4 perfectly bingable Netflix shows you can finish in one weekend (August 21-23)

Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek Published Aug 21, 2026, 11:16 AM EDT Derek Malcolm has been covering the worlds of tech and entertainment for more than two decades. Before coming to How-To Geek in 2025, Derek was a contributing editor and writer for the A/V and Home Theater section at Digital Trends, where he wrangled and wrote everything from what to watch on Netflix to reviews, explainers, and guides on the latest Bluetooth speakers, turntables, projectors, and other A/V gear. Based in Toronto, Derek graduated from Humber College's Journalism program in 1999, after which he started covering the worlds of music, movies, TV, and celebrity for publications such as TV Guide, Hello! magazine, and Inside Entertainment. He then got the bug for covering tech and gadgets in 2006, when he served as editor-in-chief of Canadian tech magazine Connected for more than a decade. An avid skier, when all the snow's gone Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter or cheering on his favorite F1 team, McLaren. Sign in to your How-To Geek account And so begins the closing out of summer on Netflix. As the world's biggest streaming service basks in the month's standouts like Don't Say Good Luck and The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare, there's still a bit more to squeeze out of it, including Adam Scott's horror film The Whisper Man and one topping this weekend's bingeable list: the fifth season of Outer Banks. If you're looking for something good to watch this weekend, everything below can be knocked out to completion in just a couple of days. The lineup includes something new (the latest adventures of the Pogues, if you're all caught up), an epic history romp, a night-vision-tastic video game series, and my top pick, a season-one refresher of a show with new episodes coming next month. 4 Outer Banks (season 5) Pogues for life: the treasure-hunting crew chases one last score Assuming you're caught up on all four seasons of Netflix's hit teen-drama-action-romance-crime-thriller series Outer Banks, then get ready to binge 10 brand-new final-season episodes that dropped yesterday—no split season, the whole shebang. The story picks up straight after the events of season 4, with the Pogues still reeling from JJ's (Rudy Pankow) murder in Morocco, and Blackbeard's fabled Blue Crown—which legend says can raise the dead—still out there. With Kiara (Madison Bailey) leading the hunt across Europe for JJ's killer, his real dad, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), John B and a pregnant Sarah (Madelyn Cline) must carefully weigh their options. It's the definitive conclusion of the whole Outer Banks saga, putting all that closure just a weekend binge away. Outer Banks Release Date 2020 - 2026-00-00 Network Netflix Cast Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, Drew Starkey, Charles Esten, Austin North, Caroline Arapoglou, Cullen Moss, Marland Burke, Julia Antonelli, E. Roger Mitchell, Samantha Soule, Carlacia Grant, Charles Halford, Deion Smith, Nicholas Cirillo, Elizabeth Mitchell Showrunner Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke, Josh Pate Directors Jonas Pate Writers Josh Pate, Shannon Burke, Jonas Pate Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke Producers Carole Peterman, Aaron Miller, Larry Detwiler, Erika Milutin Seasons 5 Story By josh pate Streaming Service(s) Netflix Executive Producer(s) Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke, Josh Pate 3 Death by Lightning A stacked ensemble cast and a presidential assassination As a Canadian, I am not at all versed in the history of American presidents beyond what I've learned from historical documents such as the movies JFK, Lincoln, Independence Day, and Dave. But since the American Film Institute named Death by Lightning—a Netflix limited series about the assassination of President James A. Garfield—one of 2025's best TV shows, it was an obvious knowledge binge. The 90%-rated series is just outstanding, largely because of its formidable cast. Four hour-long episodes trace how U.S. Representative James Garfield (Michael Shannon, Boardwalk Empire) went from a reluctant nominee to the 20th president of the United States, and how delusional zealot Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen, Succession) spiraled to the point of shooting him. It's a gorgeously produced and authentic period drama with a rounded-out cast that includes Betty Gilpin (Widow's Bay) as Garfield's wife, and the fantastic Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) as Vice President Chester Arthur. The Emmy-nominated series is four hours in total, and you can get through it in one night if you're ambitious. Death By Lightning Release Date 2025 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Cast Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Shea Whigham, Laura Marcus Directors Matt Ross Writers Mike Makowsky Main Genre Drama Creator(s) Mike Makowsky Producers Bernadette Caulfield, Duncan Muggoch, D. B. Weiss, David Benioff Number of Episodes 4 Seasons 1 Where To Watch Netflix Executive Producer(s) Bernadette Caulfield, D. B. Weiss, David Benioff, Matt Ross, Mike Makowsky 2 Splinter Cell: Deathwatch I love animated video game-based series on Netflix—everything from Arcane and Castlevania to Devil May