Top 10 TV Series That Keep You Glued to the Screen

Ever found yourself saying, 'Just one more episode'? Or perhaps, 'One more won’t hurt'? We’re not discussing snacks here; we’re diving into the world of television and the phenomenon of binge-watching. Are you truly binge-watching, or are you simply 'catching up'? If you’re devouring three or more episodes in one sitting, it’s safe to say you’re on a binge [source: TiVo]. But don’t fret—you’re not alone. A 2014 TiVo survey revealed that 91% of participants regularly binge-watch, with 29% deliberately waiting until a season concludes to indulge in a full-on binge.

Binge-watching has its perks for networks. Thanks to platforms like Netflix and Hulu, shows reach a broader audience, and digital rights become more lucrative. However, this trend is shaking up the traditional cable TV industry. Cable and satellite providers, who typically pay more than streaming services for broadcasting rights, are now reconsidering their contracts with content creators.

What drives the urge to binge-watch? Some series feature intricate storylines that are easier to follow when viewed consecutively. This approach helps viewers retain crucial plot details and character dynamics. Other shows thrive on cliffhangers, making the wait between episodes unbearable. For many, binge-watching on weekends is a way to unwind after a hectic week. Illogical plot points are often overlooked, as viewers are too engrossed to notice inconsistencies. If you can tear yourself away from the screen, keep reading for a list of must-watch binge-worthy TV series.

10: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

High school is no walk in the park: juggling academics, relationships, and social pressures is tough enough. Now, imagine adding the responsibility of saving the world from monsters to the mix. That’s exactly what Buffy Summers faced in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." From 1997 to 2003, Buffy protected the innocent on the WB and UPN networks. While vampires were her primary foes, she also tackled other threats, such as a deranged deity, a massive praying mantis, and a fanatical preacher. Thankfully, Buffy wasn’t alone. Her allies included a school librarian, a teenage witch, a lovestruck admirer, and a vampire burdened with a soul.

Buffy’s quick wit shines during confrontations with her enemies. With her sharp sense of style, she once quipped to a vampire mid-battle: "First off, what’s with the outfit? Get with the times, okay? You look like DeBarge" [source: IMDB]. Even in the face of chaos, Buffy remains unfazed: "If the apocalypse comes, beep me" [source: Harnick and Prudom]. The series captivates audiences with its humor, dynamic character relationships, and thrilling action scenes (plenty of vampire staking included).

9: 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'

Once you’ve had your fill of supernatural drama, why not dive into some reality? Or at least, the televised version of it. E! brought "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" to American audiences in 2007. Kris, the family matriarch and former wife of O. J. Simpson’s lawyer Robert Kardashian, is now married to former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner. The show pulls everyone around the family into its whirlwind, exploring themes like celebrations, addiction, fashion, careers, romance, and media scrutiny.

The fifth season of the series drew 4.7 million viewers, marking a 14 percent increase from the previous season [source: McKay]. The Kardashian-Jenner clan is irresistible for binge-watching due to their lavish lifestyle, glamour, beauty, celebrity connections, and occasional scandals. The dynamic between the three eldest sisters—Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney—adds a relatable and entertaining layer to the show. Despite their fame and fortune, there are moments where viewers can’t help but think, "That’s just like my life."

8: 'Orphan Black'

A woman raised in foster care, believing she had no biological family, suddenly learns she has not just one relative, but many. In this BBC America series, Tatiana Maslany masterfully plays multiple roles, including a suburban mother, a police officer, a scientist, a psychopath, and a struggling single mom. As the story unfolds, these characters discover they are genetically connected, but the reasons behind their creation and the secrecy surrounding it remain shrouded in mystery. What are the conspirators hiding, and how far will they go to protect their secrets?

Maslany’s captivating performances, which earned her Critics' Choice awards for best dramatic actress, make it impossible to look away. Her characters are distinct not just through costumes and wigs but also through unique voices, speech patterns, mannerisms, facial expressions, and body language. It’s as if dissociative identity disorder has been artfully harnessed for television. Maslany’s characters interact effortlessly, engaging in conversations, sharing drinks, and even engaging in physical confrontations. Watching one actor embody so many roles is both mesmerizing and exhausting.

7: 'Deadwood'

Set in the untamed Old West during the gold rush, "Deadwood" follows Al Swearengen (Ian McShane, "Lovejoy"), who prefers to rule the town his way. However, the arrival of Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant, "Justified"), the new sheriff, brings a clash of ideologies. Their rivalry unfolds amidst a backdrop of crime, greed, power struggles, and the town’s muddy streets. As an HBO production, the show doesn’t shy away from explicit content, featuring plenty of sex, violence, and an impressive amount of profanity.

The dynamic between Swearengen and Bullock is riveting, but "Deadwood" is filled with a host of unforgettable characters. Cy Tolliver, a cunning saloon owner, is always plotting. Joanie Stubbs, his occasional lover, manages his brothel. Mr. Wu, a Chinese merchant, assists Al by disposing of his enemies in rather gruesome ways. The brash and foul-mouthed Calamity Jane often trails after her unrequited love, Wild Bill Hickok. Sol Star, Bullock’s loyal business partner, stands out as one of the town’s few morally upright figures. Doc Cochran, a battle-hardened Civil War veteran, works tirelessly to save lives, though the town’s name, "Deadwood," hints at the grim reality.

6: 'Mad Men'

As the restrictive 1950s fade, AMC’s "Mad Men" plunges into the 1960s, offering a glimpse into the advertising industry. The show highlights iconic campaigns for cigarettes, Playtex bras, and the Kennedy/Nixon presidential race. It also reflects the era’s social issues, such as racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, sexual liberation, and the prevalence of smoking and drinking. Even dietary advice, like the promotion of butter and cream for health, makes an appearance.

