5 Best Netflix Shows To Binge This Week – #1 Is The Return Of Its Biggest Franchise Ever

Netflix has an exciting slate of new releases this week, April 20–24, 2026, including the return of its most popular original franchise of all time. Whether viewers are looking for something to make them laugh or a thrilling show that will keep them hooked from start to finish, these five new Netflix series are the very best to look out for and start binge-watching this week.

Last weekend, the long-awaited return of the Emmy-winning dramedy series Beef became the #1 most-watched Netflix show in the U.S., as expected, and was ScreenRant’s top choice for what to binge over the weekend. Other notable new releases that began trending over the past few days include the French crime drama series Bandi and the Italian legal thriller series The Law According to Lidia Poët, which quietly has a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.

This week, Netflix is offering two brand new reality series with comedic elements and A-list stars set to host, including Kevin Hart and Zach Galifianakis. There is also a new 6-part thriller series dropping on Tuesday, April 21, which is perfect for a quick one-night binge, as well as the season 2 arrival of one of 2025’s best new sports comedy series. Most importantly, Netflix’s biggest franchise of all time expands outside its original series with a highly anticipated animated spinoff that is sure to be a major streaming hit this week.

Funny AF

Funny AF with Kevin Hart is a brand new stand-up reality TV series hosted by one of the most famous comedians in the world. The first four episodes of the series are available to stream right now, with additional episodes set to arrive on April 27. The premise is simple: comics from across the United States compete for the rare opportunity to have their own Netflix stand-up special. Featuring a variety of elite guest judges that include Kumail Nanjiani, Keegan-Michael Key, Nikki Glaser, Chelsea Handler, and Tom Segura, Funny AF with Kevin Hart is a can’t-miss Netflix series for all lovers of stand-up comedy.

Unchosen

Unchosen is a new Netflix original thriller series set to release on Tuesday, April 21. Starring Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Ender’s Game) and Molly Windsor. The story follows a woman named Rosie who is a loyal yet restricted wife in a conservative Christian cult whose life completely changes after coming across a mysterious stranger named Sam (Fra Fee). As Rosie tries to break free from the controlling cult and explore her individuality, she soon discovers how little free will she has been given throughout her whole life and a new desire to escape.

This Is A Gardening Show

Beloved comic actor Zach Galifianakis stars in the new Netflix reality series This Is A Gardening Show, a title that speaks for itself. The 6-part series releases in full on Wednesday, April 22, and follows Galifianakis as he approaches gardening with his signature perspective and unique brand of comedy. Designed to be both humorous and educational, This Is A Gardening Show is somewhat of a follow-up to the comedic actor’s viral Between Two Ferns series and should be one of the most original and easy-to-binge new shows on Netflix this week.

Running Point

Running Point season 2 drops on Netflix this Thursday, April 23, after its strong debut season earned an 81% Rotten Tomatoes audience score last year. Starring recent Oscar nominee Kate Hudson, with performances by Max Greenfield and Brenda Song, Running Point follows Isla Gordon, who is named the President of a major Los Angeles basketball team after the death of her father, its former owner. Loosely based on the true life story of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, Running Point is a lighthearted comedy that uses professional sports as part of its concept, much like Ted Lasso, and is a top choice on Netflix this week.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85

The most anticipated new release on Netflix this week is none other than Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, which premieres with 10 episodes on Thursday, April 23. Set in Hawkins during the winter of 1985, between seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is an animated series that marks the first official spin-off of the celebrated franchise, just a handful of months after its series finale. Featuring a slate of new voice actors who will portray various characters from the iconic Stranger Things universe, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 should be one of, if not the, most-watched new series on Netflix by the end of the week.

founded

January 16, 2007

founders

Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph