A Man in Full and the best limited series to watch on Netflix in May 2024

There's no doubt that Netflix is a goldmine of entertainment! But with so much to explore, it's easy to feel like you've exhausted your options. Luckily, the streaming giant is on a mission to keep its viewers hooked with a steady stream of monthly (if not weekly) fresh content.

If the thought of committing to a multi-season series feels daunting, limited series are the perfect solution to that - as they offer a complete story in a tidy little package!

And Netflix knows how to deliver when it comes to limited series gems. In May 2024 alone, the platform is unveiling five captivating additions that are destined to become instant favorites! From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud coming-of-age comedies, there's something for every mood.

Without further ado, let's take a closer look at these May releases:

A Man in Full

• Netflix Original Limited Series
• Produced By: Royal Ties Productions and David E. Kelley Productions
• Starring: Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, and others
• Logline: When Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker faces sudden bankruptcy, political and business interests collide as Charlie defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace.
• Watch on Netflix: A Man in Full (From May 2, 2024)

The Netflix limited series, A Man in Full, is a modern adaptation of Tom Wolfe's acclaimed 1998 novel. Led by the talented Jeff Daniels, the series centers on Atlanta real estate magnate Charlie Croker. When faced with sudden bankruptcy and the impending collapse of his business empire, Croker embarks on a turbulent journey to salvage his reputation and protect his legacy.

Set against Atlanta's vibrant landscape, the series delves into complex themes such as race relations, the intricacies of the American legal system, corporate greed, and the enduring conflict between old and new money. As Croker navigates the treacherous waters of high-stakes business and personal redemption, viewers are treated to a thought-provoking exploration of power, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Recommended to fans of: Succession, The Lincoln Lawyer, Big Little Lies, and 3 Body Problems

Patrick Melrose

• Showtime Limited Series
• Produced By: Two Cities Television Ltd, Rachael Horovitz Productions, SunnyMarch, and Little Island Productions
• Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jessica Raine, and others
• Logline: This series depicts how the son of an aristocratic family seeks redemption and recovery.
• Watch on Netflix: Patrick Melrose (From May 29, 2024)

Set in the 1980s South of France and later in New York and Britain, Patrick Melrose follows the journey of its titular character, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. Born into privilege, Patrick Melrose confronts profound trauma inflicted by his abusive father and alcoholic mother.

Based on Edward St. Aubyn's semi-autobiographical novels, the series delves into Patrick's struggle with addiction and his quest for recovery. From severe substance abuse to the long road to redemption, viewers witness Patrick's harrowing battle with his demons. Through raw and unflinching storytelling, Patrick Melrose offers an exploration of trauma, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of healing.

Recommended to fans of: Californication, After Life, Fleabag, and The White Lotus

The Life You Wanted

• Netflix Original Limited Series
• Produced By: Ivan Cotroneo and Monica Rametta
• Starring: Nicola Bello, Bellarch, Vittoria Schisano, and others
• Logline: Gloria is finally happy after transitioning and settling down until a longtime friend reappears with disrupting news and throws her world into chaos
• Watch on Netflix: The Life You Wanted (From May 29, 2024)

The Life You Wanted is a Netflix limited series that follows the story of Gloria, a transgender woman who has finally found happiness after transitioning and settling down. However, her world is thrown into chaos when a longtime friend reappears and brings disruptive news.

The series explores the complex notion of the "life you wanted," and the happiness we assume we want, as well as the unforeseen challenges that accompany them. As Gloria grapples with unexpected twists and turns, viewers are invited on a thought-provoking journey that challenges conventional notions of success and contentment.

Recommended for fans of: Queer as Folk, The L Word, and Pose

Eric

• Netflix Original Limited Series
• Produced By: Abi Morgan
• Starring: Gaby Hoffmann, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeff Hephner, and others
• Logline: A desperate father, alongside a tenacious cop, battles his own demons on the streets of 1980s New York as he searches for his missing 9-year-old son.
• Watch on Netflix: Eric (From May 30, 2024)

Eric is about a grief-stricken father named Vincent, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, who's a renowned puppeteer in 1980s New York. However, when his son Edgar mysteriously disappears, Vincent's world shatters. Desperate to find Edgar, Vincent turns to his blue monster puppet, Eric, convinced it holds the key to his son's return. But as Vincent's behavior becomes erratic, he alienates everyone around him.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York and its societal divisions, Eric explores themes of parenthood and mental health. In this gripping series, viewers follow Vincent's desperate journey, where the puppet Eric becomes his only solace in the face of overwhelming despair.

Recommended for fans of: The Hour, Patrick Melrose, Unbelievable, Unorthodox, and When They See Us

Geek Girl

• Netflix Original Limited Series
• Produced By: Waterside Studios, Nelvana, RubyRock Pictures, and Aircraft Pictures
• Starring: Emily Carey, Sarah Parish, Jemima Rooper, and others
• Logline: Awkward teen Harriet has always wanted to fit in. Until she gets scouted by a top London model agent and learns that some people are meant to stand out.
• Watch on Netflix: Geek Girl (From May 30, 2024)

Geek Girl brings to life the beloved book series by Holly Smale. Meet Harriet Manners, a quirky 15-year-old whose world turns upside down when she's discovered by a top London modeling agent. As Harriet embarks on her journey to reinvent herself, she faces challenges, from conflicting with her best friend's dreams to dealing with her nemesis, Alexa.

Through Harriet's adventures, Geek Girl tackles themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the ups and downs of adolescence and the fashion world. In this limited series, viewers are treated to a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of female empowerment and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Recommended for fans of: Heartstopper, Never Have I Ever, and Sex Education