Cry—but Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is special because it's based on a game I actually played and loved, back when I could call myself a gamer. Ubisoft's legendary stealth espionage franchise is honored well in this 86%-rated eight-parter from John Wick writer Derek Kolstad. Quiz 8 Questions · Test Your KnowledgeName that Netflix adult animation seriesTrivia challenge From Arcane to Castlevania — can you identify these Netflix animated series from a single clue? ActionComedyFantasyAnimeDrama Begin This Netflix animated series follows the legendary vampire hunter Simon Belmont and his allies as they battle Dracula across a war-torn Wallachia. Which show is it? ABlood of ZeusBCastlevaniaCDevil May CryDSkull Island Correct! Castlevania premiered on Netflix in 2017 and is based on Konami's beloved video game franchise. The show was praised for its stunning animation and dark gothic storytelling, running for four seasons before concluding in 2021. Not quite — the answer is Castlevania. This Netflix series, based on Konami's classic game franchise, launched in 2017 and follows the Belmont bloodline against the forces of Dracula. It's widely credited with proving that video game adaptations could be critically acclaimed. Continue Set in the fictional city of Piltover and Zaun, this visually stunning Netflix animated series is based on a popular video game and explores the origin story of two sisters with very different destinies. What is it called? ACyberpunk: EdgerunnersBDOTA: Dragon's BloodCArcaneDThe Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf Correct! Arcane is based on Riot Games' League of Legends universe and premiered in 2021. It became the first video game adaptation to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, and its second season arrived in 2024. The answer is Arcane. Set in the League of Legends universe, this Netflix series explores the fractured relationship between sisters Vi and Jinx across the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun. It made history as the first video game adaptation to win an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. Continue This adult animated Netflix comedy follows a group of middle-school students navigating puberty with the help of hormone monsters. Which series is it? AF is for FamilyBDisenchantmentCBojack HorsemanDBig Mouth Correct! Big Mouth premiered on Netflix in 2017 and was co-created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg. The raunchy yet heartfelt series uses surreal humor to tackle very real topics like puberty, identity, and mental health. The answer is Big Mouth. Created by Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, this Netflix comedy uses hormone monsters and other fantastical creatures as metaphors for the very real awkwardness of adolescence. It ran for eight seasons before concluding in 2024. Continue This Netflix animated series stars Will Arnett as a washed-up, self-destructive Hollywood actor who happens to be a horse. What is the name of the show? AParadise PDBBojack HorsemanCTuca & BertieDFinal Space Correct! Bojack Horseman ran from 2014 to 2020 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest adult animated series ever made. Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg used the absurdist animal-human world to explore deeply serious themes like depression, addiction, and trauma. The answer is Bojack Horseman. This critically acclaimed Netflix series ran from 2014 to 2020 and starred Will Arnett as the title character, a former sitcom star struggling with depression and self-destruction. Despite its comedic premise, it's celebrated for its unflinching exploration of mental health. Continue This Netflix anime adaptation follows a rubber-bodied pirate and his crew as they sail the Grand Line in search of the world's greatest treasure. Which series is it? ABerserkBYasukeCOne PieceD7 Seeds Correct! One Piece is one of the most famous manga and anime franchises in history, created by Eiichiro Oda. Netflix hosts a substantial portion of the anime series, and also produced a hugely popular live-action adaptation in 2023. The answer is One Piece. Created by Eiichiro Oda, this long-running series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates. Netflix not only streams the anime but produced a wildly successful live-action adaptation in 2023 that won over both new viewers and longtime fans. Continue This Netflix animated comedy is a continuation of Mike Judge's iconic MTV series and follows two dim-witted, rock-obsessed teenagers who mock music videos and get into all sorts of trouble. What is it? ABeavis and Butt-HeadBClone HighCUgly AmericansDMetalocalypse Correct! Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, a feature film, debuted on Paramount+ in 2022, but the revived animated series landed on Netflix. Mike Judge brought the duo back to mock everything from streaming content to modern slang, showing the characters are just as funny decades later. The answer is Beavis and Butt-Head. Mike Judge's iconic slacker duo originally aired on MTV in the 1990s and were revived for a new generation. Their Netflix revival continued the tradition of the pair riffing on pop culture while stumbling through hilariously misguided adventures. Continue Based on a CD Projekt Red video game, this Netflix anime series is set in a dystopian future city and follows a street kid who becomes a mercenary using illegal cybernetic technology. What is it called? AAltered Carbon: ResleevedBCyberpunk: EdgerunnersCGhost in the Shell: SAC_2045DBlame! Correct! Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was produced by Studio Trigger and released in 2022. Set in Night City from the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, the 10-episode series was so well-received that it actually revived mainstream interest in CD Projekt Red's game. The answer is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. This Netflix anime was produced by the legendary Studio Trigger and released in 2022. Its critical success was remarkable — the show's popularity caused a massive surge in players returning to Cyberpunk 2077, demonstrating the power of a great tie-in series. Continue This Netflix adult animated series, based on an iconic Capcom action game franchise, follows a demon hunter who wields a massive sword and battles supernatural forces. Which show is it? ACastlevania: NocturneBDevil May CryCBlue Eye SamuraiDDragon's Dogma Correct! Devil May Cry is based on Capcom's beloved action game series of the same name. The Netflix animated adaptation brings demon hunter Dante into a stylish new animated format, continuing the franchise's reputation for over-the-top action and attitude. The answer is Devil May Cry. This Netflix series is adapted from Capcom's iconic action game franchise starring the stylish demon hunter Dante. The animated adaptation was highly anticipated by fans of the games and carries on the series' tradition of flashy, high-octane supernatural combat. See My Score Challenge CompleteYour Score / 8 Thanks for playing! Try Again The series features the perfectly cast voice talents of actor Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan himself) as the retired and grumpy special ops legend, Sam Fisher, as he's dragged back into action when a young operative, Zinnia McKenna (Kirby Howell-Baptiste, The Good Place) turns up needing his help. With Fourth Echelon handler Anna Grímsdóttir (Janet Varney) and her team guiding things from headquarters, Sam and Zinnia power up their night-vision goggles and start kicking ass. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Release Date October 14, 2025 Network Netflix Cast Liev Schreiber, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bella Dayne, Janet Varney, Kari Wahlgren, Aleks Le, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Joel Oulette, Helen Hong, Navid Negahban Directors Guillaume Dousse, Félicien Colmet Daage Writers Matias Wulff, Naomi G. Davis, David Daitch, Derek Kolstad, Katie J. Stone Main Genre Animation Creator(s) Derek Kolstad Producers Derek Kolstad, Gerard Guillemot, Hélène Juguet Seasons 1 Executive Producer(s) Derek Kolstad, Gerard Guillemot, Hugo Revon, Hélène Juguet 1 The Gentlemen Prep for season 2 of Guy Ritchie's brilliantly clever crime series Whether you watched British grit king Guy Ritchie's 2020 movie of the same name or not, The Gentlemen is a Netflix spin-off that landed in the top 4 of the streamer's most-watched shows of the first half of 2024, and stands on its own as a clever and stylish crime series you'll tear through in a weekend. And the timing couldn't be better, as its gritty second season heads our way September 3. Eddie Horniman (The White Lotus' Theo James) is a British Army captain who ditches his military life when he inherits his father's dukedom and sprawling estate. When Eddie discovers the real source of his father's wealth—a massive weed empire being run by the imprisoned boss, Bobby Glass (Sexy Beast's Ray Winstone)—he wants to sell it off. But as Bobby's gorgeous, sharp-witted daughter, Susie (Crawl's Kaya Scodelario), entices him into the life, Eddie learns that he just might be good at being bad. Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito plays a billionaire potential buyer, and longtime Ritchie collaborator Vinnie Jones plays Eddie's gamekeeper. Breeze through all eight episodes and be poised for season 2. The Gentlemen Release Date 2024 - 2026-00-00 Network Netflix Cast Kaya Scodelario, Theo James, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito, Matthew Hawksley, Ranjit Krishnamma, Jasmine Blackborow, Chanel Cresswell, John McGrellis, Peter Serafinowicz, Pearce Quigley, Michael Vu, Harry Goodwins, Alexis Rodney, Jade Willis, Logan Dean, Josh Finan, Ray Winstone, Dar Salim, Gaia Weiss, Camilla Roholm, Michael Elkin, Ruby Sear Directors David Caffrey, Guy Ritchie, Eran Creevy, Nima Nourizadeh Writers Stuart Carolan, Guy Ritchie, Matthew Read, Billy Mason Wood, Haleema Mirza Main Genre Crime Creator(s) Guy Ritchie, Matthew Read Producers Hugh Warren, Karl Hall, Laura Jackson, Max Keene Seasons 2 Streaming Service(s) Netflix Where To Watch Netflix Executive Producer(s) Bill Block, Frith Tiplady, Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marc Helwig, Marn Davies, Matthew Read, Will Gould, Simon Crawford Collins Wind down August with a great binge or four I like flipping between shows as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want to lock into something great and follow it through to a (hopefully) satisfying conclusion. The four Netflix shows above offer just that, and you can manage it in just a couple of days, if you like. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four Live TV No Price Starting at $8/month