5 Best Netflix Shows (May 4–8) – #1 Adapts A Classic Bestselling Novel

Netflix has plenty of great new series worth diving into right now, and these five represent the very best of the streamer’s latest bingeworthy slate for the week of May 4–8, 2026. Last week, major new releases such as the hit 6-part thriller Unchosen and the return of Kate Hudson’s sports comedy Running Point continued to dominate viewership charts worldwide, along with Netflix’s #1 show at the moment, the 7-part crime action thriller Man on Fire.

This week, Netflix is introducing at least two highly anticipated original series, one of which is ready to start streaming right now. In addition, Netflix just added a popular sci-fi mystery series at the start of the month that’s trending now in the United States, as well as a gripping 3-part true crime series that is currently taking over streaming charts. What’s more, one of Netflix’s most promising new original reality competition series hosted by one of the biggest comedic names in Hollywood returns this week with a special live event, making now the perfect time to catch up on the series before its upcoming finale.

Funny AF With Kevin Hart

Funny AF with Kevin Hart premiered a few weeks ago on Netflix and has since been a top streaming hit in the United States. If you’re all caught up on the new reality competition series, which pits rising stand-up comedians against each other for a chance at their own Netflix comedy special, then you’ll already know that the live semifinal contest will be streaming tonight, Monday, May 4, at 9 PM ET, followed by the live finale tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5, at 9 PM ET. All comedy fans will want to check this star-studded comedy series out this week.

La Brea

All three seasons of NBC’s popular network series La Brea were recently added to Netflix and have seen a massive surge in popularity to start out the month of May. Currently sitting in Netflix’s #3 most-watched viewership spot in the U.S., La Brea ran for three seasons and 30 episodes from 2021 to 2024. The series follows an intriguing sci-fi premise in which the Earth suddenly splits open, causing a group of strangers to fall into a sinkhole into an ancient era full of hidden secrets and untold dangers. For a casual viewing experience, La Brea is a safe bet on Netflix.

Should I Marry A Murderer?

Every once in a while, a Netflix true crime series becomes a worldwide phenomenon, and that is the case with the newly released 3-part series Should I Marry A Murderer?, which currently sits at the #1 spot in the U.S. and #2 worldwide. The chilling story follows a seemingly normal love story centered on Caroline, who believes she has found the man of her dreams until he reveals a deep, dark confession that immediately changes everything. Torn between civic duty and protecting the man she loves, Caroline is forced to make a difficult decision for the greater good. True crime lovers won’t want to miss this one.

Legends

Legends is positioned to be Netflix’s biggest new release heading into the weekend following its release on Thursday, May 7. Led by performances from Tom Burke and Steve Coogan, Legends tells the untold true story of a group of ordinary Customs employees who are recruited to go undercover and infiltrate dangerous gangs to help prevent widespread drug smuggling in 1990s Britain. Based on a remarkable true story, Legends highlights the heroic feats and risks taken by these unsung heroes, who assumed new identities for years, alter-egos they referred to as “legends.”

Lord Of The Flies

Netflix’s adaptation of William Golding’s masterful novel Lord of the Flies hits the platform on Monday, May 4, with four new episodes telling the timeless tale of survival amongst a group of kids. After getting stuck on a tropical island, the boys gradually divide themselves into a new social structure as rivalries, alliances, and betrayals all arise, portraying themes of human nature and self-governance when pushed to the absolute limit. Critically acclaimed with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%, the series has already divided viewers based on its RT audience score of 55%, but it should be one of the most-watched new Netflix series this week and is worth a quick one-night binge.

founded

January 16, 2007

founders

Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph