10 Greatest 1-Season Shows of the 2020s (So Far)

The 2020s have seen incredible series being released on different channels and platforms, from Andor to Shōgun. Some of these great shows have multiple seasons or have been renewed for their second seasons due to their success, but there are also shows that are self-contained in just a single season. In fact, some of the most powerful storytelling has come from limited, one-season series that know exactly when to begin and when to end.

Here, we take a look at the best one-season shows of the 2020s. From psychological drama, historical reimaginings, music biopics, or existential horror, they demonstrate how compact storytelling can often feel more focused and emotionally resonant. These one-season shows are so compact that they can be binged over the weekend. If you're unsure about their quality, the accolades that these series received will be the answer.

1 'Baby Reindeer' (2024)

Baby Reindeer is a psychological drama based on Richard Gadd's real-life experiences with stalking. The story follows Donny Dunn (Gadd), a struggling comedian who shows a small act of kindness toward Martha (Jessica Gunning), a seemingly innocent yet vulnerable woman. Quickly right after that, he finds himself the target of obsessive harassment.

Gadd's experience is chilling, but the thriller series is not only about the horrors of being stalked or sensationalizing it. Instead, it is a deeply uncomfortable reflection about trauma and abuse. Gadd's performance is incredibly personal, making the role an introspective, unpacking of his own trauma. Jessica Gunning's complex portrayal of Martha is terrifying and tragic at once. Both of them are portrayed not as black-and-white characters but as flawed individuals. The series won six Emmys, including Best Limited Series and Best Actor and Actress for both Gadd and Gunning. It is one of Netflix's best limited series in recent memory.

2 'Daisy Jones & The Six' (2023)

Daisy Jones & The Six traces the meteoric rise and implosion of the titular 1970s rock band at the height of their fame. Through confessional interviews and flashbacks, the series shows how the free-spirited singer Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) becomes involved in the band and how her romance with the frontman Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin) unfolds. Their chemistry fueled the band's album and tours but also became their weakness.

Based on the bestseller by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the series is outstanding for how convincing it took its premise and setup. The band Daisy Jones & The Six feels real, and the documentary-like style works greatly. The original songs are catchy and integral to the emotional development in the show. The cast, led by Riley Keough and Sam Claflin, is perfectly cast. The series is a satisfying adaptation for fans of the book, and also widely accessible for those who are unfamiliar with the title. It scored several Emmy nominations but was faced with stiff competition. It ultimately won two of the Creative Art Emmys for costumes and sound.

3 'The Curse' (2023–2024)

The Curse follows Whitney (Emma Stone) and Asher Siegel (Nathan Fielder), a married couple attempting to build a brand around ethically conscious house-flipping in New Mexico, while simultaneously filming a reality show to showcase their good intentions. When a young girl allegedly places a curse on Asher after an awkward encounter, the incident becomes a trigger in their already fragile relationship.

Created by Fielder and Benny Safdie, The Curse is one of the most daring one-season shows of the decade. In true Safdie fashion, it's filled with unique camera work and uncomfortable long takes that make every interaction much more awkward. Emma Stone delivers one of her best performances as Whitney, while Fielder doubles down on his trademark discomfort into something darker. It expertly blends cringe comedy and social critique into a singular, almost terrifying experience. It’s arguably the most ambitious limited series released in the 2020s.

4 'Ripley' (2024)

Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel, Ripley follows Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), a grifter who is hired by the Greenleafs to travel to Italy and persuade a wealthy man's son to return home. However, he becomes enamored with Dickie Greenleaf's (Johnny Flynn) life of luxury and freedom.

Steven Zaillian wrote and directed a towering Ripley adaptation with this show. Shot in stark black and white, the cinematography by Robert Elswit is gorgeous. The location in Italy becomes elegant and ominous at the same time. Andrew Scott delivers a chilling performance, but still charming. His Ripley is different from other iterations of the character that was played by Matt Damon and John Malkovich. Also, a scene-stealer is Dakota Fanning as Dickie's partner, Marge, whose screen presence is electric. It's a beautiful noir show that's irresistible to watch.

5 'Lessons in Chemistry' (2023)

Based on a book by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), a brilliant chemist whose career is upended by sexism in her male-dominated research lab. While she has a little breakthrough with the help of fellow researcher Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), a personal tragedy forces her out of academia, and she becomes the host of a daytime cooking show, with a scientific twist.

