The 60 best miniseries to watch on the weekend

Television and streaming have practically dominated the screen sector, and the best miniseries to binge make TV more accessible. Without the need to invest in a long-term commitment, miniseries offer the same snappy storytelling, dramatic beats, and satisfying results that traditional TV does. The best miniseries hook the viewer from start to finish, ensuring the story is short and sweet. Keeping the story polished and exciting ensures viewers stay engaged throughout, which is why the best miniseries to watch over a weekend are usually just a few episodes long.

As such, some viewers feel that the best miniseries on Netflix and others are better than those on traditional television, where the story can stray too far from its original concept and beloved characters often leave too soon. The best miniseries to binge often deliver complex plots and compelling characters in a surprisingly short period of time, leaving viewers satisfied and feeling like the short series wrapped everything up nicely. With streaming giants like Netflix and Max adding even more miniseries to their roster, there's an ever-growing list to choose from.

60

The Offer (2022)

The story of the making-of of the godfather

With The godfather Being considered by many to be the best film of all time, it makes sense that there would be a lot of fans interested in how it all went down. While The offer doesn't come close to the grandeur of that cinematic masterpiece, it's an extremely entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the film's chaotic, threatened and almost non-existent production. The show focuses on one of the forgotten members of the production, Al Ruddy (Miles Teller), and his efforts to make this film.

While The offer embellishes many of the facts of what happened for the sake of entertainment, achieves its goal by telling a true Hollywood story that is funny, engaging and vivid. From concerned studio heads to an unfinished script and real-life gangsters threatening the project, The offer proves that making the best film of all time is not easy.

59

WandaVision (2021)

The first official MCU series

The first MCU Disney+ series is still considered by many to be the best thing the cinematic universe has ever done on the small screen. WandaVision resumes after the events of Avengers: Endgame, focusing on the tragic couple of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany). However, not only is Vision alive at the beginning of the story, but he and Wanda appear to be reunited in a 1950s domestic sitcom.

WandaVision marked an incredible achievement for the MCU, as Olsen and Bettany received Emmy nominations for their performances as these beloved characters.

WandaVision was an exciting promise for what these Disney+ shows could be, exploring marginalized characters in deeper ways and experimenting with some bold stories. Regardless of whether other programs deliver on this promise, WandaVision marked an incredible achievement for the MCU, as Olsen and Bettany received Emmy nominations for their performances as these beloved characters. The way each episode explored a new era of sitcoms also made WandaVision a celebration of television history.

58

Ripley (2024)

Andrew Scott plays the con man turned serial killer

Andrew Scott delivers one of his best performances in the suspense miniseries Ripley. Based on The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith and starring Scott as Tom Ripley, the show follows a meek and unsuccessful conman who is hired by a rich man to travel to Italy to help bring his rebellious son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn) home. However, when Ripley meets Dickie, he becomes absorbed in her world and decides to take some of it for himself.

The series is shot in stunning black and white, giving it a dreamlike quality mixed with a dark, foreboding quality that hints at the violent direction the story is taking. Scott is hypnotic as the complex protagonist, making Ripley a sad and fascinating character while embracing the man's cold-blooded nature.. Scott received an Emmy nomination for his performance, while the series itself was also nominated.

57

The Penguin (2024)

The origin of the Batman villain

As WandaVision the Penguin it was a chance to delve deeper into certain aspects of the comic book world that hadn't been covered in the films. Colin Farrell reprized his role as Oz Cobb in Batman with the miniseries taking place after the events of the film. The series explores Oz's attempts to rise to power in Gotham City's criminal underworld, while also facing Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), the dangerous and capable daughter of deceased crime boss Carmine Falcone.

Farrell's transformative performance as Oz is the main reason to tune in to this miniseries as he is able to bring a terrifying quality to the villain while also having moments of charisma and humor. Milioti is also a standout, playing this complex character to perfection. The series is able to go darker than the films while also providing a good precursor to the long-awaited Batman II.

56

Don't Say Anything (2024)

A true crime saga during the Troubles in Ireland

Based on the novel by Patrick Radden Keefe, Don't say anything is a mix of a true crime story and also an exploration of a dark period in Irish history. The series spans several decades and details an incident in Belfast in the 1970s when a single mother of 10 was kidnapped by members of the Irish Republican Army. As various people involved recall the incident and the events leading up to it, the disturbing picture becomes fully visible.

The miniseries is an emotional and intense look at the story and the regret people feel after feeling like they were on the right side of the fight. Filled with unknown Irish actors, the series shapes these fascinating characters over the years and offers a chilling look at true crime history, with blame placed on both sides of the conflict.

55

Band of Brothers (2001)

Easy Company's Journey During World War II

Band of Brothers helped reshape television and the notion of the scope of the stories that could be told on the small screen. Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the 10-episode series is a look at World War II through the eyes of members of a company of American soldiers as they go from basic training to the front lines of the war in Europe until the end of war. the conflict.

Band of Brothers tells the true story of Easy Company and its members in a compelling and exciting way, delivering the kind of big battles audiences can expect from a war film. Throughout the 10 episodes, the entire cast of Band of Brothers helps bring these characters to life and will leave viewers fascinated by their journey through war, wondering which of them will survive and which will fall.

