Binge-watching is what seemingly every subscriber to a streaming service wants to do when they're looking to relax at home, especially across a long weekend. While Netflix helped popularize the concept, other services have just as many short shows worthy of a quick binge.
It may be one of the newest streaming services around but Peacock already has an impressive TV catalog. From their own new original series to shows from NBC to many that they acquired the rights to from the past, Peacock features a handful of delightful shows that you can spend a weekend completing (at least up to this point for currently airing series).
Wolf Like Me (2022-Present)
Since it's so new, Peacock is still just getting started in the world of creating its own original content. One of the early attempts at it comes in the form of Wolf Like Me, which immediately stands out due to the strong two leads, Isla Fisher and Josh Gad.
The story follows a single father (Gad) who keeps having chance run-ins with an advice columnist (Fisher). Both have emotional baggage and keep secrets but the universe must be bringing them together for a reason. The show was praised for the genre-bending aspects and a season 2 is on the horizon.
The Purge (2018-2019)
In 2013, The Purge became a smash hit that exceeded its budget and from there, the franchise continued to grow. It spawned multiple sequels to mixed reception and a television series. Considering the premise of The Purge is that for one night, all crime is legal, a show is the best way to go.
It provides more chances to tell the kind of absurd stories that would happen around the country in this scenario. In fact, a lot of season 1 sees characters with seemingly unconnected experiences on Purge night. The show only lasted two seasons but is filled with more of what fans of the films love.
Dr. Death (2021)
Another Peacock original series is Dr. Death. Based on the podcast of the same name, this miniseries was kind of perfectly in line with another true story miniseries that aired on Hulu, Dopesick.
This one focuses on Christopher Duntsch, a surgeon who was famous for mutilating and even killing some of his patients. Although it wasn't a huge commercial hit, the show was widely praised for pretty much everything but it was the cast that stood out. Joshua Jackson, Grace Gummer, AnnaSophia Robb, Christian Slater, and more shine here.
Necessary Roughness (2011-2013)
A lot of shows that initially were on the USA Network are now available on Peacock. Necessary Roughness fits that criteria and it's one of the few series from that network that didn't last all that long. Indeed, there are an easy to binge 38 episodes in total here.
Necessary Roughness tells the story of a psychiatrist (Callie Thorne) who starts working for a football team only to become sought-after by many high-profile clients. Thorne earned a Golden Globe nomination for her efforts and the show features a fun cast of characters to connect to.
Magic City (2012-2013)
It's interesting to note that Magic City can be found on Peacock since it was originally a Starz TV series. Those who seek it out will likely not be disappointed since it tells a gripping story and has talents like Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Olga Kurylenko.
The premise of Magic City sees Evans (Morgan) make a dangerous deal with a mob boss (Danny Huston) to make sure that his lavish hotel finds major success. Reviews were mixed when the show premiered but many who found it on streaming platforms have grown to appreciate it.
We Are Lady Parts (2021-Present)
There's no doubt that media needs more projects centering on female characters and Peacock understood that when they released We Are Lady Parts. Set in the United Kingdom, the show tells the tale of a punk rock band consisting of Muslim women.
The show was nominated for several major awards, with creator Nida Manzoor winning the Emerging Talent Award from Rose d'Or. There are currently only six episodes, so it can be binged in a single day and you'll be hooked on the likable characters and their intriguing dynamics.
One Of Us Is Lying (2021-Present)
When it comes to binge-watching, it's hard to top a good mystery. Fans start to see a story unfold and experience the twists and turns that make them want to immediately hit play on the next episode. In that way, One of Us is Lying is an ideal watch over a weekend.
Based on a novel of the same name, the story focuses on a quartet of teens who come together when they become suspects after a classmate dies in detention with them. It boasts a talented young cast, a great soundtrack, and plot twists that will continually shock you.
Girls5eva (2021-Present)
Yet another Peacock original series is Girls5eva, which builds on a wacky setup to deliver something fun. The titular Girls5eva was a one-hit-wonder pop group that come together to reform the band decades later after it trends.
Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, Busy Phillips, and Renée Elise Goldsberry play the members of the group and they have tremendous chemistry that brings the comedy to life. Season 2 just began, making it the perfect time to watch the hilarious debut season.
Chucky (2021-Present)
In a lot of ways, Peacock is home to shows that likely shouldn't work but actually do. Chucky is one such show as the Child's Play franchise was kind of dead just a few years ago. After success in the late '80s, sequels weren't well-received and the ones that critics did like weren't major releases.
The 2019 reboot helped but a show based on the serial killer doll felt like a stretch. It ended up being way better than expected, receiving praise for never taking itself too seriously, being creative, and featuring the absurd humor that comes when the franchise is at its best.
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (2020-2021)
It's always a shame when a show with such potential gets canceled before its time. NBC pulled the plug on Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist after just two seasons despite it being well-received and ending on a major cliffhanger. This is another show that shouldn't have worked as the premise of a girl who suddenly can hear everyone's thoughts in the form of musical numbers feels too goofy on paper.
However, the execution was spot-on with memorable covers performed by the incredible cast. The show also featured emotional moments that had the viewers in tears more than they expected. Jane Levy earned a Golden Globe nomination and the series won an Emmy. After you finish the show, you can also watch the follow-up movie on Roku.