The show is one of the strongest one-season series because of its layered take on women in the 1950s and also a strong performance from Brie Larson, who's nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Larson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Elizabeth that shows all of her sides, from being smart to socially awkward and vulnerable. She's such a well-rounded character that does not force herself into being a simple feminist icon. It's an emotional, empowering and inspiring show. Released on Apple TV, it did not find its audience right away due to soft marketing efforts, which is unfortunate because the show is well-written with timely themes that are still relevant.

6 'The Underground Railroad' (2021)

Adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, The Underground Railroad reimagines the historical escape network as a literal subterranean train system carrying enslaved people toward uncertain freedom. The series follows Cora Randall (Thuso Mbedu) as she flees a brutal Georgia plantation and travels through different states, where every stop shows a strange vision of America, from violent to deceptively progressive.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the show combines beautiful artistry with unflinching realism. With a poetic take, Jenkins uses lingering close-ups and gorgeous compositions to show America in the 1800s. It confronts the brutality of the time with respect and depth. Thuso Mbedu delivers a powerful, restrained performance while the supporting characters, from Joel Edgerton to Aaron Pierre, elevate the already mesmerizing story into new heights. It went slightly under the radar when it was released during the pandemic, but the show was nominated for multiple Emmys and won a Golden Globe for Best Limited Series. It is one of Prime Video's best series to date.

7 'Station Eleven' (2021)

Station Eleven follows several storylines before and after a deadly pandemic wipes out most of humanity. The show centers on Kirsten Raymonde (Mackenzie Davis), who survives the collapse as a child after being saved by an onlooker named Jeevan (Himesh Patel) and later travels across post-apocalyptic America with a troupe of actors. Her paths intersect with a mysterious figure everyone claims to be the Prophet.

Firstly, Station Eleven had somewhat great and bad timing when it was released during the lockdown period. It was relevant to the times but maybe too much to watch as entertainment when there's an actual pandemic happening. However, despite the bleak premise, Station Eleven is a hopeful piece of TV. It's a cathartic experience about human connection amidst devastating situations. The show is filled with incredible performances from Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Daniel Zovatto, and Danielle Deadwyler. Its critical acclaim and multiple award nominations reflected how rare it is for post-apocalyptic storytelling to feel this thoughtful and profound.

8 'Midnight Mass' (2021)

Midnight Mass begins with Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), who returns home after serving time for a fatal accident. His arrival coincides with that of Father Paul (Hamish Linklater), a mysterious and charismatic priest who revitalizes the struggling local church with apparent miracles. As the island’s residents become swept up in renewed religious belief, the source of these miracles might not be what they think.

Mike Flanagan has had multiple hits with Netflix, starting with The Haunting of Hill House, and this original work continues his streak. Midnight Mass is an ambitious take on horror, religion and redemption. Using long monologues, intimate conversations and shocking sequences, Midnight Mass is simply an unforgettable experience. The ensemble cast, filled with Flanagan's regulars, are all magnetic in their roles. Hamish Linklater balances warmth and menace while Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, and Samantha Sloyan have their own moments to shine. With this singular horror series, Flanagan stands as arguably the best horror director working today.

9 'Adolescence' (2025)

Adolescence unfolds in near real time, as teenage boy Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is arrested after a violent altercation, much to his parents (Stephen Graham and Cristine Temarco) surprise. Detectives assigned to the case start investigating in Jamie's school and a child psychologist aims to understand his psyche.

Directed by Philip Barantini, who has made single-take movies and series before, Adolescence is already impressive on a technical level. The long-take in each episode forces viewers to sit with the characters through all the moments. It also paired it with a resonant storyline that explores toxic masculinity and teenagers' social media usage. Owen Cooper delivered an absolute masterful performance, especially for a young actor. He deservedly swept all the awards, from the Emmys to the Golden Globes. The rest of the cast, most notably Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, also delivered incredible performances. It quickly became one of the most discussed limited series for how daring and resonant it is.

10 'The Queen’s Gambit' (2020)

The Queen's Gambit follows Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned chess prodigy who quickly rises to the male-dominated world of competitive chess. From her early days in a Kentucky orphanage, where her chess skills were first tested by a friendly janitor, to her competition days in Paris and Moscow, Beth is a one-of-a-kind talent, but she also has vices that she has to overcome.

A global favorite during the pandemic lockdown, the show remains one of the greatest one-season achievements of the 2020s for its precision. Directed by Scott Frank, Beth's mind and chess are turned into a cinematic spectacle. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a magnetic performance with a presence that feels both vintage and modern. She's supported by an impeccable cast that includes Harry Melling, Moses Ingram and Bill Camp. The show won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, and sparked an interest in chess when it was released.