Several big-name titles are dominating Netflix’s streaming charts right now. For 13 days running, The Hunting Wives, the steamy new series many are calling a Big Little Lies replacement, continues to top the charts in the US. Korean drama Beyond the Bar is a new arrival into the top 10, but it’s still only at #7, being outperformed by the likes of Leanne, Untamed (a new murder mystery series starring Eric Bana), and the true-crime series Amy Bradley Is Missing. Beyond the top 10, Netflix has plenty of content to keep you occupied. So, without further ado, here’s a look at three shows you should watch on Netflix this week.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
1
‘The Lazarus Project’ (2022 – 2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Sometimes, spotting a hidden gem can be just as exciting as taking on a brand-new arrival. Recently, the 2022 UK release, The Lazarus Project, made its way to Netflix and immediately took to the top of their streaming charts. An exciting sci-fi tale, The Lazarus Project follows Paapa Essiedu‘s George as he awakens to find himself reliving the same events. As he struggles to discover the truth, an introduction to the titular Lazarus Project changes George’s life forever.
Despite Sky cruelly canceling the series after just 16 episodes, The Lazarus Project is one of the finest sci-fi stories from across the pond this decade. A winner of the 2023 BAFTA for Best Television Series, the show is a twisting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Sporting a perfect 100% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, The Lazarus Project more than deserves its huge praise.
2
‘The Perfect Couple’ (2024 – Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 6.5/10
Created by Jenna Lamia and based on the novel of the same name by Elin Hilderbrand, The Perfect Couple is set in the Nantucket wedding season as tragedy strikes at the season’s most lavish ceremony. When a body is discovered on the harbor, the Chief of Police considers everyone on the guest list a suspect, with even the bride and groom not safe from the keen eye of the law.
From Big Little Lies to The White Lotus, the breakdown of the wealthy (often through murder set against a lavish backdrop) is one of the most popular sub-genres in modern television. Lamia’s The Perfect Couple is another great example, with the series storming to streaming success and plenty of positive praise. For Collider, Tania Hussain wrote in her review that “The Perfect Couple excels in its character development thanks to standout performances and complex, winding tension.” This includes two top central performances by the ever-brilliant Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber.
3
‘The Chair’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.2/10
School might be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a trip to the academic halls of Pembroke University for a comedy-drama worthy of its universal praise. Starring Sandra Oh as Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the show follows her rise to the position of chair at the university, becoming the first woman of color to do so. However, when the realities of a failing English department and evolving student expectations come to blows, the reputation of the university comes under fire.
The best comedies can bring you to tears through laughter whilst challenging stereotypes and offering nuanced social commentary. The Chair does this and then some, unpacking the history of white privilege in higher education whilst never moving far from laughter. Featuring a selection of memorable cameos from famous faces, as well as several brilliant ensemble performances, The Chair is worth catching up on this week.