When I hear HBO Max, I think of critical acclaim. The streamer lived up to its reputation, as HBO Max dominated the Emmy nominations. For the 2026 Emmy Awards, HBO Max led the field with 122 total nominations. That's a testament to the streamer's commitment to making prestige dramas and comedies.

Netflix is still the undisputed king of the streamers, having been doing it since 2007 and making its own shows since 2012. That means that while it has accumulated a vast number of hits, award winners, and record-breakers, it's also had its fair share of originals that once broke new ground and ruled the conversations, but have long since slipped into obscurity.

As we wait patiently for more of Netflix's September crop of TV series to make their way to your algorithm, here's this weekend's lineup of bingable shows to settle in with—my top pick is still hoping for Emmy gold on Monday, and two are great shows, regardless of their age.

Documentaries continue to thrive on Netflix this month, as evidenced by the solid stance of the true-crime three-parter Death of the Pastor's Wife that's been holding strong in the top spot on the streamer's Top 10, as of this writing. But the hits keep on coming, with two of this weekend's picks below also occupying space on that chart, proving that Netflix knows how to doc.

Television’s highest honors will be awarded to several shows at the 2026 Primetime Emmys. HBO led the field with 122 total nominations, including nominations at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, followed by Netflix (111) and Apple TV (89). These three services will be searching for Emmy glory in several of the major categories, including drama series, comedy series, and limited or anthology series.

What a difference a few weeks make for the state of television. During the final days of August, it was a struggle to find new and returning shows debuting on streaming services. Once the calendar hit September, it was a television overload, and this week continues that trend. HBO Max kicks off our countdown with a headline-grabbing true crime documentary.

There's still some heat left in this summer, and while an icy glass of lemonade is a great way to cool down, for a more thorough, deep chill that sends shivers into your bones, there's nothing better than a spine-tingling thriller TV show. Luckily, Netflix has these in spades.

Just got home and can't stop replaying that one crappy email or Slack you got and how it managed to ruin a nine-hour workday? It happens. All you want to do is sink into the couch and leave the day behind, but the last thing you need is six seasons of something that needs a wiki to get through. Calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean

How many of you still partake in streaming marathons? I'm talking about those binge-watching sessions where you wake up and crush an entire season of television in one sitting. I'm usually pressed for time, so I have to make strategic decisions about what I can watch in under 90 minutes. However, I still enjoy finishing a show in one sitting from time to time.

Four of the best series to watch on Netflix this weekend came to the service in a 50/50 split—two from the back end of August, and two newbies just dying to make an impact on the Netflix Top 10.