54

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

The small screen adaptation of Jane Austen's classic

There have been many adaptations of Jane Austen's work Pride and Prejudice over the years, but this miniseries is often considered the best version of the material. Jennifer Ehle stars in this version as Elizabeth Bennet, the strong-willed, strong-willed girl in a family with several girls. When her community is suddenly populated by eligible bachelors, Elizabeth's mother becomes concerned about finding husbands for all her daughters, while Elizabeth faces off against the seemingly distant Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth).

The novel is seen as one of the most romantic pieces of literature of all time, but it is also a perfect example of Austen's unparalleled intelligence and groundbreaking exploration of women of her time. All of this is present in the miniseries, but it is understandable if most viewers are involved in the engaging love story that is passionate and intense, without the two characters sharing anything physical for much of the story.

53

Lonely Dove (1989)

A Western adventure based on the beloved novel

Another beloved literary work inspired a miniseries that is celebrated for doing justice to its source material and also for bringing a new audience to the story. Lonely Dove is a sprawling Western story that takes audiences back to the end of an era and the last days of the Old West. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones star as two older Texas Rangers who decide to go on an adventure, driving a herd of cattle across the country.

…this charming and surprisingly touching story of friendship between two hard-working, tough old men who stand by each other through everything.

Along with the two Oscar winners in the lead role Lonely Dove features a series of standout performances from names like Danny Glover, Steve Buscemi and Chris Cooper. The epic saga is a celebration of the Old West and the way of life that was endangered at the time. Yet at the center is really this charming and surprisingly moving story of friendship between these two hard-working, tough old men who have been by each other's side through it all.

52

John Adams (2008)

A look at the career of the second president of the United States of America

While some may be turned off by a history lesson on the founding of America, John Adams is a revealing and moving look at the formation of the country's independence through the eyes of one of its most fascinating figures. Paul Giamatti stars as John Adams, the man who would become the second president of the United States. His journey takes him to the beginning of the American Revolution, through his travels to France, and the early days of American politics.

Giamatti is excellent in the lead role, playing Adams as a deeply complex character who possesses qualities that helped shape the country, as well as deep flaws that make him a controversial founding father. He is supported by an excellent cast, with names like Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson and David Morse as George Washington. There are also some future stars in early roles, including Andrew Scott and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

51

Roots (1977)

The American story of an African family through generations

Roots was a television phenomenon when it aired, earning one of the largest audiences in television history for a scripted program. It was also seen as a pivotal cultural moment in American television, as it addressed the dark history of slavery as well as the rich history of African Americans in the country through an epic and expansive story. The miniseries is based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Familyexploring your ancestor's journey.

Even decades later, Roots is a harrowing experience with some deeply disturbing moments that will linger in viewers' memories for a long time. However, at times it is also an uplifting, moving and powerful story, as the audience witnesses this family through generations holding a part of who they are and where they come from. With each installment advancing in time, is a fascinating examination of American history.

50

Balance Yourself (2020)

Based on the book series Don't Get Mad by Gretchen McNeil

Based on the book series Don't be mad, Balance yourself was initially produced for BBC iPlayer before Netflix acquired it internationally. The series follows a group of teenagers who take control of their British school's bullying culture, calling themselves DGM, like they take revenge on those who bully their classmates. But when the secret group is implicated in a murder, they must find a way to clear their names.

He reveals what could be stereotypical character types very quickly.

The show features more twists than almost any other modern mystery on TV. It reveals what could be stereotypical character types very quickly, creating a compelling and dramatic short series. The young teenage characters in the middle of the high-stakes mystery add an exciting new element to the typical thriller genre, with the strong ensemble providing plenty of fun.

49

The Abandonment (2022)

A biopic based on Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes

The abandonment is one of Hulu's best miniseries and is part of the streaming platform's trend of bringing attention-grabbing 21st century news to the small screen. Inspired by real events, the series follows Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) and her company, Theranosas she struggles to turn a dream product into reality. Or, more precisely, how she cuts corners and falsifies data to ensure her company doesn't lose its investors when she fails to turn her dream product into a reality.

The abandonment It's unlike any role Seyfried has played before, and that's what makes it such good TV, as the talented actress won an Emmy for her standout performance. She does an incredible job with such a complex character who can be deeply unlikeable throughout the series, but there is something admirable about his determination and fascinating about his arrogance.

48

Mrs. America (2020)

A biopic about activist Phyllis Schlafly

Just a few years ago, film fans wouldn't have believed that a star like Cate Blanchett would be in a TV series. Streaming and the return of the miniseries changed that. Blanchett stars in this Hulu miniseries set in the 1970s and revolving around the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and the backlash the movement received.

In addition to Blanchett, the series features an impressive roster of women playing real-life historical figures, such as Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm and Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem. Seeing these powerful women from history playing each other in the same story is moving, with these incredible actors bringing them to life. Not everything in the series is historically accurate to the incredible real-life story, but Mrs. America is elevated by this cast to tell an entertaining and compelling look at a pivotal historical moment.

