Netflix Binge Guide (May 8–10): A 4-Part True Crime Series Is Taking Over The U.S.

ScreenRant's binge-watching guide for new original Netflix series features three short trending hits that are worth your time this weekend, May 6–8, 2026. While the action thriller series Man on Fire continues to hold the #1 spot worldwide, a recently added 4-part true crime series has quietly surged up viewership charts in the United States, making it our top choice for a quick weekend binge right now.

In addition, Netflix has officially dropped two of its most exciting and critically acclaimed new thriller series, both of which are made for a one or two-night binge. One is based on one of the most celebrated and widely read novels of all time, and the other brings to light a remarkable true story of unsung heroes that deserves a global audience. Whether you're searching for something based in reality or fiction, these three Netflix series are among the very best to dive into this weekend that you can easily finish by Sunday.

Legends just premiered on Netflix on Thursday, May 7, and is set to be one of the biggest new streaming releases of the weekend. Featuring an all-star cast led by Steve Coogan and Tom Burke, Legends tells the lesser-known true crime story of a select group of Customs employees who get recruited to go undercover and infiltrate dangerous drug-smuggling gangs. The protagonist, Guy, played by Burker, is inspired by a real-life employee who went undercover for more than a decade.

Set in 1990s Britain, the gripping and insightful 6-part crime thriller series showcases these heroic pursuits as these characters risk their lives and take on all-consuming alter-egos to put an end to a widespread heroin epidemic. Legends earned an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and is already the #8 most-watched show in the U.S. The celebrated series is well-deserving of its high RT score and will look to continue its overnight success throughout the weekend.

Lord Of The Flies

Lord of the Flies dropped on Netflix on Monday, May 4, and has been one of the most-watched original series on the platform since. A direct adaptation of the classic novel by William Golding, which has been taught in classrooms around the world for decades, Netflix's 4-part Lord of the Flies series just may be the most celebrated on-screen version of the vintage story yet, earning a near-perfect 96% Rotten Tomatoes score despite dividing at-home viewers.

At the time of writing, Lord of the Flies ranks #3 on Netflix's U.S. viewership chart and hopes to make a push at the #1 spot this weekend. At just four episodes, the series is easy to binge in just one night, which certainly adds to its appeal for a quick weekend watch. The series was also developed for streaming by Jack Thorne, the Emmy-winning co-writer/creator of Adolescence, which is another testament to its top-tier craftsmanship. Lord of the Flies continues to be one of the best choices to watch this weekend, even if you haven't read the book.

Worst Ex Ever

True crime docuseries tend to be massive hits on Netflix, and the return of Worst Ex Ever for its second season proves that this is still very much the case. Following its 4-part series debut in 2024, the compelling true crime series returned with four new episodes on Wednesday, May 6, and has skyrocketed to the top of Netflix's U.S. viewership chart heading into the weekend.

Worst Ex Ever dives into stranger-than-fiction stories about relationships that seemed to be going along perfectly before they all came crashing down. Told from the perspectives of the survivors, Worst Ex Ever employs first-person interviews, animated reenactments, and even police bodycam footage to convey these shocking yet factual narratives of horrible relationships. Executive produced by Jason Blum, the series is directed by Cynthia Childs, also known for Worst Roommate Ever, and is one of those shows you'll find hard to look away from once you press play on Netflix this weekend.

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