3 short Netflix shows so good you can finish in a day

Sometimes the best shows are the ones that don’t overstay their welcome. There’s something especially satisfying about a story that knows exactly where it’s going, wastes no time getting there, and leaves a lasting impression.

With busy lives, committing to long-running series isn’t always realistic. That’s why short, tightly written shows have become such a go-to option for many viewers. Perhaps you’re currently searching for something new to watch, but don’t want to dive into a multi-season commitment or spend weeks catching up on episodes.

Well, we've got you covered! Below, you'll find three incredible short Netflix series that are perfect for a satisfying one-day watch.

His & Hers

There’s just no way you haven’t heard of His & Hers. It’s one of Netflix’s newest releases this year, and people are still talking about it even though it’s been an entire month since it came out. The twisty thriller is easily one of those types of shows that you'll say you'll only watch one episode of and then accidentally finish the entire season in one sitting. Yes, it's just that good!

The six-episode limited series, adapted from the bestselling novel by Alice Feeney, stars Tessa Thompson as former television news anchor Anna Andrews, whose life has been quietly unraveling long before the story even begins.

Anna is far from the typical mystery protagonist audiences might expect. She’s emotionally guarded and clearly carrying trauma she’s never fully confronted. After stepping away from her career and isolating herself from much of her former life, Anna is suddenly pulled back into action when news breaks about a brutal murder in her hometown of Dahlonega, Georgia.

Her return home quickly becomes far more complicated when she discovers that the investigation is being led by her estranged husband, Detective Jack Harper, played by Jon Bernthal. As Anna begins digging into the victim’s past, she quickly realizes the murder may be connected to her own history and the friendships she left behind years ago.

The Queen's Gambit

Who remembers The Queen's Gambit? Anya Taylor-Joy might be this big Hollywood star now, but one of the roles that truly cemented her as a powerhouse performer was her memorable portrayal of Beth Harmon in The Queen's Gambit. The hit limited series on Netflix didn’t just showcase her incredible acting range. It introduced audiences to one of television’s most compelling and emotionally complex protagonists in recent years.

The seven-part period drama is based on Walter Tevis's novel of the same name. It takes place in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when chess was largely dominated by men and opportunities for women in competitive arenas were scarce. We follow Beth, a young orphan who discovers a prodigious talent for chess, as she rises through the ranks of a male-dominated world. Along the way, she struggles with addiction, isolation, and the pressures of fame, all while striving to prove herself on the international stage.

Missing You

There's just no denying that Harlan Coben has some of the best thriller series on Netflix. From The Stranger to Fool Me Once, his adaptations have become yearly events that thriller fans circle on their calendars. One that you probably haven’t seen is Missing You, a twist-filled, emotionally gripping miniseries that'll keep you invested throughout. There are five episodes in total.

The series is adapted from Coben's book of the same name. It centers on Detective Kat Donovan, portrayed by Rosalind Eleazar. Eleven years ago, her fiancé Josh Buchanan (played by Ashley Walters) vanished without a trace, leaving her life in shambles and her heart heavy with unanswered questions. But then, out of nowhere, she sees his face on a dating app.

This shocking moment immediately thrusts Kat back into the mystery that has haunted her for over a decade, and what begins as a personal confrontation quickly spirals into a high-stakes investigation filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected danger.

All three of these Netflix shows are available to stream right now!