47

I am the night (2019)

Inspired by the memoir One Day It Will Get Dark: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel

Inspired by the memories of Fauna Hodel, I am the night traces the possible connection between a young girl who was adopted and the murder of the Black Dahlia. India Eisley plays Fauna Hodel while Chris Pine plays the journalist investigating her grandfather George Hodel one of the suspects in the Black Dahlia case. While much of Hodel's book can be disputed, the miniseries also takes liberties with gaps in historical knowledge, making it more a work of fiction than fact.

Pine, as a down-on-his-luck investigator who just wants to uncover the truth, however, is the miniseries' big selling point. It's a different role for him, one that doesn't allow him his usual charm and one that will intrigue his fans. It's a dark, modern take on the noir genre of Wonder Woman filmmaker Patty Jenkins.

46

From Earth to the Moon (1998)

A miniseries about the space race to the moon

When From Earth to the Moon it was first televised in 1998, featured stunning visual effects, and was nominated for a number of technical awards from different film guilds and societies. It also won the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy for Best Miniseries. The 12 episodes follow the journey of the American space program to put astronauts on the moon. It was unique, however, in that it did not retread material already presented in films.

Tom Hanks has writing, directing, and producing credits on the impressive series.

For example, the episode covering Apollo 13 tells the story from the perspective of the media rather than the astronauts, since the film already covered the astronaut. Tom Hanks wrote, directed, and produced credits for the impressive series, and also narrated the episodes and participated in a reenactment at the end. It was a real passion project for him.

45

Stay Close (2021)

Based on the novel by Harlan Coben

Inspired by the novel of the same name by Harlan Coben, Stay close it's part of a deal Coben has with Netflix in which 14 of his novels will eventually be adapted for the streaming site. Stay close is the sixth. The story continues the investigation of a missing man on the anniversary of another missing person's caseuniting the lives of a burnt-out detective, a former exotic dancer and a photographer.

Like most Coben mysteries, there are many plot twists to unravel, but it is a character-driven drama with great performances. It's a gripping story that draws the audience into the mystery from the start, with its intriguing premise and unanswered questions. Trying to figure out what's really going on is part of the fun of watching miniseries like this.

44

Developers (2020)

A sci-fi thriller miniseries from Hulu

Although some Developers the twists and turns may be too long and drawn out for some people watching, it's still a show that raises fascinating questions for the audience about the ethics of pushing the limits of science and technology. The story begins with a woman working for a technology company investigating the death of her boyfriend, who dies on the first day of his promotion to a very secret branch of the company. What follows is a terrifying advance in technology and two governments fighting to gain access to it.

It's a fascinating examination of the direction technology is heading. The show's story was developed by Alex Garland the filmmaker who already explored such ideas in his acclaimed film debut, Ex-machine. However, Garland is able to tell a unique story in his own sci-fi tale while avoiding feeling like a Black Mirror clone. The film also features several of Garland's cast members. Civil Warincluding Nick Offerman, Cailee Spaeny and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

43

The Position (2020)

An adaptation of Stephen King

From the mind of prolific horror writer Stephen King comes The position. The novel is one of King's most famous and has been turned into a miniseries in the past. This version of the miniseries, however, features a new extended ending written by King that gives an idea of ​​how society proceeds after the events of the story. In history, most of humanity is wiped out by a plague and a representation of evil on Earth tries to lure humanity to the dark side.

The story is classic good versus evil, but it's told in King's terrifying style. However, it's balanced with a gripping end-of-the-world storyline that's grounded and terrifying before moving into a more supernatural and intense story. The series' cast is star-studded with names like James Marsden, Jovan Adepo, Alexander Skarsgård and Whoopi Goldberg.

42

Lost Ollie (2022)

An emotionally strong animation project

Not all Southern accents in Lost Ollie are perfect, but that doesn't mean the emotional performances aren't great. Based on the children's book Ollie's Odysseythe live-animation hybrid follows a toy named Ollie that is in the lost and found section of an antique store. Ollie doesn't have all the memories of his past, but he wants to find his best friend.

It's not often that an animated miniseries makes it into the mainstream, but Lost Ollie is exceptional. The series originally saw some comparisons to the Toy story franchise, but because of the live-action element of the series, there is a realism that isn't present in Pixar films. It's a story that touches the heart, just like Pixar projects, and it's a great watch for kids and adults alike.

41

Looking for Alaska (2019)

A tragic miniseries

Although many of John Green's young adult novels have received film treatment, such as The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska gets the miniseries treatment. It's a better option, as it allows for a more in-depth look at the characters. Looking for Alaska he follows a teenager who is sent to boarding school where he meets the enigmatic Alaska. Although she captures his attention with effervescent energy, her story ends in tragedy.

Green's writing often mixes tragic stories of young love with candid looks at the struggles of teenage life.

Her story opens up a dialogue about mental health that doesn't sensationalize it like other teen stories do, making it a fantastic miniseries for teens and adults alike. Green's writing often mixes tragic stories of young love with candid looks at the struggles of teenage life. Looking for Alaska is no different and should please fans of Verde's other works.