psychiatrist arrives, curious about her guilt and curious about her story. Slowly, Grace recounts how her life let to this moment. Her fascinating life story and the constant question of whether she is guilty of murder, make for a very intense, intriguing watch. Sarah Gadon, who play Grace, delivers a phenomenal performance that really captivated me. And if you are a fan of The Handmaids Tale, this show is also based on a book by Margaret Atwood!

4. The Flatshare

Vibes: Romcom, quirky, English

Length: 6 episodes of about 45 minutes each

Romcoms don't often get the mini-series treatment, but the book it's based on provided more than enough material to keep this show a fun watch for 6 episodes. The show follows Tiffany and Leon, who share an apartment and a bed. However, there is a twist: she uses the apartment only at night and he uses it only during the day, since he works nightshifts. Without ever having met each other, they get to know each other through their use of the apartment and communication via post its. This is not a straight up romance, there are side plots of a brother in prison, concerned friends and an abusive ex to make things messy for Leon and Tiffany. Overall, if you are looking for a miniseries to cheer you up: this is my recommendation for you! 

5. Chernobyl 

Vibes: History, politics, disaster

Length: 5 episodes of an hour each

This show was a massive hit, but I have never seen anyone say it's overrated. From the amazing storytelling to the strong cast, this show makes you feel the disaster of Chernobyl like nothing else. The tense politics, the hopeless moments and the harrowing aftermath: this show is not a light watch. It's one thing to know about what happened, it's another to be shown the personal stories of the disaster. I can't say anything other than that this show is an impressive watch that you will want to binge watch in one go for sure. 

6. The Cry

Vibes: Murder, drama, mystery, thriller

Length: 4 episodes of an hour each

What happens when a child disappears? How do the young parents pick up the pieces, how do they fight for justice and how do they balance their reality behind closed doors, with the public image required when the whole world is watching you? And what if things aren't quite what they seem at first glance? How can the truth be found?

All questions that make for a riveting British psychological thriller. The way the story is pieced together in the show is masterful storytelling and when I finished it, I wanted to watch it again immediately. Thankfully, with only four episodes, you can watch this one twice in a weekend, if you so desire! 

7. The Bletchley Circle 

Vibes: History, detective, post world war II, England

Length: 7 episodes of 45 minutes each

In The Bletchley Circle, four woman who used to work at Bletchley Park, decoding German messages during the war, now team up to apply their skills to investigate a series of murders. The series covers three of their cases. The setting of post war England and the concept of four smart house wife escaping their home lives to apply their skills fighting crime makes for a very fun show! And, if you are sensitive to open endings, you can watch one case a day, since each case has a satisfying conclusion. 

8. The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco

Vibes: History, detective, post world war II

Length: 8 episodes of  45 minutes each

If you are not done with codebreakers solving crimes after watching The Bletchley Circle, there's a spin off! In this series of 8 episodes, each case takes up two episodes. The cases are a bit lighter than the original show and it follows more of a classic detective show format, so if you are looking for an easy watch with awesome American 1950's visuals: this is the show for you! Also, for my queer readers who are starved for some representation in historical tv-shows, I won't spoil too much, but I recommend this show to you in particular!

9. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Vibes: History, romance, fantasy, pretty rich people

Length: 6 episodes of about an hour long

Bridgerton is known for it's steamy love stories and spectacular visuals and this mini-series is definitely on par with that quality! However, this story can be viewed completely separate from the rest of the show. Great if you don't want to watch the full three season show or if you are looking for a fun weekend binge! It tells the story of queen Charlotte, who arrives (against her will) in London to be married to King George. It is full of breathtaking romance, gorgeously styled events and the most stunning sets and costumes. The show offers a strong, charismatic black main character, a queer side plot and the occasional doggie cameo. It really is a fantastic, lush, romantic escape.

9. The English Game

Vibes: History, sports, rivalry

Length: 6 episodes of about 50 minutes each

Even though I am an enthusiastic supporter of AFC Wimbledon, I didn't quite expect a historical fiction about the start of English football to be of much interest to me. But I gave it a chance during a long car trip and I surprisingly, got hooked instantly! The historical context of how a game is played in different parts of society, where that spirit of a sports team being tied to a specific town comes from and the cultural and personal significance of sporting matches is all laid out through great storytelling in this show and I was honestly a little mesmerized by it all! Even if you think you have no interest in sports or football, if you enjoy the occasional historical show, you might enjoy this one more than you'd think! 

10. Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office

Vibes: Based on a true story, fighting for justice

Length: 4 episodes of about 55 minutes long

I opted to exclude documentaries for this list, but I wanted to add two shows based on true stories as well. Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office is an account of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Britain. It's a batshit crazy story of big corporations working with the government to keep hardworking people down and how hard it is to get justice when no one believes you. The cast of this show is fantastic and I was invested from the start. The story of the perseverance of the victims is inspiring! With just four hours of runtime, this show is absolutely worth your time!

11. Toxic Town

Vibes: Based on a true story, fighting for justice

Length: 4 episodes of an hour long

Another show based on a true story that I absolutely found worth the watch was Toxic Town. It's about the fight of a group of parents whose children were born with disabilities because of the mismanagement of a local company and their toxic waste. The cast is star studded, including Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie and Rory Kinnear. It's a story of fighting for justice, raising kids with disabilities, grief, loss, the cruelty of the justice system and friendship. It's as emotionally wrenching as it is beautiful!

That is it for now! Let me know if you enjoyed any of my recommendations and feel free to check out the rest of my blog for more!