New year's resolutions often come with the desire to be better about budgeting and cutting down on the subscriptions we don't even realize we still have. I get it. I'm with you all. And there's so much nowadays that it's nearly impossible to keep up with. But of all the streaming networks to keep, unfortunately, I'm still loyal to Netflix and can't seem to unsubscribe from it.
In 2026, especially, there are a number of new shows returning that are going to make your subscription worth the money. At the same time, some older gems being at my fingertips is something I can't let go of. What if I need to watch all my favorite Steve Harrington scenes from Stranger Things (2016) again? And as much as I love to hate it, the drama of Virgin River (2019) is like a siren that's constantly calling. That said, if you're looking for great TV shows that make a Netflix subscription worth it, here are the best ones always available.
Bridgerton (2020-Present)
The long-awaited Bridgerton Season 4, which was supposed to take place during Season 3, is finally right around the corner on Netflix. That's right, Benedict and Sophie's Cinderella-inspired season is upon us, and knowing how amazing their book is, I can promise that this one will be worth the wait. Not only that, but all seasons of Netflix's Bridgerton result in fantastic historical romances that are always fun to rewatch.
To top things off, while the streamer is known for canceling shows prematurely, fans can have a little solace in the fact that it's already been renewed for a fifth and sixth season. And for those who've always wanted to see a Regency romance with characters who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, Francesca's story is sure to honor it gorgeously.
Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Anytime someone is on the hunt for a unique comedy that's bound to make them laugh out loud, I always suggest Derry Girls, and it becomes a hit for them. In other words, this one's for the viewers who want a unique coming-of-age comedy that also takes viewers through a crucial time in history for Ireland. One of the funniest shows on Netflix, it's the type of comedy that can mesh with every type of person's distinct sense of humor.
Derry Girls is now over, so if you're nervous that you might get attached to a wholesome show that doesn't have a proper ending, know that it features one of the best series finales of all time, making the show easier to revisit as a comfort watch. But also, if you want something you'll find yourself always quoting, it's the best kind of show to invest in.
Stranger Things (2016-2025)
The ending of Stranger Things may have been incredibly divisive amongst fans and critics, but it's still a show worth watching as the type of sci-fi that isn't just meant for viewers who generally love the genre, but for those who aren't typically fans as well. It might not have the most satisfying ending, but it includes some of the most well-written characters that have ever graced our screens, and they're sure to be remembered years from now.
A show like Stranger Things doesn't always get the chance to get multiple seasons on a streamer like Netflix—RIP, Shadow and Bone (2021), I'll always miss you. So the fact that we get the development and time spent with these characters is a miracle in and of itself that is worth celebrating for the genre as a whole. If you loved '80s gems like The Goonies (1985), Stranger Things is a must for you.
Wednesday (2022-Present)
It's not every remake that tops the magic of the original (or, in this case, your personal favorite adaptation), but everything we get with Netflix's Wednesday is a delightfully dark and whimsically campy ride that's perfect for viewers who love shows like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018). Wednesday, like Stranger Things, is a tough series to guarantee a renewal in, but we've thankfully got it, and the new season should start filming soon.
Wednesday is the type of show that can also be so fun to put on every October for all the spooky vibes that'll scratch a very specific Halloween itch. Not too spooky that scaredy cats can't handle it, but also not so tame that real horror fans can't find enjoyment in it, either. It's the best of both worlds in more ways than one, and a unique spin on the beloved character.
Dept. Q (2025-Present)
If you're obsessed with Apple TV's Slow Horses (2022) and want something similar with a grumpy detective, look no further than Dept. Q. Starring Matthew Goode, I knew I'd love it, but the show's structure took me by surprise and easily became a favorite last year. It's been renewed for a second season, so chances of us seeing it return in 2026 are pretty high up there.
It's clever, genuinely enticing, and the writing is so good that it's the one show I need more people to talk about. Even if you aren't typically a fan of detective shows or dark crime dramas, there's something thoroughly gripping about how Dept. Q charms you right from the start. It's not easy to watch with how heavy some of the themes are, but it's still easy to binge because chances are you'll immediately want to know what happens next.
The Gentlemen (2024-Present)
If you loved Guy Ritchie's movie of the same title, Netflix's The Gentlemen is about to be your next new obsession. Gritty, deliciously dark, and shockingly packed with sharp humor, it's the best kind of show for people who have an itch for complex characters and even more complex dynamics. It packs one punch after another to deliver an engrossing first season that's made waiting for the second wildly hard.
But lucky for you, if you start it now, you won't have to wait too long for Season 2 to grace our screens. If you loved Dept. Q, which is also on this list, chances are you'll appreciate the dynamics in The Gentlemen, too. As a bonus, for my romance aficionados out there, there may even be a ship for you if you look closely.
One Piece (2023-Present)
It's not every manga live-action adaptation that's worth its salt, and the same can be said for Disney live-action movies following the classic success of their animated counterparts. But One Piece is a solid adaptation that's not only well shot and well written, but the actors feel like they're taken straight out of the story.
The second season is set to premiere on March 10, and with the success of the first, chances are this season will be just as exciting for fans, if not more. The best part of the adaptation is that you don't need to be a fan of the original animated feature to jump right into the series because it delivers enough thoughtful narrative beats that you won't be lost while watching.
Squid Game (2021-2025)
Squid Game is brutal, jaw-dropping, and thoroughly gripping from the very beginning. Honestly, it's unlike any other reality show on Netflix. Faint-hearted viewers may need to look away at some points, but it really is a solid series to invest in, and the kind that most types of viewers can find something binge-worthy in.
The series concluded its three-season run with the type of ending that can still be discussed by viewers who go in knowing absolutely nothing about it. It's the one dads and uncles and even moms can appreciate because it provides enough entertainment to showcase how well-written the games are.
