Do you want to marathon something good, but not commit to it for weeks?
The good news is: not every series needs to have 10 seasons and 200 episodes to be remarkable.
Some intense, well-produced and exciting stories succeed say everything they need to in just a few episodes - and are perfect for that lazy weekend on the sofa.
If you have some free time and want to a short but unforgettable seriesHere are 6 options that fit perfectly into two days - or even one night with popcorn and a blanket.
1# Chernobyl (5 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 5h30
Where to watch: HBO Max
This miniseries is heavy. Literally and emotionally.
Chernobyl reconstructs the events of the 1986 nuclear disaster, showing human error, political denial and the silent heroism of those who risked everything to save others.
What's most impressive, apart from the script, is the setting.
You feel the oppressive atmosphere, the invisible danger, the growing tension.
It's a real, painful and necessary story. If you like drama with depth, this is one of those series that stay with you for days.
2# The Queen's Gambit (7 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 6h45
Where to watch: Netflix
It doesn't matter if you know chess or not - this series grips you from the first episode to the last.
The Queen's Gambit follows Beth Harmon, an orphan girl and chess prodigy, as she tries to win in a male-dominated universe, facing off against addictions, loneliness and expectations.
The photography is impeccable.
The costumes are a spectacle in themselves.
And the performance of Anya Taylor-Joy shines from start to finish.
It's a series about overcoming, intelligence and self-knowledge.
Short, intense and very elegant.
3# Maid (10 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 9h30
Where to watch: Netflix
This series is an emotional punch. But the kind that wakes you up.
Maid tells the story of Alex, a young mother who flees an abusive relationship and starts working as a maid to support her young daughter.
The plot is based on a true story and shows it without filters, the difficulties of trying to start again from scratch.
It's impossible not to connect.
You cheer for her, you despair with her, you cheer for her every achievement.
Maid is about strength, motherhood, resilience and dignity.
Get ready for an exciting marathon.
4# Unbelievable (8 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 7 hours
Where to watch: Netflix
Inspired by a true story, this miniseries shocks, revolts and moves.
The plot revolves around Marie, a young woman accused of lying about a rape - while two detectives in another city investigate similar cases.
It's a crime thriller with a touch of drama.
But above all, it's a critique of the justice system and the way victims are treated.
The steering is sensitive.
The rhythm is engaging.
And the performances are top-notch.
Unbelievable is intense, necessary and perfect for those looking for something that goes beyond fiction.
5# The Night Of (8 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 8 hours
Where to watch: HBO Max
Imagine being accused of a crime you don't know you committed.
The Night Of is a miniseries that delves into the American justice system, following the trajectory of a young Pakistani man accused of murder.
The script is brilliant.
The suspense is well-dosed.
And the atmosphere is dense from start to finish.
More than a criminal investigation, the series shows how the system can transform - or destroy - a life.
If you like stories that make you think about justice, prejudice and humanity, this one is a must-see.
6# Eyes that condemn (When They See Us - 4 episodes)
Total duration: approx. 4h30
Where to watch: Netflix
To close the list with a flourish (and tears), we have one of the most impactful miniseries of recent years.
Eyes that condemn tells the true story of the "Central Park Five", black and Latino teenagers who were wrongly convicted of a brutal crime in New York.
Each episode focuses on a stage in their lives - from arrest to trial, including the traumas they experienced in the system.
It's impossible to watch without being moved.
It's impossible to come out of the last episode the same as you went in.
It's a series about racism, injustice, pain - but also about resistance and dignity.
See also: 6 films that traumatized your childhood
April 9th, 2025
She has a degree in Literature - Portuguese/English, and is the creator of the Escritora de Sucesso website. As a writer, she seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on various subjects. At Trend-Topics, she brings news and content ranging from entertainment to the country's economic situation.
