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Save this for the weekend.
We’ve all had those days where scrolling feels exhausting and committing to a long show feels like too much work.
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That's where mini-series come in — short, gripping, and perfect for a quick watch without the commitment. Whether you want drama, mystery, or something that completely pulls you out of your boredom, these picks are easy to start and hard to stop. Consider this your sign to hit play and stay in for the night...
1. Red Rose (2022)
BBC Three
If you grew up watching Pretty Little Liars, this will be an instant watch for you. The story follows a group of teenagers whose lives spiral out of control after they download a mysterious app that begins to influence their choices, secrets, and fears. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into something darker, as the app pushes them further than they ever expected. It's tense, twisty, and keeps escalating — you know the kind where one episode turns into three without you realizing it.
No. of episodes — 8. Available on Netflix.
2. Harper's Island (2009)

CBS
A wedding on an isolated island turns into a nightmare as a mysterious killer begins picking off the guests. With suspense building in every episode, it's a mix of horror, mystery, and shocking twists. Each death and clue pulls you deeper into the story, making it impossible to stop watching.
No. of episodes —13. Available on Prime Video.
3. The 8 Show (2024)

Netflix
Imagine a game where every choice could cost you everything. The 8 Show plunges you into high-stakes competitions with twists that make your heart race. If Squid Game had you at the edge of your seat, this one will do it all over again — but with its own unique spin. Each episode layers tension and strategy, making it impossible to look away.
No. of episodes — 8. Available on Netflix.
4. Defending Jacob (2020)

Apple TV
A family's life is turned upside down when their teenage son is accused of a shocking crime, and every secret and relationship is put to the test. The series blends courtroom drama, suspense, and moral dilemmas. Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance, making the story even more gripping.
No. of episodes — 8. Available on Apple TV.
5. Des (2020)

MUBI/ITV
Des follows the chilling investigation of a notorious criminal case in the UK, exploring the crime, the investigation, and the lives it affects. Each episode delves deeper into the mystery, revealing unexpected twists and the complexity of human motives. With David Tennant leading the story, the series keeps you glued to the screen.
No. of episodes — 3. Available on Prime Video.
6. Beef (2023)

Netflix
A road rage incident between two strangers spirals into a long-standing feud that entangles their families, careers, and personal lives. The series explores how anger, pride, and past trauma can escalate beyond control, showing the ripple effects of one small event.
No. of episodes — 10. Available on Netflix.
7. Station Eleven (2021)

HBO Max
After a global pandemic devastates civilization, a traveling troupe of actors and musicians navigates a world stripped of its old structures. The series interweaves past and present, showing how art, memory, and human connections survive amidst chaos.
No. of episodes — 10. Available on HBO Max.
8. And Apple Cider Vinegar (2025)

Netflix
Inspired by a "true-ish story," Apple Cider Vinegar stars Kaitlyn Dever as Belle Gibson, an Australian influencer who claimed to cure her terminal brain cancer with alternative wellness practices — but she never actually had cancer. The series explores her rise on social media and the fallout of her lies.
No. of episodes — 6. Available on Netflix.
3 weeks ago
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English (US) ·