Top 8 shows to binge-watch over break
Courtesy of Disney
This year has been great for TV. From serious dramas to incredible docuseries, college comedies and spicy romances, there is sure to be something for everyone to binge this holiday break.
If you need a recommendation, Central Michigan Life's Kyle Chokas shares their top 8:
1. "Adults" (Hulu)
This dramedy series, like a modern-day "Friends," follows the lives of five twenty-somethings living outside New York City, trying to make it through their day-to-day lives. While the humor in this one isn’t as in-your-face, it’s definitely strong. Over the course of the eight-episode first season, we see them get into plenty of hijinks that are sure to leave viewers laughing. Season one is streaming on Hulu, with a second season in the works to premiere in 2026.
2. "Overcompensating" (Prime Video)
A new adult comedy series from TikTok star Benito Skinner, "Overcompensating," follows the life of a college freshman as he begins to explore his sexuality and identity. The show brings off-the-wall humor and situations that will make you either cringe or buckle over in laughter. Season one is streaming on Prime Video.
3. "Heated Rivalry" (HBO Max)
This show is based on the bestselling “Game Changers” series by romance author Rachel Reid. It predominantly follows the events of the second book as a steamy relationship forms between two rival hockey players over the course of a decade. This romantic drama is taking the internet by storm as it is one of the first LGBTQ+ romance novels to receive a proper adaptation, as well as its incredibly spicy content that is definitely not safe for work. Season one is streaming on HBO Max, with season two in the works.
4. "The White Lotus" (HBO Max)
While this show has been around for some time now, the third season premiered this past spring, and it takes viewers to Thailand. While season one relied heavily on being a dark comedy, by this third season, it seems that the show has leaned heavily into the dark drama that regular HBO viewers have come to know from other shows on the network. It follows four different vacationing groups staying at the White Lotus resort. All three seasons are currently streaming on HBO Max.
5. "Stranger Things 5" (Netflix)
The fifth season of Netflix’s hit series first premiered over Thanksgiving break, with more episodes releasing on Christmas Day, culminating in the final episode’s theatrical release on New Year's Day. It’s going to be interesting to see how this series wraps up, tying up any loose ends, after running for nearly a decade on the streamer.
6. "911 Nashville" (Hulu)
After ABC acquired the hit procedural drama "9-1-1" in 2024, it quickly greenlit a spin-off show, and that became "9-1-1 Nashville." The series follows the lives of first responders on and off the job in Music City. From fire tornadoes, to hidden family secrets and some seriously ridiculous calls, "9-1-1 Nashville" is a drama series that you don’t want to miss. The first six episodes are streaming on Hulu, with the remaining twelve premiering on Jan. 8.
7. "The Pitt" (HBO Max)
This medical drama took the world by storm at the start of 2025, and with a second season premiering at the start of the new year, now might be the time to catch up if you missed the first season. "The Pitt" follows a series of medical professionals over the course of their fifteen-hour shift at a Pittsburg hospital. The Emmy Award-winning series is currently streaming on HBO Max, with season two premiering on Jan. 8.
8. "The End of an Era" (Disney+)
Taylor Swift officially puts an end to her phenomenal tour, “The Eras Tour,” with this six-episode docuseries. Over the course of six episodes, viewers are given the opportunity to look behind the curtain of her record-breaking tour. It was recorded over the last leg of the tour, from London to Vancouver. All six episodes are streaming on Disney+.