The agency’s employees navigate a world filled with nostalgia. They lounge on mid-century furniture, type on metal desks, and dress in skinny ties, cardigans, and full-skirted dresses. Beyond the authentic set design and costumes, the show captivates with its portrayal of ambition and intrigue. Junior staffers scheme to climb the corporate ladder, while executives grapple with personal and professional challenges. Secretaries, ever observant, seize opportunities for advancement. With such compelling drama, it’s impossible to look away.

5: 'House of Cards'

This Netflix original series confirms what many Americans have long suspected: politicians will do whatever it takes to climb to the top. Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey stars as Frank Underwood, a cunning senator with ambitious goals. His partner in crime is his wife, Claire, portrayed by Robin Wright ("The Princess Bride"), who shares his ruthless drive. Audiences are both captivated and horrified as Frank and Claire manipulate alliances to maintain their grip on power.

"House of Cards" delves into the dark side of politics, filled with vice and manipulation. Characters trade sex for influence, turn to alcohol for solace, and use drugs to cope with the chaos. Underwood’s political strategies are Machiavellian, as he exploits issues like social security reform not for the public good but for personal gain. Adapted from a British series of the same name, the show keeps viewers on edge, wondering what underhanded scheme Underwood will execute next—and how he’ll escape the consequences.

4: 'The Walking Dead'

From speedy zombies to those in love, popular culture has reimagined the classic horror figure in countless ways. AMC's "The Walking Dead" stays true to the traditional slow-moving, ravenous zombies. Adapted from Robert Kirkman's comic series, the narrative centers on a group navigating societal collapse, learning that the living can pose a greater threat than the undead. The series is notorious for its unpredictability, with a rotating cast as characters fall victim to both human and zombie threats. Expect graphic scenes of dismemberment, head trauma, and visceral feasting.

Despite its graphic violence, which may deter some, "The Walking Dead" captivates audiences with its deep, relatable characters ranging from law enforcers to troubled souls, children, and everyday workers. These characters evolve believably in a grim new reality, transforming from weak to strong, hopeful to despairing, and selfish to collaborative in their fight for survival. The show, a record-breaking hit on cable, masterfully builds suspense, keeping viewers invested in the fates of their beloved characters [source: Nussbaum]. Beware of bites!

3: 'Orange Is the New Black'

Ever been haunted by the ghosts of past errors? That's the central theme of this Netflix series, rooted in a true story. Piper Chapman, the lead character, once ferried drug money in her younger days, all in the name of love. Years later, her ex-girlfriend reveals everything in a plea deal, leading to Piper's abrupt removal from her Brooklyn life. She leaves behind her family, friends, a new business, and her fiancé for a 15-month prison stint. Inside, she meets a colorful cast of characters: a Russian cook with a side hustle, a transsexual hairdresser, a bank robber battling cancer, a former crack addict turned devout believer, and a mentally unstable woman dubbed "Crazy Eyes."

The appeal of "Orange Is the New Black" isn't just Piper's struggle to adapt. As she serves her sentence, Piper transforms, growing tougher, more cynical, and slightly more compassionate. The other inmates are equally fascinating. Beyond the daily grind of prison life—survival, forming alliances, and keeping sane—the series delves into the backstories of these women, revealing how they ended up incarcerated. Stories of drug abuse, violence, murder, and theft are often heart-wrenching, making you want to shout "stop!" as characters make life-altering mistakes.

2: 'Game of Thrones'

In HBO's adaptation of George R. R. Martin's acclaimed book series, the phrase "winter is coming" signifies more than a seasonal shift—it heralds impending upheaval in leadership, culture, and society. Multiple noble families clash in their quest for the throne, leading to a whirlwind of schemes, brutal violence, profound sorrow, fleeting joy, and ample nudity. Betrayals abound, swords clash, families are slaughtered, and alliances crumble. Add to this a touch of magic and the presence of dragons, and you have a saga that keeps audiences enthralled.

Dive into the captivating storylines and unexpected turns, but it's the unforgettable characters that will keep you hooked. Where else can you find a brilliant, highborn dwarf with a penchant for alcohol? Do you identify more with a queen fiercely fighting for her son's claim to the throne, a cunning and influential eunuch, or a loyal and trustworthy advisor to the king? What about the rugged men and women living beyond the towering 800-foot wall—are they merely savage, or is there a gentler side to them? Tune in to uncover the answers, all while waiting for winter's arrival.

1: 'Breaking Bad'

Ever experienced a day where everything goes wrong? Walter White, the protagonist of AMC's "Breaking Bad," lives that reality. Struggling to support his family on a teacher's salary, the non-smoking Walter is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Instead of surrendering, he embarks on a covert mission: using his chemistry expertise to produce top-tier methamphetamine, aiming to secure his family's future. He teams up with Jesse, a former student with limited scientific knowledge but extensive experience in the drug trade.

After bagging 16 Emmys (for acting, outstanding drama, and editing), "Breaking Bad" concluded Walter and Jesse's saga. Walter starts as a desperate man striving to produce ethical drugs: "We are going to make a good product that does what it is supposed to, as advertised. No emulsifiers, no baking powder, no bleach, no chili powder" [source: AMC]. Over time, the allure of money and power transforms him into a ruthless criminal: "I am the danger" [source: Costello]. Jesse, too, undergoes a transformation, evolving from a reckless punk—"What good is being an outlaw when you have responsibilities?"—to a more self-aware individual: "But you know what? I saved Mike from getting robbed. Even killed, maybe. So maybe I'm not such a loser after all" [source: AMC]. Viewers of the show are undoubtedly the real winners.