Five binge-worthy limited series to watch in one day before returning to work
Get stuck into a series you can watch in one day.
Image: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels
If you’re reading this on January 3, then tomorrow is the day many of us are dreading; the official "back to reality" Monday after the festive season break.
Before setting that 6 am alarm, you still have a full day of unadulterated relaxation left.
If you want to slip into couch potato mode, we have a list of limited series you can get started with your bowl of cereal and finish before dinner.
No multi-season commitments, no cliffhangers that won’t be resolved until 2028.
Here are five fresh, viral, and binge-worthy limited series that are perfect for your final day of freedom.
Baby Reindeer
Genre: Psychological thriller
The vibe: Uncomfortable, gripping, and deeply human.
The story: Based on a true story, a struggling comedian performs a simple act of kindness for a vulnerable woman. This gesture sparks an obsession that threatens to ruin his life.
Why it’s binge-worthy: While it’s not a brand-new series, it’s still one worth watching. It is only seven episodes long, with most under 30 minutes, meaning you can finish the entire thing in about four hours. It’s raw, honest, and will keep you glued to your seat.
Adolescence
Genre: Crime drama
The vibe: Intense, gritty and technically mind-blowing.
The story: A 13-year-old boy is arrested for the murder of a classmate. What makes this a viral sensation is the "one-shot" filming style. Each episode is one continuous take, making you feel like you are trapped in the room with the characters.
Why it’s binge-worthy: Since it's only four episodes, it’s a quick watch. The real-time tension is so thick you’ll forget to check your phone. It’s less of a "whodunnit" and more of a "how did this happen" that will have you debating the ending all evening. The series has received five Golden Globe Awards nominations, including Best Limited Series.
Beef
Genre: Dark comedy
The vibe: Chaotic energy and relatable rage.
The story: A road rage incident between two strangers, a failing contractor and a self-made entrepreneur, spirals into a full-blown war that consumes their lives.
Why it’s binge-worthy: Although it technically premiered in late 2023, it dominated the 2024 awards season (sweeping the Emmys). It’s 10 episodes of pure escalation. The episodes are short, punchy, and incredibly satisfying to watch in one go.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Genre: True crime
The vibe: Polished, controversial, and addictive.
The story: Following the massive success of the Dahmer series, Ryan Murphy takes on the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their own sons.
Why it’s binge-worthy: True crime is the king of Sunday afternoon viewing. This series sparked massive online debates and a real-life legal re-evaluation of the case. It’s high-quality drama that feels like you're peeking behind the curtain of a Beverly Hills nightmare.
One Day
Genre: Romantic drama
The vibe: Ultimate "cosy Sunday" nostalgia.
The story: It follows Emma and Dexter on the same day, July 15, every year for twenty years. You watch them grow up, fall in and out of love, and navigate the messy transition into adulthood.
Why it’s binge-worthy: While it has 14 episodes, they are "snackable" at around 20 to 30 minutes each. It became a viral phenomenon because of its emotional ending. If you haven’t seen it yet, grab the tissues and get it done today so you can join the club.