Tired of endless scrolling? We’ve got you. From laugh-out-loud comedies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these shows and movies are exactly what you’ll actually want to binge – and, yes, they’re totally addictive.
‘The Pitt’
Set in the emergency department of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre, The Pitt unfolds over a single 15-hour shift as doctors and residents confront life-or-death cases, personal struggles, and the relentless pace of a hospital that never stops. ER alumnus Noah Wyle, also executive producer and writer, stars as Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, a senior attending guiding interns and residents through the intense shift.
This is easily the most bingeable series we’ve seen in a long time: addictive, smart and medically accurate. Wyle is phenomenal, anchoring an emotional, real and gripping ensemble. The dialogue, performances and character work are all outstanding. If you watch one show on this list, make it this – but be warned: it’s truly bingeable. Say goodbye to the outside world and stock up on snacks.
Episodes are available live on M-Net, or to stream on the DStv and Showmax apps.
‘Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge’
Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge is a compelling three-part true crime docuseries that explores the 2017 murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German in Delphi, Indiana. The series highlights the chilling moment when Libby captured a video of the suspect on her phone, a crucial piece of evidence that continues to captivate viewers.
Featuring moving interviews with the victims’ families, law enforcement and experts, the docuseries provides an in-depth look at the lengthy investigation and the profound impact the murders had on the community.
Available to stream on Disney+.
‘Untamed’
Untamed is a gripping crime drama series starring Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a seasoned National Park Service agent investigating the mysterious death of a young woman in Yosemite National Park. What begins as a tragic accident unravels into a web of dark secrets involving park officials and a hidden drug operation. As Turner digs deeper, he confronts his own painful past, making for a tense, emotionally charged investigation set against the stunning wilderness.
Another perfect binge-watch, this series kept us guessing until the very end. Unlike many other crime dramas, it also has real emotional depth, grappling with grief while taking full advantage of its breath-taking setting. But the real draw is Bana’s performance; he is excellent as Turner, and honestly, we’d happily watch him do anything for 60 minutes.
Available to stream on Netflix.
‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is a Netflix documentary that unravels a harrowing case of cyberbullying in Beal City, Michigan. Over 15 months, 13-year-olds Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend Owen McKenny were bombarded with threatening and obscene messages from an anonymous number. The investigation takes a shocking turn when authorities discover the identity of the catfisher, and unless you’ve already seen spoilers, you will never guess who it was.
While the 94-minute runtime feels a bit long in places, the interviews with all the key figures, including the guilty party, are fascinating. Ultimately, it’s the jaw-dropping reveal that makes this documentary worth watching.
Available to stream on Netflix.
‘The Thursday Murder Club’
Based on Richard Osman’s hit novel, The Thursday Murder Club follows four retirees in a retirement village who spend their Thursdays solving cold cases – until a real murder lands on their doorstep. Turning a much-loved book into a film is always tricky, and while this one is fun, it never quite matches the charm of the original.
Directed by Chris Columbus, of Home Alone and Harry Potter fame, the film feels distinctly Americanised. In an interview with Variety, Columbus described the setting as “the Hogwarts of retirement communities, a place that I think everyone from the age of 40 would want to check in, a place filled with life and filled with humour”. Um … okay.
The cast is stellar – Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie shine – but Pierce Brosnan left us questioning if he can still act. His accent, in particular, takes a wild tour across the UK. Overall, entertaining but not a patch on the book. If you haven’t read it, you might enjoy it as a light whodunnit; if you have, you’ll probably have a lot more to say.
Available to stream on Netflix.
‘The Paper’
From the creators of The Office, The Paper is a mockumentary-style sitcom set in the same universe, following the staff of the struggling Toledo Truth-Teller newspaper. Led by idealistic new editor Ned Sampson, the team – including returning Office alum Oscar Nuñez as accountant Oscar Martinez – tackles the uphill battle of reviving a historic paper on a shoestring budget.
Fresh off the newsroom floor, the series delivers the awkward laughs of The Office with the heart and community spirit of Parks and Recreation. We were lucky enough to catch a few episodes, and while it’s still finding its feet, it’s already making headlines for all the right reasons. Coming from staunch Office fans and journalists, the themes hit close to home – that’s high praise.
The Paper isn’t yet officially available for streaming in South Africa, but with a second season already confirmed, we’re confident it will land on local platforms like Showmax or Netflix in the near future.
Top image: Rawpixel/Currency collage.
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