15 Binge-Worthy Series that Defined the 2010s

1. "Breaking Bad "

A high school chemistry teacher turned meth-making kingpin. That's Walter White for you. Diagnosed with terminal cancer and desperate to secure his family's financial future, he teams up with former student, Jesse Pinkman. Together, they produce and sell blue meth. It's not all lab coats and Bunsen burners, though. We see cartel deals, close shaves with law enforcement, and an ever-growing list of enemies. Remember the iconic "I am the one who knocks" moment? Walter's transformation from mild-mannered teacher to drug lord is nothing short of electrifying.

2. "Game of Thrones "

Seven kingdoms, countless houses, and one coveted Iron Throne. Based on George R.R. Martin's novels, this epic tale takes place in the mythical land of Westeros. We meet the honorable Stark family, the conniving Lannisters, and of course, Daenerys Targaryen with her dragons. There are wars, political intrigues, and, yes, winter eventually comes. By the way, who could forget the shocking Red Wedding, or Jon Snow's constant state of brooding?

3. "Stranger Things "

It starts with a boy, Will Byers, disappearing in the small town of Hawkins. As his friends and family search for him, they uncover secret government experiments, and a girl named Eleven with psychokinetic abilities. But there's more – a parallel universe called the Upside Down. Creepy, right? While fighting monsters and dodging shady government agents, there are also moments of 80s nostalgia, friendship, and bike rides. Eggo waffles, anyone?

4. "The Crown "

Ever wondered what it's like to wear the crown? This series provides a dramatic peek into Queen Elizabeth II's reign. From her sudden ascendancy to the throne to navigating the tricky world of politics and personal relationships, it's monarchy with a dose of reality. Prime Ministers change, family drama ensues (remember Princess Margaret's tumultuous love life?), and the weight of the crown is always present. It's not just about tiaras and corgis, folks.

5. "The Handmaid's Tale"

Welcome to Gilead, a dystopian society where women's rights have taken a nosedive. Women are categorized: Wives wear blue, Aunts in brown, and Handmaids in red with those unnerving white bonnets. Offred, our main Handmaid, is in a complicated relationship with the Commander and his Wife. It's a chilling reflection on power dynamics, resistance, and hope. If you've wondered how a society could regress so drastically, this one lays it out, step by unnerving step.

6. "Black Mirror "

Our obsession with technology is on full display in this anthology series. Each episode is a standalone dive into the not-so-distant future. There's that one where a prime minister faces a bizarre and humiliating public demand. Or how about the social rating system in "Nosedive"? If you've ever thought technology was getting a bit too invasive, this series will have you nodding in agreement.

7. "Westworld "

It's a theme park, but not the roller-coaster kind. Instead, think lifelike robots in a Wild West setting. Guests can live out their wildest fantasies without consequences. But what happens when the robots, called hosts, start remembering? The lines between reality and programming blur as hosts like Dolores and Maeve start questioning their existence. Cowboys, robots, and existential crises – it's a heady mix.

8. "Sherlock "

The classic detective gets a modern twist. Benedict Cumberbatch 's Sherlock Holmes uses smartphones and nicotine patches but retains his razor-sharp intellect. With John Watson by his side, they tackle cases in present-day London. Moriarty's mind games, the mystery of the Reichenbach Fall, and the quirks of 221B Baker Street – it's all there. This ain't your grandpa's Sherlock, and that's the charm.

9. "Orange Is the New Black"

From designer duds to prison jumpsuits, Piper Chapman's life takes a 180. Sentenced to 15 months in Litchfield Penitentiary, she encounters a colorful array of inmates. There's drama, backstories, and prison politics. From Red's kitchen reign to Crazy Eyes' poetic streak, Litchfield is a world unto itself. By the way, who knew a chicken could cause so much commotion in a prison?

10. "Fargo "

Inspired by the 1996 film, each season is a new story with that trademark blend of Minnesota nice and chilling crime. Whether it's Lorne Malvo's sinister antics or the Gerhardt crime family's power plays, the snowy Midwest backdrop is perfect for tales of morality gone awry. The accents are thick, the humor is dark, and the "aw, jeez" moments are plenty.

11. "BoJack Horseman "

An animated series about a washed-up actor who happens to be... a horse? Yep, that's right. But it's not all laughs as BoJack grapples with addiction, self-worth, and past mistakes. From the glitzy parties of Hollywoo (not a typo) to his introspective moments, it's a surprisingly deep dive into the human (or horse) condition.

12. "Better Call Saul "

Ever wondered how Jimmy McGill became the slick lawyer Saul Goodman? This prequel to "Breaking Bad" paints the picture. From courtroom battles to cons, Jimmy's journey is a series of ethical crossroads. Mike Ehrmantraut's backstory as the calm enforcer is a bonus. It's more than just courtroom drama; it's about the choices we make and the paths we take.

13. "The Mandalorian "

Set in the Star Wars universe, a lone gunfighter makes his way through the galaxy's outer reaches. Mando, as he's called, takes on a mission that changes his life – protecting a child (yes, Baby Yoda!). From bounty hunters to the remnants of the Empire, it's a space western like no other. Lightsabers, space fights, and a dose of cuteness – this one's a galactic gem.

14. "Mindhunter "

The early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI take center stage. Agents Ford and Tench interview serial killers, trying to understand how their minds work. It's not for the faint-hearted, especially with the chilling insights from the likes of Ed Kemper. But if you've ever been curious about the makings of a murderer, this series is a must-watch.

15. "Peaky Blinders "

The Shelby crime family rules post-WWI Birmingham. But it's not just about gang wars. There's politics, love, and ambition. Tommy Shelby, with that razor blade-laden cap, is at the heart of it all. Whether he's outsmarting rivals or dealing with family drama, the gritty streets of Birmingham never looked so intriguing.